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As traditional and time-tested as Wrestlemania itself, Survivor Series has become a staple in yearly WWE viewing and, as it so happens, marks it's 30th birthday this year.
The PPV has treated us to some legendary title clashes. Let's have a look at five memorable clashes from the PPV.
#5 Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels - WWE Championship (1997)
Let's get the big one out of the way early. If you're a wrestling fan, unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know of the most infamous night in professional wrestling history. Bret Hart made no secret of his move to rival brand WCW and, with Vince McMahon of the belief that Hart was refusing to drop the belt to Shawn Michaels, left himself wide open for attack.
In the end, Vince and Shawn (along with the referee) concocted a plan to relieve 'The Hitman' of his gold without his knowledge. Hart understandably exploded and the rest, as they say, is history.
Despite being overshadowed by the drama, this was still a fine performance from both men and is well worth appreciating for the technical mastery at work.
#4 The Rock vs Mankind - WWE Championship (1998)
Fast forward 12 months from Montreal and the landscape of the company had evolved. With the corporate storyline in full swing, a tournament to crown a new WWE champion ultimately boiled down to The Rock vs Mankind.
Both men took a beating, with a particularly nasty landing through the announce table for Mrs Foley's Baby Boy (Mankind). The shocker came when McMahon would have history repeat itself.
The Rock locked in Bret Hart's sharpshooter - a move rarely seen since Hart's leaving the company - and McMahon called for the bell. The Rock was crowned 'Corporate' champion leaving many with a foul taste in their mouths.
Whether or not you are of the belief this move was in poor taste, the match was thoroughly enjoyable to watch just like the countless other encounters these two shared.
#3 Shawn Michaels vs John Cena vs Triple H - WWE Championship (2009)
John Cena was riding high in 2009, having been the dominant face in the company for several years by this point.
In contrast, we also got a hit of nostalgia to see the reunion of D-Generation X to serve as his opponents, although by this point Michaels and Triple H had pretty much ran the gimmick dry.
Which was why it was good to see the pair unafraid to turn on each other. In an entertaining combination of anti-climaxes, Cena finally hit the F-U (AA) on HBK, crushing an already-out Triple H in the process.
These guys all know how to put on a show. Putting them together again was great matchmaking.
#2 Batista Vs Undertaker - World Heavyweight Championship (2007)
In 2007, The Undertaker was experiencing a career resurgence of sorts. Having won arguably the greatest Royal Rumble in history and gone on the win the World Heavyweight Title at Wrestlemania 23, he was on top of the world again, enjoying a string of quality matches.
One such match took place at Survivor Series 2007 where The Deadman was looking to regain the title that was taken from him so unceremoniously. Batista brought the action in spades, too. But, after a gruelling encounter, it was an interference from Edge that would put the last nail in The Undertaker's coffin.
Hardly the finest match-up between these two, but it does serve as one of the last fine examples of the Hell in a Cell stipulation adding a genuine sense of dread to a match.
#5 Elimination Chamber Match - World Heavyweight Championship (2002)
In 2002, the WWE was looking to bring fresh new ideas to the forefront of their progression into the new millennium. This came in the form of the Elimination Chamber: a gargantuan structure the likes of which had never been seen before in the history of professional wrestling, let alone the WWE.
Sealed inside the monstrosity would be Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, Kane, Booker T, Triple H and, the man who would walk away with the gold, Shawn Michaels.
Not the best iteration of the now-popular stipulation we've seen, but for the spectacle, if nothing else, this match marks a major event in the company's history. Outstanding physical storytelling on a massive, metallic scale. You've got to love it.
