0
0
For Part 3, I actually wanted to get into some of the notable matches and historical events that have been part of Survivor Series.
Notable Matches and History
The Montreal Screw Job
Some of the most memorable matches that people discuss across wrestling are matches from Survivor Series of the past. One such memorable match will be forever known as The Montreal Screwjob. Bret Hart, then WWF Champion, has signed a contract with WCW (rival promotion) to start wrestling in December 1997. Survivor Series was held November of 1997. Prior to his departure, an agreement had been reached between Bret, Shawn Michaels (his opponent) and Vince McMahon that the title defense would end in a disqualification. After that, Bret Hart would forfeit the title before he left for WCW.
Survivor Series that year was held in Bret’s home city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. At the end of the match, Shawn Michaels got Bret Hart into Bret’s signature sharpshooter. Without a submission or tap-out, Vince ordered the ref to call for the bell, resulting in Bret losing the title in front of his home crowd. Because of this, the Montreal Screwjob got its name and its reputation.
The Rock and Mankind
20 years ago on November 15, 1998 and just 1 year after the Montreal Screwjob, we got an homage to that event with the Rock and Mankind. Many interlocking stories were part of 1998’s Survivor Series, but of particular interest was the vacant WWF Title. Tournament-style matches were held leading to a final between The Rock and Mankind for the championship. In the end, in what seemed like deja vu, The Rock placed Mankind in the sharpshooter. And again, before anyone submitted, McMahon called for the bell, declaring The Rock the winner.
With such a history, let’s recap what we have in store for tonight with some predictions.
Match Card and Predictions for 2018
I feel that Team Smackdown and Team Raw will split the wins 50/50 this year, so here are some quick prediction without explanations (ha) for my picks. Winners in bold.
Tag Team Champions — AOP (Raw) vs. The Bar (Smackdown)
Cruiserweight Championship — Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
Men’s Survivor Series Elimination Match — Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Finn Balor & Bobby Lashley (Raw) vs. The Miz, Shane McMahon, Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio & Jeff Hardy (Smackdown)
Women’s Survivor Series Elimination Match — Natalya, Mickie James, Nia Jax, Tamina Snuka & Ruby Riott (Raw) vs. Carmella, Naomi, Asuka, Sonya Deville & TBD (Smackdown)
Midcard Champions — Seth Rollins (Raw, IC) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Smackdown, U.S.)
Ronda Rousey (Raw Women’s Champion) vs. Charlotte Flair (Smackdown)
Heavyweight Champions — Brock Lesnar (Raw, Universal) vs. Daniel Bryan (Smackdown, WWE)
Find Part 1 and Part 2 of my series at the links.
