WWE Survivor Series 2018: Star Ratings For All 8 Matches

4. Buddy Murphy Vs. Mustafa Ali - Cruiserweight Championship Match

Five Stars
WWE.com

In the shadow of a WarGames match commendable in effort—too commendable, really—this short, 12 minute gem told a very simple and very effective story in contrast: Buddy Murphy is a ruthless powerhouse, and Mustafa Ali is a never-say-die lunatic willing to absorb vicious, dangerous punishment as an equaliser.

Within that basic framework, genuine creativity flourished: Ali, after nailing a lush dropkick, flattened Murphy with a somersault senton. Proving a match for Ali’s agility—and in turn giving his opponent motivation to dig deeper—Murphy rapidly and seamlessly slid under the ring to launch him into the barricade in a terrifying, heart-stopping, novel spot.

Patrolling the match with a smug expression on his face, Murphy massaged a cold crowd into a heated reaction—which intensified as he delivered a massive plancha. Again, this effectively rallied the crowd. They ate up action they’re otherwise too full to finish on a Wednesday night. To underscore what an achievement this was, many fans chanted the name of the brand they don’t even watch by the scintillating finish. 205 Live emerged from Survivor Series in a better state than SmackDown.

Whether they actually commit to the relationship is a question mark, but this was an eye-catching showcase for the division that surely demands—deserves—further exposure on the pay-per-view stage.

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!