Survivor Series was an event created by Vince McMahon to not only capitalize on his promotion's immense popularity but also the overwhelming success of the rivalry between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. In March 1987, WWE enjoyed unprecedented success on the back of the feud as 93,173 packed the Pontiac Silverdome in suburban Detroit, Michigan for the biggest heavyweight championship match of all-time. More eyes than ever were on the world of sports-entertainment thanks to that one match and the feud that it was born of than at any other time. Of course McMahon would look for new outlets on which to showcase their program. With the Thanksgiving Day event on the schedule, McMahon booked a huge main event pitting Team Hogan vs. Team Andre. Without any other names announced, fans were ready to pounce on the opportunity to see the industry giants battle it out once more. Wait...what's that? Hogan and Andre weren't the last two Superstars in the ring for the main event on November 26, 1987? That's right. Realizing there was even more money that could be milked out of Hogan vs. Andre, McMahon purposely baited the audience in on the belief that they would see some sort of expanded action from the rivals, then had Hogan get counted out while brawling with King King Bundy at ringside, leaving newcomer Bam Bam Bigelow to fend for himself against the Eighth Wonder of the World. It did not end well for the young New Jerseyan, who found himself on the receiving end of a butterfly suplex from Andre, who became the Survivor Series' first-ever sole survivor.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
