The Rock becoming the WWF ‘Corporate’ Champion, November 15th 1998
Two years prior the self-proclaimed “People’s Champion” made his debut in Madison Square Garden, within one year his gimmick had been changed and he was a member of the Nation of Domination. Throughout 1997 the Rock ascended within the Nation and looked to usurp Farooq as leader, the Rock had a charisma like no other, he quickly gained momentum, captured the IC Title and became leader. By the summer of 1998 the Rock was on the verge of becoming a breakout star, after losing the Intercontinental title to Triple H at Summerslam there was only one way to go. In the early autumn months Rock turned face and became an even bigger star, he feuded with Vince and his cohorts and vowed to become WWF Champion at the Survivor Series. Prior to the event the WWF title was vacated and a tournament was scheduled to take place, the PPV itself has become one of the most memorable in history. The event was built around Stone Cold & Vince, therefore the focus was taken off everyone else, slowly Rock made his way to the final to face corporate stooge Mankind. During the contest Vince and Shane arrived at ringside intent on making sure Mankind would emerge victorious, however that was not the true intention of their appearance. Rock in an act of desperation applied the Sharpshooter to Mankind, as the audience looked on in horror Vince called for the bell, moments later the Rock was declared champion. The rise of the Rock and subsequent heel turn was a masterstroke by Vince McMahon, the moment when Rock, Shane and Vince stood in the ring was a moment that will last forever.
The debut of The Shield, November 18th 2012
In the dark days of 2012 where the only highlights were CM Punk’s unbelievably long WWE title reign and the rise to prominence of Daniel Bryan, WWE needed an injection of energy, new blood was required. In the closing moments of a very tedious World Title match between Punk, Cena and Ryback, three of NXT’s hottest prospects appeared at ringside, dressed in all black they looked beyond menacing. The trio hit the ring and pounced on Ryback, the mobbed the bold behemoth and the audience were whipped up into a frenzy. After such a physical match Ryback was spent, they dragged him to the outside where they continued their onslaught, they readied the announce table in preparation for the next move. As the PPV descended into chaos, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose hoisted Ryabck onto the shoulders of Roman Reigns as he let out a battle cry, the three then drove their prey through the announce table. As the mayhem took place at ringside Punk covered Cena to retain the title for the 365th day, it was truly one of the most shocking and exciting moments in WWE history. Knowing what the Shield would go on to do collectively, and as singles stars the 2012 Survivor Series is a defining moment in their careers.
The Rise of Randy Orton, ‘The Survivor’ 2003, 2004, 2005
Randy Orton is a third generation superstar, the business is in his blood, and therefore it was no surprise when he quickly made his way up the WWE ladder. In 2002 he learnt the ropes, in 2003 he struck out on his own and later joined Evolution, it was however at the Survivor Series PPV’s that Orton built the foundation of his career. In 2003 he joined team Bischoff and was the sole survivor against team Austin, his victory sealed the fate on Steve Austin’s career as Raw GM. The win granted him an opportunity at the once prestigious Intercontinental title, which when it fell into Orton’s hands he treated like a new born baby. The following year now as a face he partnered up Benoit and Jericho to take on the heel team captained by Triple H, again Orton was victorious once more, against the odds he emerged the winner. By 2005 Randy Orton was on top of his game, he embodied so much and many fans wanted to see him succeed within the company. His Wrestlemania 21 match earlier in the year raised his profile, he then went on to have a prolonged feud with the Undertaker. By Survivor Series that year he was the star of Smackdown, he was without doubt the brands premier performer, and his performance at the PPV was incredible. Randy may never reach the potential he should have, but his performances early on and at the Survivor Series cemented his legacy,
The Montreal Screwjob, November 9th 1997
This subject also appeared on my worst list, but it belongs because of what it spawned. The Montreal Screwjob was one of the biggest deceptions a promoter may have ever committed, however it could be seen as the incident that turned the tide in the WWF vs WCW war. Leaving Bret Hart out of this the screwjob gave birth to one of the greatest characters in wrestling history, Mr McMahon, and it was that larger than life character who alongside Stone Cold spearheaded the fight with WCW. From the moment Bret spat on Vince at ringside the battle lines were engraved, the WWF owner then took it upon himself to preserve his own and the company’s pride. He stated that “Bret screwed Bret” and subsequently went on to rubbish the hart name for the next decade. The Mr McMahon character really came into his own in the new year of 1998 as it fuelled the rivalry with Stone Cold and soon to be Wrestlemania 14 enforcer Mike Tyson. The situation by McMahon on 9th November made the WWF an unpredictable company, what else would Vince be willing to do to win ratings and defeat WCW. It is still one of the most talked about topics and will forever be remembered the moment it was and the lives it affected.
Sting’s Debut, November 23rd 2014
WCW’s Icon finally arrived, the long overdue debut of one of the greatest of all time was met with adulation from the fans in attendance that night, to see Sting inside a WWE ring was truly a breath-taking moment. It had been hinted at for weeks that WCW’s greatest attraction would eventually come to McMahonland, from WCW to TNA Sting had been there and done it. The WWE was the only place left for him to go, always the defiant, anti-authority character, Sting stuck true to his morals by gate crashing the Authorities party at the Survivor Series PPV. When it seemed all was lost the arena went dark, there was a silence as Sting’s face appeared on the titantron then the call of the crow, and the audience went wild as the mysterious figure appeared in the aisle. As the haunting music played, Sting solemnly walked to the squared circle with his baseball bet gripped in hand. He stepped in the ring, Triple H confronted the Stinger, Hunter asked what he was doing there, Sting took in the moment, Triple H went to strike him, and it was blocked as a kick was delivered to the gut of the game. He held Triple H for what seemed like an eternity, then dropped him with the Scorpion Death Drop, Sting then placed Ziggler over Rollins to banish the Authority. It was quite the debut, made even more magical by the audience.
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