WWE Survivor Series, one of WWE’s “Big Four” pay-per-views, has delivered numerous unforgettable moments since its inception in 1987. This annual event is renowned for its traditional elimination tag team matches and significant storyline developments. Here, we rank the top WWE Survivor Series events that have left an indelible mark on wrestling history.
| Rank | Event Date | Location | Key Highlights |
|---|
| 1 | November 17, 2002 | Madison Square Garden, New York | – Debut of the Elimination Chamber match – Shawn Michaels won the World Heavyweight Championship – Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Match featuring the SmackDown Six |
| 2 | November 15, 1998 | Kiel Center, St. Louis, Missouri | – “Deadly Game” tournament to crown a new WWF Champion – The Rock’s heel turn and alignment with The Corporation |
| 3 | November 18, 2001 | Greensboro Coliseum, North Carolina | – Team WWF vs. The Alliance (WCW/ECW) in a high-stakes elimination match – Team WWF’s victory determining the future of WWE |
| 4 | November 23, 2014 | Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri | – Team Cena vs. Team Authority elimination match – Dolph Ziggler’s standout performance – Surprise debut of Sting |
| 5 | November 22, 1990 | Hartford Civic Center, Connecticut | – Debut of The Undertaker introduced by Ted DiBiase – Traditional elimination matches |
| 6 | November 27, 2005 | Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan | – Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown for brand supremacy – Team SmackDown’s victory with Randy Orton as the sole survivor – Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Ric Flair |
| 7 | November 20, 2016 | Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada | – Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar main event – Goldberg’s shocking victory in 86 seconds |
| 8 | November 17, 1996 | Madison Square Garden, New York | – Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin classic match – Debut of The Rock |
| 9 | November 24, 2019 | Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois | – Inclusion of NXT in brand warfare – Standout performances by Keith Lee and Rhea Ripley – NXT’s dominance in the event |
| 10 | November 26, 1987 | Richfield Coliseum, Ohio | – Inaugural Survivor Series event – Team Hogan vs. Team Andre main event – Andre the Giant’s team secured the win |
1. Survivor Series 2002: The Inaugural Elimination Chamber
Held on November 17, 2002, at Madison Square Garden, Survivor Series 2002 is often hailed as one of the best. The event featured the debut of the Elimination Chamber match, where Shawn Michaels captured the World Heavyweight Championship, marking a significant moment in his career.
Additionally, the Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship showcased the brilliance of the SmackDown Six, with Los Guerreros emerging victorious.
2. Survivor Series 1998: Deadly Game Tournament
On November 15, 1998, WWE introduced the “Deadly Game” tournament to crown a new WWF Champion.
The night was filled with unexpected twists, culminating in The Rock’s heel turn and alignment with The Corporation, solidifying his status as a top heel.
This event is remembered for its intricate storytelling and the crowning of a new champion.
3. Survivor Series 2001: Team WWF vs. The Alliance
The culmination of the Invasion storyline took place on November 18, 2001, featuring Team WWF against The Alliance (WCW/ECW). The high-stakes elimination match determined the future of WWE, with Team WWF emerging victorious.
The match was star-studded, featuring legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Kurt Angle, and delivered intense action and drama.
4. Survivor Series 2014: Team Cena vs. Team Authority
This event, held on November 23, 2014, is notable for the high-stakes elimination match where Team Cena faced Team Authority. The match featured a standout performance by Dolph Ziggler, who overcame significant odds to secure victory for his team.
The surprise debut of Sting added to the event’s significance, making it a memorable chapter in WWE history.
5. Survivor Series 1990: The Undertaker’s Debut
On November 22, 1990, the WWE Universe witnessed the debut of The Undertaker, introduced by Ted DiBiase as part of The Million Dollar Team.
This event marked the beginning of one of the most legendary careers in wrestling history. The traditional elimination matches on the card also delivered solid action, making it a standout event.
6. Survivor Series 2005: Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown
The November 27, 2005, event emphasized brand supremacy, featuring a classic elimination match between Team Raw and Team SmackDown. Team SmackDown, led by Batista, secured the win, with Randy Orton standing tall as the sole survivor.
The event also featured a Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Ric Flair, adding to its acclaim.
7. Survivor Series 2016: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar
Held on November 20, 2016, this event is remembered for the shocking main event where Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar in just 86 seconds.
The swift victory sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and set the stage for future encounters between the two powerhouses.
8. Survivor Series 1996: Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
On November 17, 1996, Madison Square Garden hosted a classic encounter between Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
This match is often regarded as one of the best in Survivor Series history, showcasing technical prowess and storytelling. The event also featured The Rock’s debut, adding to its historical significance.
9. Survivor Series 2019: NXT Joins the Battle
The November 24, 2019, event was unique as it included NXT in the traditional brand warfare, making it a three-way battle for supremacy. NXT’s involvement added fresh matchups and excitement, with standout performances from stars like Keith Lee and Rhea Ripley, leading to NXT’s dominance that night.
10. Survivor Series 1987: The Inaugural Event
The first-ever Survivor Series on November 26, 1987, set the tone for future events with its traditional elimination matches. The main event featured Team Hogan vs. Team Andre, with Andre the Giant’s team securing the win. This event laid the foundation for the Survivor Series legacy.
These events have each contributed uniquely to the rich history of WWE’s Survivor Series, offering fans unforgettable matches and moments that continue to be celebrated.