10 Most Shocking WWE Survivor Series Moments
4. The Undertaker's Grand Return (2005)
The 2005 SmackDown vs. Raw 5-on-5 elimination match is rightly remembered among the best in Survivor Series history. A tremendously well-paced encounter, it saw Shawn Michaels steal the show with some expert selling, and helped make a star of young Randy Orton, who put HBK away with an RKO for the decisive pinfall.
But as great as the match was, it was only window-dressing for the night's biggest moment. 'The Legend Killer' celebrated his victory, but that famous gong sounded over the PA system, and panic overcame the SmackDown stars. Smoke poured form the ramp, and a troupe of druids emerged from the back, carrying a casket towards the entryway.
A bolt of lightning set the coffin ablaze, and out came 'The Deadman,' making his first appearance since Orton had trapped him in a flaming casket at No Mercy that October. Orton was petrified as his foe marched down to the ring, then proceeded to single-handedly destroy every member of Team Blue, igniting the latest chapter in his and Randy's lengthy feud.
A perfectly executed piece of pro wrestling theatre, it closed Survivor Series 2005 on an immeasurable high, and remains one of 'Taker's most startling moments.