Dominik Mysterio’s Plea for the Return of the Classic Survivor Series Match Could Save WWE’s Most Underrated Tradition

Survivor Series once stood as one of WWE’s purest tests of roster depth and storytelling. The match type that gave us improbable comebacks and breakout stars began as a simple premise. Teams of five fought until only one person or team remained standing. The format created instant narratives and memorable moments.

Recent years have seen Survivor Series reshaped around WarGames instead of the traditional elimination match. Dominik Mysterio has publicly called for a return to the old formula, suggesting a full-blown SmackDown versus Raw versus NXT versus AAA brawl. His view is more than nostalgia. It points to a format that still offers something modern wrestling currently lacks. 

Why Dominik Mysterio’s Call Makes Sense

Dominik’s pitch is simple. He wants the old Survivor Series match that puts brands and factions on one stage and forces creative teams to tell compact, meaningful stories over one match.

The Superstar recently told Rap On Wrestling that he would love to defend the Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series while also participating in a traditional elimination match involving Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even AAA. The quote underlines two things. First, it shows performers want chances to be seen in high-stakes multi-team scenarios. Second, it highlights the appetite for interpromotional chaos that television largely cannot provide. 

The traditional match format rewards both veterans and young talent. It allows experienced hands to sell and carry, while room is given for emerging wrestlers to shine without bearing the whole show. Modern WarGames is intense and cinematic. Its theatrical nature limits quick bursts for underused talent. The classic Survivor Series match thrives on quick eliminations, surprise returns, and sudden momentum shifts. Those elements can create viral moments and renewed interest in a pay-per-view that some fans feel has become formulaic. 

What WWE Gains by Bringing Back the Traditional Match

First, a return to eliminations improves storyline flexibility. Booking teams allows WWE to resolve or escalate multiple feuds in one match. Champions can be protected while losses still carry story weight.

A multi-brand match where NXT or AAA are invited adds fresh dream match potential without requiring long-term television investment. Audiences respond to unpredictability, and cross-promotion offers new, headline-friendly marketing angles. Recent announcements show WWE is leaning heavily into WarGames at major events. The company confirmed a WarGames focus for Survivor Series across multiple years, including 2024 and 2025. That reveals WWE likes the spectacle. Introducing a traditional elimination match either as the opening contest or as a marquee undercard would preserve spectacle while adding wrestling-centric storytelling. 

Second, fan reaction matters. Some viewers have praised WarGames for its intensity. Other fans have complained that Survivor Series has become an evening of too few matches separated by long non-wrestling segments. The traditional elimination match presents a counterbalance. It can bulk up the card with high energy and lower the perception of too much downtime. That, in turn, can improve viewer satisfaction and create more social media conversation during the event.

Recent coverage of Survivor Series events reported mixed fan opinions about the current format and the amount of non-wrestling content. A revival of the classic match could reduce that criticism. 

How WWE Could Modernize the Traditional Survivor Series Match