7 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE Survivor Series 2017

5. Shield & New Day Open On A High

The Shield The New Day
WWE.com

The Shield vs. The New Day wasn't half as great as it should've been.

This was a clash between WWE's two greatest modern stables, and six of the best wrestlers in the company. Their collective chemistry alone should've been enough to guarantee a blow-away match, and the story (with The New Day leading the charge in SmackDown's siege of Raw) would've taken it to the next level in another world, but it wasn't to be. The match was good rather than great, but there was still plenty to enjoy.

Things gradually unfolded from the plodding opening sequences, and picked up when the wrestlers finally decided to move from second to third gear. We got a huge Tower of Doom spot, a double Midnight Drive, and a top-rope triple powerbomb. Big E, the undisputed star of the match, shone throughout, and after watching him tangle with multiple Shield members at once, it'd be a crying shame if he isn't eventually pushed as a main eventer.

The Shield's victory was never in doubt, and even though the bout didn't live up to its colossal expectations, it was still a highlight. Here's hoping they eventually get the chance to deliver the kind of classic we know they have in them, though.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.