Survivor Series 2008 featured a classic 5-on-5 Survivor Series Elimination Match between Team HBK (Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali, Cryme Tyme’s JTG & Shad) and Team JBL (John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Kane, MVP, John Morrison, & The Miz). With team captains Shawn Michaels and JBL leading the charge, the match was a battle of skill, strength, and strategy.
Opening Moments
The match started with MVP squaring off against JTG. MVP, looking to make an impact, controlled the early action with aggressive strikes, but JTG’s speed gave him the edge. After a quick tag to The Great Khali, the giant overpowered MVP, hitting the Punjabi Plunge and securing the first elimination.
MVP Eliminated by The Great Khali
JBL’s team quickly regrouped, sending in Kane to face Khali. The two titans clashed, exchanging heavy blows. However, after a distraction from Miz and Morrison, Kane caught Khali with a big boot and followed up with a chokeslam, pinning him for the elimination.
The Great Khali Eliminated by Kane
The Match Heats Up
With both teams down to four men each, Rey Mysterio entered, using his speed to frustrate John Morrison. After a fast-paced exchange, Mysterio delivered a 619, followed by a splash off the top rope to eliminate Morrison.
John Morrison Eliminated by Rey Mysterio
Miz tried to avenge his partner, but Shad from Cryme Tyme entered, overpowering him with brute force. After hitting his signature Thugnificent, Shad covered Miz for the three-count.
The Miz Eliminated by Shad
JBL, furious at his team losing ground, entered and took out Shad with a Clothesline from Hell, evening the odds.
Shad Eliminated by JBL
JTG stepped in but fell victim to another Clothesline from Hell, allowing JBL to secure another elimination.
JTG Eliminated by JBL
Final Stretch – The Captain’s Showdown
With Team HBK left with Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio against JBL and Kane, Mysterio used his speed to evade Kane, eventually leading him into a Sweet Chin Music from Michaels, followed by a Mysterio 619, eliminating the Big Red Machine.
Kane Eliminated by Shawn Michaels
Now it was down to a 2-on-1 advantage for Team HBK, with JBL as the last man standing. The crowd anticipated the confrontation between longtime rivals HBK and JBL. JBL fought hard, grounding Michaels with stiff strikes and even countering a Sweet Chin Music attempt. However, Mysterio once again played the difference-maker, delivering a distracting 619 to JBL, allowing Michaels to hit a match-ending Sweet Chin Music for the win.
JBL Eliminated by Shawn Michaels
Winners: Team HBK (Shawn Michaels & Rey Mysterio Survive!)
In a thrilling Survivor Series contest, Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio stood tall, outlasting JBL’s team. The match showcased everything from power moves to high-flying action and ended with HBK proving, once again, why he is called “The Showstopper.”
