When it comes to professional wrestling, few events generate as much excitement and anticipation as WWE Survivor Series. This annual event, known for its unique elimination matches, has captivated fans worldwide with its intense rivalries and iconic moments. Designing your own Survivor Series match card not only adds to the excitement but also gives fans a creative outlet to envision dream matches and scenarios. In this extensive guide, we'll dive deep into crafting an unforgettable Survivor Series match card, exploring themes, strategies, and storylines to consider.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Survivor Series WWE" alt="Survivor Series WWE"> </div>
Understanding Survivor Series
Before we dive into crafting our dream card, let's take a moment to appreciate what makes Survivor Series special. Initiated in 1987, this event has evolved over time, introducing the traditional 5-on-5 elimination matches, where teams battle it out to determine which brand, or faction, will reign supreme. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Elimination Rules: Each wrestler is eliminated when they are pinned, submitted, or disqualified.
- Survivors: The team with surviving members at the end wins. It's not just about winning; it's about surviving.
- Interfaction Dynamics: Survivor Series often showcases the battle between brands, factions, or sometimes even dream teams from different storylines.
<p class="pro-note">๐ Note: Understanding these basics will help in creating a match card that resonates with the essence of Survivor Series.</p>
Crafting Your Dream Match Card
Theme and Storylines ๐
Creating a compelling match card starts with a theme or overarching storyline. Here's how you might approach this:
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Brand vs. Brand: The classic WWE vs. NXT or RAW vs. SMACKDOWN rivalry can set the stage for intense competition.
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Superhero vs. Villains: An entertainment crossover where good versus evil can provide a fantastical backdrop for matches.
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Generational Warfare: Pitting legends against new stars or future prospects against established names.
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Faction Feuds: Highlighting real-life or kayfabe rivalries between groups like The Bloodline, The New Day, or any custom faction.
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Era vs. Era: Matches could represent different eras of wrestling, pitting '80s and '90s stars against today's athletes.
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Choosing Participants ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง
The key to an epic Survivor Series card is the selection of participants:
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Singles Competitors: Wrestlers who can carry storylines on their own. Think about their build-up feuds and current storylines.
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Tag Teams: Include tag teams to showcase unity and loyalty, making for interesting elimination dynamics.
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Wildcards: Introduce surprise entrants or NXT call-ups for a shock factor.
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Legacy Matches: Include current wrestlers facing off against their legends or rivals from the past.
Match Formats and Variants ๐ฅ
While the standard 5-on-5 elimination match is a staple, consider the following variants:
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Triple Threat Survivor Series: Teams of three wrestle, with an elimination potentially leading to a new member joining.
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Women's Matches: Equal representation with a separate women's Survivor Series match or intergender teams.
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Pre-Show Matches: Build up the event with exciting pre-show matches, which could influence the main card outcomes.
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Championship Implications: Make titles be on the line, or have a match where the survivors earn a title shot at the next PPV.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=WWE Championship at Survivor Series" alt="WWE Championship at Survivor Series"> </div>
Crafting Stories ๐
Each match needs a story:
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Built Up Feuds: Use current rivalries and storylines to enrich the matches. Feuds like Roman Reigns vs. The Fiend can be key to a match's allure.
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Unexpected Alliances: Create temporary alliances for strategic or narrative reasons, breaking kayfabe norms.
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Legacy Storylines: Involve legends to pass the torch or settle old scores, adding depth to the event's narrative.
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Crossovers: Utilize guest stars from other promotions or even from outside wrestling to draw in different fan bases.
<p class="pro-note">๐ข Note: Remember, the key is to ensure each match feels like a critical chapter in an ongoing saga.</p>
Building the Card
Here's a suggestion for a thematic Survivor Series match card:
<table> <tr> <th>Match Type</th> <th>Participants</th> <th>Theme</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Pre-Show: Tag Team Match</td> <td>Team NXT vs. Team 205 Live</td> <td>New Era vs. Underrated Warriors</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Women's Singles: WWE vs. NXT</td> <td>Current Women's Champions vs. NXT's Best</td> <td>Brand Superiority</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Men's Survivor Series Match</td> <td>Faction Leaders vs. Rising Stars</td> <td>Leadership vs. Ambition</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Legacy Match: Triple Threat</td> <td>Past Legends vs. Current Faces of the Company vs. Future Leaders</td> <td>The Torch Passing</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Main Event: Title vs. Title</td> <td>Champions from all brands face off</td> <td>Brand Dominance</td> </tr> </table>
Incorporating Surprise Elements ๐
Survivor Series is known for its "Twist of Fate", so ensure your card has:
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Unexpected Returns: Bring back an injured or retired star as a surprise entrant.
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Special Stipulations: Have matches where a Survivor Series win can be influenced by a non-wrestler or an outside faction.
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Open Challenge: Allow for spontaneous open challenges from the fans' perspective or as a result of fan votes.
Finale and Aftermath ๐
Consider how the matches will conclude and what it means for the storylines:
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Survivors Announce Their Next Feud: Use the event to set up post-Survivor Series conflicts.
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Tweeners and Betrayals: Have some wrestlers switch sides or factions, leading to new alliances or feuds.
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A New Era: If a match signifies a change in WWE eras, who will be leading the charge?
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Aftermath of Survivor Series" alt="Aftermath of Survivor Series"> </div>
Recap
To sum it up, crafting your dream Survivor Series match card requires a blend of WWE tradition with creative storytelling and an understanding of current storylines. Here's what we've explored:
- Understanding the essence of Survivor Series and its unique elimination match format.
- Theme selection that can tie all matches together under one big event narrative.
- Participant selection that respects both tradition and innovation.
- Match format variations that can elevate the event's excitement.
- The importance of crafting compelling stories for each match, adding depth and engagement.
- A framework for your match card, ensuring each match has its own theme and purpose.
By integrating these elements, you're not just designing a match card; you're creating a spectacle that could rival the best Survivor Series events. Remember, this isn't just about booking matches; it's about storytelling, emotion, and legacy.
Now, go ahead, and with these tools at your disposal, design the Survivor Series match card that will be remembered for years to come!
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the history behind WWE Survivor Series?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Survivor Series started in 1987 and was originally conceived as a Thanksgiving-themed event, showcasing tag team matches and elimination bouts.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use real-life feuds for my match card?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely, real-life rivalries and storylines can add depth and authenticity to your match card, making it feel like a true WWE event.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I make my Survivor Series match card unique?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Incorporate surprise returns, use creative match formats, and focus on storytelling. Mix WWE legends with current stars and think outside the box with themes.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>