Imagine a WWE WarGames without the iconic shark cages—sounds incomplete, right? But this year’s Survivor Series at Petco Park in San Diego proved that sometimes, less is more. Fans were treated to a unique twist on the classic event, blending nostalgia with fresh excitement. And this is the part most people miss: the absence of those cages wasn’t just a logistical decision—it transformed the entire experience into something reminiscent of a Royal Rumble, leaving the crowd buzzing with energy.
For years, the shark cages have been a staple of WarGames, perched atop the entrance stage, holding competitors in suspense before their dramatic release. But here’s where it gets controversial: this time, there was no stage at all. Instead, WWE Superstars emerged from a setup near the Padres’ home dugout, a move that sparked debate among fans. During the Countdown to Survivor Series: WarGames, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Paul Levesque, shed light on the challenges. ‘Working within a baseball stadium’s structure isn’t easy,’ he explained. ‘The dugout entrances added a layer of complexity, but we made it work.’
The tight space wasn’t just backstage—ringside was a puzzle too. Two rings, announcers’ tables, and floor seats left no room to spare. Yet, this constraint birthed innovation. Without the cages, the focus shifted to Petco’s video boards, where a countdown clock became the centerpiece. Fans united in a stadium-wide countdown, turning each interval into a shared, electrifying moment.
But here’s the kicker: the absence of the cages also meant missing the ‘match within a match’ drama they’ve brought since 2017. Who could forget Dakota Kai’s betrayal of Tegan Nox in 2019, or CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ show-stealing moments last year? Is removing the cages a step backward, or a bold leap forward? Let’s discuss in the comments.
On the flip side, the change injected a Royal Rumble-style energy into the entrances, giving fans a taste of what’s to come—especially since next year’s Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia might be out of reach for many U.S. fans. For those at Petco Park, it was a double win: a Rumble-like thrill paired with Survivor Series, all in one unforgettable night. Did WWE accidentally create a new tradition, or should the shark cages make a comeback? Share your thoughts below!
