WWE: Five notable Survivor Series absentees
Friday 17 November 2017 08:30, UK
The Survivor Series is absolutely packed with talent and mouthwatering matches - but there are some big names who are currently not scheduled to appear on the show.
In this era of expecting the unexpected in WWE, it is almost guaranteed that there will be some twists and turns at the hotly-anticipated pay-per-view in Atlanta.
Of the superstars not currently booked at the annual elimination extravaganza, who may yet play a pivotal part in the event ? We take a look...
Jinder Mahal
The Modern Day Maharajah retains a bitterness towards AJ Styles after the Phenomenal One took his WWE Championship from him in Manchester, and has spoken several times of his desire to avenge that loss.
Mahal was no stranger to outside interference during his near six-month title reign, with his acolytes the Singh Brothers often helping to keep his title.
Styles has his hands full with Brock Lesnar as it is, and any involvement from Mahal and his boys could swing the momentum even further towards the Beast.
But with Triple H lining up a showdown with Jinder for the forthcoming tour of India, he might decide his plate is currently full enough.
Involvement likeliness rating: 5 out of 10.
Jason Jordan
It seems impossible to think that Jordan will accept the actions of Triple H and his own father, Kurt Angle, on Raw this week, and the gigantic snub he suffered by being removed from this weekend's big elimination match.
The only question that remains is how he will decide to involve himself in the five-on-five contest and whether it will be The Game who takes the brunt of his ire or Angle himself.
Jordan got over the 'wronged crybaby' routine perfectly on Monday night and the fans are fully ready to get behind his turn to the dark side - just like his father before him.
Involvement likeliness rating: 8/10.
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
A two-for-one here, because wherever Kevin goes, Sami is not far behind. The duo spoke of feeling victimised by Shane McMahon on SmackDown this week and their absence from the card is a glaring omission.
Owens recently got the better of Shane O Mac in their Hell In a Cell-ending feud but the resentment rumbles on, and it seems almost certain that he - and his accessory Zayn - will involve themselves in the five-on-five elimination match.
That in itself again creates a wealth of possibilities. Who will step up to protect McMahon? Will any of the blue team side with the heels? How costly will their involvement in the match be?
The answers to all of these questions and more are now just days away.
Involvement likeliness rating: 9/10.
Daniel Bryan
The SmackDown general manager has this week spoken about how he only has a "20 per cent" chance of being cleared by WWE medical staff to make an in-ring return.
But there remains a chance, albeit a very unlikely one. Things have not been completely smooth between Bryan and McMahon ever since the former was chokeslammed by Kane while on a mission to make peace with Raw a fortnight ago.
Bryan has been left in the dark by Shane about his invasion plans, but while there is a simmering resentment between the two, it seems unlikely he will want to benefit Stephanie over her brother, given their track record.
It is unlikely, therefore, that he will be involved in a physical sense. But could he join forces with someone else - either publicly or privately, to undermine his boss?
Involvement likeliness rating: 3/10.
Paige
Several social media postings from WWE superstars confirmed the appearance of Paige backstage at Monday Night Raw in Atlanta this week, prompting widespread speculation she was about to be added to the Raw team for the women's elimination match.
Instead, it was Bayley who beat Mickie James and Dana Brooke in a triple threat match to book her spot in Alicia Fox's squad.
However... the next night, Charlotte Flair won the SmackDown title by beating Natalya, meaning it will be The Queen who faces Alexa Bliss in the champion-against-champion match in Houston.
Natalya will not compete in the match, freeing up a spot for an as-yet-unknown competitor.
Paige has been training at the Performance Center for some time and her presence at television this week appears to be almost guaranteed.
But if recent WWE history has taught us anything, it is that now - more than ever - the unexpected should be expected. A monumental swerve could be pulled - there could be a roster switch, a one-off comeback from a retired veteran, an NXT call-up, anything.
Nothing will be known for sure until the competitor's music hits on what promises to be an evening of shocks and surprises up and down the card.
Involvement likeliness rating: unrated.
