Credit: WWE.com
One of WWE’s most iconic moments, the double turn at Survivor Series 1988, caught even those involved by surprise. The tag team Demolition, initially villains under the management of Mr. Fuji, was suddenly turned into fan favorites when Fuji betrayed them during the event, aligning with their rivals, The Powers of Pain. In a recent episode of the “DEMOPOD” podcast, Ax of Demolition revealed that they were only informed of this major storyline shift on the very day of the show.
The Unexpected Double Turn: A Shock to the Wrestlers and Fans
Survivor Series 1988 featured a groundbreaking event that shaped WWE tag team dynamics for years. Demolition was dominating as the heel champions, managed by the cunning Mr. Fuji, who had been a crucial part of their villainous image. Meanwhile, The Powers of Pain the babyface team were struggling to gain traction despite initial fan support.
In a dramatic twist, Mr. Fuji turned on Demolition during the match, shocking the audience and signaling a double turn: Demolition transformed into heroes, while The Powers of Pain suddenly became the villains. Ax revealed that this creative shift wasn’t communicated in advance. “We found out about the double turn on the day of the show,” he said. “It was intense because you always want to be prepared for something that big.”
This last-minute change highlights how WWE’s creative decisions could pivot quickly to adapt to fan reactions and storyline needs.
Why the Double Turn Was Necessary
According to WWE insiders and wrestling historians, the double turn was driven by crowd reactions and business needs. Despite Demolition’s villainous role, they had begun receiving cheers from fans a sign they were becoming popular faces on their own merits. Meanwhile, The Powers of Pain, though originally designed as the heroic team, weren’t getting the reaction WWE had hoped for and needed a fresh angle.
In the words of a WWE insider who requested anonymity, “Vince McMahon’s team realized that Demolition had the charisma and promo skills to carry the face role, while The Powers of Pain weren’t connecting as effectively. The betrayal by Fuji created instant heat, elevating The Powers as heels and giving Demolition the boost they needed.” This switch helped Demolition go on to achieve one of the longest tag title reigns until it was surpassed decades later.
The Match and Its Aftermath: A Classic Survivor Series Moment
The Survivor Series 1988 tag team elimination match was an epic 42-minute showcase involving multiple teams. Demolition’s final moments in the match before Fuji’s betrayal were intense, with fans already starting to cheer for the duo as they battled The Powers of Pain, The Rockers, The British Bulldogs, and other top teams.
Once Fuji turned his back on Demolition, The Powers of Pain made quick work of their remaining competition, cementing their heel turn. Demolition left the ring to resounding cheers, beginning a legendary babyface run.
This dramatic shift enhanced the storytelling of tag team wrestling and is still regarded as a textbook example of a double turn a rare and difficult move to execute successfully in professional wrestling.
Impact on Demolition’s Legacy
Demolition’s transition from despised villains to beloved heroes helped define their legacy in WWE history. Their title reign, freshened by newfound fan support, set a record for longevity and influence in the tag team division.
Ax noted on the “DEMOPOD” podcast, “That double turn gave us a second wind. Suddenly, we were getting the crowd support we’d dreamed of. It changed everything for us.” The team’s popularity soared through the rest of the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming one of WWE’s most recognizable and respected tag teams.
Creative Flexibility and Fan Reactions
Sources close to WWE creative reveal that this decision exemplifies the company’s long-standing willingness to adjust storylines based on live audience feedback. Despite the risk of confusing fans or wrestlers, the payoff was undeniable.
One backstage source shared, “These kinds of last-minute creative moves are bold but necessary in wrestling. When a team like Demolition is starting to get cheers despite being heels, it’s smarter to flip the script than fight the crowd.”
This moment remains a milestone in WWE storytelling and a case study in how fan interaction shapes wrestling narratives live.
Survivor Series 1988’s Double Turn Still Resonates Today
The revelation from Ax and Demolition that they learned about their double turn on the day of Survivor Series 1988 adds new depth to this legendary WWE moment. It underscores the spontaneity and adaptability of wrestling’s storytelling, where performers and fans alike can be swept up in sudden, game-changing developments.
Demolition’s career trajectory post-turn validated the gamble, as they became enduring WWE icons and forever etched their story into wrestling history. Their experience serves as a reminder that in WWE, even the wrestlers themselves sometimes discover history unfolding in real time.