Icon stuns WWE Universe; Dolph Ziggler emerges as sole survivor
Monday 24 November 2014 12:58, UK
A quite literal Sting in the tale at Survivor Series spelt curtains for The Authority.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon headed into WWE’s autumn classic on Sunday night knowing that if their five-man team lost to John Cena’s they would be forced to relinquish their power.
The Game and his wife seemed set to avoid that fate when, towards the end of the bout, Triple H attacked Team Cena’s final member, Dolph Ziggler, and rolled Seth Rollins on top of The Show-Off.
But before the referee – the THIRD official used in a pulsating encounter – could count to three, save The Authority and ensure each member of Cena’s squad, bar the captain, would be fired, Sting appeared.
The Icon, arguably the most famous wrestler in history never to have set foot in WWE, strode to the ring with his trademark black and white face paint and long leather jacket, clocked the latest referee, stared down Triple H, and clobbered The Cerebral Assassin with the Scorpion Death Drop.
Sting then yanked Ziggler onto the lifeless Rollins before the original official administered the pinfall that signalled disaster for The Authority – as Stephanie McMahon’s shrieks explained all too well.
The shocking end to the contest was in keeping with the rest of the bout, though, with Team Authority charge, Mark Henry, eliminated within seconds of the opening bell.
Triple H had tried to fire up The World’s Strongest Man by slapping him across the face but the clump only served to distract Henry, who was quickly whacked by Big Show’s Knockout Punch.
Team Cena’s Ryback was next to depart following some good work between Rusev and Rollins which culminated in The Super Athlete pinning The Big Guy – but Rusev swiftly exited the dust-up himself.
The powerhouse, yet to be pinned or submitted since joining WWE’s main roster, went berserk outside the ring and placed a stricken Ziggler onto the Spanish announce desk.
But as Rusev leapt into the air and prepared to send his adversary through the table, Ziggler rolled out of the way, leaving the Bulgarian Brute as the one to crash through the wood.
Rusev, unable to reach his feet, was counted out, but Team Authority levelled things up following a clash between ex-Wyatt Family disciples Luke Harper and Erick Rowan.
Harper flattened Rowan with a discus clothesline to remove the sheep mask-wearing wrestler from the match – and Team Authority moved into an even stronger position moments later.
Big Show stunningly turned on Cena, flooring his skipper with a Knockout Punch before shaking Triple H’s hand and sauntering to the locker room while Rollins pinned The Cenation Leader.
Ziggler was now forced to tackle Kane, Harper and Rollins on his own – but he did a sterling job.
The Clevelander pinned Kane following a skull-busting Zig Zag and then rolled up Harper, the man who had ripped the Intercontinental Championship from him on Monday Night Raw.
The fan favourite proceeded to batter Mr Money in the Bank, Rollins, with Zig Zags, too but on both occasions he had The Aerialist vanquished, Triple H prevented the referee from making the count.
Ziggler, who was also subjected to a beat-down from Authority minions Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble, was then punched mercilessly and Pedigreed by The Game – and that’s when Sting struck.
The mind-boggling turn of events meant Ziggler secured his job, as well as those of Ryback, Rowan and Team Cena traitor Big Show, and The Authority witnessed the crumbling of their empire.
It is unlikely that Triple H and Stephanie McMahon will be back any time soon, either, as, by the decree of Vince McMahon, only one man can instigate their return: John Cena!
WWE Survivor Series will be repeated on Sky Sports Box Office (channel 743) BUT NOT Sky Sports HD Box Office (channel 752) until 9pm on Saturday, November 29.
Repeat showings will last three hours, with the final showing BEGINNING at 9pm on Saturday, November 29.
The event is priced at £14.95 for UK customers, €21.95 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland.
Viewers can call 08442 410 888 to book WWE Survivor Series. (There may be an additional charge for telephone bookings).
You will also be able book WWE Survivor Series by visiting this link: https://my.sky.com/orderboxoffice/
You will also be able order WWE Survivor Series by pressing the Box Office button on your remote. Select 'sports & events' and follow on-screen instructions.
Cable customers should contact their local cable operator.
Hit this link for terms and conditions: https://www.skystore.com/legal/terms-and-conditions
