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Survivor Series is one of the most iconic pay-per-views in WWE history. Not just because it is one of the big four, but because of the significance associated with the event.
A former Thanksgiving tradition, if there was any in wrestling, the annual show has evolved into something larger than life. The same thing can be said about the industry, to an extent.
The traditional 10-man elimination match is in itself something to behold. A unique creation that has left many a memory on fans throughout history. There have even been several big-name debuts at the event.
When it comes to moments, there have been a lot that have gone on to define the eras that they took place in. On this list, let's take a look at five such moments that left a mark on fans around the world.
If there is a moment that didn't make it onto this list, and you think it should have, please let us know in the comments section below!
#5. Owen Hart convinces Helen to throw in the towel - Survivor Series 1994
Owen Hart was a genius. An absolute mad man, but a genius nonetheless. His work inside the ring was pure art. Outside the ring is where the King of Harts' exploits would go down as wrestling folklore.
At Survivor Series 1994, Bret Hart would defend his then-WWF Championship against Bob Backlund. Owen pulled off a trick for the ages as he convinced The Hitman's mother, Helen, to throw in the towel as Backlund locked in the Crossface Chickenwing.
This wouldn't be the only controversial moment in a Survivor Series event that Bret Hart would be involved in (more on that later), but it would be one of the defining moments of their rivalry in the 90s. A rivalry that in and of itself went on to inspire a lot of the talent we see today.
#4. The rookie year that changed wrestling forever - Survivor Series 1990 to 1991
The Undertaker is a name that will be synonymous with WWE, and maybe even Survivor Series, forever. The Phenom made his debut at the 1990 pay-per-view when it was revealed that he would be Ted DiBiase's mystery partner on the Million Dollar Team.
A year later, Taker won his maiden WWE (then-WWF) Championship from Hulk Hogan. A major driving force behind the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression Eras, his character-work will be spoken about for a long time.
He even retired 30 years later at the 2020 pay-per-view. A legend in the wrestling business who shaped the way kayfabe will be known for years to come.
#3. The most electrifying Survivor Series events in history - 1996, 1998 and 2011
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is, in every sense of the word, a trailblazer. He paved the way for many a superstar to find their footing outside of the wrestling business and even pioneered a few generation-defining moments at Survivor Series.
Debuting at the 1996 event as Rocky Maivia, he would go on to win his first WWE Championship at Survivor Series 1998. It would turn out to be an infamous double turn, where he aligned with the McMahons to become the 'Corporate Champion', at the expense of Mankind.
Mick Foley's face-run throughout the Attitude Era and eventual Connection with The Rock went on to produce some of the most iconic moments in history.
In 2011, The Brahma Bull would shake up the industry again when he chose to betray John Cena at Survivor Series. He teamed up with Cena to face R-Truth and The Miz. The Great One would pin the A-Lister to pick up the victory for his team. But he would then deliver a Rock Bottom to John Cena after the match, setting up their dream bout for WrestleMania the following year.
In many ways, The Rock was the first of many part-time former champions to return for a marquee match at WrestleMania — a trend we see continues to this day.
#2 NXT TakeOver: Survivor Series 2019
Survivor Series 2019 was an NXT event. The match card had Brock Lesnar, Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and various other top stars featured. But it was NXT that stole the show.
Triple H and his band of up-and-coming talent pulled off the invasion angle brilliantly. They ended up overshadowing everything else going into the pay-per-view.
The booking and style of matches both on the show and in the lead-up to it really did cement NXT's place as arguably the best WWE brand of the decade. Stars like Adam Cole, Keith Lee, Tommaso Ciampa, and Rhea Ripley got their due and are household names in the business to this day.
#1. The Montreal Screwjob - Survivor Series 1997
There may be no bigger heel in wrestling than Mr. McMahon. He's simply better than the rest, and they know it. All the moments that went on to define his company's dominance over professional wrestling can almost be traced back to the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997.
There may be a perennial argument as to who exactly was at fault on that fateful night in Canada. But everything that came out of that moment has gone on to shape the industry for generations to come.
If Bret Hart wasn't betrayed on that night, Vince McMahon may never have gone on to be the antagonist to the Stone Cold Steve Austin saga. We may never have gotten the redemption of The Rock from Corporate Champion to the People's Champion. It could even be argued that the Attitude Era was born on that night.
With Survivor Series coming up this weekend, it remains to be seen how WWE chooses to carry forward the legacy of this legendary pay-per-view. With the matches that have been announced so far, at least the audience can rest assured that the superstars themselves will put on a show they are proud of.
