WWF’s first Survivor Series in 1987 was a bold and strategic move that reshaped the wrestling landscape. Conceived as a counter-programming tactic, it not only disrupted Jim Crockett Promotions’ Starrcade but also laid the foundation for one of WWE’s most enduring traditions.
In the fall of 1987, Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation were riding high on the success of WrestleMania III. Hulk Hogan had just body slammed Andre the Giant in front of over 93,000 fans, and WWF was looking to capitalize on its momentum. Meanwhile, Jim Crockett Promotions, the flagship of the NWA, was preparing to air Starrcade, it’s own yearly Thanksgiving extravaganza, on pay-per-view for the first time.
McMahon saw an opportunity. He created Survivor Series, a new pay-per-view built around a unique concept: teams of five wrestlers competing in elimination-style tag matches. The event was scheduled for Thanksgiving night, November 26, 1987, directly opposite Starrcade. But McMahon didn’t stop there. He issued an ultimatum to cable providers: carry Survivor Series or lose the rights to WrestleMania IV. Most chose WWF, effectively pushing Starrcade off pay-per-view in many markets. It’s reported that only two cable companies ended up carrying Starrcade.
Promoted as “The Biggest Event Since WrestleMania III,” Survivor Series 1987 was held at the Richfield Coliseum in Ohio and drew over 21,000 fans. The main event featured Hulk Hogan, Paul Orndorff, Don Muraco, Ken Patera, and Bam Bam Bigelow against Andre the Giant, Rick Rude, King Kong Bundy, One Man Gang, and Butch Reed. The match was a continuation of the Hogan-Andre feud and showcased the drama and spectacle that WWF had mastered.
Other matches included teams led by Randy Savage and Honky Tonk Man, as well as tag team and women’s elimination bouts. The format was fresh, fast-paced, and allowed for multiple stars to shine in a single match.
Survivor Series was a hit. Fans responded positively to the team-based format, and the event’s success proved that WWF could innovate beyond the standard singles and tag matches. The show’s strong buy rate and crowd reaction confirmed that McMahon’s gamble had paid off.
The fallout for Jim Crockett Promotions was severe. Starrcade 1987 suffered from limited distribution and lower revenue, contributing to financial strain that eventually led to the sale of the company to Ted Turner. This move would later spark the Monday Night Wars, but in 1987, WWF had clearly won the battle. Starrcade would never be held on Thanksgiving again, and had to find a new home on the calendar at the end of December every year.
Survivor Series became an annual tradition, joining WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam as one of WWF’s “Big Four” pay-per-views. Each year, the event evolved, but the core concept of team elimination matches remained a staple. It introduced fans to new stars, advanced major storylines, and provided unforgettable moments, from The Undertaker’s debut in 1990 to the Montreal Screwjob in 1997.
The inaugural Survivor Series wasn’t just a wrestling show. It was a power play, a creative leap, and a defining moment in wrestling history. Its success ensured that every Thanksgiving season, fans would gather not just for turkey and stuffing, but for the thrill of survival.
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