The 1991 Survivor Series, held on November 27 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, was a monumental event in WWE history. Known for its traditional elimination matches, the night also stood out as the first Survivor Series to feature a WWE Championship match. This marked a shift in the event’s format and made the show unforgettable for fans of the early 90s wrestling era.
Event Overview
- Date: November 27, 1991
- Venue: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
- Attendance: 17,500 fans packed the arena
- Notable Moments: The WWE Championship match between Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker and the continuation of Ric Flair’s impactful WWE run.
Survivor Series 1991 Match Results
1. The Legion of Doom & The Big Boss Man vs. The Natural Disasters & Irwin R. Schyster
- Team 1: The Legion of Doom (Hawk & Animal), Big Boss Man
- Team 2: The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon) and Irwin R. Schyster (IRS)
- Elimination Highlights:
- Hawk eliminated Typhoon via pinfall after a flying clothesline.
- Big Boss Man was eliminated by Earthquake.
- Irwin R. Schyster was disqualified for using his briefcase.
- Winners: The Legion of Doom survived
2. Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, Tito Santana & Kerry Von Erich vs. Col. Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner & Hercules
- Team 1: Sgt. Slaughter, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Tito Santana, Kerry Von Erich
- Team 2: Col. Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner, Hercules
- Elimination Highlights:
- Tito Santana shined as he eliminated multiple opponents.
- Sgt. Slaughter scored the final pinfall for his team.
- Winners: Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, Tito Santana & Kerry Von Erich survived
3. WWE Championship Match: Hulk Hogan (c) vs. The Undertaker
- Match Summary:
In one of the night’s most anticipated bouts, Hulk Hogan defended the WWE Championship against The Undertaker, who was managed by Paul Bearer. - Ric Flair interfered by placing a steel chair in the ring.
- The Undertaker capitalized and delivered a devastating Tombstone Piledriver onto the chair, pinning Hogan to win his first WWE Championship.
- Winner: The Undertaker became the new WWE Champion
4. The Nasty Boys & The Beverly Brothers vs. The Rockers & The Bushwhackers
- Team 1: The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Sags) and The Beverly Brothers
- Team 2: The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) and The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch)
- Elimination Highlights:
- The Beverly Brothers eliminated The Bushwhackers early.
- A miscommunication between The Rockers led to Shawn Michaels walking out on Marty Jannetty, planting seeds for their eventual breakup.
- Winners: The Nasty Boys & The Beverly Brothers survived
5. The Main Event: Ric Flair, The Mountie, Ted DiBiase & The Warlord vs. Roddy Piper, Bret Hart, Virgil & The British Bulldog
- Team 1: Ric Flair, The Mountie, Ted DiBiase, The Warlord
- Team 2: Roddy Piper, Bret Hart, Virgil, The British Bulldog
- Elimination Highlights:
- Ric Flair showcased his brilliance, becoming the sole survivor for his team.
- The match ended in chaos when all participants brawled outside the ring, but Flair managed to avoid disqualification and claimed victory.
- Winner: Ric Flair survived
Key Moments from Survivor Series 1991
- The Undertaker’s First WWE Championship Win:
The Undertaker shocked the world by defeating Hulk Hogan, cementing his status as a main event star. His partnership with Ric Flair added a layer of intrigue and controversy to the match. - The Breakup of The Rockers:
Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty’s tension boiled over during their elimination match, setting the stage for one of the most iconic betrayals in WWE history. - Ric Flair’s Dominance:
As a newcomer to WWE, Ric Flair proved why he was already a wrestling legend, solidifying his place among WWE’s top heels with his cunning and skill.
Why Survivor Series 1991 Stands Out
- Championship Drama: The inclusion of a WWE Championship match added a fresh element to the Survivor Series format.
- Legendary Debut: The Undertaker’s victory marked the start of his incredible journey as one of WWE’s top stars.
- Storytelling Excellence: From Flair’s survival tactics to The Rockers’ disintegration, the event advanced multiple compelling storylines.
Legacy of Survivor Series 1991
Survivor Series 1991 is remembered as a turning point in WWE history. The Undertaker’s first title reign, Ric Flair’s dominance, and the seeds of Shawn Michaels’ legendary singles career all took root at this event. Whether you’re reliving the action or discovering it for the first time, Survivor Series 1991 remains a classic in the annals of WWE history.