WWE Survivor Series: War Games 2024

WWE's Survivor Series PLE has been a staple of the company since 1987, but the inclusion of the 'War Games' stipulation wasn't introduced on the main roster until far more recently; in 2022. It has proved a hugely popular alteration, that has allowed the event to retain a fresh and exciting feel, after such a long time. I personally was very excited for the event - the marquee cage matches are always value for money.

The women's War Games match started the event, in what looked like it could be a really fun match. I loved some of the spots during the early stages of the match, particularly those involving Candice LeRae and Bianca Belair. A special mention goes to Rhea Ripley for her genuinely awesome mask. Once the match officially started, the chaos was delicious. Iyo Sky and Tiffany Stratton really stole the match with two huge spots off the cage. The match ending spot was really cool as well, and while I was slightly surprised by the winning team, this was the match that I really didn't mind who won.

After the chaos came an intriguing match for the United States Championship, with LA Knight defending his title against a recently returning Shinsuke Nakamura in a match that the challenger desperately needed to win, after a series of losses in his previous run. The story of the match was told pretty much perfectly by the two men, and the finish looked brutal. I just wish the crowd had been more invested.

This was followed by the match I was most excited for; the triple-threat match for the Intercontinental Championship, with champion Bron Breakker defending against Ludwig Kaiser and out-and-out legend Sheamus. I knew this one would cook, considering the names involved, and I was honestly happy no matter who won. The match was as advertised; a certified banger. It was my match of the night by some distance, and I loved the near-falls and major spots. The ending and winner worked well too, and keeps me heavily invested in the Intercontinental title scene.

The World Heavyweight Championship match followed this, with GUNTHER defending against Damian Priest, in what was a rematch a few months in the making. The match was fairly strong, it definitely picked up and improved as it went on. I was quite expecting the ending - I figured they'd wait longer to do it - but the main thing is that the right man won and in some style.

Finally, we arrived at the main event; the men's War Games match; the OG Bloodline with CM Punk, versus the New Bloodline with Bronson Read. The pacing to the 'pre-match' portion of the match was really consistent, and kept the flow moving forward steadily. The time flew by as each man entered. Once the match officially started the chaos went to a whole new level. I loved the crazy spots, I loved the teamwork, and I loved the storylines that ran through the match. The ending was really cool too. It was a very fun match.

Overall, this was an okay show, with okay matches. I think there's definitely been better events this year, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. In fairness to Vancouver, I think my feelings on the crowd were as much a reflection on how good the non-North American crowds have been as anything else. The in-ring action was the most important thing, in any case, and while it didn't blow me away, it was solid enough to still entertain me a fair amount.