Cup of coffee in the big time: WWE Survivor Series has an amazingly unique card

Survivor Series used to be a special event in the way the match structure meant something totally different than you saw week to week.

Over time, it drifted through different formats before landing on the modern version which is, I believe, a near-perfect approach to the event — though quality of execution this year is still to be seen.

The thing about this year’s edition of the event that has me most intrigued is the “one time a year SmackDown and Raw compete” has some deeper significance.

This year’s event is not only marked by brand clashes, but by very unique matchups. Even with the brand split, the matches on the show usually have happened in some capacity before.

While Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins is getting the “first time ever dream match” treatment, the reality is, they’re not exactly alone.

AJ Styles vs. Brock Lesnar - These two met last year in an outstanding match. Prior to then, they’d only shared a match when both participated in the 2016 Royal Rumble.

Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch - The true “first time ever dream match” on the card. The Man vs. ... Ronda Rousey.

Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - While Nakamura’s WWE run has been undeniably lackluster, these two could very well work some magic. Zero previous meetings and only shared a match in this year’s Royal Rumble.

AOP vs. The Bar - Again, a first-time match and a bit of a dream match for fans of hosses hitting the hell out of each other.

Then there’s the three elimination matches, all of which will feature lineups not identical to previous years.

The only match on the card to have happened more than once is Buddy Murphy vs. Mustafa Ali.

The idea of a pay-per-view (PPV) with only one main roster match (or at least one SmackDown and Raw match) having happened before (and that one only having happened once) is crazy in the way WWE approaches the “modern product.”

That, if nothing else, is worth getting a little excited about.

• Check out the recap from last night’s Impact Wrestling “Final Hour” event.
• Then, go get ready for the weekend by checking out the EVOLVE 115 & 116 previews.
• WWE reportedly went after a chunk of the NJPW roster once again.
• Becky Lynch calling Ronda Rousey “Ronnie” will never get old.
• Are you watching Talking Snack?
• CM Punk’s next challenge in the UFC? Getting behind the microphone (he’ll do well at this).
• Raw will be ending at 11:00 on the dot going forward. No more overrun.

Happy Friday, y’all.