The 1989 Survivor Series, held on November 23 at the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois, was a pivotal event in WWE history. Known as the Thanksgiving tradition, this edition of Survivor Series brought high-stakes elimination matches featuring WWE’s biggest names. With iconic rivalries and unforgettable moments, the 1989 Survivor Series remains a classic for wrestling fans worldwide.
Event Overview
- Date: November 23, 1989
- Venue: Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois
- Attendance: Approximately 15,294 fans packed the arena to witness the action.
- Format: Teams of four or five competed in elimination matches, where a wrestler is eliminated via pinfall, submission, count-out, or disqualification.
Survivor Series 1989 Match Results
1. The Dream Team vs. The Enforcers
- Team Dream Team: Dusty Rhodes, Brutus Beefcake, Tito Santana, and The Red Rooster
- Team Enforcers: Big Boss Man, Bad News Brown, Rick Martel, and Honky Tonk Man
- Winners: The Dream Team (Dusty Rhodes and Brutus Beefcake survived)
- Key Moment: Bad News Brown walked out on his team, leading to their loss.
2. The King’s Court vs. The 4x4s
- Team King’s Court: Randy Savage, Dino Bravo, Greg Valentine, and Earthquake
- Team 4x4s: Jim Duggan, Bret Hart, Ronnie Garvin, and Hercules
- Winners: The King’s Court (Randy Savage and Earthquake survived)
- Highlight: Randy Savage’s leadership and Earthquake’s dominance sealed the victory.
3. The Hulkamaniacs vs. The Million Dollar Team
- Team Hulkamaniacs: Hulk Hogan, Jake Roberts, Demolition (Ax and Smash)
- Team Million Dollar Team: Ted DiBiase, Zeus, and The Powers of Pain (Warlord and Barbarian)
- Winners: The Hulkamaniacs (Hulk Hogan survived)
- Key Moment: Hulk Hogan’s resilience against Zeus and Ted DiBiase’s team showcased his legendary status.
4. The Rude Brood vs. Roddy’s Rowdies
- Team Rude Brood: Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, and The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques and Raymond)
- Team Roddy’s Rowdies: Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, and The Bushwhackers (Luke and Butch)
- Winners: The Rude Brood (Mr. Perfect survived)
- Highlight: Mr. Perfect shined as the sole survivor, solidifying his rising stardom.
5. The Ultimate Warriors vs. The Heenan Family
- Team Ultimate Warriors: Ultimate Warrior, Jim Neidhart, and The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty)
- Team Heenan Family: Bobby Heenan, André the Giant, Haku, and Arn Anderson
- Winners: The Ultimate Warriors (Ultimate Warrior survived)
- Key Moment: Ultimate Warrior’s explosive energy led to a dominant victory, capping off the night in style.
Why Survivor Series 1989 Was Special
- Star-Studded Lineup: Legends like Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, and Randy Savage headlined the event.
- Memorable Moments: The departure of Bad News Brown and Mr. Perfect’s rise as a survivor are moments still talked about.
- Team-Based Drama: The classic Survivor Series elimination format provided intense storytelling and showcased individual talents.
Legacy of Survivor Series 1989
The 1989 Survivor Series was pivotal in advancing key storylines that would influence the WWE landscape for years. The event also helped build the mythos of stars like Ultimate Warrior and Mr. Perfect, cementing their status as future Hall of Famers.
WWE Survivor Series 1989 remains a classic wrestling event that fans fondly remember. Its blend of star power, drama, and electrifying matches solidified its place in WWE’s storied history. Whether you’re reliving the event or discovering it for the first time, Survivor Series 1989 delivers timeless entertainment.