I loved the Snitcky/Heidenreich dynamic that always teased on the interpromotional PPVs back then. You would never see the two on the same TV show, but backstage they would always be doing something, and the casket match with Taker and Heidenreich and then both Kane and Snitsky (who were feudying over Lita's dead baby) both show up, good stuff.
@@harshckuk they always do They usually do those as practice on house shows But i assuming someone came to their senses and decided taker and kane deserved better at wrestlemania
The "raped him of his dignity" was used heavily when Andre was shaved by Big John Studd as well. Vince probably really liked that phrasing for shave angles for some reason.
When that played during Austin Theory’s entrance, I legitimately thought that was a new tron for him. Like the BeyBlade was gonna be a new thing for him lol
The most fucked up thing about that John Cena stabbing angle is that Carlito's dad is Carlos Colon, and the most famous stabbing in wrestling history took place in his WWC territory.
I have this PPV on DVD and Snitskys grunt is a hidden gem that Ive never seen anybody mention because of how kind of obscure this show is. Thank you for highlighting it lmao
Funny thing about Spike Dudley being the boss is even though he had always been billed as the "little brother" he's actually older than both Bubba and D-von so him being the boss, with that in mind, actually makes sense.
Honestly, that blows me away, unless it turns out that Bubba Ray and D-Von are like Arn Anderson in that they both looked older than the probably were, like Bubba especially has never not looked at least 35.
@@Kaltagstar96 there are plenty of wrestlers who are like that. King Kong Bundy didn't age at all after he retired. Pretty much looked the same up until his death.
This was arguably 2004 babyface Orton’s best moment Captaining a team to defeat Triple H’s team and holding his own against Hunter and Edge, which technically makes this Orton’s only sole survivor victory he won fair and square without interference Sadly Triple H would still go over babyface Orton at every other turn
@@ScottFree-GB Two I can remember. There was the moment he pretended to give up the title to Triple H and Evolution only to spit a huge loogie into his face. H cuts a furious promo backstage with Orton's loogie undulating around on his forehead lines. I laughed profusely. Then there was an Evolution birthday party for Triple H where Orton pops out of the cake, spits another loogie in Triple H's face, then dropkicks Batista and Flair before bailing out. Both happened on Raw.
dude i was at this show as a 7 year old! (i’m 25 now that shit makes me feel old) things i remember from the show: -John Cena coming back from being kayfabed stabbed with the browns jersey -Josh Mathews being involved with the WWE title match -I met the coach while he was doing heat where we both told each other we were cool for both being named Johnathan. nobody asked for that recollection but this show is a classic and i’ll always cherish it
It's insane to see how bulked up Billy Kidman looks here. Also fun fact Kidman is a producer for WWE now. Aside from the women's match I thought the show was pretty good a solid B in my opinion.
I was at this show. Even then I realized it was a low grade show for one of the Big 4 with something of a lackluster card and no title changes, but it was a blast to be at live. I watched the DVD I had so much, it actually wore out just because I loved reliving that night. Wrestling is so much better when you can see it live in person.
Spot on with your Maven assessment. I was a kid during that time but was happy they threw Maven a bone being in that main event. Sure wasn’t the best worker but he had been with the company for awhile at that point. But after his loss during GM week I remember thinking, “wow after all the interference he couldn’t win?” And he never recovered. And I agree with what you said in the beginning: having 2 dastardly heels as champs was kind of rough to watch through. HHH reign of terror and JBL being annoying dominating every week. It was obvious by this point that cena and Batista were gunna be the future champs. Maybe that’s why I don’t watch the product anymore lol but it’s fun looking back on the stuff I grew up with. Great work Zane!
And, alternatively, if you looked elsewhere it wasn't much better as over at TNA, every week a Wild Slapnuts Appeared with the NWA Championship around his waist and... Well, Ring of Honor was on the twilight of Samoa Joe's reign with the title before he lost it to Austin Aries a month later. Though I think ROH had the most interesting guy at the time.
Maven was really fighting an uphill battle throughout his WWE career. After winning Tough Enough, the higher-ups threw him on the main roster to take advantage of his exposure on the show even though he was greener than an avocado. Not only that, he never really developed a character than just "that guy who won the first Tough Enough." Had they just sent him to developmental for a year or two so he could learn how to properly work and develop a character to help him get over, he would've had more success.
@@Partyboy22 And even though how many wrestlers were kayfabe family despite not having the same name, he and Booker T. actually have the same surname. If you're going to have the obvious equivalents in HHH/Batista and JBL/Cena, why not another tag team of brothers or uncle and nephew? I think it could have worked but agree that also should've waited until after developmental time.
I was a massive Maven stan back then (maybe because of his fantastic entrance theme), so I was over the moon once he started getting a main event push. And then I got said again once 2005 rolled around 😔, LOL
Love the Comic-Book style of the DVD art for this edition of Survivor Series and Heidenreich was a blast backstage! Cya for your next PPV review in December and Happy Holidays!
Does anyone remember when Big Show was chasing Kurt Angle throughout the backstage area and then Big Show choke slammed Kurt off this like scaffolding or something then the cameras look over the edge and zoom down and Kurt Angle literally looks dead on the concrete floor with blood coming out of the back of his head. That segment has been stuck in my head for years now, it traumatized me when I was a little kid
OMG Yes! I will always remember that! I legit thought I just seen someone die on TV. Commentators stopped talking, Torrie crying for help in the background, Vince is Sick LMFAO
Absolutely! Shelton showed he had the tools and the talent. It's a damned shame they turned him into a " mama's boy" comedy act at the end of his first run
A fact about Carlito's elimination from the match between Eddie and Kurt's teams, that was done to protect him as he had apparently suffered a separated shoulder at a house show before the ppv and that's why he was counted out the way he was.
This one holds a special place in my heart cause I was there in person and it was my very first ppv I ever attended. Definitley had alot of fun being there and watching the event live and I even had the DVD for a period. Looking back it actually wasn't that bad of a show I quite liked it.
I always like the Heidenriech match here. John wasn't a supernatural character. He was just big and mean, but he was still able to hang with Undertaker. It never felt like this buried him.
Ever since you started doing the Classic PPV review videos I've been dying for this one to come up. Probably my all time favorite Survivor Series as I loved the stakes in the Team Orton/Team HHH match. I remember going to school the next day and talking with my friends about Randy countering the pedigree into the RKO. Remember losing my mind as I never seen that done before and thinking it was the most creative finish ever lol. The featured song they used for the show, Ugly by The Exies was a big hit for me too. Using my free time during computer lab class in school and pulling up the highlights from the show of all the matches with that song playing and my gosh it just made me love the show even more. I wasn't expecting those thoughts about Shelton and I totally agree with everything. I honestly thought he was going to be in the main event scene at some point since he beat HHH in a shocker on his RAW debut. Shame he never got past the mid-card even if his promo needed work he was exciting to watch in the ring at this time. I think he could have held his own if he got that spotlight if given the chance as we've had champions that were average on the mic so it wouldn't have been a big deal in my eyes. One of my favorite wrestlers and his match against HBK on Raw is one of my all time favorites.
I agree about the JBL stipulation spoiling the ending. I've always disliked that "if I lose, I'm gone" bit for that very reason. It's telegraphed the outcome of many a match over the years.
Given the rumour about Carlito’s dad being responsible for covering up the murder of Brusier Brody, having Carlito suspected of stabbing John Cena was a little hmm
It's always a blast watching or listening to the Classic Pay-Per-View Reviews, especially for someone who didn't get into wrestling until 2011, and didn't get to see one until about...2013 I want to say. Keep up the amazing work!
I have a lot of memories regarding this Survivor Series. Heidenreich coming out in a straitjacket to fight The Undertaker, those Survivor Series elimination matches, etc.
This was my first PPV I've ever attended and I gotta say they played that theme song like 50 times. It was in everybody's head on the way home guaranteed.
I believe they were called "Classic Survivor Series" matches because they went back to the 4v4 style seen during the early years of the PPV, as opposed to the 5v5.
I'm so glad you did this one ! This was my first Survivor Series. It was two days after my ninth birthday. I got a Matt Hardy V.1 and Shelton Benjamin action figure with a stunt action wrestling ring.
I remember the poster for this PPV in the Raw magazine and I always thought it was a cool design. With how it was drawn. By far one of my favorite PPV poster
This was the first PPV my dad let me order. I had the other PPVs on DVD, but this was the first I saw live as it was showing. I made honor roll on my report card to pull this off 😂😂
Brian you are the best for this! this happens to be one of my all time favorite Survivor Series because everything on the card for the most part just worked. Ignoring Heidenrich's match of course but the overall show was def a top ranked Survivor Series for me. And my teacher for a Night Spike Dudley actually got to win a match lol
This was also during Edge’s slow-burn push to the main event. He kept getting more in the mix, and his aggression was insanely believable. Great work over a pretty lengthy amount of time by Edge, made me a big fan of him especially when he finally won. Lots of nice feuds and character progression, some surprising wins as well.
As well as being very entertaining and interesting, the information that we get from these classic PPV reviews is absolutely priceless. Much appreciated.
I remember back in the DVD days I'd do that A-B loop feature on two Snitsky moments: his weird squeal at 11:46 and his clothesline to Paul London at the 05 Rumble
Its because of this show why I always wished the traditional Survivor Series matches had stipulations attached for the winning team. I've never understood why they can't be either Number 1 contender matches or a pick at the Rumble or something to just give those matches some sort of stakes or investment rather than "Hey brand supremacy, guys!!"
Wow pretty nostalgic memories being brought up by this ppv 2004 around the time JBL won the championship at the great American Bash that year I started watching the week to week shows not because of JBL winning just a coincidence Yeah Smackdown was pretty crazy with the John Cena nightclub storyline. Heidenreich & undertaker Mayhem Crazy times I totally forgot that spike was called the boss during his heel run When Brian said the boss spike Dudley I thought of spike doing a Sasha Banks cosplay which is a disturbing thought 😂 Great review A nice trip down memory lane for me
Maven has his own UA-cam channel and he described how Fit Finlay did the blade job on him and Snitzky's chair shot receipt for the broken orbital bone/concussion.
5:33 I really enjoyed these brand split interaction segments. Stars from separate shows having these rare ppv interactions. I remember the year before at Survivor Series 03, Lesnar and Goldberg first interacted and that led to their Royal Rumble encounters and Wrestlemania match which was the biggest letdown but the lead up was so hyped. Also remember HHH and JBL facing off and each saying they're the real champion.
I know many of the guys still look good. Christian and Shelton Benjamin look almost exactly the same today as they did then 18 years ago. Both can still go in the ring today too
By 2004 I was still in HighSchool and already looking back at wrestling from "when I was young". It really does illustrate how the WWE monopoly tanked the entire industry.
It blows my mind that wrestling is an industry doesn't do audience segmentation better. My 6 year old nephew loves John Cena. I got crazy into the rock in junior high. By later high school years I bet cm punk would have been my jam. As an adult I can still appreciate technical matches and really good storytelling in the ring. Trying to roll that all up into one promotion doesn't seem to me like it's ever worked in the history of the industry. It's like rock music, sometimes I'm in the mood for punk Kala sometimes I'm in the mood for metal, sometimes I'm in the mood for blues rock. But what I don't need is a single old school radio station who sticks to one genre for 2 years and then switches it up as genres get cold and hot. To a more contemporary example I don't want to log in to Spotify and be like, man remember when this app used to play metal? I miss that.
In 2002-early 2004, Triple H and Eric Bischoff used to be homies with Sleazy E smooching HHH’s backside but their friendship ended when Bischoff got sick and tired of Triple H’s BS and he became a neutral/ GM a la Teddy Long until One Night Stand 05 and John Cena’s arrival on Raw
Man Brian ive waited to whole two weeks for the review. One of my fav PPV. I was suprised with the first 2 rating, would rate them higher. But also happily suprised about the wwe title match. The ME should also got higher rated, but all in one good job
Also, again, I was at that show, and I think you nailed it, Brian: This was another transitional period for the company, so the Cleveland crowd who likely witnessed the first two Survivor Series events in Richfield likely felt underwhelmed by this show. At least I did, as Fink welcomed us beforehand and acknowledged the origins of this Big Four ppv, to little reaction. I think most of us felt it would be an underwhelming, yet fun show. Your "B" grade is beyond fair.
It would have been better for the show if they didn’t blow the Taker vs JBL feud at No Mercy. As much as I love Booker T, his face turn was sudden, and no one bought him as a legitimate threat to win the title that night. Taker vs JBL would have been a solid co-main Event that brought more intrigue to the show.
Still can’t believe that Carlos colons kids first story was about him getting someone to stab a wrestler in the kidney…like what Carlos did to bruiser Brody
As a kid watching wrestling, I couldn't stand JBL as champion, but watching these back I never appreciated what an awesome heel he was. So I guess he did his job brilliantly.
Heidenreich and Snitsky just didn't belong there. Period. For a guy to make Undertaker look as bad as he did in that match by not selling and/or executing properly...no wonder Undertaker didn't like him.
New Team Angle (Angle, Luther, and Jindrak) was exactly the same as the New Hart Foundation, the New Headshrinkers, the New Rockers, the New Blackjacks, and the New Midnight Express.
This episode was brought to you FATTIES by The Patented SIMON System. Don’t knock that theme was a BANGER and the character got heat. So underrated. Also - how did Snitsky and Heidenreich not get put together as a legit tag team??
Apparently, the Simon Dean character was inspired by Ben Stiller's character in Heavyweights and not his character in Dodgeball. I think Simon Dean is more White Goodman than Tony Perkins.
I think Snitsky and Heidenreich were supposed to face Taker and Kane at Mania 21, they had something happen at the Royal Rumble between the four, but then they put the kybosh on it
I was at this show and I recall a backstage shot in which the camera briefly lingered on Flair’s robe hanging up backstage. Being that he didn’t have a scheduled match, I was convinced that it was a hint that Flair was going to be offered Maven’s spot on the face team and that he wouldn’t be able to resist despite it being against Triple H and Batista.
I used to have the poster to this pay per view. I love the comic book style art of the wrestlers on it and had it hanging for a long time. Sadly, I don't know what happened to it.
Younger me remembers that Maven vs HHH match on RAW after this PPV and let me tell you Maven might have suffered because of that loss but it did achieve its target in solidifying HHH as the champion who escaped by the inch of his teeth. I remember how hyped I was after Orton KOed HHH and started screaming "cover his a**" and the crowd was on fire for it then how pissed I was when HHH ran away with the belt
I loved the Snitcky/Heidenreich dynamic that always teased on the interpromotional PPVs back then. You would never see the two on the same TV show, but backstage they would always be doing something, and the casket match with Taker and Heidenreich and then both Kane and Snitsky (who were feudying over Lita's dead baby) both show up, good stuff.
Id heard that it was meant to build towards heidenrich/ snitsky vs undertaker/kane at mania 21
@@danieldrayet2364 it happened on a house show
@@harshckuk they always do
They usually do those as practice on house shows
But i assuming someone came to their senses and decided taker and kane deserved better at wrestlemania
If we ever get a Brian Zane talking plush, i hope one of its phrases will be "THE LAAAAST RIDE."
The Him Bottom is a close second
@@SteRDLK yeah there are a lot of quips to select from haha
"Di-a-mond CUTTER! Chest out, back straight!"
"They has fight!"
"Jacob 'the Snakob' Roberts."
"The Mauve?! Izzat YOU?"
@@vincentgood2234 "MAN CALLED STING!"
Soup Bones Cole
"Cena, showing no signs of a stab wound."
LOL That popped me.
Same, couldn't stop laughing 😆 🤣 😂
"The Dr. Hooked him up" that was the moment I started hating cena
Well he is Super Cena.
The "raped him of his dignity" was used heavily when Andre was shaved by Big John Studd as well. Vince probably really liked that phrasing for shave angles for some reason.
I was about to post this, but you beat me to it.
@@Azzman2049 what?
@@Slop_Dogg WHAT
@@Azzman2049love how nobody said anything at all except for clarify where the phrase came from and here you go crying about snowflakes 😂
@@Azzman2049 Well, rape victims don't like hearing that.
This show just needed a beyblade ad to make the ppv perfect
When that played during Austin Theory’s entrance, I legitimately thought that was a new tron for him. Like the BeyBlade was gonna be a new thing for him lol
@@comixproviderftw_02 Brand synergy, have Austin Theory do a spin-a-roonie and call it the BeyBlade.
Beyblades, Beyblades, Beyblades!!!!
I keep thinking it was a rib by Dunne
Snitsky would just kick the top into the crowd, tho
The most fucked up thing about that John Cena stabbing angle is that Carlito's dad is Carlos Colon, and the most famous stabbing in wrestling history took place in his WWC territory.
The one in Puerto Rico?
@@arrownoir yep, where Bruiser Brody was stabbed for real and died by Jose Gonzalez and Carlos Colon was there and do nothing.
I have this PPV on DVD and Snitskys grunt is a hidden gem that Ive never seen anybody mention because of how kind of obscure this show is. Thank you for highlighting it lmao
Funny thing about Spike Dudley being the boss is even though he had always been billed as the "little brother" he's actually older than both Bubba and D-von so him being the boss, with that in mind, actually makes sense.
Honestly, that blows me away, unless it turns out that Bubba Ray and D-Von are like Arn Anderson in that they both looked older than the probably were, like Bubba especially has never not looked at least 35.
@@Kaltagstar96 there are plenty of wrestlers who are like that. King Kong Bundy didn't age at all after he retired. Pretty much looked the same up until his death.
Ah yes, the super rare window of time where Jericho used the step-up enzuigiri as one of his finishers
I think he started using this finisher in 2004 from the match vs christian at backlash.
This was arguably 2004 babyface Orton’s best moment
Captaining a team to defeat Triple H’s team and holding his own against Hunter and Edge, which technically makes this Orton’s only sole survivor victory he won fair and square without interference
Sadly Triple H would still go over babyface Orton at every other turn
It was his only Babyface moment weren't it?
@@ScottFree-GB Two I can remember.
There was the moment he pretended to give up the title to Triple H and Evolution only to spit a huge loogie into his face. H cuts a furious promo backstage with Orton's loogie undulating around on his forehead lines. I laughed profusely.
Then there was an Evolution birthday party for Triple H where Orton pops out of the cake, spits another loogie in Triple H's face, then dropkicks Batista and Flair before bailing out. Both happened on Raw.
and kinda neat it's consecutive years of Randy being the ultimate winner in the Survivor Series matches he was in (03 and 04).
dude i was at this show as a 7 year old! (i’m 25 now that shit makes me feel old) things i remember from the show:
-John Cena coming back from being kayfabed stabbed with the browns jersey
-Josh Mathews being involved with the WWE title match
-I met the coach while he was doing heat where we both told each other we were cool for both being named Johnathan.
nobody asked for that recollection but this show is a classic and i’ll always cherish it
Did you also catch the pre-show match of La Resistance vs. Hurricane Helms and Rosey?
@@RoyStantz YOU UNLOCKED A MEMORY!
Don't worry, you're not old... I was 20.when this show happened! 😅😅
These are some of my favorite comments on these classic ppv vids. Thanks for sharing dude.
It's insane to see how bulked up Billy Kidman looks here. Also fun fact Kidman is a producer for WWE now.
Aside from the women's match I thought the show was pretty good a solid B in my opinion.
I mean, compared to all the other cruiserweights, wasn't Kidman always a bigger dude?
@@Kaltagstar96 Not really in WCW he was skinny.
I was at this show. Even then I realized it was a low grade show for one of the Big 4 with something of a lackluster card and no title changes, but it was a blast to be at live. I watched the DVD I had so much, it actually wore out just because I loved reliving that night. Wrestling is so much better when you can see it live in person.
I was too it was a blast
Crazy how many ppvs was in Cleveland n I missed all of them I fucking live here 🤦🏽♂️
Ugly by The Exies is the theme song. I'd watch video packages recorded in my VCR nonstop back then. Good Times
@@sheriffdraws8789 I bought that album after going to the show.
I remember nothing of it except for Ugly lol
@@sheriffdraws8789 great times
Spot on with your Maven assessment. I was a kid during that time but was happy they threw Maven a bone being in that main event. Sure wasn’t the best worker but he had been with the company for awhile at that point. But after his loss during GM week I remember thinking, “wow after all the interference he couldn’t win?” And he never recovered.
And I agree with what you said in the beginning: having 2 dastardly heels as champs was kind of rough to watch through. HHH reign of terror and JBL being annoying dominating every week. It was obvious by this point that cena and Batista were gunna be the future champs. Maybe that’s why I don’t watch the product anymore lol but it’s fun looking back on the stuff I grew up with. Great work Zane!
And, alternatively, if you looked elsewhere it wasn't much better as over at TNA, every week a Wild Slapnuts Appeared with the NWA Championship around his waist and... Well, Ring of Honor was on the twilight of Samoa Joe's reign with the title before he lost it to Austin Aries a month later.
Though I think ROH had the most interesting guy at the time.
maven actually made a WWE game
once.
Maven was really fighting an uphill battle throughout his WWE career. After winning Tough Enough, the higher-ups threw him on the main roster to take advantage of his exposure on the show even though he was greener than an avocado. Not only that, he never really developed a character than just "that guy who won the first Tough Enough." Had they just sent him to developmental for a year or two so he could learn how to properly work and develop a character to help him get over, he would've had more success.
@@Partyboy22 And even though how many wrestlers were kayfabe family despite not having the same name, he and Booker T. actually have the same surname. If you're going to have the obvious equivalents in HHH/Batista and JBL/Cena, why not another tag team of brothers or uncle and nephew? I think it could have worked but agree that also should've waited until after developmental time.
I was a massive Maven stan back then (maybe because of his fantastic entrance theme), so I was over the moon once he started getting a main event push.
And then I got said again once 2005 rolled around 😔, LOL
"Remember the screw job?" - WWE 1998-2022
@Dwaine Curtis correct. You have arrived at the joke.
In an alternate universe, snitsky is 15 time world champion and heidenreich is an A list Hollywood star
So basically Heidenreich is Cena and Snitsky is Orton
Shut up and take my money.
23:45 The HEIGHT Randy used to get on his early RKOs were crazy😮
Yes. And that sweet drop kick
Love the Comic-Book style of the DVD art for this edition of Survivor Series and Heidenreich was a blast backstage! Cya for your next PPV review in December and Happy Holidays!
These classic ppv reviews give me life
Learn a lot from them too
Does anyone remember when Big Show was chasing Kurt Angle throughout the backstage area and then Big Show choke slammed Kurt off this like scaffolding or something then the cameras look over the edge and zoom down and Kurt Angle literally looks dead on the concrete floor with blood coming out of the back of his head.
That segment has been stuck in my head for years now, it traumatized me when I was a little kid
Dude!! His Leg?! Hahaaaaa
OMG Yes! I will always remember that! I legit thought I just seen someone die on TV. Commentators stopped talking, Torrie crying for help in the background, Vince is Sick LMFAO
Shelton deserved more, his ringwork was impecable.
He got everything that people who only have good in ring work get. The IC title and tag titles. He was never a world champion draw
Absolutely! Shelton showed he had the tools and the talent. It's a damned shame they turned him into a " mama's boy" comedy act at the end of his first run
The Gold Standard
He cant cut promos worth a damn
@@slyfox2022 that would make sense on the fact he didn't get a major push.
God the "JOOOOOOOOSH" bit is one of my all time faves, thanks for bringing it up again Zman
The way that this video started with Brian Zane singing ''JOSH!!!" is funny and amazing to me. Good job man!
I was at this show! Thanks for the memories Brian 🤘😏🤘
Cleveland Rocks
A fact about Carlito's elimination from the match between Eddie and Kurt's teams, that was done to protect him as he had apparently suffered a separated shoulder at a house show before the ppv and that's why he was counted out the way he was.
This one holds a special place in my heart cause I was there in person and it was my very first ppv I ever attended. Definitley had alot of fun being there and watching the event live and I even had the DVD for a period. Looking back it actually wasn't that bad of a show I quite liked it.
I always like the Heidenriech match here. John wasn't a supernatural character. He was just big and mean, but he was still able to hang with Undertaker. It never felt like this buried him.
Ever since you started doing the Classic PPV review videos I've been dying for this one to come up. Probably my all time favorite Survivor Series as I loved the stakes in the Team Orton/Team HHH match. I remember going to school the next day and talking with my friends about Randy countering the pedigree into the RKO. Remember losing my mind as I never seen that done before and thinking it was the most creative finish ever lol. The featured song they used for the show, Ugly by The Exies was a big hit for me too. Using my free time during computer lab class in school and pulling up the highlights from the show of all the matches with that song playing and my gosh it just made me love the show even more. I wasn't expecting those thoughts about Shelton and I totally agree with everything. I honestly thought he was going to be in the main event scene at some point since he beat HHH in a shocker on his RAW debut. Shame he never got past the mid-card even if his promo needed work he was exciting to watch in the ring at this time. I think he could have held his own if he got that spotlight if given the chance as we've had champions that were average on the mic so it wouldn't have been a big deal in my eyes. One of my favorite wrestlers and his match against HBK on Raw is one of my all time favorites.
I agree about the JBL stipulation spoiling the ending. I've always disliked that "if I lose, I'm gone" bit for that very reason. It's telegraphed the outcome of many a match over the years.
Given the rumour about Carlito’s dad being responsible for covering up the murder of Brusier Brody, having Carlito suspected of stabbing John Cena was a little hmm
It's always a blast watching or listening to the Classic Pay-Per-View Reviews, especially for someone who didn't get into wrestling until 2011, and didn't get to see one until about...2013 I want to say. Keep up the amazing work!
I have a lot of memories regarding this Survivor Series. Heidenreich coming out in a straitjacket to fight The Undertaker, those Survivor Series elimination matches, etc.
Jibbles...well played, sir.
This was my first PPV I've ever attended and I gotta say they played that theme song like 50 times. It was in everybody's head on the way home guaranteed.
This whole time Sami Zayn has been cosplaying 2004 Spike Dudley
I believe they were called "Classic Survivor Series" matches because they went back to the 4v4 style seen during the early years of the PPV, as opposed to the 5v5.
The early years of Survivor Series were 5 on 5.
I'm so glad you did this one ! This was my first Survivor Series. It was two days after my ninth birthday. I got a Matt Hardy V.1 and Shelton Benjamin action figure with a stunt action wrestling ring.
I remember the poster for this PPV in the Raw magazine and I always thought it was a cool design. With how it was drawn. By far one of my favorite PPV poster
This was the first PPV my dad let me order. I had the other PPVs on DVD, but this was the first I saw live as it was showing. I made honor roll on my report card to pull this off 😂😂
Heidenistsky is the best tag team that never was
Also, Spike Dudley vs Sasha Banks has become my new dream match
Man you should have millions, and millions of subs, by far the best wrestling channel on UA-cam. All the best from Ireland 👍
Brian you are the best for this! this happens to be one of my all time favorite Survivor Series because everything on the card for the most part just worked. Ignoring Heidenrich's match of course but the overall show was def a top ranked Survivor Series for me. And my teacher for a Night Spike Dudley actually got to win a match lol
When you do these reviews, a little thing that would be cool, is give a "MVP" moment to the best segment/interview/match of the night.
This was also during Edge’s slow-burn push to the main event. He kept getting more in the mix, and his aggression was insanely believable. Great work over a pretty lengthy amount of time by Edge, made me a big fan of him especially when he finally won. Lots of nice feuds and character progression, some surprising wins as well.
JBL as champ was great and nobody will convince me otherwise.
So no 20th Anniversary reviews for Tna? damn shame was looking forward to seeing you cover some Tna stuff this year.
As well as being very entertaining and interesting, the information that we get from these classic PPV reviews is absolutely priceless. Much appreciated.
I remember back in the DVD days I'd do that A-B loop feature on two Snitsky moments: his weird squeal at 11:46 and his clothesline to Paul London at the 05 Rumble
I'm still salty Shelton Benjamin never really got a chance to challenge for a world championship at a ppv at this time
Its because of this show why I always wished the traditional Survivor Series matches had stipulations attached for the winning team. I've never understood why they can't be either Number 1 contender matches or a pick at the Rumble or something to just give those matches some sort of stakes or investment rather than "Hey brand supremacy, guys!!"
Wow pretty nostalgic memories being brought up by this ppv
2004 around the time JBL won the championship at the great American Bash that year I started watching the week to week shows not because of JBL winning just a coincidence
Yeah Smackdown was pretty crazy with the John Cena nightclub storyline. Heidenreich & undertaker Mayhem
Crazy times
I totally forgot that spike was called the boss during his heel run
When Brian said the boss spike Dudley
I thought of spike doing a Sasha Banks cosplay which is a disturbing thought 😂
Great review
A nice trip down memory lane for me
I get so fucking hype when my notification bell hits and I see that you finally posted a video LFG!
Snitsky
I always pop whenever there’s a “The Last Ride!” call made.
This is one of my favorite Pay-Per-Views of all time. The Raw “Classic” Survivor Series match is one of my favorite of all time
Me too buddy
Maven has his own UA-cam channel and he described how Fit Finlay did the blade job on him and Snitzky's chair shot receipt for the broken orbital bone/concussion.
5:33 I really enjoyed these brand split interaction segments. Stars from separate shows having these rare ppv interactions. I remember the year before at Survivor Series 03, Lesnar and Goldberg first interacted and that led to their Royal Rumble encounters and Wrestlemania match which was the biggest letdown but the lead up was so hyped. Also remember HHH and JBL facing off and each saying they're the real champion.
I know many of the guys still look good. Christian and Shelton Benjamin look almost exactly the same today as they did then 18 years ago. Both can still go in the ring today too
This was actually the first PPV I saw growing up.
What a way to start.
I cannot believe this PPV is 20 years old. God I’m old 😭
By 2004 I was still in HighSchool and already looking back at wrestling from "when I was young". It really does illustrate how the WWE monopoly tanked the entire industry.
It blows my mind that wrestling is an industry doesn't do audience segmentation better. My 6 year old nephew loves John Cena. I got crazy into the rock in junior high. By later high school years I bet cm punk would have been my jam. As an adult I can still appreciate technical matches and really good storytelling in the ring. Trying to roll that all up into one promotion doesn't seem to me like it's ever worked in the history of the industry. It's like rock music, sometimes I'm in the mood for punk Kala sometimes I'm in the mood for metal, sometimes I'm in the mood for blues rock. But what I don't need is a single old school radio station who sticks to one genre for 2 years and then switches it up as genres get cold and hot. To a more contemporary example I don't want to log in to Spotify and be like, man remember when this app used to play metal? I miss that.
Yo, Brian Zane, the Z man, he’s THE man. Thanks for all the great stuff as always brother Zane
The Laaaaast Ride and Taboo Tooosday will never fail to me laugh 😂
YAMBAGS
I loved Christian’s Waterproof Blonde version, of Just Close Your Eyes theme
It's rumored that the Carlito being involved in stabbing Cena was a dig at Carlito father
Maria Kanellis’ evolution from backstage interviewer to one of the best managers in recent memory is still great.
Ah that classic staple of ruthless aggression: HHH booked as an underdog heel champ. Good times.
In 2002-early 2004, Triple H and Eric Bischoff used to be homies with Sleazy E smooching HHH’s backside but their friendship ended when Bischoff got sick and tired of Triple H’s BS and he became a neutral/ GM a la Teddy Long until One Night Stand 05 and John Cena’s arrival on Raw
Is this the first time a backstage segment got a rating?
I miss the Waterproof Blonde version of Just Close Your Eyes
I always found it amazing how whenever Eric Bischoff got a haircut, it would go from white to black, black to white lol
Man Brian ive waited to whole two weeks for the review. One of my fav PPV. I was suprised with the first 2 rating, would rate them higher. But also happily suprised about the wwe title match. The ME should also got higher rated, but all in one good job
Also, again, I was at that show, and I think you nailed it, Brian: This was another transitional period for the company, so the Cleveland crowd who likely witnessed the first two Survivor Series events in Richfield likely felt underwhelmed by this show. At least I did, as Fink welcomed us beforehand and acknowledged the origins of this Big Four ppv, to little reaction. I think most of us felt it would be an underwhelming, yet fun show. Your "B" grade is beyond fair.
It would have been better for the show if they didn’t blow the Taker vs JBL feud at No Mercy. As much as I love Booker T, his face turn was sudden, and no one bought him as a legitimate threat to win the title that night. Taker vs JBL would have been a solid co-main Event that brought more intrigue to the show.
I still have this PPV on DVD. Watching it back, it was fun as hell. Snitsky/Heidenreich segment was hilarious lmao!
"I LIKE WHAT YOU DO TO BEYBLADES"
Always look forward to these!!!!
Same
Cool review as always Brian, take care
Don’t know if you read these comments but damn your reviews are great. Thank you for taking the time to do these.
Still can’t believe that Carlos colons kids first story was about him getting someone to stab a wrestler in the kidney…like what Carlos did to bruiser Brody
"Heiderich is running like somebody learning the controls for the first time."
Gunna crack a rib taking a buckle like that brother!
I always had EVERY PPV on DVD 2002 - 2006.... this was in my top 5 to put on as background noise on repeat (in my world, thats a good thing lol)
@5:46 “it was so artistic”
I nearly howled laughing lmao
9:25 that phrase was used as an Andre call back. McMahon said the same thing when Andre got his head shaved
Vince said that line in the 80s? How appropriate when you really think about it (or maybe we shouldn't).
Brian,
You have to, in some way, include Ric Flair's "Golden Spoon" promo for Starrcade '87 in your upcoming review. A true masterpiece.
Fun fact: Spike Dudley dropped the belt to Funaki a few weeks after this in time for the Japan Tour
2002 to 2005 is always going to be known as a strange time in WWE.
As a kid watching wrestling, I couldn't stand JBL as champion, but watching these back I never appreciated what an awesome heel he was. So I guess he did his job brilliantly.
Heidenreich and Snitsky just didn't belong there. Period. For a guy to make Undertaker look as bad as he did in that match by not selling and/or executing properly...no wonder Undertaker didn't like him.
I knew you'd do this PPV
New Team Angle (Angle, Luther, and Jindrak) was exactly the same as the New Hart Foundation, the New Headshrinkers, the New Rockers, the New Blackjacks, and the New Midnight Express.
New Jack as the stabber is just crazy. That man wouldn't hurt a fly.
That segment between Snitsky and Heindenreich ... just priceless. I really loved it
Big Show actually grew his hair back out again when he formed a tag team with Kane. Albeit shorter. An often forgotten point
The episode of RAW when Chris Jericho managed was my introduction to FOZZY.
This episode was brought to you FATTIES by The Patented SIMON System. Don’t knock that theme was a BANGER and the character got heat. So underrated.
Also - how did Snitsky and Heidenreich not get put together as a legit tag team??
Apparently, the Simon Dean character was inspired by Ben Stiller's character in Heavyweights and not his character in Dodgeball. I think Simon Dean is more White Goodman than Tony Perkins.
I think Snitsky and Heidenreich were supposed to face Taker and Kane at Mania 21, they had something happen at the Royal Rumble between the four, but then they put the kybosh on it
Simon Dean is a certified boy imo
Snitsky liked Heiden's poetry and Heiden liked what Snitsky did to babies
Loved Simon Dean’s scooter
I was at this show and I recall a backstage shot in which the camera briefly lingered on Flair’s robe hanging up backstage. Being that he didn’t have a scheduled match, I was convinced that it was a hint that Flair was going to be offered Maven’s spot on the face team and that he wouldn’t be able to resist despite it being against Triple H and Batista.
"Dammit this match is still going on!" 😂😭
11:53 I picked the wrong zoom work meeting to watch this video cuz of this part 🤣 🤣 goddam u Brian! 😂😂 got me snorting like a pig in front of my boss!
The way Randy does the RKO in this time period will always be better than current day RKO's
I used to have the poster to this pay per view. I love the comic book style art of the wrestlers on it and had it hanging for a long time. Sadly, I don't know what happened to it.
Younger me remembers that Maven vs HHH match on RAW after this PPV and let me tell you Maven might have suffered because of that loss but it did achieve its target in solidifying HHH as the champion who escaped by the inch of his teeth. I remember how hyped I was after Orton KOed HHH and started screaming "cover his a**" and the crowd was on fire for it then how pissed I was when HHH ran away with the belt
you escape by the skin of your teeth, not inch
Love whenever the shows are in my hometown