Great Moments in Survivor Series History
Some Standout Matches in WWE’s Annual November Pay-Per-View
Nov 5, 2009
Survivor Series is sometimes called one of the “Big Four” of World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-view events. It is one of the original shows that the then-World Wrestling Federation came up with, along with Wrestlemania, Royal Rumble and Summerslam. Survivor Series began in 1987, where it kicked off on November 26, the day of Thanksgiving. Since then it has become one of WWE’s benchmark shows, and many significant events have occurred during these pay-per-views.
The First Ever Survivor Series in 1987
The very first Survivor Series was epic in that it featured legendary wrestling stars like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Paul Orndorff, Bret Hart, Harley Race, Jake Roberts and Ricky Steamboat. This event was also the first to feature ten-man elimination tag matches, which was later reduced to eight-man tag matches. The sheer star power of this event in itself makes the event a classic.
The Undertaker Debuts in the World Wrestling Federation at Survivor Series 1990
There was a big surprise in store for the team of Bret Hart, Dusty Rhodes, Koko B. Ware and Jim Neidhart when Ted DiBiase announced that the mystery person for his team was The Undertaker. Fans had never seen the likes of this man before. He was nearly seven feet tall and seemingly didn’t feel pain. He decimated Koko B. Ware and Dusty Rhodes before he eliminated himself by countout.
The Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan at Survivor Series 1991
On November 27, 1991, Undertaker faced Hulk Hogan for the Hulkster’s World Heavyweight title in the first ever singles competition match at Survivor Series. In Detroit, Taker faced off against Hogan for his first title opportunity. This was significant, as Undertaker had only just debuted at the previous Survivor Series in 1990. Taker won the title because Ric Flair gave him a steel chair on which he Tombstoned the Hulkster while the referee was distracted.
Team WWF vs. The Alliance at Survivor Series 2001
Although there are differing views as to how good the whole of the WCW/ECW Invasion storyline was, fans of the World Wrestling Federation felt some sense of victory when their team defeated the so-called invaders. Team WWF consisted of The Undertaker, The Rock, Chris Jericho, Kane and Big Show against Team Alliance of Steve Austin (who had defected from the WWF), Kurt Angle (also a defector), Rob Van Dam, Booker T and Shane McMahon.
Kurt Angle was revealed to be a mole that had infiltrated the WCW/ECW team when he struck Steve Austin with the World title belt. Considering Vince McMahon purchased both companies, there was probably no question that his home company would win, but given that most fans were ready to boo and hate The Alliance, it was satisfying to know that their favorite wrestling promotion was still the best.
John Cena vs. Chris Jericho at Survivor Series 2008
The story behind John Cena’s match against Chris Jericho at Survivor Series 2008 was riveting for Cena’s fans. Cena had just returned from surgery, due to herniated discs in his neck, and there was reported nerve damage in his body. The commentators contributed to the drama, so when Cena finally won and became World Heavyweight Champion, it was as if something momentous had happened with the proverbial comeback kid story.
Survivor Series is a pay-per-view where huge wrestling stars have debuted, World titles have been won and unique, star-studded matches have occurred. While it does not have as much prestige as Wrestlemania, Survivor Series nevertheless provides a solid and nostalgic mix of tag matches and exciting title defenses every year.
Sources:
WWE Survivor Series, Pro Wrestling History
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