Survivor Series stands as one of WWE’s premier annual events, known for its rich history and prestigious status. Regardless of whether Vince McMahon or Triple H is in charge creatively, the show consistently features classic elimination matches and intense warfare-style battles. Over the years, it has also showcased memorable debuts from legendary wrestlers like The Undertaker, Sting, and the surprise arrival of The Shield, thrilling fans worldwide. However, not every edition has been flawless, with some matches falling short and being remembered as major disappointments.
The 2008 women’s Raw vs. SmackDown match is often cited as one of the poorest, mainly due to rushed pacing that left little room for storytelling. Despite multiple eliminations, the match felt meaningless because each wrestler barely had time to engage meaningfully. Similarly, Survivor Series 2021’s celebration of The Rock’s 25th anniversary was overshadowed by a bizarre golden egg storyline and a lackluster battle royale, which left fans feeling more embarrassed than entertained.
Another lackluster bout was the Triple H vs. Vladimir Kozlov vs. Edge match in 2008, where slow pacing made the WWE Championship bout tedious until Edge replaced Jeff Hardy, slightly improving the action. The 1999 handicap match pitting Big Show against Big Bossman, Mideon, Prince Albert, and Viscera also became a chaotic mismatch, with Big Show dominating effortlessly, making it a one-sided contest lacking competitiveness.
In 2017, a high-profile Raw vs. SmackDown match featuring stars like Triple H, Shane McMahon, and Kurt Angle devolved into a Triple H-centric spectacle rather than a memorable contest. The Undertaker vs. Kamala casket match in 1992, although part of The Undertaker’s classic run, was rushed and lacked the necessary tension, making it underwhelming.
The 2013 Total Divas vs. True Divas match, despite an easy-to-invest-in storyline, failed due to poor execution and inclusion of inexperienced wrestlers like JoJo Offerman and Eva Marie, resulting in an awkward and forgettable contest. The 1994 Royal Family vs. Clowns R’ Us match stands out as a chaotic mismatch with little wrestling skill displayed, especially as Doink and Jerry Lawler were quickly eliminated.
A notorious moment came in 2005 when non-wrestlers Eric Bischoff and Teddy Long clashed in a brief five-minute match that lacked in-ring competence, leaving fans cringing. Finally, the 2007 match between Hornswoggle and The Great Khali, while intriguing on paper due to their size difference, proved dull, ending in a disqualification after Finlay interfered.
Fan Take: These moments serve as critical reminders for WWE fans that even the most celebrated events can have their stumbles, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful match construction and storytelling. For the sport, acknowledging past missteps helps WWE refine future shows to better honor wrestling’s rich legacy and engage its passionate audience.
