WWE Survivor Series: 5 Memorable Debuts at the Thanksgiving Tradition

In 1987, the WWE debuted its newest pay-per-view offering called Survivor Series.

The concept was simple—teams of five would square off in an elimination tag-team match to determine a winner.

Each team's participants usually had some sort of beef with the other team's members. Because of this, Survivor Series was used as a continuance of feuds and not the ending of them.

In 1991, we saw a shift, as it was the first time that the WWE title was up for grabs in a one-on-one match.

Then in 1998, the WWE used this event to decide a new champion for its vacated WWE title. The stage was set for a tournament featuring 14 wrestlers. This was the first time since WrestleMania IV that the WWE held an elimination tournament for the title.

Over the years, the pay-per-view has held several "traditional" Survivor Series tag matches. These are usually feature matches and used as a throw-away.

Matches aside, the WWE has used this platform to debut new wrestlers or concepts. At the time we as fans had no clue what impact this would have. Over the years, some of these debuts have shaken the foundation of wrestling.

Now that you've had your history lesson, here are my top five WWE Survivor Series debuts.

5. Scott Steiner

Granted, Steiner was in the WWE previously as a member of the Steiner Brothers.

During his WWE tenure he and brother Rick also partook in 1993's Survivor Series.

However, this was Scott Steiner's solo debut.

When the Steiner Brothers left the WWE, both men were still faces. Over time, Scott converted to a heel and became one of WCW's biggest names.

After the WWE bought out the competition, Scott had nowhere to go and still had some drawing power.

In 2002, the WWE came calling and Steiner answered with this dominating debut at Survivor Series.

4. The Elimination Chamber

The Elimination Chamber added a whole new meaning to Survivor Series.

Instead of elimination tag matches, this was an elimination singles match involving six men.

Each wrestler would enter the ring surrounded by the steel structure.

Then they would be sent to their own pod awaiting their random selection to enter the ring.

This match has now become a WWE staple as has been given its own pay-per-view

3. Kurt Angle

The Olympic gold medalist made his debut in 1999, where he faced off against Shawn Stasiak.

Little did fans know that Angle would become one of the most celebrated athletes in the WWE.

Within three months of his debut Angle won both the Intercontinental and European titles, dubbing himself the "Euro-Continental" champion.

Before his WWE departure, Angle became a Grand Slam and Triple Crown winner, holding the World and WWE title a combined total of six times.

He would leave the WWE in 2006 and make the biggest debut in TNA's history.

2. The Rock

In 1996 The Rock was known as Rocky Maivia a baby-face gimmick that did not resonate well with fans.

Rocky found himself as a part of a team consisting of Marc Mero, Jake Roberts and The Stalker (Barry Windham).

As the matches participants dwindled down, Mavia found himself as the last man standing and picked up the win for his team.

Even with hardly any fan support, The Rock was able to move past this and become one of the biggest names in WWE's history.

1. The Undertaker

Arriving as the "mystery partner" for The Million Dollar Team. The Undertaker has solidified himself as one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE's history.

With an impressive 19-0 record at WreslteMania, "The Dead Man" has left behind a path of destruction since his debut.

Not many people can say that they made such an impact from day one.

However, Vince McMahon knew what he was working with and made sure the WWE Universe would see this amazing athlete.

Once The Undertaker decides to retire, he will probably hold at least a 20-0 WrestleMania record, that most likely will not be surpassed.