From Brawls to Snooze Fests: Why the IC Triple Threat Stole Survivor Series

When it comes to WWE’s Survivor Series, fans buckle up for twists, turns, and an adrenaline rush that’s supposed to rival a rollercoaster ride at Disney World. But this year’s event? Let’s just say it felt more like waiting in line for said ride—anxious buildup, but a mixed payoff. While there were matches that promised chaos, drama, and top-tier wrestling, only one truly delivered: the Intercontinental Triple Threat between Bron Breakker, Sheamus, and Ludwig Kaiser.

A Clash of Titans: The IC Triple Threat

For fans of the Intercontinental Championship, this match wasn’t just a brawl; it was an exhibition of pure wrestling art. Picture Bron Breakker, a human freight train with an “unstoppable rookie” aura, going toe-to-toe with Sheamus, a guy who treats every match like a pub brawl. Add Ludwig Kaiser, the underappreciated maestro of technical wrestling, and you’ve got a recipe for a match that could headline any pay-per-view.

From the opening bell, these three men went full throttle. Breakker’s freakish power was on full display as he tossed Sheamus and Ludwig around like bowling pins. Sheamus, ever the workhorse, brought his signature mix of brutality and resilience—his chest-beating “Ten Beats of the Bodhran” segment had fans pounding their chests in unison. Meanwhile, Ludwig’s finesse and sharp counters reminded everyone why Imperium isn’t just Gunther’s backup dancers.

The chemistry was palpable, the pacing relentless, and the storytelling simple yet effective. Breakker as the hungry rookie, Sheamus as the grizzled veteran refusing to back down, and Ludwig as the chess player who saw openings no one else did. And when Breakker hit that monstrous military press slam to pin Ludwig, it felt earned. This wasn’t just wrestling—it was a fight.

WarGames: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the ring: WarGames. Sure, it had its moments—big dives, table spots, and that chaotic charm of ten men swinging chairs and fists like a bar fight gone viral. But here’s the issue: the stipulation itself feels like it’s been stretching its limits since its return.

WarGames in WWE is often compared to its NWA roots, where the match was all about brutality and storytelling. But in today’s era of high-definition cameras and social media scrutiny, it’s less about the grit and more about the GIF-worthy moments. And let’s not forget the timing structure—with wrestlers entering at intervals, the match doesn’t properly “start” until everyone’s in. It’s like baking a cake but spending 20 minutes just preheating the oven.

This year’s Men’s WarGames match wasn’t bad—it had Kevin Owens leading the charge, which is always a win. But between the over-reliance on weapons and the predictability of the “all hell breaks loose” formula, it struggled to feel fresh.

Survivor Series: A Legacy Revisited

Survivor Series wasn’t always about grand gimmicks like WarGames or brand supremacy battles. Back in the day, it thrived on its elimination tag-team format, where alliances were tested, underdogs had their moments, and betrayals could turn the tide. Fans still remember classics like the 1996 Survivor Series, where Bret Hart and Steve Austin put on a wrestling clinic, or the 2003 event, where Stone Cold’s team battled Bischoff’s squad in a grudge match for the ages.

This year, though, the lack of traditional elimination matches felt like a missed opportunity. It’s like going to Thanksgiving dinner and finding out there’s no turkey—just stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Why the IC Title Matters More Than Ever

The real star of the Survivor Series wasn’t just the match; it was the Intercontinental Championship itself. In an era where world titles are often held hostage by part-time champions (cough Roman Reigns), the IC belt has quietly become the workhorse title again.

Gunther’s historic reign has elevated the championship to heights it hasn’t seen since the days of Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Randy Savage. And while he wasn’t in the match, his presence loomed large. Whoever holds the IC belt isn’t just another midcarder—they’re a legit main-event threat in waiting.

The Triple Threat match at Survivor Series was a reminder of how good mid-card storytelling can be when done right. It doesn’t need convoluted plots or overbooked finishes—just three great wrestlers, a clear prize, and a crowd hungry for action.

What’s Next for the Survivor Series?

As WWE moves into 2025, it’s time to rethink Survivor Series’ identity. The Intercontinental Triple Threat showed that less is more—give fans compelling matches without overloading them with gimmicks. Maybe it’s time to bring back those classic elimination matches. Or perhaps even introduce a new concept that feels fresh yet honors the event’s history.

And let’s not forget about WarGames—it’s still a valuable tool, but it needs a makeover. Less reliance on weapons, more focus on storytelling, and maybe some tweaks to the format. If WWE can crack the code, WarGames could once again feel like an event, not just a spectacle.

Final Bell

When the dust settled, Survivor Series had its highs and lows. The IC Triple Threat was the clear standout—a match that reminded fans why they fell in love with wrestling in the first place. The Men’s WarGames, while entertaining, showed the need for evolution.

Survivor Series is supposed to be one of WWE’s “Big Four” pay-per-views, but to keep that status, it needs to double down on what works and shed what doesn’t. If the Intercontinental Championship’s resurgence is any indication, there’s hope yet. Here’s to hoping next year’s event delivers more unforgettable moments and fewer missed opportunities.

Until then, we’ll keep replaying Bron Breakker’s slam and dreaming of the next big clash. Survivor Series might be a mixed bag, but when it hits, it’s still magic.