The WWE Survivor Series is one of the most thrilling events in professional wrestling. Every year, fans around the globe eagerly anticipate this exciting spectacle, packed with fierce competition, surprising moments, and unforgettable matches. Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or a newcomer to the world of WWE, the Survivor Series is an event that brings action, drama, and entertainment to a whole new level.
In this article, we’ll look at the Survivor Series’s history, significance, and highlights. From its humble beginnings to the incredible moments that have defined its legacy, this guide will give you everything you need to know about one of WWE’s most iconic pay-per-view events.
What is Survivor Series?
The Survivor Series is one of WWE’s four major annual pay-per-view events, alongside WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam. Introduced in 1987 by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, it quickly became one of the most anticipated events on the wrestling calendar.
At its core, the Survivor Series is a team-based competition where wrestlers form teams and battle it out in elimination-style matches. The concept focuses on teamwork, strategy, and individual endurance. These high-stakes battles often see alliances form, betrayals occur, and the crowd goes wild as the last remaining competitor or team emerges victorious.
Key Features of Survivor Series:
- Elimination Matches: Teams compete in tag-team elimination matches, where a member is eliminated when pinned, submitted, or counted out.
- Traditional Survivor Series Match: A hallmark of the event, this match involves two teams of five superstars. The team that survives with the most members remaining wins.
- Champion vs. Champion Matches: Top champions from Raw and SmackDown face off in thrilling one-on-one encounters.
- High Drama: Like most WWE events, Survivor Series has storylines, rivalries, and unexpected twists.
The History and Evolution of Survivor Series
The first Survivor Series occurred on 26 November 1987 at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield Township, Ohio. The concept was revolutionary then — a pay-per-view focused entirely on elimination tag matches. This format was fresh and engaging, allowing for a dynamic display of teamwork and individual skill.
Over the years, Survivor Series evolved, incorporating new match types and adding twists to its storytelling. The event grew in size and spectacle, from featuring classic tag-team warfare to introducing one-on-one champions’ battles.
Milestones in Survivor Series History
- 1987: The inaugural event featured two traditional 5-on-5 elimination matches, with iconic superstars like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant in prominent roles.
- 1990: The debut of “The Undertaker,” who quickly became a fan favorite and would go on to create a legendary streak at WrestleMania.
- 1998: The event introduced the “Deadly Game” tournament for the WWF Championship, which saw The Rock win his first WWF title.
- 2005: The first-ever “Survivor Series Elimination Chamber” match took place, showcasing the brutal, high-stakes environment of the Elimination Chamber match type.
The Format of Survivor Series Matches
While Survivor Series has had a variety of match types over the years, the traditional elimination tag-team match remains at the heart of the event. This format typically involves two teams of five superstars each, with members of each team eliminated one by one until only one team remains.
How It Works:
- Teams: Two teams are made up of five superstars each. These wrestlers could be from the same brand (Raw or SmackDown) or could feature mixed brands for some cross-promotional fun.
- Elimination: A team member is eliminated when pinned, submitted, or counted out. Once a team has lost all its members, the opposing team wins.
- Strategy: Teams often need to work together and make strategic decisions. Sometimes, members betray their teammates or form temporary alliances with opponents to gain an advantage.
Popular Match Variations:
- 5-on-5 Traditional Elimination Match: Classic Survivor Series matches, where teams of five face off in a battle of attrition.
- Champion vs. Champion Matches: Titleholders from each brand compete head-to-head.
- Mixed Brand Matches: Wrestlers from both Raw and SmackDown compete against each other in special inter-brand battles.
Iconic Moments from Survivor Series
Over the years, Survivor Series has been home to some of the most electrifying and emotional moments in WWE history. From shocking betrayals to historic victories, here are a few of the most memorable instances:
- The Debut of The Undertaker (1990)
One of the most famous moments in Survivor Series history occurred in 1990 when The Undertaker made his shocking debut. This mysterious figure with a dark, gothic persona soon became one of the biggest stars in WWE history, going on to build an unprecedented undefeated streak at WrestleMania.
- The Montreal Screwjob (1997)
Another unforgettable moment came during the 1997 Survivor Series event, where the infamous Montreal Screwjob occurred. This controversial event, in which Bret Hart lost the WWE Championship to Shawn Michaels under questionable circumstances, changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever.
- The Rock’s First Title Win (1998)
In a dramatic turn of events, The Rock won his first WWF Championship at the 1998 Survivor Series by defeating Mankind in the “Deadly Game” tournament. This marked the rise of one of history’s most charismatic and influential wrestlers.
- Team SmackDown vs. Team Raw (2016)
In 2016, the Survivor Series featured a high-profile Raw vs. SmackDown battle, where both brands competed in traditional elimination matches. The event was a huge success, bringing in top talent from both brands and setting the stage for intense rivalries that would play out in the months to come.
The Legacy of Survivor Series
Since its inception, the Survivor Series has become one of WWE’s premier events, celebrated by fans and wrestlers alike. It’s not just about the matches, though; Survivor Series has become a platform for storylines, character development, and long-term rivalries that keep fans returning year after year.
Impact on Wrestlers
Survivor Series allows many WWE superstars to make a significant impact. Some of the biggest stars in wrestling history, including Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena, have all competed in iconic Survivor Series matches. For others, the Survivor Series offers the chance to shine on a big stage, perhaps even launching them into superstardom.
Impact on WWE
For WWE, Survivor Series is a key part of its annual schedule, helping to drive the company’s business forward and keeping fans engaged. The event often serves as a build-up to WWE’s biggest event, WrestleMania, and provides a thrilling preview of the action that’s to come.
Survivor Series 2024: What to Expect
As we look ahead to the 2024 Survivor Series, fans are eager to see how WWE will continue to evolve this iconic event. Rumors about new match types, surprise entrants, and potentially explosive storyline developments are swirling.
Possible Highlights of Survivor Series 2024:
- Inter-Brand Rivalries: With WWE’s rosters split between Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, Survivor Series 2024 will likely feature exciting inter-brand matchups and rivalries.
- Debuts and Returns: Expect the possibility of surprise debuts or returning legends, just like The Undertaker’s shocking debut in 1990.
- Champion vs. Champion Battles: One of the event’s highlights is the champion vs. champion format, and in 2024, some of the top WWE superstars could face off in high-stakes battles.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, Survivor Series 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience brimming with action, drama, and excitement.
Why Survivor Series Remains So Popular
Survivor Series continues to captivate audiences because it offers something for everyone: high-octane matches, dramatic storylines, and the thrill of seeing your favorite superstars battle it out. It’s a true celebration of the art of professional wrestling, where teamwork, individual prowess, and personal rivalries collide spectacularly.
What Makes Survivor Series Special?
- The Tradition: Survivor Series remains one of the longest-running and most prestigious events in WWE history.
- The Surprises: Fans never quite know what to expect, as WWE often pulls off shocking twists and turns during the show.
- The Team Dynamics: The elimination matches allow for complex strategies and interactions between wrestlers, making for unpredictable and thrilling matchups.
Conclusion
WWE Survivor Series has come a long way since its debut in 1987, evolving into one of the most anticipated events in professional wrestling. The Survivor Series has carved out its place in wrestling history with its thrilling matches, shocking moments, and unforgettable rivalries.
Whether you’re tuning in for the elimination matches, the champion vs. champion showdowns, or to see your favorite superstars clash, the Survivor Series is an event that brings fans together to celebrate the exciting world of WWE.
As we look ahead to Survivor Series 2024 and beyond, the future is bright for this iconic event. Expect new rivalries, epic moments, and, as always, plenty of action that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. If you’re a wrestling fan, Survivor Series is an event you won’t want to miss!
