The following are my reflections of what I believe, and remember fondly about the WWE Survivor Series.
My favorite Survivor Series or a lasting moment makes me really think. There were (and are) so many moments and memories from each Survivor Series, and many have moved and struck me in a personal way.
My favorite Survivor Series was in 1993 and 1996, but for two different reasons. The Boston Garden’s hosted 1993 Survivor Series, and I was biased because I’m from Massachusetts; long before the parquet became the FleetCenter or even the Banknorth Garden.
I loved the 1993 Survivor Series because it was my very first one that I’d ever seen, and it was a pay per view. So, it had that “extra oomph” to really create a special show, and everything on this show meant something significant. A little intrigue as to how one of the matches got changed. It was supposed to be Jerry Lawler and his Three Knights (and whom I still to this day are uncertain as to who they are)- and the match eventually became Shawn Michaels replacing Lawler to fight The Harts. Booking wise, I remember how the “pre-eliminations” occurred before the event, and it truly became a battle of attrition. It was Tatanka on the All Americans, but was injured by Yokozuna in a match versus Ludvig Borga. Thus Tatanka’s undefeated streak came to an end. Luger, a good guy at that time struck back and replaced Tatanka with the Undertaker.
Foriegn Fanatics ended up replacing Pierre of the Quebeckers and put him with Crush. Oddly enough, Crush was supposed to be in the opening contest versus Macho Man Randy Savage at a later date, for a one-on-one encounter. But, a back injury to Mr. Perfect who was originally on Razor Ramon’s team caused another booking change, and re-shuffling of teams.
1993 also brought the WWF Raw, but it was known as Survivor Series Showdown, bouts that were to hype and lead up to the actual pay per view. On the Showdown, Doink defeated Bastion Booger, and with Reo’s Round-up (who was Bruce Pritchard and Shawn Michaels) poking fun at a comically looking Hart family. Then Yokozuna defeated Owen Hart in the main event. But Survivor Series landed the four Doinks in 1993, and I thought was well done, and a big laugh (especially as a young man, and this match was geared towards kids).
The 1996 Survivor Series was a favorite because Bret Hart, after all the hype and promotions came back and wrestled “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Sid finally won the then-WWF title and defeated Shawn Michaels, who at this time- was over-running his course as a “Vanilla Boyhood Dream” baby-face. The crowd (myself included) applauded his in-ring efforts, but hated his gimmick and because he was “winning” all the time; and without any real competition until this night.
My favorite match and memories I fondly remember (and miss) is the elimination tag team matches. The older Survivor Series’ were the best ones because you’d see these great groupings of talent and all had to strategically wrestle in order to win and survive. It was when tag teams meant something, and with original teams who dressed alike (as opposed to two singles wrestler’s teaming up together). My favorite match was the Bret Hart-HBK in 1997 Montreal. This was before I knew that it would become so infamous. I loved Bret, and was surprised how two bad guy “heels” were in the same match, much less the main event and fighting for the WWF Title.
Lastly, for this year, I do feel that WWE and Creative will give a predictable ending and create a new champion as we all have suspected. Roman Reigns will win it all, and predictably without much fanfare or added drama as we are all hoping. Reigns will also defeat his on/off again tag team partner in The Shield, Dean Ambrose. Realistically though, and who should be pushed is Kevin Owens. Scuttlebutt is KO isn’t over enough, and is lacking certain intangibles. What better way to officially launch Owens, than by giving him the bigger platform? Hell, WWE already screwed up with Cesaro losing, and is stuck in a proverbial glass ceiling. Owens will have a sadly missed opportunity, as he is the best heel on the depleted roster right now. Owens is credible enough as a heel to win both belts. He can talk a good promo, has a good finisher and has a connection with the audience as a snarky heel. All of this would be an interesting dynamic (if he were to hold both belts), and finally be propelled into a consistent Main Event Status.
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