10 Best WWE Pay-Per-View Debuts Ever

by Jamie Kennedy

1. The Undertaker (Survivor Series 1990)

Survivor Series 1990
WWE.com

Nobody made a first impression on pay-per-view like The Undertaker managed at the 1990 Survivor Series, but without Mark Calaway's dedication to the character and intimidating glare the gimmick may have faltered and become fated to show up on 'missed opportunity' lists forever more.

Introduced by Ted DiBiase and seconded by Brother Love, Undertaker was the most notable aspect of the entire show. It's often forgotten that he eliminated himself by going after Dusty Rhodes and thus being counted out, but even that couldn't stop people from buzzing about the WWF's new creation in the pay-per-view's aftermath.

No-one could have predicted 'Taker's longevity in 1990. Although WWE like to spin the story that Undertaker was always going to be a success, there were no guarantees on the supernatural character until Calaway pulled it off perfectly at Survivor Series. WWE's most successful gimmick was a smash hit from the off.

-

What other pay-per-view bows would you consider the best? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section below!

Advertisement
Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.