Survivor Series doesn't matter anymore.

For WWE fans the month of November means Survivor Series. The annual Thanksgiving-week PPV has long been a staple on the WWF/E calendar and has held onto the honorary title of “Big Four” show, where you’re supposed to be guaranteed big things will happen.

Is that still the case, though? Is Survivor Series still a “big” four show?

The event began as “the other PPV.” In 1985, the WWF launched a gamble of a show called WrestleMania that quickly proved itself a winning move. They followed it up in November with “The Wrestling Classic,” a one-off event whose sole purpose was to see if they could replicate the PPV success of WrestleMania. They did—mostly—and quickly put plans in motion for WrestleMania 2 the following spring.

Even though Mania 2 was a financial loser for the WWF, the failure was more in the overly ambitious decision to host the show in three separate cities. From a PPV buyrate standpoint the event was nothing short of a smash hit. It would be a year before the company returned to PPV but when they did they blew away everything before it: WrestleMania III is rightly called the pinnacle of the 1980’s Pro Wrestling boom and the show that really earned the future-moniker “the showcase of the immortals.”

With WrestleMania now firmly entrenched as an annual event, Vince—ever the capitalist—moved to expand his empire. For a target he decided to return to the month of November and horned in on the NWA’s territory to boot: For five years, the National Wrestling Alliance hosted their annual supershow, Starrcade, on Thanksgiving day. Vince decided to run his newest PPV—The Survivor Series—on the same day, forcing buyers to choose.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

They chose the WWF and the quasi-rematch (albeit in tag-form) between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. After that, the NWA moved Starcade to December and the WWF eventually settled into hosting Survivor Series on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

For years the show was the most important event of the fall. The Royal Rumble would take a few years to become anymore more than an exhibition show and King of the Ring didn’t come around until 1994; for a time the company’s storylines were built around WrestleMania, SummerSlam (which debuted the summer after the first Survivor Series) and Survivor Series. WrestleMania was the big tuna where everything converged. SummerSlam was the show where the post-Mania storylines started to peak and Survivor Series was where the big twist would happen, setting the stage for the climax at the next WrestleMania.

Over time, however, as the company added more and more monthly shows, Survivor Series’ importance diminished. The Royal Rumble became the defacto #3 (arguably #2) show and King of the Ring ended up upstaging the event in terms of fan interest in the gimmick; fans liked the tournament aspect of KOTR more than the elimination tag theme of Survivor Series.

Arguably the last time a Survivor Series was seen by both fans and the company as an important show was 1998, when the company ran a one-night tournament for the WWF Championship, the conclusion of which had major storyline implications leading up to the next WrestleMania. Since then there have been a few memorable moments (Austin getting run over in 1999, the first Elimination Chamber match in 2002) but very little that couldn’t have been done just as easily on a random October or December PPV.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Survivor Series 2001 ended with a big WWF vs WCW elimination tag match. That’s a perfect use of the Survivor Series format, but it was basically already done in July at the InVasion PPV. In the post-Attitude Era, the show was almost always main-evented by whatever big title match the company could scrape together, and it was almost always a match that had been seen already, oftentimes very recently. 2009 featured a “big” Cena vs HBK vs Triple H match, which was nothing more than throwing three guys who’d been wrestling with or against each other for the past four years into yet another match.

Sure, 2011 had Cena teaming up with the Rock; that was a legit big moment and it was saved for Survivor Series, but it was also done with the full understanding that it was just a placeholder until the real match at WrestleMania took place. In fact, the show only barely received an uptick in buys compared to the very pedestrian 2010 show (main-evented by Randy Orton vs an already neutered Wade Barrett). 2011 was probably the last time the company really tried to do something special with the event.

And now that the brand-split is back on and the company is putting more emphasis than ever on pushing both brands as equals, Survivor Series has become the defacto “Raw vs SmackDown” show. While that makes for some easy marketing it has one major drawback: The show no longer matters.

It had been trending that way for a while, with 2013’s Randy Orton vs Big Show main-event being seen as the death of the show as a “big” PPV, but now that it’s basically a one-night fantasy booking special, the show has no stakes. There’s no reason to get invested in the show because it’s built around a pretend rivalry between two halves of the same company. This isn’t even the Superbowl (which began as a legit cross-promotion contest); this is an exhibition night.

There are no consequences because on Monday after the PPV, it’ll be back to normal and the losing teams will go back to their own inter-show feuds, and the winning teams will go back to their inter-show feuds. The whole PPV is basically non-canon. So who cares?

Maybe it’s time to retire the show, or maybe just reduce its importance to just a Thanksgiving-day mini-show, where the two brands have a few tag matches and other inter-brand fights against each other that don’t matter beyond just seeing different people mix it up for one night only.

In its place, the big November show should be given, ironically, to Starrcade.

WWE is bringing the brand back this year with a house-show special event. It will be untelevised and unaired on the WWE Network. Other than some viral marketing and local promotion around the Greensboro, North Carolina area, it’s basically a ghost of an event.

But imagine if WWE took their Night of Champions PPV idea, combined it with Starrcade and ran it on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. You’d have a PPV with actual stakes again, as every title (from both brands) could be defended. You could even use the opportunity to mix up the rosters if you wanted and have a SmackDown title be defended against a Raw superstar, leading to a title and a brand change. The potential is there to do more with the November show than what WWE is currently doing.

Will they actually bring Starrcade back to the forefront? No: If they won’t do it this year—on the thirtieth anniversary of Survivor Series’ victory over it—they’ll never do it. At the same time, if they won’t make Survivor Series something special (beyond a lazy “Raw vs Smackdown” theme) this year—on the thirtieth anniversary of its beginning—they never will.

Maybe they have something up their sleeve. Maybe they plan to make this year’s edition one for the ages. I hope so. I’d welcome it.

Because right now the show just doesn’t matter.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

5 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

KeeperofUnicorns

3 years ago

I think are just to many wrestlers, to many bosses, and to many side personalities. The sheer numbers and constant switch-ups make it more difficult for the fans to stay connected. I have no idea how the new watchers manage to keep up. I’ve been a fan for years and still forget which “side” the Miz is on – at least for now.

itsjustme

Combining the Night of Champions PPV with Starrcade sounds like a brilliant idea, but unfortunately, you’re probably right. If they’re not going to up the ante now, it’s unlikely that it’s going to happen at some point in the future. I’m still going to enjoy watching it though, real stakes or not.

Colton Hunter

Last year’s show did an excellent job feeling “big”. It featured arguably the biggest twist of the last decade in Goldberg’s squash of Brock Lesnar, and began a feud between them that would stretch nearly five months and culminate in a world title match at WrestleMania. Even the men’s elimination match furthered the Wyatt/Orton story, Braun Strowman’s rise, and the shield reunion

PoisonIvy

Reply to Colton Hunter

I tend to agree with you on this point. I’m not seeing where it has all been this huge “let down”. I thought last years show was worthy of the “hype” and your assessment of it being “the biggest twist of the last decade” is, in my humble opinion, spot on.

2 years ago

I think what makes it tough is that you can only up the ante so far. I’m not happy with Vince, but fans do always want bigger and better each event, each year.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Survivor Series doesn’t matter anymore.

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you