Ahead of this weekend's Survivor Series, we're taking a look at five of the most memorable moments in Survivor Series history.
Moment 4: The Elimination Chamber, 2002 Survivor Series (Nov. 17, 2002)
The Survivor Series has played host to many momentous debuts -- including The Undertaker, The Rock and The Shield, just to name a few -- but Survivor Series debuts aren't just reserved for superstars.
That was the case in Madison Square Garden at the 2002 Survivor Series, where the unique and destructive Elimination Chamber match concept was brought to life. It was an ingenious way to combine traditional Survivor Series elimination rules with a modified steel-cage atmosphere. This massive steel structure began with two superstars in the ring and four others locked in pods to be released at given points during the match. It was certainly an impressive sight to see for the first time.
This introductory Elimination Chamber match, which featured Triple H, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Kane, Booker T and Shawn Michaels, stole the show, with Michaels walking out as the World Heavyweight Champion. The bout was innovative in every sense of the word, and its combatants used every inch of the imposing chamber to tell a tremendous story.
Not only did this inaugural Elimination Chamber match serve as the initiation for 18 more matches of its kind in the years to follow -- many of which have been sensational -- but it also validated the resurgence of Shawn Michaels' brilliant career. Michaels had recently returned to the ring after a four-year absence just a few months prior, and was once again on top of the mountain as a result of this match. He proved that he still had that knack for showing up in the big spot to entertain the crowd, perform as phenomenally as anyone to have ever laced up a pair of boots and steal the show. He went on to perform for eight more years, arguably the better half of his career.