10 Fascinating WWE Survivor Series 1996 Facts
1. Shawn Michaels' Originally-Planned Opponent Was Vader
Michaels dropped the WWE Championship to Sycho Sid, much to the delight of a Garden crowd that turned completely against the babyface "Heartbreak Kid". Even if the MSG fans were solidly pro-Shawn, he was going to lose the belt anyway, as part of a story arc that would see him regain the belt in his native San Antonio at the Royal Rumble.
The original plans for Survivor Series didn't include Sid in the match, but rather Vader. Despite the difficulties between Michaels and Vader dating back to SummerSlam, the plan was for Vader to beat Michaels at Survivor Series, retain the gold over probably Bret Hart at the December In Your House, then drop it back to Shawn at the Rumble.
The December In Your House was even subtitled, "It's Time", as an allusion to Vader's proposed run. McMahon made the decision to go with Sid over Vader, in large part due to the big reactions Sid was getting in the months before Survivor Series. Additionally, Michaels hated working with Vader due to his stiff strikes, and it was reasoned that Sid could work lighter to Shawn's liking.