Top 10 singles Survivor Series matches in history

Historically, Survivor Series has been a staple of the WWE PPV platform and traditionally the PPV hosts several classic 5 on 5 matches in the past, pitting good versus evil to today, RAW versus Smackdown Live.

Whether the stakes are raised or simply seeing some dream match up's we can always count on a special moment during one of the big four PPV's WWE has to offer, but what about the amazing singles matches that we have seen in the past? KliqPod explores the 10 best singles matches in Survivor Series history.

#10 Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart 1992 (WWE Championship)

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There nearly would not be a best list without Shawn Michaels or Bret Hart, and while most would remember this rivalry best in 1997 their first bout at Survivor Series in 1992 cannot be ignored.

Simply that fact that in 1992 where the Hogan's and Flair's of the business ruled the world, to put the company in the hands of two over-performing young talents, Shawn Michaels as the Intercontinental Champion and Bret Hart as the WWE Heavyweight Champion is unheard of.

The two put on a technical bout for the ages at that level and was very special, not the overall match, but how history tells it.

#9 Trish Stratus vs. Victoria 2002 (Women's Championship Hardcore Match)

There is nothing left to the imagination with this match, it is on paper what it was in 2002. Trish Stratus in her prime and at the top of her game, facing off against a very stout Victoria, who would become one of the most respected women's wrestlers in history.

The nuance of this match was enough to turn heads and the brutality of this match in this era was off the charts for a women's contest. Both taking a page out of the old Foley book, they took it to the limit showing once again that women can do it just as good if not better than the men that night.

#8: Kane vs. Shane McMahon 2003 (Ambulance Match) / Undertaker vs. Vince McMahon 2003 (Buried Alive)

Due to the nature of these matches and the story leading up to each of the matches, The Brothers of Destruction and the McMahon's share this eighth spot.

Starting with the lead up to these matches, Kane's unmasking, Shane having his grapefruits electrocuted with a car battery courtesy of Kane, a couple tombstones to the McMahon family including Linda.

On to the match, Shane jumping off the top of an ambulance with only a cardboard box between him and cement as well as one of the bloodiest matches with McMahon losing pints, PINTS of blood!!! When a McMahon is involved you know you will get one hell of an entertaining match, not pretty but incredibly entertaining, that is what we got this night in 2003.

#7 Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles 2017 (Champion vs. Champion)

The initial idea for this match in 2017 didn't exist until WWE realized they were headed for a main event that included Jinder Mahal. There were rumors that Lesnar did not want to work with Mahal but had great respect for AJ Styles.

The switch was done quietly and the match was booked. Both wrestlers did a great job within their balance limitations, we as fans felt that Styles legitimately had a chance at different points in the match and the did each other a great service and recognized that we don't need a three minute Lesnar squash match, but we need a ten to fifteen minute Styles match to compliment each other.

The match was carried out in grand fashion and we all ultimately won because of that.

#6 The Undertaker vs. Mankind 1996

One of the first matches in the storied history of this rivalry, Taker versus Mankind in 1996 did not disappoint and gave us a glimpse into the depravity and eerie nature of both characters.

This match had two layers with the first being the Undertaker's depth transitioning out of the mid-90's where arguably he was mostly dormant from a character perspective, focusing on the likes of Yokozuna, the Giant Gonzales and Nailz.

The other layer being Mankind and how to appropriately present the character, it just so happened that the Undertaker's persona and in-ring style very much complimented that of Mankind, the classic peanut butter and jelly adage.

#5 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart 1997 (Intercontinental Championship)

How can one speak of this match without being in awe? The match itself was technically stout as expected but the story behind this match was historic as we see it today.

At SummerSlam 1996, during an Intercontinental Championship match between Stone Cold and Owen Hart, Owen spiked Austin directly on the top of his head, presumably inadvertently, causing the loss of motion from the neck down for Austin.

After a weak roll up and a win for Austin he booked several doctors appointments and against the word of WWE and the doctors, Austin decided to continue business, as usual, prompting the rematch at Survivor Series. While the match wasn't as good as its predecessor, it still was real and emotional and really added fuel to the Canada/United States fire.

#4 Booker T vs. Chris Benoit 2005 (United States Championship/Final Match Best of 7)

Knowing that the WCW was going to be no more was a shock to a lot of fans and while WWE may have mismanaged the transition, they certainly took advantage of the talent and matches they could book, one being the Best of Seven between Booker T and Chris Benoit.

Two of the best talents from WCW giving it their all for a top prize was special and was over multiple PPV's but ended in arguably the best match between the two of them in the series at Survivor Series.

They brought the house down that night in 2005 earning one of the best matches of the night and number four on our list.

#3 The Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan 1991 (WWE Heavyweight Championship)

Maybe we are showing our age here but watching Hulk Hogan, arguably the most untouchable wrestler during that era, get manhandled by a force that we have not seen in the past was stomach churning.

Most of us didn't know enough about the Undertaker other than he destroys everyone so once it was announced there were doubts but no way the Undertaker could beat Hulk Hogan. Well, with the help of Ric Flair, this was accomplished and our souls were crushed.

Possibly the most clunky and least athletic match on the list, but for historical reasons, it is top five worthy.

#2 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart 1996

An interesting story heading into this match was Bret Hart's contract disputes with WWE corporation as well as his verbally confessed love for WWE and the need and want to stay there long term.

Bret knew who he wanted in his return and to everyone's surprise Stone Cold Steve Austin. This match and rivalry was filled with layers upon layers, there were so many layers that it was hard to discern between real life and characters, perfection.

That coupled with a great match in 1996 and an even better finish really helped heighten them together and individually.

#1 Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart 1997 (WWE Heavyweight Championship)

This is a pretty obvious pick but not for the reasons it is historically popular. The match was incredible! It is almost a forgotten truth that these two beat the piss out of each other ten plus minutes before the bell even rang. The tension was felt on our couches as we all collectively sat on the edge of our seat or stood during this entire bout.

Something big was coming that we could not predict but that made the match feel bigger, it is one of the most underrated Survivor Series matches of all time and number one on our list.

Do you agree with this list? What are your thoughts? Comment below.

Edited by Nishant Jayaram