With the participants in the traditional Survivor Series match not likely to be known until the pay-per-view commences, the biggest matches at this year's PPV are to be found elsewhere.
The lack of an elimination match is a blow that has been cushioned by the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament, which will culminate on Sunday night at Survivor Series.
With one semi-final arguably far more unpredictable than the other, three standout matches represent the biggest bouts at this year's Survivor Series. Let's break them down and assess where they could be won and lost.
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose
Arguably the most intriguing match of the night consists of Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose.
There are a few reasons for that; first, a huge amount is at stake with progress to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament final on the line.
But the main reason why it is so interesting is that it's impossible to predict who's going to win what will be an entertaining match from start to finish.
They're both NXT alumni, and they've both thrived in the ring since coming up to the main roster. What's fascinating to look at is how they could produce some magic if they were thrown into a long-term rivalry together—such is their ability inside the squared circle.
But ultimately, that won't happen in the short term. One of these men will go on and likely face Roman Reigns, whose own future will become a lot clearer once this match has been determined.
An Owens win suggests Reigns isn't turning heel anytime soon, but if Ambrose goes through, one of the former The Shield members will surely turn in the climax of the evening.
Predicting the winner of the semi-final is tough to call, but Ambrose probably just gets the edge to set up the final with Reigns.
The Undertaker and Kane vs. Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman
Even after SmackDown revealed that Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman would face off with The Brothers of Destruction, this match still doesn't feel any more exciting.
Quite why this match hasn't taken on the traditional Survivor Series feel is anyone's guess, and it has left fans feeling a bit flat about the whole thing.
Wyatt has done his part with the rivalry, building it up nicely with some entertaining promo work, as ever. And the recurring appearances from Taker have at least created a bit of a buzz.
But ultimately, just a few months on from Taker vs. Wyatt at WrestleMania, it's hard to work out what this feud is all about. It feels thrown together, and WWE has missed a trick in not giving it a traditional Survivor Series stipulation with more men on the teams.
Who needs the win more? Undoubtedly Wyatt. He's had so many feuds against big names and come up short, so it's time for that to change.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final
It will be an explosive culmination to the tournament to crown a new WWE world heavyweight champion.
Whether it is a major heel turn from Reigns or Ambrose, a shock victory from Owens or just a dramatic ending to the tournament, there will be something that WWE fans do not expect.
If we see Reigns vs. Ambrose, we're going to see a heel turn, right? Reigns would be the smarter choice as he just isn't clicking as a babyface, but Ambrose could yet break bad and provide a shocking conclusion to Survivor Series.
That's what makes this match so appealing—anything could happen.
What is certain is that it will probably be a good, solid match. Reigns is improving in the ring, and whether he faces Owens or Ambrose, sparks will fly.
The build to WWE Survivor Series 2015 has centered on two main storylines: the crowning of a new WWE heavyweight champion and the ongoing feud between The Wyatt Family and The Brothers of Destruction, The Undertaker and Kane.
Focusing solely on those angles has left WWE Survivor Series 2015 a bit thin. The card has yet to be fleshed out, leaving a lot of wiggle room for potential surprise matches or for potential duds that get thrown together at the last minute.
Just days away from the event, here's the rundown of matches:
- Charlotte vs. Paige (WWE Divas Championship)
- Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler
- The Wyatt Family vs. The Brothers of Destruction
- Traditional 5-on-5 Elimination Tag Team Match (Participants TBD)
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-final: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-final: Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final (TBD)
By any standard, that's a light card for a pay-per-view. That doesn't mean there isn't intrigue in this event or questions that need to answers. That's why Bleacher Report has once again called upon its panel of experts to predict who will walk out of WWE Survivor Series 2015 as winners, as well as examine some of the bigger issues heading into Sunday's event.
It's time to meet the lineup.
