As a longtime wrestling fan, I recently revisited WWE(F) Survivor Series 1999 through the WWE Archives, eager to experience a classic era of sports entertainment. Watching the event in its entirety, I was struck not only by the unique storytelling and larger-than-life characters but also by how the production and filming style differed from today’s WWE broadcasts.

Event Overview

Taking place on November 14, 1999, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, this Survivor Series was held during one of the most best  periods in WWE history the Attitude Era. With Vince McMahon’s power struggles, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s mysterious attack, and The Rock’s ascension, the card was packed. The main event saw Triple H defend the WWE Championship against The Rock and Big Show, a match that took an unexpected turn due to Austin’s shocking removal from the match.

Key Matches and Moments

• Triple Threat WWE Championship Match: Originally, Triple H vs. The Rock vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was the highly anticipated main event. However, Austin was written out after a mysterious backstage car attack, forcing Big Show to take his place. In a stunning turn of events, Big Show dominated and captured the title, marking a defining moment in his early WWE career.
• Deadly Game Tournaments & Classic Survivor Series Matches: Survivor Series 1999 maintained the tradition of elimination-style matches, but it was clear that the company was shifting towards a more storyline-driven approach rather than just team warfare. The Holley Cousins vs. Too Cool vs. Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz match showcased future stars who would soon define WWE’s tag team division.
• The Undertaker’s Absence: One of the biggest talking points was The Undertaker being absent from the event due to injuries. The Ministry of Darkness had disbanded, and his reinvention as the American Badass was still months away.
• D-Generation X & The McMahon Family Feud: DX, led by Triple H and X-Pac, was heavily involved in the ongoing McMahon family drama, leading to chaotic storytelling that saw alliances and betrayals unfold.

Production and Filming: Then vs. Now

Watching Survivor Series 1999 through the WWE Archives, I couldn’t help but notice how different WWE’s production style was compared to today’s polished and cinematic approach.

• Camera Work: The event had a grittier, more spontaneous feel. The handheld camera work, frequent zoom-ins, and unsteady shots added to the edginess something that’s been replaced with smoother, more controlled cinematography today.
• Lighting & Pyro: The entrance stages were far simpler compared to the grand LED screens of today. The pyro played a big role, a stark contrast to modern WWE, which has largely phased them out except for special occasions.
• Commentary & Storytelling: Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler were at their peak as a duo, adding a sense of urgency and unpredictability to every match. Modern commentary feels more scripted and measured in comparison.
• Pacing & Match Style: The matches in 1999 often had chaotic brawls, referee bumps, and outside interference—elements that were a staple of the Attitude Era but are now used more sparingly in WWE’s modern, in-ring-focused product.

Final Thoughts

Watching Survivor Series 1999 was a nostalgic trip that reminded me of how much WWE has evolved in storytelling, production, and match presentation. The Attitude Era was all about unpredictability, and this event embodies that energy. While modern WWE is more polished and sports-oriented, there’s something special about the raw, unfiltered feel of late 90s wrestling.