WWE has been hosting Survivor Series annually since 1987, featuring hundreds of matches with some of wrestling’s greatest stars. While not every bout has been a standout, several have become timeless classics. TheSportster uses a detailed rating system to evaluate the best Survivor Series matches, also considering ratings from Dave Meltzer and Cagematch.net.
One notable match was Batista vs. The Undertaker at Survivor Series 2007, rated 8.5/10 by TheSportster. It was a brutal, tactical contest for the World Heavyweight Championship, marked by intense action and interference from Edge disguised as a cameraman, ultimately costing The Undertaker the match.
In 2003, Team Bischoff faced Team Austin in a star-studded encounter rated 8.75/10. Featuring top talents like Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton, and Chris Jericho, this match was a storytelling masterpiece, highlighted by Michaels’ valiant but unsuccessful struggle against overwhelming odds.
The 2016 showdown of Team RAW versus Team SmackDown earned a 9/10 rating, showcasing brand supremacy with a superstar-packed roster including AJ Styles and Roman Reigns. This match had compelling narratives throughout, including a mini-reunion of The Shield and a heated rivalry between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt, ending with Wyatt and Orton as the survivors.
The 2001 battle between Team WWE and Team Alliance, also rated 9/10, featured legends like The Rock, Steve Austin, and The Undertaker in a high-stakes elimination tag match. The match was wild and energetic, culminating in Team WWE’s victory thanks to The Rock’s efforts.
In 2017, Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles clashed in a dream match rated 9/10, with Styles showcasing his agility and resilience against the dominant Lesnar. Despite Lesnar’s victory, Styles’ performance was highly praised, making it a memorable contest.
Survivor Series 2002 hosted the first Elimination Chamber match with six competitors, gaining a 9/10 rating. Shawn Michaels captured his first world title in years by defeating former ally Triple H. The blend of different wrestling styles created an intense and emotionally charged match.
The 2018 bout between Brock Lesnar and Daniel Bryan, rated 9.25/10, was a classic David vs. Goliath story. Bryan delivered an aggressive, cunning performance but ultimately succumbed to Lesnar’s power in a thrilling and tactical fight.
Finally, the 1996 match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin rated a near-perfect 9.75/10, is often overshadowed by their WrestleMania clashes. This bout highlighted masterful pacing and storytelling but lacked the crowd energy it deserved, making it a wrestling gem with minor imperfections.
Fan Take: For WWE fans, these classic Survivor Series matches represent the pinnacle of storytelling, athleticism, and drama that keeps the sport compelling year after year. Revisiting these bouts reminds us why WWE’s legacy is built on unforgettable moments that inspire both wrestlers and fans alike, ensuring the continual evolution of professional wrestling.
