10 WWE Survivor Series Matches That Don’t Get Enough Credit
6. Team Kingston Vs. Team Orton (2009)
From the exact same pay-per-view came 'Team Kingston vs. Team Orton'. In late-2009, WWE's writing team explored the opportunity to enhance Kofi Kingston and elevate him further up the card. Ditching his phoney Jamaican accent, the high-flyer looked purposeful in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series.
This was an exercise solely designed to get Kingston over and attempt to bring him to Orton's level. Eventually, Kofi's push would be sabotaged and he slid back down the totem pole. That's unfortunate when looking back over his performance here. Alongside MVP, Mark Henry, R-Truth, and Christian, Kingston faced Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, CM Punk, and William Regal.
The end stretch in particular is must-see. Kingston and Orton were left alone to finish the bout. Around the 20-minute mark, Kofi hit a Trouble In Paradise kick on Randy and pinned him for the victory. The excitement of the live crowd proves that WWE should have continued pushing their new star to the moon.
A fine example of the thrills a traditional elimination match can throw up, it's sad that this didn't lead to bigger things for Kofi.