4 shocking Survivor Series moments that no WWE fan saw coming
WWE created Survivor Series 37 years ago, and it has become one of the biggest shows of the year. With the addition of WarGames matches in recent years, the company's second-oldest premium live event has grown into a must-see spectacle for wrestling fans worldwide.
The countdown to this year's Survivor Series: WarGames is almost over. The WWE Universe is preparing for the explosion of the Bloodline Civil War and the other huge matches on the card. There have been many surprises from the past 37 years of Survivor Series events. This year will probably provide more of the same.
This is our list of four shocking Survivor Series moments that no one saw coming:
#4. 1999 Survivor Series: Stone Cold Steve Austin hit by a car backstage
Stone Cold Steve Austin was the driving force behind the success of the Attitude Era. During this time, he also dealt with many nagging injuries. He was originally set to be in the main event at the 1999 Survivor Series, but a neck injury forced him to be replaced by the Big Show.
As the show went on, there was a segment backstage where Triple H interrupted Austin's interview. Steve then went after Hunter, and in the middle of the chaos, a black car barreled through the fence, nailing Stone Cold. This was done to write The Texas Rattlesnake off of TV, and it was later revealed that Rikishi was the man behind the wheel, stating he "did it for The Rock."
#3. Less than 2-minute main event: Goldberg squashes Brock Lesnar at the 2016 Survivor Series
While Goldberg was promoting WWE 2K17 in 2016, he started going back and forth with Brock Lesnar in social media jabs. This online spat culminated when the two mega-stars faced off at Survivor Serie later in the years.
After months of hype and excitement, it was finally time for the 2016 WWE Survivor Series. Brock made his entrance first, accompanied by Paul Heyman. Then Goldberg made his way to the ring, flanked backstage by security as usual.
When the bell rang, The Beast Incarnate rushed Goldberg, but it didn't phase the returning star. Da Man planted Lesnar with two spears, followed by a jackhammer for the win. More time was spent on their entrances than in the actual match.
#2. The Shield debuts to help CM Punk win at 2012 Survivor Series
Wrestling fans have focused on The Bloodline saga for the past few years. The Rock has led the charge for one of the most successful angles in history. That said, this story would have never begun with the massive success of The Shield.
As the 2012 Survivor Series approached, fans were excited about the main event, a Triple-Threat bout for the WWE Championship. CM Punk was the reigning champ, defending against Ryback and John Cena.
About 15 minutes into the match, three men dressed in black, revealed as The Shield, wandered through the crowd and over the barricade. Unexpectedly, the trio sent Ryback through the announcer's table with a powerbomb, which allowed Punk to pin Cena for the win.
#1. The Rock sells out for WWE Championship gold at the 1998 Survivor Series
The 1998 Survivor Series was a crazy year for WWE. Vince McMahon was the company's evil puppeteer and arguably the most hated man in the business. Just a year earlier, it was one of the most controversial moments in the company's history, and it is infamously known as the Montreal Screwjob.
Vince had plans heading into the 1998 Survivor Series Premium Live Event. His plans included creating a moment that would replicate the Montreal Screwjob, and he succeeded in doing so. The Rock made it to the finals of the Deadly Game tournament, facing Mankind for the WWF Championship.
As The Rock locked Mankind into a sharpshooter, Vince called for the bell despite Mankind not tapping. The Great One aligned with McMahon and company, shocking fans worldwide with an unexpected heel turn.