Survivor Series has become a key annual event for WWE since its inception in 1987, firmly establishing itself as one of the company’s “Big Four” pay-per-views. Over the years, fans have witnessed legendary bouts like Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart and Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan, as well as numerous exciting traditional elimination tag team matches. However, not all matches received widespread attention.
Throughout its extensive history, there have been several underrated matches at Survivor Series that deserve a second look. These hidden gems may have been overlooked or forgotten by fans but hold significant entertainment value.
One notable match was The Shield vs. The New Day at Survivor Series 2017. It was their only encounter and considered a dream match by many fans, featuring a highly competitive six-man tag team battle where The Shield emerged victorious. This match happened during the brand supremacy era and showcased two iconic teams in WWE, yet it surprisingly flew under the radar.
In Survivor Series 2007, Randy Orton defended the WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels in a match where Michaels’ finishing move, Sweet Chin Music, was banned. Their rare face-off showcased strong chemistry and compelling storytelling, making it a highly enjoyable contest despite being overshadowed by another marquee match.
Another exciting bout occurred at Survivor Series 2022, featuring Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, and Austin Theory in a thrilling triple threat match for the United States Championship. The match was intense and well-executed, with Austin Theory shockingly walking away with the title, though it was somewhat overshadowed by the WarGames match on the card.
Survivor Series 2009 highlighted Team Miz vs. Team Morrison in a traditional elimination tag match that emphasized rising mid-card talents such as Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and The Miz. This energetic contest had great wrestling and pace but didn’t receive the spotlight it deserved at the time.
In 2019, Adam Cole defended the NXT Championship against Pete Dunne at Survivor Series, a match that carried the spirit of an NXT TakeOver event on the main roster stage. Both competitors delivered an excellent in-ring performance fueled by a heated rivalry, with Cole successfully retaining his title.
The 2002 Survivor Series saw Trish Stratus and Victoria clash in a rare hardcore match for the WWE Women’s Championship. This intense bout stood out during an era when women’s wrestling was often underappreciated and ended with Victoria becoming the new champion after a brutal finish.
Team Shield vs. Team Rhodes at Survivor Series 2013 was a traditional elimination match featuring a fiery Roman Reigns who eliminated four members of the opposing team. This match was a major highlight during a period when such matches were losing their appeal.
At Survivor Series 2011, CM Punk faced Alberto Del Rio for the WWE Championship in a match that marked the start of Punk’s memorable title reign. Despite being overshadowed by The Rock’s return, the bout had great wrestling chemistry and thrilled the Madison Square Garden crowd.
Fan Take: These overlooked matches highlight the depth and unpredictability of Survivor Series, reinforcing its importance beyond the headline bouts. For WWE fans, revisiting these contests offers a richer appreciation of the talent and storytelling that shape the sport’s evolving history.
