A Deep Dive into WWE's Inaugural Survivor Series 1987

Alright, folks, let me take you on a wild ride down memory lane to the year 1987 when the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) was still known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). It was a time when spandex and mullets reigned supreme, and the world of professional wrestling was about to be turned upside down.

We're talking about the inaugural Survivor Series event, a pay-per-view extravaganza that would go on to become one of the most iconic and anticipated events in the WWE calendar. Ah, those were the days when we had to shell out some serious cash to watch our favorite wrestlers duke it out on the small screen.

The significance of Survivor Series as WWE's inaugural pay-per-view event

Now, let me tell you, the Survivor Series was a game-changer for the WWF. It was their first foray into the world of pay-per-view, and they pulled out all the stops to make it a spectacle that would leave fans begging for more.

Imagine this: a time before streaming services and on-demand content, when you had to make a conscious decision to part with your hard-earned cash to witness the action unfold live. It was a bold move by the WWF, but one that paid off in spades.

Overview of the matches and storylines at Survivor Series 1987

Ah, the matches and storylines at Survivor Series 1987 were like a well-choreographed dance, with each move leading to the next in a crescendo of drama and excitement.

1. The Survivor Series Match: This was the main event, a tag team elimination match featuring some of the biggest names in the business. We had the likes of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, and more, all vying for supremacy.

2. The Strike Force vs. The Hart Foundation: This match saw the Strike Force (Tito Santana and Rick Martel) take on the legendary Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) in a battle for tag team supremacy.

3. The Glamour Girls vs. The Jumping Bomb Angels: In a rare showcase of women's wrestling, we had the Glamour Girls (Leilani Kai and Judy Martin) facing off against the high-flying Jumping Bomb Angels (Itsuki Yamazaki and Noriyo Tateno).

And that's just the tip of the iceberg! The event was packed with action, drama, and enough hairspray to choke a small nation.

The main event: Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant's showdown

Ah, the main event. The clash of titans that had been brewing for months. Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life All-American hero, taking on the towering behemoth that was Andre the Giant.

Let me paint the picture for you: Hogan, clad in his signature red-and-yellow attire, strutting to the ring with his trademark swagger, while Andre lumbered behind him, a mountain of a man with a scowl that could curdle milk.

The match itself was a spectacle of epic proportions, with both men trading blows and displaying feats of strength that would make mere mortals quake in their boots. The tension was palpable, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats, cheering and booing with every twist and turn.

Memorable moments and surprises from Survivor Series 1987

Now, let's talk about those unforgettable moments that made Survivor Series 1987 a true classic.

1. The Arrival of The Undertaker: In a shocking twist, we witnessed the debut of one of the most iconic characters in WWE history – The Undertaker. This ominous figure, clad in black and carrying an urn, made his presence felt in a way that sent chills down our spines.

2. The Demolition's Debut: Another surprise came in the form of The Demolition, a tag team duo that would go on to become one of the most dominant forces in the WWE. Their entrance, complete with their signature face paint and menacing demeanor, was a sight to behold.

3. The Shocking Elimination: Remember when Hulk Hogan was eliminated from the Survivor Series match? The crowd was stunned into silence, and you could hear a pin drop in that arena. It was a moment that reminded us that even the biggest stars could fall.

Review of the event: Was Survivor Series 1987 a success?

In a word: absolutely! Survivor Series 1987 was a resounding success for the WWF, both in terms of entertainment value and financial gain.

The event was a spectacle like no other, with larger-than-life characters, jaw-dropping moments, and enough drama to fill a soap opera. The matches were well-executed, the storylines were compelling, and the overall production value was top-notch.

But perhaps the most significant aspect of Survivor Series 1987 was its impact on the WWE's future. It proved that the company could successfully navigate the pay-per-view landscape and deliver content that fans were willing to pay for.

Impact and legacy of Survivor Series in WWE history

The Survivor Series event has become a staple in the WWE calendar, with each year bringing new twists, turns, and unforgettable moments.

But it all started with that inaugural event in 1987. It set the stage for what was to come, and its legacy can be seen in the way the WWE has continued to evolve and innovate over the years.

From the introduction of new characters and storylines to the incorporation of cutting-edge technology and production values, the Survivor Series has remained a driving force in the WWE's evolution.

How Survivor Series has evolved over the years

Over the years, the Survivor Series has undergone numerous changes and transformations, keeping pace with the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.

1. Elimination Matches: While the original Survivor Series featured tag team elimination matches, the event has since incorporated various other match types, such as traditional singles matches, triple threat matches, and more.

2. Brand Warfare: With the introduction of separate brands (Raw and SmackDown), the Survivor Series became a battleground for brand supremacy, with each brand fielding teams to compete against the other.

3. Themed Events: In recent years, the WWE has experimented with themed Survivor Series events, such as the "WarGames" concept, where teams compete in a double-ring structure with various stipulations.

4. Women's Revolution: The Survivor Series has also played a significant role in showcasing the Women's Revolution in the WWE, with women's matches and storylines taking center stage alongside their male counterparts.

Comparing Survivor Series 1987 to recent editions of the event

While the Survivor Series has undoubtedly evolved over the years, there's something special about that inaugural event in 1987. It had a certain charm and rawness that is hard to replicate in today's highly polished and produced environment.

Recent editions of the Survivor Series have been grandiose affairs, with elaborate set designs, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and a level of production value that would make Hollywood blush.

However, there's something to be said for the simplicity and pure entertainment value of Survivor Series 1987. It was a time when the focus was squarely on the action in the ring and the larger-than-life personalities involved.

Conclusion: The lasting impact of Survivor Series 1987 in WWE's history

As we bid farewell to our journey through the annals of Survivor Series history, it's important to reflect on the lasting impact of that inaugural event in 1987.

It was a bold move by the WWF, one that paved the way for the company's future success in the pay-per-view market. It introduced us to iconic characters and moments that have become etched in our memories forever.

But perhaps most importantly, Survivor Series 1987 reminded us of the pure joy and excitement that professional wrestling can bring. It was a time when the lines between reality and fiction were blurred, and we were all too happy to suspend our disbelief and get lost in the spectacle.

So, whether you're a die-hard WWE fan or a casual observer, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Survivor Series 1987 and the role it played in shaping the world of professional wrestling as we know it today.

Hey there, fellow wrestling fanatics! If you're itching to relive the glory days of Survivor Series 1987 or catch up on the latest WWE action, why not check out the WWE Network? With a vast library of classic events and current programming, it's the ultimate destination for all your wrestling needs. Just head over to [WWE Network]