The Most Underrated WWE Survivor Series Matches: Hidden Gems of the Iconic Event

WWE Survivor Series has long been known for its high-stakes elimination matches, iconic rivalries, and memorable moments. However, within the rich history of the event, several matches have flown under the radar despite delivering incredible action. While most fans remember the biggest main-event showdowns, there are a few gems that have not received the recognition they deserve.

In this, we highlight the most underrated Survivor Series matches that remain somewhat overlooked, even though they showcased exceptional talent, compelling storylines, and intense in-ring action. These hidden gems from past Survivor Series events have flown under the radar but are just as worthy of praise as some of the more famous bouts. Let’s revisit these unforgettable moments!

1. Team Ziggler vs. Team Foley (Survivor Series 2012)

The 2012 Survivor Series boasted a thrilling traditional five-on-five elimination tag match that saw Dolph Ziggler lead a team against Mick Foley’s handpicked squad. While this match might not have had the big-name appeal of some other matches, it certainly delivered the drama and excitement WWE fans craved.

The match featured top talents such as Ziggler, The Miz, and Chris Jericho, with Foley himself adding an unforgettable twist to the bout. The action was fast-paced, and the elimination sequence kept fans on the edge of their seats. What stood out was the strategic and personal nature of the rivalry, especially with Ziggler and Foley’s bitter history at the time.

While the match wasn’t given the highest billing on the card, it provided a perfect mix of in-ring action and storytelling. Ziggler’s team, which also included Miz and Alberto Del Rio, faced off against an ensemble that included Foley, Ryback, and others. The real emotional payoff came with Ryback’s fiery final moments, showcasing his physical dominance, but it was Ziggler’s perfect blend of athleticism and heel psychology that made this match one of the more underrated bouts in Survivor Series history.

2. Team Undertaker vs. Team Mankind (Survivor Series 1996)

One of the most overlooked matches in Survivor Series history is the traditional five-on-five match between Team Undertaker and Team Mankind at Survivor Series 1996. While fans remember the deep rivalries between Undertaker and Mankind throughout the years, this particular clash did not always get the recognition it deserved.

The match featured a compelling roster of talent, including the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Jake Roberts, and the British Bulldog, who added further intensity to the storyline. The narrative surrounding the Undertaker and Mankind was key to this match, with both men having their own separate feuds with each other’s team members. The physicality was intense, and the chemistry between the teams made it an exciting affair.

This match also introduced elements of hardcore wrestling that would later become associated with Mankind’s style. It was an early sign of what would become an iconic feud, but the greatness of this Survivor Series matchup often goes unnoticed when discussing their legendary rivalry. Despite not being one of the most talked-about bouts from the event, it showcased how well the combination of different styles could work together in a traditional elimination format.

3. Team Cena vs. Team Authority (Survivor Series 2014)

The 2014 Survivor Series featured a match that, while historic in some ways, is often overlooked in comparison to others. The bout saw John Cena lead a team against Triple H’s Authority faction, which had been the centerpiece of the WWE product during that era. What made this match stand out was the storyline build-up, the high stakes, and the underdog nature of Cena’s team.

The match had everything a Survivor Series match should: high drama, key eliminations, and a big payoff. The Authority had been in control of WWE programming for months, and Cena’s team was tasked with overthrowing them. The tension between Cena and his team, which included stars like Dolph Ziggler and Erick Rowan, was palpable. It created an atmosphere where fans were unsure of how things would unfold.

The most memorable aspect of this match was Dolph Ziggler’s hero performance. Ziggler’s courage and resilience helped carry his team to victory, and his elimination of Seth Rollins was a crowning moment that solidified his status as a future top star. The storytelling combined with the excellent in-ring action made this match deserving of more attention when discussing Survivor Series’ greatest moments.

4. Team WWE vs. The Nexus (Survivor Series 2010)

The 2010 Survivor Series saw Team WWE face off against the faction known as The Nexus in a match that, despite its significance, is often overshadowed by other events. The Nexus, a group of young, hungry WWE Superstars, had been terrorizing WWE for months. Their clash with Team WWE, led by John Cena, was a battle that fascinated the fans at the time.

The Nexus boasted some of WWE’s most promising up-and-comers, including Wade Barrett, Daniel Bryan (before his rise to stardom), and Heath Slater, among others. Cena’s team, however, had veterans like Randy Orton, Edge, and Daniel Bryan, which made the match intriguing. The build-up to the match was a key element in making it one of the most important of the night.

The match itself was full of intensity, and the drama played out with both teams having momentum swings throughout the contest. The most memorable part was Cena’s involvement, where he had to make a tough decision regarding whether or not to protect his team. While the Nexus would ultimately fall short in their battle, the impact of this match was far-reaching, with it being a pivotal moment in both Cena’s career and the fate of the Nexus. Despite this, the match is often overlooked in discussions about the best Survivor Series bouts.

Final Thoughts

While the WWE Survivor Series has offered many unforgettable moments over the years, some matches have not gotten the attention they truly deserve. From Team Ziggler’s tactical elimination battle in 2012 to the intense clash between Team Cena and The Authority in 2014, these underrated Survivor Series encounters delivered on all fronts. Whether it was through memorable performances, storyline progression, or simply being the unsung heroes of the event, these matches provided fans with thrilling moments that continue to stand the test of time.

As WWE fans, we should appreciate all these underrated Survivor Series matchups and the talent that helped make them special. Each of these bouts contributed to the legacy of one of WWE’s most prestigious events in ways that are often overlooked but should be remembered as part of the broader history of Survivor Series.