Survivor Series is one of WWE’s oldest events, and over the decades it has produced debuts, title changes and one of the most controversial endings in wrestling. This list covers the moments that appear again and again in fan and media rankings, in rough chronological order.
- The Undertaker debuts (1990). Ted DiBiase introduced The Undertaker, managed by Brother Love, as his mystery partner in Hartford, Connecticut. He eliminated Koko B. Ware and Dusty Rhodes before being counted out, a debut that began a career spanning more than three decades.
- The Undertaker beats Hulk Hogan (1991). One year after his debut, he won the WWE Championship from Hogan, aided by a chair slid in by Ric Flair, who was interfering.
- The Montreal Screwjob (1997). In the Bret Hart versus Shawn Michaels title match, Vince McMahon called for the bell as Hart was in the Sharpshooter, even though Hart had not submitted. It is widely seen as the most shocking and controversial moment in the event’s history.
- The Rock becomes the Corporate Champion (1998). A tournament crowned a new WWF Champion, and The Rock beat Mankind in the final, with the McMahon family turning on Foley in a recreation of the previous year’s Screwjob.
- Debuts of The Rock, Kurt Angle and The Shield. The Rock debuted as Rocky Maivia in 1996, Kurt Angle in 1999 and The Shield in 2012, all at Survivor Series.
- Vince McMahon beats The Undertaker (2003). McMahon won a Buried Alive match with help from Kane, while Goldberg retained his World Title over Triple H on the same card.
- Goldberg destroys Brock Lesnar (2016). Goldberg returned after 12 years away and beat Lesnar in 1 minute and 26 seconds, a result that stunned the crowd.
- WarGames at Survivor Series (2025). Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar beat CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Usos and Roman Reigns, as noted in our look at Reigns versus Breakker.
Rankings differ by outlet, and “greatest” is subjective. For another event with famous betrayals, read our list of the most shocking heel turns in WWE history.
Sources: Cultaholic, Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, The Comeback, Sportskeeda.