WWE Survivor Series: War Games 2025 was a relatively modest event, featuring just two War Games matches and two title bouts. A new Intercontinental Champion emerged, and The Vision unveiled a mysterious new member. The event’s results and highlights have already been covered, so now it’s time to evaluate the performers, both inside and outside the ring, to determine who truly came out on top and who fell short. The terms “winners” and “losers” here are subjective—sometimes those who seem to win actually lose, and vice versa; even some individuals not involved in the ring action can be labeled a “loser.” There were many notable winners, including Stephanie Vaquere and John Cena, but also clear losers, like the 46,000 fans in attendance. Here’s a breakdown of who impressed and who disappointed at WWE Survivor Series: War Games 2025.
Loser: The Fans
To start on a different note, fans who paid for the live event ended up feeling like they didn’t get their money’s worth, essentially becoming the “losers.” While everyone is free to spend their money how they wish, it’s tough to justify watching four matches with numerous commercial breaks in the warm San Diego weather, especially considering some people paid hefty ticket prices. The event felt overly drawn out without enough compelling content, pointing to a need for balance between AEW’s marathon shows and WWE’s more commercial-heavy events. Survivor Series wasn’t poor, but it seemed like it could have benefited from a second day, much like SummerSlam or WrestleMania. The War Games match format, a stand-in for the Royal Rumble, felt off, leaving many fans dissatisfied.
Winner: Stephanie Vaquere
Stephanie Vaquere made a strong statement by defeating Nikki Bella. Returning to WWE to bolster champions like Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley, Vaquere’s victory defied expectations, signaling her rising star power. After initial buzz from her AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door appearance and WWE NXT stint, her win over a Women’s Legend has elevated her reputation globally. With other top talents like Liv Morgan back, Vaquere’s future looks promising as she continues to prove herself a dependable and rising champion. As Royal Rumble and WrestleMania approach, fans can anticipate WWE building Vaquere into a top Raw star alongside Ripley and Morgan.
Loser: Male War Games Participants
The men’s War Games match was widely criticized as a letdown, with many questioning the commitment of the participants. Traditional War Games rules were heavily altered or ignored, resulting in a disjointed and confusing match that lacked the excitement and structure of previous iterations. WWE’s adaptations, including the introduction of pinfalls and no cage roof, diluted the intensity, especially when compared to AEW’s grittier version of the match. Despite WWE’s family-friendly approach, the male competitors lacked consistency and professionalism, making the match feel more like a disorganized performance than a true wrestling contest. This match left a negative impression and raised questions about backstage dynamics and production decisions.
Winner: John Cena
John Cena’s final pay-per-view match was a showcase of his inclusive approach, featuring a diverse group of participants. Despite the match being a relatively simple win for Dominik Mysterio, Cena shared the spotlight with Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, and the returning Liv Morgan, all incorporating elements reminiscent of Cena’s signature moves. This marked a departure from expectations, especially regarding inter-gender match restrictions in WWE. Cena appears poised for a final career match against the Last Time Is Now tournament winner, with this event serving as his final effort to spotlight the Raw roster and drive an important storyline. Known for his professionalism, Cena’s last performance was a reminder of his commitment to putting others first in the wrestling world.
Fan Take: This event reveals WWE’s ongoing struggle to balance legacy with innovation, as seen in the mixed reception of War Games and the spotlight on rising stars like Stephanie Vaquere. For fans, it signals potential shifts in WWE’s storytelling, talent focus, and match presentation that could reshape the future of sports entertainment.
