SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 26:40 Min.*
On November 25, 1992, at the Richfield Coliseum, in Richfield, OH, the WWF Survivor Series main event pitted WWF World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart against WWF Intercontinental Champion Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels (with only Hart’s title at stake). These perpetual rivals had both won their prospective titles for the first time the month before this Pay-Per-View.
Further, this title showdown represented the first in their trilogy of WWF World Championship matches extending through 1996’s WrestleMania XII in Anaheim, California; and, in their ultra-controversial final battle, 1997’s Survivor Series, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Note: Including pre-match interviews, entrances, and a post-match appearance from Santa Claus, the running time extends to approximately 36:52.
REVIEW:
Both methodical and moderately-paced, this Hart/Michaels match proves a worthy successor to SummerSlam 1992’s Intercontinental Title classic pitting Hart vs. his brother-in-law: The British Bulldog. Among Hart and Michaels’ career showdowns, this 1992 title bout sports the advantage of seeing them early in their main event primes.
Hence, the timing of this match-up is crucial in WWF/WWE history. Come late 1992, the ‘super-hero’ component starring at the top of Vince McMahon’s company was severely depleted. Specifically, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, The Road Warriors, the Ultimate Warrior, and the British Bulldog had all departed the WWF that year for various reasons. With only a 40-year-old Randy Savage and a mostly recuperated Curt Hennig available as their other top faces, the WWF desperately needed its new World Champion, Bret Hart, to impress fans against the brash, young Michaels.
Exuding a welcome low-key classiness, the 35-year-old Hart accomplishes this task with surefire gusto. Reminiscent of Ric Flair-style cockiness, the punkish Michaels also delivers his half of the necessary goods. This World Title defense signifies that Hart and Michaels would be positioned atop the WWF for the next five years. Unquestionably, their 1992 Survivor Series clash justifies McMahon’s faith in them.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
