10 best Traditional Survivor Series matches

#7 Survivor Series 2009 — Team Kingston vs. Team Orton

Huge moment for Kofi.

The Team Orton vs. Team Kingston Survivor Series match from 2009 deserves its place on this list mainly because of the in-ring action and the non-kayfabe implications surrounding it. On the other hand, this match reminds us how short-sighted the WWE can be at times.

2009 looked to be a very promising year for Kofi Kingston, somebody who had earned his stripes in the mid-card and tag-team divisions and who felt ready to enter the main event scene. When he was placed into a feud with Randy Orton, the fans took to him even more. Here was somebody relatively unexpected being given an opportunity, something the company doesn't do often enough anymore.

The match had some pretty decent names involved including CM Punk, Christian and Mark Henry. It also showcased the full Legacy faction which was on the cusp of their breakup at the time.

Having the match come down to the two team captains was a big deal, and given what would later happen between these two men, it gives the showdown even more intensity. Kofi ended up getting the win which elicited a huge pop. As long as you ignore what happened after this bout, there's a lot to enjoy here.