WWE Survivor Series 2017: Star Ratings For All 7 Matches

3. Charlotte Vs. Alexa Bliss

Lesnar AJ Styles
WWE.com

Alexa Bliss isn't a great technical wrestler - but she is a superb performer.

This wasn't a technical masterclass. Bliss struggled to add the the sunset flip powerbomb to her arsenal in the storyline (she did so at the second attempt) and in reality (that ostensibly successful second attempt was far from smooth). Execution also undermined Twisted Bliss here; her trajectory was at least a foot askew.

Her character work was laser-focused. Bliss performed this match as if it was a matter of life and death, selling the occasion so well that her body language alone elevated it. She was so easy to buy as an opportunistic, slimy heel. On the face of it, she shouldn't be intimidating. She is billed at a mere 5', and looks more like a cheerleader than a pro wrestler - but her ability to keep an audience invested in spite of the odd fluffed spot is a testament to her growth as a performer and her expansive range.

You could visibly see her psyche unravelling as the realisation that Charlotte was simply a better performer hit her. These great facials, again, went some way to excusing what was a terminally dumb DDT near-fall spot, which made her look foolish as she hooked the wrong leg.

Star Rating: ***

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!