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WWE Survivor Series: A Masked Mystery Man, Liv Morgan Returns, and the Conundrum of War Games

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: WWE

Survivor Series came to San Diego’s Petco Park on Saturday night, November 29 with the all-star line-up in its Men and Women’s War Games match-ups which was to lay the foundation for WWE’s WrestleMania 42, but did it succeed?

A few things are certain, we have a good ole fashioned soap opera cliffhanger leading into tomorrow’s December 1 episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix with the sudden arrival of a masked mystery man who gave a Seth Rollins-like patented “Stomp” to a shocked CM Punk. Will the real culprit be revealed?

In addition, we got the surprise the return of Liv Morgan, who helped her man, Dominik Mysterio win back his Intercontinental Championship from John Cena in the best match of the night, which saw the GOAT finish up his final PLE performance in his legendary career. Now, all eyes are on how the WWE and Cena will position his final match of his career on Saturday Night’s Main Event in just little over two weeks.

Photo: WWE

With an announced packed crowd of 46,016 and in the seldom setting of a Major League Baseball, wrestlers were entering from the dugout, during the four match card that is the second PLE in WWE’s new deal with ESPN. Here are our top five takeaways from the night below!

WHO IS THAT MASKED MAN?

The main event was the Men’s War Games match-up between babyfaces: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Drew McIntrye and Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman in their corner. War Games in the past usually works best when the team assembled all had a common goal or works as a full unit. Look no further than a few years ago when the OG Bloodline ruled the day.

Over the last few years, these battles have felt forced. After all the back and forth in the 2025 version, Lesnar  was going to town with F5’s to everyone, and once the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns made it to the ring, War Games officially began. In the middle of the chaos, suddenly a masked man in the black hoodie descended from the steel cage down into the ring. He hesitated, then kicked CM Punk, then Stomped him, then ran out, allowing Bron Breakker to deliver the spear and win the match for the heels.

Photo: WWE

The Stomp looked so much like how Seth Rollins would deliver it, but with him truly (unless its another ruse of the year) recovering from shoulder surgery and still in a sling, the question is, are we supposed to believe it’s him and later when he is recovered, it will be revealed it was him? Or, will this go the way of most post-shows and that it is actually Austin Theory back from his injuries, joining the Vision and going after Punk?

ROMAN REIGNS FINAL WORDS WITH CODY RHODES

In one of the more problematic endings to a PLE, those hoping for a last minute extra shocker after the credits rolled, received a more subtle warning levied by the OG Tribal Chief who was not happy after his team lost War Games. As the three major babyfaces were now alone in the ring, Punk and Reigns seemed to make peace, but Cody Rhodes wanted nothing to do with Roman who tried to give an olive branch.

Photo: WWE

Rhodes was stubborn so Reigns told Rhodes this the last time they would team together. The way things are going, are we going to get Cody/Roman a third time at WrestleMania, but this time Cody as a heel and Roman as the face?

Ya Only Liv Once

John Cena’s title defense of the Intercontinental Championship against former champ, Dirty Dom Mysterio, had all the goodies and a big return to boot. First, in a brilliant idea, what looked like a truly botched hurricanrana spot on the outside of the ring by Cena and Mysterio, seemed to indicate Dom was hurt for real and could not continue. While the ref was checking on him, Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez were attacking Cena, then when the ref went to toss the women from ringside, Dom got off the floor not hurt at all and tried to trick Cena.

When Cena accidentally knocked out the ref, out came Finn Balor and JD McDonagh from the back. However, the 17-time champ showed that he still is one of the strongest men to ever do it by delivering a stacked Attitude Adjustment on the Judgment Day members together. Suddenly, Liv Morgan appeared. She gets into the ring and slaps Mysterio. So, as we are thinking she is now back to being a babyface … think again. Liv jumps into Cena’s arms, but her look goes from sweet to deadly and she then kicks him in the balls. Cena goes down for a 619, and Dom finishes him off with a Frog Splash to win back the IC championship. Liv and Dom celebrate!

This was so entertaining and everyone we spoke to at Petco Park loved all the spots in the match: the comedy, the shockers, the delivery and more.

IYO’S TRASH CAN AND BECKY THE MVP

The Women’s War Games match kicked off the show, with the heels: Lash Legend, Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, Kairi Saine and Asuka taking on the babyfaces of Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, AJ Lee, Iyo Sky and Alexa Bliss.

There were some very entertaining spots in the match including: Asuka’s mist landing right in her team mate Lash Legend’s face, Iyo Sky, who now has made a regular thing of her amazing Swanton Bomb while wearing a trash can, getting an assist by Ripley and AJ Lee when The Eradicator put Lee on her shoulder to get the can to Iyo for her signature move.

Photo: WWE

When all the heels went down only Becky Lynch was left standing for her team. Throughout the match, Lynch’s facial expressions were priceless. Finally, Lee landed the Black Widow finisher on “The Man” and she submitted, giving the faces the win.

RING MY BELL-A

In what felt initially felt like a forced heel turn, Nikki Bella, the Hall of Fame Divas legend, faced La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer for the WWE’s Women’s Championship. Bella works better as a heel, and although there was no one who thought that Vaquer was losing her title on this night, a bit of Bella’s ring rust is starting to wear off, after time on the sidelines.

Vaquer’s finishing maneuvers Devil’s Kiss and the stupendous, Corkscrew Moonsault were too much and would be for Nikki Bella, who lost the match. The crowd was pretty silent through most of the bout, but by the end seemed to have got into it a bit more.

IN THE END 

For WWE Survivor Series/War Games 2025, we give it a B-. The ups were Cena and Dirty Dom, and Becky Lynch. The downs: the confusing ending to the Men’s War Game match and questioning where all the storylines move from here.

So, what did you think of Survivor Series 2025? What was your favorite match? How would you grade the card and what went down during the PLE? Share your thoughts via the comment section, but first check out some of the highlights below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16

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General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer. 

Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.

As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.

Photo: ABC

A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY

Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.

Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.

Courtesy/ABC

WSB WAR SCARS

Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.

In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.

Courtesy/ABC

Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”

So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Returns, Anna and Valentin Reunite

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This week on General Hospital begins with the ABC soap opera’s 16,000th episode which brings Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) back to Port Charles after being released by the WSB; all thanks to the deal made between Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) and Z (John Oliver).

On the same episode, the upshot of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) coming face to face, and seeing each other for the first time in months plays itself out, and it may not be how you think. Josslyn hopes sending Valentin to the side of Anna, will break up his burgeoning relationship with her mother, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), but will it?

It appears Valentin has a warning for Anna. In the GH video preview for the episode, Anna is seen saying “How do you know that?” What does Valentin know, and will he be the person that will catch on that she is being haunted by the ghost of Peter August (Wes Ramsey)?

Courtesy/ABC

In addition, look for the debut of Dean Geyer in his role of Dr. Tristan Roberts (named after the beloved late Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), as he and Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) may have a tense exchange or two.

Then, in the aftermath of their argument, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) asks Chase (Josh Swickard)Did I push you towards Willow (Katelyn MacMullen)?” Is Chase going to admit his fixation with his ex-wife, or reassure his current wife that he is not interested in Willow? Stay tuned.

Finally, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) is seen talking to someone saying that the idea of this person filling the 16th seat on the hospital board is a great idea. Who is she talking to?

Check out the official GH spoilers for the week of July 13-17 below.

MONDAY, JULY 13
Milestone 16000th episode! Jason returns to Port Charles. Anna receives a warning. Laura’s choice appalls Tracy. Britt makes an accusation. Carly is caught off-guard.

TUESDAY, JULY 14
Jason explains his actions. Kai becomes privy to shocking information. Jordan strikes out. Elizabeth stands her ground. Valentin is suspicious.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Anna seeks answers. Josslyn reveals a secret. Nina and Brennan plot their next move. Curtis voices his gratitude. Gio and Trina get big news.

THURSDAY, JULY 16
Emma and Gio discuss their future. Obrecht lashes out. Anna interrogates Britt. Isaiah interrupts Portia and Curtis. Cody delivers difficult news.

FRIDAY, JULY 17
Carly draws a boundary with Sonny. Valentin makes his feelings clear. Trina and Josslyn clear the air. Lulu cautions Ethan. Nina opens up to Brennan.

So, excited for Steve Burton’s return on tomorrow’s GH as Jason comes home? Are you rooting for Anna and Valentin to get back together, or are you hoping that Carly and Valentin continue their relationship, much to the chagrin of Josslyn? And, what should Brook Lynn do about her husband, Chase, who continually fights for Willow? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section, but first check out the preview teaser from GH for the Monday, July 13 episode below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell Offers Jordan a Way to Get Surgery On Her Face; Will She Cave and Comply with His Demands?

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On General Hospital, Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) finally had it out at the PCPD. The scenes played out on the Thursday, July 9 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

In story, Sidwell requested a meeting with Jordan. Angered, he wanted to know why she’d given the police the location of his safe house. After months of being undercover, Jordan finally admitted the truth!

Jordan reveals the entire time she was gaining his trust, she was working on the inside at SRE Worldwide, to find evidence against him and bring him down. Snidely, Jenz admitted he’d been suspicious initially of Jordan. However, she eventually won him over, and he saw the value in her being the pretty, public face of his criminal organization to throw everyone off.

Photo: ABC

Trying to make a deal to save his own skin, Sidwell offers to pay for restorative plastic surgery for Jordan’s face, and at the same renowned German clinic that had treated Michael (Rory Gibson) for his severe burns.

Sidwell tells Jordan if she would go to Zurich and empty some bank accounts for him, he will help her jump ahead of the long waiting list to get into the clinic. Defiant and standing up to him, Jordan turns down his offer.

Next, Sidwell threatens her intently, that he’ll find a way to pay Jordan back by making her life miserable. He tells her she will suffer and regret turning him down.

Once she exits the PCPD interrogation room, Jordan takes a deep breath, but brings her hands to the scars on her face from the car crash that injured her.

Is Jordan actually contemplating Sidwell deal to get her into the German clinic? If so, will she be the person to set him free into the world with loads of cash from his overseas bank accounts? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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