Survivor Series

Survivor Series is an annual professional wrestling event produced by WWE since 1987, typically held in the United States during the week of Thanksgiving. Known for its team-based matches and evolving formats, it is one of WWE’s longest-running and most significant pay-per-view events, now featuring the dramatic WarGames matches.

• Held annually since 1987, usually during Thanksgiving week
• Features dramatic team-based matches inside a steel cage
• One of WWE’s five biggest events of the year
• Switched to WarGames format for men and women since 2022
• Second longest-running wrestling pay-per-view event

What it is

Survivor Series is one of WWE’s marquee events, bringing together some of the world’s top professional wrestlers for a night of high-stakes, team-based competition. Traditionally held in November, it has long been a stage for dramatic storylines and intense rivalries, with teams of wrestlers facing off in elimination or cage matches. For fans and performers alike, it is a celebration of wrestling’s spectacle and storytelling, and a chance to witness the evolution of the sport’s traditions.

Where it comes from

The first Survivor Series took place in 1987, created by Vince McMahon to capitalize on the growing popularity of pay-per-view wrestling and to rival other promotions’ major events. Its debut followed the success of WrestleMania III and was built around the legendary feud between André the Giant and Hulk Hogan. Over the years, Survivor Series has adapted its format and focus, surviving industry changes and even a brief threat of cancellation in 2010, thanks to strong fan support. It remains the second longest-running WWE pay-per-view event.

How it is celebrated

Survivor Series is marked by its signature team matches. From 1987 to 2021, the event featured Survivor Series matches—tag team elimination bouts where teams of four or five wrestlers competed until only one team remained. In recent years, the format has shifted to WarGames matches, with two teams battling inside a large steel cage that surrounds two rings. The atmosphere is charged, with elaborate entrances, dramatic storytelling, and the roar of a passionate crowd. Fans can expect a mix of athleticism, theatrics, and surprise twists, all broadcast live via pay-per-view and streaming platforms.

Joining in

To experience Survivor Series, fans usually travel to a major arena in the United States, with the host city changing each year. The event draws a lively, diverse crowd, many dressed in wrestling merchandise and ready to cheer for their favorite superstars. Visitors can expect a full evening of matches, energetic fan chants, and a sense of community among wrestling enthusiasts. Tickets are available through WWE’s official channels, and the event is also accessible worldwide via streaming.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Survivor Series, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Survivor Series on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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