Reviewing WWE Survivor Series 1996: A Night of Legends and Legends-in-the-Making

The WWE Survivor Series 1996, held on November 17th at Madison Square Garden in New York City, truly lived up to its grand venue. This tenth edition of the annual pay-per-view event featured a mix of traditional Survivor Series elimination matches and significant singles bouts that left a lasting impression on fans.

Key Matches and Moments

1. Sycho Sid vs. Shawn Michaels (WWE Championship Match): The main event featured Sycho Sid challenging Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship. This hard-hitting contest was notable for its intense physicality and the dramatic finish. Sid, powered by his raw strength and aggression, managed to dethrone Michaels, capturing the WWE Championship in an unexpected upset. The match highlighted Sid's dominance and added a major twist to the evening's proceedings.

2. Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin: The highly anticipated match between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin was a classic encounter. This match was a #1 contender's bout for the WWF Championship, and it lived up to the hype with both competitors delivering a hard-hitting and emotionally charged performance. Hart emerged victorious, earning a future title shot, but Austin's relentless performance solidified his rising star status.

3. Undertaker vs. Mankind: The Undertaker faced Mankind in a brutal battle that showcased the Phenom's dominance and Mankind's resilience. The match was intense and memorable, with the Undertaker emerging victorious after a fierce contest.

4. The Wild Card Match: Featuring mixed teams of heels and faces, this match featuring stars such as Owen Hart, Ahmed Johnson, The British Bulldog/ The unique format created unpredictable dynamics and showcased the talents of all involved, with Michaels' team ultimately emerging victorious.

5. Rocky Maivia's Debut: The event also marked the pay-per-view debut of Rocky Maivia (later known as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). Maivia teamed with Marc Mero, Jake Roberts, and The Stalker to face Crush, Jerry Lawler, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, and Goldust. Maivia's team won, and his performance hinted at the greatness to come.

Analysis and Reception

Positives:

• Iconic Matches: The main event and the Hart vs. Austin match were standout bouts, showcasing the best of WWE's talent at the time.

• Historic Venue: Madison Square Garden added an extra layer of prestige to the event, making it a memorable night for fans and wrestlers alike.

• Rising Stars: The debut of Rocky Maivia and the continued rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin highlighted the future stars of WWE.

Negatives:

• Overbooking: With so many championships and stipulations on the line, some fans felt that the event was a bit overbooked, making it hard to focus on individual matches.

• Pacing Issues: The event, at times, struggled with pacing, with some matches feeling rushed while others dragged on longer than necessary.

Conclusion

WWE Survivor Series 1996 was a night of legends and legends-in-the-making, with iconic matches and historic moments that left a lasting impact on the WWE landscape. While it had its flaws, the positives far outweighed the negatives, making it a standout show in WWE history.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, revisiting this event provides a fascinating look at the evolution of WWE and its ability to blend traditional wrestling with entertainment.

What are your thoughts on the 1996 Survivor Series? Did any matches or moments stand out to you?

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