Christian Vs. Shelton Benjamin: Survivor Series Showdown

Alright, wrestling fanatics, let's dive headfirst into a classic match from Survivor Series 2004: Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin! This bout was a true gem, showcasing the incredible athleticism of Shelton Benjamin and the cunning tactics of Christian. For those who might not remember, or maybe are just getting into wrestling, Survivor Series is a yearly WWE pay-per-view that often features teams battling it out in elimination matches, but it also provides a stage for incredible singles matches. This year's event was no exception, especially when it came to the clash between these two superstars. I'm going to break down everything that made this match so memorable, from the build-up to the final bell. So, buckle up, grab your favorite snack, and get ready for a trip down memory lane. I think this match is underrated. And deserves more love, it's a wrestling masterpiece. Let's start with a little background, shall we?

The Build-Up: A Clash of Styles and Personalities

Before we even got to the match, the groundwork for Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin at Survivor Series 2004 was expertly laid out. WWE's creative team did a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that made fans invested in the outcome. Christian, alongside his then-associate, Tyson Tomko, was a master of the heel persona. He was arrogant, self-serving, and always had a plan to get ahead. Christian thrived on cheating and using any means necessary to secure victory. His character work was top-notch, and he could rile up any crowd with a simple smirk. And remember, this was the era of the smackdown brand, where edge was at its peak. The guy was full of charisma, a real snake, and everyone knew it. His matches were filled with moments where he would cheat.

On the other hand, Shelton Benjamin was a rising star in WWE. He was a part of the popular group, The World's Greatest Tag Team, before the group split up and became singles wrestlers. He was a phenomenal athlete, known for his incredible agility, high-flying moves, and explosive power. He was a pure babyface, a good guy who wanted to win fair and square. The contrast in their personalities created a compelling dynamic. The storyline was built around Christian's jealousy of Benjamin's potential and his constant attempts to undermine and belittle him. This set the stage for a match that was not just about wrestling ability but also about the battle of wills. The tension grew each week on SmackDown! with Christian constantly avoiding a direct confrontation but always making his presence felt. This meant constant sneak attacks, taunting, and mind games from Christian, which fueled Benjamin's desire for payback.

Now, the fans were very hyped. The fans felt that, at that moment, Benjamin would take his first step into becoming a champion. And, well, in the end, it was a pretty cool match. To create the hype, they made a mini-storyline where Christian would always find a way to disrespect Shelton. This built up even more tension between the two.

Christian was known for his incredible mic skills. He would make fun of Shelton for no reason. This built a lot of animosity between the two. The match's success was greatly attributed to the way it was built up. WWE did a great job!

The Match: A Masterclass in Wrestling Storytelling

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the match itself! Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin at Survivor Series 2004 was a clinic in how to tell a story inside the ring. From the opening bell, the match was a back-and-forth affair, with each wrestler showcasing their strengths. Christian, ever the opportunist, tried to use his dirty tactics early on, but Benjamin was always one step ahead. Shelton's athleticism was on full display. His speed, agility, and ability to execute high-flying maneuvers kept the audience on the edge of their seats. He pulled off incredible moves that are still talked about today. His explosive power was also evident, as he delivered some impressive power moves. He would hit his famous T-bone suplex.

Christian, on the other hand, used his experience and cunning to his advantage. He would target specific body parts to weaken Benjamin and wear him down. He would use every trick in the book, including pulling Benjamin's tights for a pin attempt and feigning injury to gain an advantage. His facial expressions, his taunting of the crowd, everything worked to solidify his character. The crowd was very invested in the match. They were very loud and would always cheer on Shelton. This amplified the match even more. He would cut the ring and give the fans a hard time, and sometimes he would also use the help of Tyson Tomko. This meant a lot of cheating, which angered the fans.

The pacing of the match was near-perfect, with moments of intense action followed by periods of strategic maneuvering. There were near-falls that had the crowd on their feet, believing that either wrestler could win at any moment. The match built to a thrilling crescendo. The finishing sequence was a masterclass in how to build suspense and deliver a satisfying conclusion. Christian was able to score the victory by using some sneaky tactics. This showcased his character to perfection.

This match was a showcase of a perfect clash of styles. Benjamin's athleticism versus Christian's cunning. The perfect story was being told. The match was perfectly executed. The crowd was very invested. This is why this match is so beloved by wrestling fans. The storytelling in the ring was excellent.

Key Moments and Memorable Spots

Several moments from Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin at Survivor Series 2004 are etched in the memories of wrestling fans. These spots elevated the match to another level and added to the overall enjoyment. One of the most memorable spots was a stunning display of Benjamin's athleticism. There was a moment where Benjamin hit a springboard back elbow on Christian, showcasing his incredible agility and power. The impact of the move was impressive, and the crowd erupted in a roar of excitement. Then, Christian tried to cheat his way to victory. He tried to get help from his partner, Tyson Tomko, but Benjamin was able to stop him. Then, he tried a roll-up and pulled Benjamin's tights, but the referee noticed. Benjamin's quickness and ability to improvise were on full display throughout the match. He'd dodge attacks, reverse moves, and find ways to maintain control. Another key moment was when Christian used a steel chair, but Benjamin managed to avoid it and hit Christian with a T-bone suplex. The crowd went wild. It was a testament to his strength and determination. These are only a few of the many memorable moments in this fantastic match.

Another memorable spot was during the closing moments of the match. Benjamin was setting up for his finisher, the Paydirt, a move that he would often use to finish off his opponents. However, Christian was able to get some help from Tyson Tomko, and he managed to reverse the move and secure the pinfall victory. While some may have been disappointed by the ending, it was a perfect representation of Christian's character and his willingness to do anything to win. It was a testament to Christian's cunning and his ability to exploit any weakness or opportunity.

The match was full of near falls and dramatic moments. Both wrestlers brought their A-game. The fans were really excited. The match was a spectacle from start to finish. The quality of the match was very high, it would be a shame not to rewatch it again!

The Aftermath and Legacy

The match between Christian and Shelton Benjamin at Survivor Series 2004 had a lasting impact. The victory, secured through some questionable tactics, solidified Christian as a top heel. The victory would help Christian build a great career in WWE, full of great performances and championships. The match was a major step in Benjamin's journey to becoming a future champion. The match proved that he could hang with the best. Both wrestlers further solidified their standing in WWE. They continued to deliver memorable performances, and they continued to be an important part of the WWE roster. They would face each other again.

Over the years, the match has been celebrated by wrestling fans as one of the best matches of 2004. It's often praised for its storytelling, athleticism, and the compelling dynamic between the two wrestlers. It's considered a classic. Many people are still talking about the match today, which is a testament to its quality. It is a benchmark for how to build a good match. The match is still talked about to this day. It is remembered for its incredible wrestling action. Many critics say that this match is underrated. It is often overlooked in conversations about the greatest matches of all time. But for those who have watched it, it holds a special place in their hearts.

In conclusion, the match between Christian and Shelton Benjamin at Survivor Series 2004 was a memorable encounter. It was a classic that will be remembered for years to come. This match had all the elements of a great wrestling match: compelling characters, a well-crafted storyline, incredible athleticism, and a satisfying conclusion. This match is a must-watch for any wrestling fan. This match showed both the talent and charisma of Christian and Shelton Benjamin. So, if you've never seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out! You won't regret it.