WWF Survivor Series 1998: "Deadly Game" - The Reliving The War PPV Review

[@petegorman9547]

I am 37 years old and visiting my parents this weekend in the house I grew up in and I am watching this in my old room the same room I watched this PPV in back in 1998 when I was 12. I ❤️ You Wrestling Bios !

[@scotteous]

That’s awesome!

[@teddymcfail4359]

Amazing man! 🎉

[@johndoyle7650]

"And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon, little boy blue and the man in the moon....."

[@craigugulini3409]

I’m the same age brother and I’m currently at my parents house watching it with my 3 year old daughter

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

Cringe

[@toptenguy1]

Fun fact: This is the *8TH* time in the past 13 PPVs that the Rock and Ken Shamrock have fought each other. Honorable mentions, the 6th time in the past 9 PPVs for Taker fighting Kane, and the 4th time in past 8 PPVs for Austin fighting Mick Foley.

[@lexkanyima2195]

1st line you are right. But it helped for the Monday Night Wars

[@Tyrone-v2r]

The rivalry between The Rock and Ken Shamrock is so underrated. They had great chemistry together and made it seem like they were really trying to put each other in the hospital. Ken Shamrock is in my humble opinion one of THE most underrated wrestlers ever. Side note, the chair shots The Rock would give Shamrock were crazy and it’s even crazier that Shamrock would tell him to hit him harder.

[@zacharythomason7359]

Thanks for those facts.

[@dylanandrich1949]

Did shamrock ever win?

[@thejellyfishfur]

thanks i feel better about my small fpww roster now👍🏻

[@iBlackula]

From being the hated Rocky Maivia to The People's Champion to becoming the Corporate Champion. Man the memories remain strong.

[@Ian-Omega]

It was good stuff

[@inspectah_ant]

What’s amazing is all that happened in less than a year

[@chrish8229]

Hollywood rock?

[@david83ryan]

Rock/Shamrock had one of the most underrated rivalries of the Attitude Era

[@jimdraven2432]

Absolutely

[@RealBlueCactuar]

When the swerve seemingly comes out of nowhere, but then you look back and all the signs were there you have done a good job. Plus they have already set up Rock v Mankind and Rock v Austin which will take us through to Wrestlemania. Perfectly executed storytelling, putting things in place and not just for the sake of having a swerve

[@jamesbounds]

One of the most memorable pay per views of the attitude era.

[@NoID42069]

From the relatively kind "Rocky sucks!" to champ in such a short time. Rocks energy was undeniable

[@NoID42069]

Relative compared to the die rocky die and cigarette ofc

[@JPD2587]

He was appointment television and had been ever since his split from the Nation.

[@DaisuSaikoro]

You are welcome.

[@ShaunInce123]

One of the best twists at the end of this PPV. I legit didn't see this coming when I watched it.

[@thisisnotachannel]

I don't think any of us did!

[@MR.__G]

@@thisisnotachannelI believe most people would’ve expected stone cold to come out on top or at least be cheated in the main event & neither of those 2 happened.

[@evilswissy]

the truth is right in front of your eyes, in your ears every day and you still believe and follow lies. so, yeah you are just a typical brainless mainstream media fed sheeple that will never possess the intellect to have one original thought

[@Jd-zr8bs]

The Rock and that nightstick catch during the shamrock match was awesome.Bossman looked like he was doing the Rock no favors with that aggressive throw.But I'm sure it was intentional,made the swerve come out of nowhere.Rockys football background was on point that night . Imagine if he fumbled the stick.

[@DrDoomBloom]

Yeah it was a very good PPV capped off by a legit 😲 moment

[@WorldWideWub]

What I loved about this PPV was the intro. They made even guys like Al Snow and Jarrett look like potential champions

[@illstreamthat]

Al Snow always looked like a potential champion to me. Maybe not the character, but he's always had the ability.

[@WhatwouldRoddyPiperdo]

​@@illstreamthatagreed just like Rikishi's heel turn all the lads needed was a change of gear (no not the snowman tights)

[@illstreamthat]

@@WhatwouldRoddyPiperdo DUDE! Love the name.

[@WhatwouldRoddyPiperdo]

@@illstreamthat Thank you! Appreciate it dude you stay cool 🤘

[@LongLiveRockAnRoll]

Yes, Jarrett was always a potential champion and not a lifelong midcarder that got lucky 😅

[@ryanprior1294]

The deadly games theme song is one of those theme songs that will be stuck in my head for the rest of my life

[@hooksncrosses3419]

Same.

[@losthestrengthcoach5524]

It's similar to The Million Dollar Man's theme

[@jbanks979]

The show that gave Vince Russo a career for 15 more years Part of what made the SWERVE work is it was coherently written, it was consistent with the characters, and it had the benefit of several all timers at or near their peaks as performers. It’s crazy that Screwjob was only 12 months prior to this. What a 1998 the wwf had

[@MR.__G]

98 was the most pivotal year of the war. wwf showed resiliency, consistency, broke the streak & took command as the best wrestling program. To me these next few months is where the war ends. They never had to look back or feel threatened by wcw again

[@badyacht]

The story of the build up and the show itself was so good man

[@Kas58223]

Absolutely a fan of tournaments in wrestling when done right and this was done right

[@kenrickkahn]

​@@Kas58223 This was done right.. This is how you do a pro wrestling tournament..

[@brandonperkins176]

The seeds of this event were in placed for Vince to have a champion he wants, thus Corporate Champ Rock was born. Definitely made the Austin rivalry all the more to watch on TV.

[@lexkanyima2195]

But he was launched as a main event player

[@indieauthorjasonblayne7511]

This PPV is still one of favorites. The theme, the set, and the way it was presented makes it worth watching again.

[@kitfo18]

The timing on that Rock/Shamrock match was perfect and Rock's dexterity is spot on. It had to be to make that work so well. Flawless sequence.

[@illstreamthat]

And Bossman had to get the baton at the perfect place for Rock to catch it but make it believable it was meant for Shamrock. Shamrock had to reach for it as well to make it believable...they all made it work beautifully.

[@lexkanyima2195]

And so innovated

[@pasta1169]

This ppv will always be remembered as the peak of Vince Russos booking, very well done

[@MisterHella]

Im very thankful he kept the content coming before his break. Legend.

[@SN27671]

This PPV had been booked to perfection. Wrestling Storytelling at its best.

[@jonathankendrick2789]

This was my birthday present when i was 14, my mom and dad bought me tickets to go with a friend. Was my first WWF live event and i was so excited. This will always be my 2nd fav ppv just because of the memorys.

[@Leloup6760]

If this was your 2nd favorite, what is your first?

[@Scoliosis]

what's your first fav? Wrestlemania 17?

[@martynodonnell]

Yeah what’s your favourite? Wrestlemania 9? In Your House 4? War Games 97?

[@stevenjoseph6048]

Just listening to the review of this show was amazing. As someone who wasn't alive when this happened, sadly I had to watch the horrible booking of the PG Era. Seeing a show with a great week to week build and a storyline told throughout the PPV is fantastic.

[@nefariousnilbog]

This PPV shows how good wrestling can be when the stories are on point. Fantastic stuff

[@petegorman9547]

Brilliant Storytelling from Vince Russo

[@Ambassador_in_Chains]

My favourite memory of this PPV was when King said, “You’re gonna get to see ALL of this PPV!”

[@linkvagar2336]

Everything relied on that baton toss to be perfect to not give the gig away and they pulled it off flawlessly

[@TheMacabreTavern]

Great writing, great theme, great set design. My favorite Survivor Series of all time. This is a damn near perfect PPV.

[@zacharythomason7359]

Totally agree.

[@chrisharbutt8497]

This event will always have a special place in my heart. There was a replay late at night and I remember my dad waking me up to watch it with him. This was my introduction to wrestling.

[@richardgadberry8398]

Vince McMahon didn't screw the people, THE PEOPLE SCREWED THE PEOPLE!

[@QuartzMatrixed]

Vince becoming heel was the smartest move in wrestling history. He made his heels face by default. Pure Genius

[@jabroni_z2686]

Well Rock was already on his way to becoming a face before getting involved with Vince but this storyline just speed up the process. But yea going against Vince at the time made you a face by default lol.

[@MR.__G]

Have to thank the screw job. The real heat between hbk & Bret lead to it. Crazy how that domino effect worked

[@mikem10481]

Simply put, he's the greatest heel in the history of wrestling.

[@commanderjoj6426]

What makes the Mr. McMahon gimmick pure genius is its simplicity and relatability. It’s just simple to hate a boss who’s a smug, condescending, overbearing prick. (As for the edit, let’s just say the OWN Bootyman hooked me up with some of the Warrior’s “green smoke” to watch Wrestling Bio’s Survivor Series 98 recap.)

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@jabroni_z2686but The Rock as THE guy was unexpected. Remember HBK and HHH try to bury him. But he's smart thanks to Bret

[@lavarivy2259]

Man, it feels good seeing The Rock as the WWF Champion again!

[@glen46823]

This PPV was the peak of "sports entertainment" and Vince Russo at his best, before he lost his mind.

[@MR.__G]

Before his fetish for pole matches 😅

[@murmursmeglos]

This might be the PPV that most sums up the Attitude Era - dominated by crazy/messy storytelling, some things you like and some things you don't like but there's so much going on you don't really have time to think about it, then it's topped off by a hugely shocking and memorable moment that lives on to this day.

[@zemox2534]

You forgot poor and stupid booking decisions

[@louclarkson6098]

​​@@zemox2534 feel like that's what crazy/messy storytelling means.

[@woobgamer5210]

@@zemox2534 you havent seen poor and stupid booking decisions yet, just wait till the 4th January episode. WCW fucks up, hard.

[@carloshill]

This was a such a great ppv storytelling wise with three wrestlers being the prime focus with their stories all coming together at the end with one of my favorite swerves and heel turns of all time

[@ChiGuy251]

One of the best stories of a ppv told the swerve and everything leading up to it was booked fantastically plus this was the debut of absolute legend Dwayne Gill.

[@mushroomsamba82]

Great PPV for Mankind. I always liked seeing Mick and Al work together.

[@TheBlockerNator]

18:29 I think the reason Brisco's chair shot was so weak is because of Austin's neck injury from Owen Hart. They didn't want to reaggravate it.

[@Dr-Alexander-The-Great]

100%, a year later was when Austin was written off, to get surgery

[@JanAgro]

According to Austin , Big Boss man was supposed to interfere again with the chair shot and start a mini feud between Austin and Big Boss man, But he missed his cue, and Brisco ran out to do the shot , Austin says that the chair shot was weak because Brisco wasn't used to making them look good, but Austin sold it anyway because that was the story line

[@TheBlockerNator]

@@JanAgro That makes sense, i think Bruce Prichard said the same thing in the something to wrestle podcast.

[@briancanfield2968]

@@JanAgroThis is the correct answer. Austin was justifiably pissed at Bossman afterwards.

[@OptimumTaurus]

​@@JanAgroBrisco wasn't used to making chair shots and didn't want to risk hurting Steve on it.

[@CREOLEHEAT]

Very underrated PPV. The swerve at the end still remains WWE's best.

[@Sickness2310]

Man have I been waiting for this one. Almost 25 years later and I can still vividly remember the shock I had when my friend told me the Rock won on our way to the bus stop. Crazy

[@tomlehmann306]

I still remember it too! I watched it live and couldn’t believe the rock turn. One of the best turns ever

[@Danomight86]

Thanks Wrestling Bios for another awesome episode. I hope you enjoy your time off, brother. We all know how hard you work to bring us this entertainment.

[@rogeroceguera6098]

Kudos to Big Bossman, a pure heel during this era. Great work

[@briancanfield2968]

Except for his painfully dull & plodding matches..

[@Blazingarrow8]

This was my first and only PPV I ever attended. I was a huge Rock fan but loved heel rock even more. I just remember cheering when the turn happens while my section boo’d.

[@zacharythomason7359]

That sucks , well at least you had a great time though.

[@shawnmoney8055]

I will never hate on Russo like everybody else, his writing during this time to me is the best ever in wrestling

[@Dr-Alexander-The-Great]

True. The WWF was never the same after he left for WCW. Which was already a sinking ship

[@woobgamer5210]

Tbh Russo's writing in WCW and TNA is why he's hated.

[@shawnmoney8055]

@@woobgamer5210 yeah that’s understandable but the man was the main writer for the best era ever, why he can’t just get credit for that?

[@madddoggnogood1491]

@@shawnmoney8055 because he's a moron and this Era did more harm than good. All of his so called good ideas were filtered through vince

[@HarmonySword]

Russo is both the best and worst thing to happen during this era.

[@randyv.2880]

This was one of my all-time favs for Survivor Series events. The theme song (on the WWE Anthology disc 2), the unique tournament, the plot twist. Definitely love the big skull on the set for this PPV.

[@randyv.2880]

@@danalong1237 I know and I thought the original version from 1998 was much better than TOD's version in 2006.

[@marsaillecanty765]

Vince Russo did that entire storyline for the Rocks heel turn some of his best work maybe his best

[@lexkanyima2195]

But why did Russo even do it ?

[@forgottenhelm1299]

Watched this live on ppv when I was in middle school, this and Summerslam were memorable. The heel turn was insane for me as a child

[@packfresh1]

I've been anticipating this one for a while. By far one of the best survivor series shows of all time. As well as the coronation of the great one. Absolutely stellar

[@waltsoph3]

This was definitely one of my favorite PPVs by WWF in 98 and I've always loved the promo music for this event. Plus The Rock fooling everyone into thinking he turned face when in fact he was still the same heel that just ended the Nation of Domination ( or aka The Nation when he took it over. ) only a few months before then. Just an epic event. Thanks for the video Wrestling Bios. 😀

[@BrolyChan]

I say this is the official start of one of the most legendary feuds in pro wrestling history: Rock vs Austin. The WWF is on fire right now while the big thing going on in WCW is...Hogan running for president? OR MAYBE HE'S NOT DUDE, IT COULD GO EITHER WAY.

[@bencross3759]

Remember watching this with my uncle thinking this was the best thing in the world! I believe this was my first P,P,V I watched live. The first of many times I went to school really tired due to wrestling! Once again loving your work!

[@KidGravityBeyond]

The Rock was solidified on this night.

[@backbackforward]

The booking of this show is simply amazing. Everything was booked so well

[@mikeberg6407]

What the heck that middle rope clothesline was magical. Bro dived off the corner, hit Dlo in the ring perfectly, and some how landed on the outside on his feet. I had to rewind that a few times 🤯

[@AKJames762]

As a young kid I was in attendance for this one. I remember a lot of it, my cousin bought it on vhs and when Big Boss Man comes out and does his posing on the turnbuckles you can see me in the background flipping him off 🤣

[@teddymcfail4359]

Haha, nice man!

[@zacharythomason7359]

Good one

[@noeljr.7724]

Feeling of nostalgia watching this one. It was an awesome PPV back then and it still holds up. Thanks for creating this video and have a great day.

[@AMFL3116]

One of my all-time favourite PPV's! The ending was just fantastic.

[@z216ghost]

Banger after banger after banger... Bittersweet knowing we're nearing thee end of the war Thank you for your work and the stroll down memory lane

[@Philipmmmm]

Still 3 years away from Vince buying WCW

[@Philipmmmm]

@SpiteHook I figure he will go Kayfave through Invasion PPV to the final survivor series where they Kayfabe officially end WCW

[@christopher6101]

These 2-3 months really were the defining period in the war. Where the WWF launched into the stratosphere and WCW launched towards the bottom.

[@lexkanyima2195]

WWF will never look back

[@JHC2812]

This has always been one of my favorite PpVs of all time!

[@jimmythetvfanatic7402]

Shamrock & Rock's feud dated back to the previous years Survivor Series, both on opposing teams in that elimination tag match. A year later, the roles are reversed with Shamrock as the heel and Rock playing the babyface (though that would change by the end of the night). Next thing you know Rock becomes World Champion and cements his run as a main eventer for the duration of his wrestling career. It's amazing how he rose to the top in a short span of time.

[@lexkanyima2195]

That was the feud of 1998

[@neilchristie6955]

When i first started watching RTW, this was one of the events I was looking forward to seeing. The Deadly Game was the first PPV I watched as a kid and I still remember the ending clear as day. Doesn't get any better than this!

[@phreakzilla8514]

The Rock snagging the Billy club out of the air was the best moment of this entire show.

[@christianouellette1006]

5:51 so thats where that move comes from Smackdown 1 on ps1 haha

[@jacobkaulback2181]

Yes! Survivor Series has always been my favourite PPV. The conclusion of the tournament was a genuine mind-boggling swerve for 16 year old me and my friends

[@brianlarsen9952]

Wooooooooooo This was a great ppv. A perfect example of how to book a tournemt show and advance major storylines in the process.

[@lexkanyima2195]

And the swerve

[@michaelrobinson2811]

WOW just finished the last episode straight into this! Enjoy the rest and relaxation bud we’ll see you on the other side. Thank you for all you and the team do!

[@lexgotti2117]

Always loved this PPV … Rock was a great heel and this started it all 👍🏻👍🏻

[@adamcadwell4560]

Been waiting for this PPV since the start of the Reliving the war as it's where I got into wrestling and some great matches between Rock and Mankind coming up.

[@sethkaplan]

Shane McMahon counting 1-2?! Then giving Austin the double middle finger & mankind getting screwed for the corporate champion the rock😂

[@GabrielismV3]

Love the No Mercy 64 music..lol

[@sukanyacole1882]

The Shamrock Rock feud was truly one of the great rivalries feel like thats what the original plans for Jannetty and Bigelow would have been had the original kotr 95 plans gone ahead

[@lexkanyima2195]

You mean Kid vs Bigelow or Tatanka vs Bigelow

[@ryanprior1294]

Between this survivor series and last year's survivor series I'm starting to think unique survivor series shows are the way to go

[@AdolphThaRed]

2002 Survivor Series with the Elimination Chamber match also comes to mind.

[@lexkanyima2195]

A huge transition

[@BrainDamage922]

Al Snow is and always was such an underrated wrestler!

[@martinzies2874]

That Jarrett dropkick 👌👌👌 surpassed only by AJ Styles

[@nickbanks7954]

The Rock was the MVP in 1998. From being in the Nation of domination to corporate champion, he finally got to the top of the mountain and the rest was history.

[@lexkanyima2195]

But he was number 2 or 3. Nobody eclips Austin in 1998

[@MrCjmw0980]

I loved watching this when it happened!! Amazing memories & a pretty solid PPV! Great job on the video!!

[@sickofitall8486]

Wrestling Bios: "I'm taking a two week break." Wrestling Bios: "That doesn't work for me brother!"

[@bjg8638]

This takes me back to the 8th grade, man... we didn't get the ppv but a friend taped it and we had like 10 ppl over to watch it before we all watched Raw that night. My older brother's girlfriend was soooo upset about the Rock heel turn lol

[@Stampistuta]

The second PPV I ever watched. I still love how well executed the Bosman Man Nightstick throw and the Rocks catch was.

[@wooba1207]

The Rock put that football experience to work on this night.

[@AreaEightyNine]

The night the Corporate Champion was born

[@mongomongo7664]

I can't wait for the 4th of January 1999 reliving the war episode special night for the WWF and wrestling 👍

[@MR.__G]

Same here. The building erupted that night. Stone cold coming out still gives chills

[@murph2898]

Just started watching I know your taking a much deserved break mate just wanted to say thank you for your hard work on this channel it’s very much appreciated

[@TravJam317]

I feel like I just watched this yesterday... mostly because I had to rewatch the PPV before seeing your episode. It was one of my favorite WWF PPVs from the 90s. Not necessarily from a wrestling standpoint, but the storytelling was superb.

[@RuggedRunnerOverland]

For me this PPV kicks off what IMO was the most memorable run in wrestling history, Monday Night RAW was must see TV after this PPV. With so many story arcs going on it was nonstop entertainment with the Ministry of Darkness, The Corporation, The Rock vs Mankind feud just to name a few. I never watched another live Nitro after this, figured I could catch the rerun of Nitro later in the night on TNT but I didn't want to miss anything happening on RAW.

[@McBummly]

Bro... I was 4 and I still remember some of this. Like damn lol. Always grew up watching with my brothers. Then I'd have to take every wrestling move lol. Love your videos ❤ keep em coming

[@MRHUGHES90]

Thank You!!! Been watching and subbed since you started in lockdown , what a beautiful 3 years to reach The Rocks full potential😢 so good man !

[@Adam-dy5cn]

This is one of your best bits of work and one of the greatest PPVs of the Attitude Era.

[@majackslelo827]

19:53 😭😂😂🤣He was WAITING for that Moment!👞🤣🤣😅

[@Spicy_miso_92]

This was awesome cus I just watched this Ppv yesterday so seeing it reviewed is perfect ! I’m pretty sure you’re boosting the views on those old episodes of raw nitro and ppvs through your videos

[@Skyrdr]

Survivor Series 98 is one of my all time favorite ppvs. One of the few that when I watch I’ll watch the whole thing

[@Lifeskillsish]

I loved how Rocky caught that nightstick out of the air!

[@NYGiantsfan1029]

18:30. Was that the chairshot that the boss man was supposed to deliver but was too busy talking with someone? (I think taker). So brisco had to do it instead?

[@briancanfield2968]

Correct. Bossman went MIA, so Briscoe had to call an audible.

[@ronaldsb3]

You alway do a great job narrating! I’m turning on Rock vs Mankind right now ALSO Vince’s promo after the match was great as usual! 😂

[@marquan1976]

my brother and I were there live. Great show!

[@adrainperry3024]

I absolutely loved the swerve with The Rock even watching back then I never caught it but looking back it was all cleverly layed out and no social media back then to spoil it. Perfect storytelling.

[@jayboy2kay7]

The belt shot of Rock at 27:00 is amazing. The big eagle belt really was something man. I’m so glad I lived through all this.

[@mrbransformer4184]

Always a great time when u get a Wrestling Bios drop!!!!

[@AmazingGuy13]

The whole thing with The Rock was such a clever conspiracy

[@jda7656]

Another awesome video man, thanks for the upload.

[@KingKidGoku32794]

"The Rock is a Millionaire he's The WWF Champ"

[@14K101]

ROCK BOTTOM, ROCK BOTTOM

[@thomasglavin5029]

Omfg!!!!!!! The rock interception!!!! FML!! I've been trying to find this clip for like 10 years because I wanted to prove a point at how insanely good the rock really was as a wrestler... Think about that spot and the timing and everything... If he doesn't make that catch the whole thing looks silly. I honestly have this as a top 5 wwe moment ever because of how everything has to line up perfectly for this to happen and the rock has to make the catch... It's a gawd damn work of art! Thank you wrestling bios love your stuff I'll never forget this moment. It's actually right around the time I started fully watching wrestling...