Survivor Series: Ways WWE Can Transform a Disappointing WarGames Into a Memorable WrestleMania

Survivor Series 2025 Recap: How WWE’s WarGames Sets the Stage for WrestleMania 2026

Saturday’s Survivor Series 2025 may not have been WWE’s most thrilling pay-per-view of the year, and much of the criticism centers on an underwhelming main event. Even the highly entertaining match between Dominik Mysterio and John Cena couldn’t rescue the overall show from feeling flat. Fans left the arena acknowledging the flaws, yet the event succeeded in planting crucial story seeds that could shape the road to WrestleMania 2026.

Heading into the weekend, WWE watchers had little idea what storylines might emerge leading to next year’s biggest show in Las Vegas. However, after WarGames, a clearer picture is starting to take shape. On the men’s side, two massive matches are already beginning to crystallize, including the much-anticipated Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns III. The feud was hinted at earlier this week on Raw, where Reigns teased a potential move on one of WWE’s world titles. The segment cleverly left fans guessing whether Reigns had CM Punk or Cody Rhodes in his sights — but WarGames provided enough context to start connecting the dots.

CM Punk also faced consequences during the event. In a surprising turn, the reigning world champion was pinned in the main event, not by Brock Lesnar, but by the rising star Bron Breakker. This result could be more than a random booking choice. WWE may be positioning Breakker for a major WrestleMania moment, potentially setting up a blockbuster showdown with CM Punk and giving “The Vision” the world title push fans have long expected. Paul Heyman’s post-show comments lent credibility to this theory. While speaking in character, he indicated it was “obvious” that Breakker would play a significant role in WrestleMania 2026 — and even referenced the pin over Punk.

This development is particularly exciting for WWE fans. Just last week, Breakker risked being overshadowed during WarGames, the very event intended to elevate him. Now, he not only has a pathway to a WrestleMania world title match, but also the potential for a high-profile SummerSlam defense against a returning Seth Rollins. If this booking holds, 2026 could be one of the most compelling years for WWE’s rising talent.

The women’s division, however, remains less defined. WarGames provided few clues about next year’s storylines, with neither of the two reigning women’s champions appearing on the card. Jade Cargill was notably absent, leaving fans guessing about potential matchups. If the current champions hold through WrestleMania, fantasy pairings such as Rhea Ripley vs. Stephanie Vaquer or Jade Cargill vs. Bianca Belair could emerge. WWE will need to develop these angles carefully, as relying solely on the Royal Rumble to build momentum risks repeating mistakes seen in undercooked feuds like Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair.

Still, the men’s side of the card appears to be moving in the right direction. WWE has historically placed enormous creative emphasis on WrestleMania, often planning storylines more than a year in advance. Last night’s WarGames suggests the company is now entering the next phase of its long-term storytelling, and fans have plenty to be excited about.

While Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns may seem like an obvious main event choice, it is an understandable one. Both superstars have a proven history of delivering unforgettable WrestleMania moments, and their combined star power remains intact since WrestleMania 40. By carefully building tension through alliances and conflicts, WWE has avoided oversaturating their feud, allowing anticipation to grow organically.

Saturday’s WarGames may have marked the final chapter in the uneasy alliances between Reigns, Rhodes, the Usos, and Punk. Following their defeat, “The American Nightmare” helped Reigns to his feet, only to be told that this would be their last time teaming — a powerful setup for a future showdown. Fans now have a tantalizing glimpse at what could be a historic WrestleMania season, with rising stars and established icons colliding in high-stakes matches.

In conclusion, while Survivor Series 2025 may not go down as WWE’s best show of the year, it has successfully set the stage for WrestleMania 2026. With blockbuster matchups taking shape, rising talent like Bron Breakker making significant strides, and long-term storylines beginning to crystallize, WWE is proving that even a “disappointing” WarGames can be a stepping stone toward one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.