The 2002 edition of WWE’s Survivor Series pay-per-view, held on November 17, 2002, at the GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, will forever be etched in the annals of professional wrestling history. That’s because it was the show where the world was introduced to a revolutionary concept that would shake the foundations of the industry – the Elimination Chamber.
Three Things We Hated
While Survivor Series 2002 had its fair share of thrilling moments, there were some aspects that left fans underwhelmed. Here are three things that didn’t quite hit the mark.
1. The Overemphasis on Brand Wars
The year 2002 was a pivotal time for WWE, with the company’s brand extension in full swing. However, at Survivor Series, it felt like the brand wars took center stage, overshadowing the actual in-ring action. The constant barrage of promos and vignettes promoting the rivalry between Raw and SmackDown! began to feel like a tired rehashing of familiar themes.
“I remember thinking it was a bit too much,” said a WWE insider, who wished to remain anonymous. “The brand wars were still a relatively new concept at the time, and it felt like they were trying to force it down our throats. It wasn’t until later on that they really found the right balance between showcasing the rivalry and letting the talent shine.”
2. The Underwhelming Main Event
The main event of the evening, a Six-Man Tag Team match featuring Brock Lesnar, Big Show, and The Undertaker taking on Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, and Rey Mysterio, failed to deliver on its promise. The match was marred by a series of awkward moments, including a botched spot that saw Lesnar stumble to the outside of the ring.
“It’s a shame, because that match had all the ingredients for greatness,” said another source close to the situation. “But it just didn’t come together. I think they were trying to do too much with too many guys, and it resulted in a disjointed and confusing match.”
3. The Lack of Strong Women’s Representation
While the women’s division was starting to gain traction in 2002, the Survivor Series pay-per-view was woefully lacking in strong female representation. The women’s Survivor Series match was a lackluster affair, with many of the competitors struggling to get any meaningful screen time.
“The women’s division was still in its infancy at that point,” said a veteran WWE talent. “We were all just trying to make a name for ourselves, and it was tough to get any real attention. I think the women’s match was an afterthought, to be honest.”
Three Things We Loved
Despite the missteps, Survivor Series 2002 had its share of unforgettable moments. Here are three things that we still love to this day.
1. The Introduction of the Elimination Chamber
As mentioned earlier, Survivor Series 2002 was the show where the Elimination Chamber made its debut. The concept, which saw a group of competitors brawling inside a steel cage with multiple entrances and exits, was a game-changer for the industry. It added a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the match, and it’s still one of the most popular concepts in WWE today.
“I remember being blown away by the Elimination Chamber when I first saw it,” said a current WWE talent. “It’s a match format that’s all about survival, and it really speaks to the strength and resilience of the competitors. It’s a true test of endurance, and it’s a big part of what makes WWE so compelling.”
2. Brock Lesnar’s Rise to Prominence
Survivor Series 2002 marked a major turning point in Brock Lesnar’s career. The former UFC champion was still relatively new to the WWE scene, but he was already making waves with his intense and destructive style. His participation in the Six-Man Tag Team main event helped to further establish him as a top star, and he would go on to become one of the biggest names in the company.
“Lesnar was a force to be reckoned with back then,” said a veteran WWE talent. “He had a certain level of intensity and charisma that was hard to deny. I think he was always destined for greatness, and Survivor Series 2002 was a big step in the right direction for him.”
3. The Undercard Match Between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero
One of the real standouts of the evening was the match between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero. The two luchadores put on a thrilling performance, with Mysterio’s high-flying antics and Guerrero’s cunning heel work creating a real sense of tension and drama.
“That match was one of the highlights of the evening,” said a current WWE talent. “Mysterio and Guerrero had a natural chemistry that worked incredibly well, and the crowd was completely invested in their match. It was a true clash of styles, and it’s a big part of what made it so compelling.”
In conclusion, while Survivor Series 2002 had its share of missteps, it’s clear that the show was an important milestone in the history of WWE. The introduction of the Elimination Chamber was a game-changer for the industry, and it paved the way for some truly unforgettable moments. Even with its flaws, the show remains a nostalgic trip back to a time when WWE was still finding its footing, but already showing signs of greatness.