Chicago to host 2019 Survivor Series weekend

Nov 21

Nov 21 Chicago to host 2019 Survivor Series weekend

By Mike Pankow

November 21, 2018

For the first time since WrestleMania 22 in 2006, Chicago will host a WWE “Big 4” pay-per-view event.

It will be nearly 14 years when Survivor Series comes to Allstate Arena in Northwest suburban Rosemont on Nov. 24, 2019.

The WWE “Big 4” consists of WrestleMania, Survivor Series, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble.

The Chicago Tribune’s RedEye first reported Chicago hosting WWE’s annual November event Monday, one day after this year’s Survivor Series at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“WWE is so proud of our relationship with our fans in Chicago,” John Saboor, the WWE Executive Vice President of Special Events, told the Tribune. “Allstate Arena, going back to when it was known as Rosemont Horizon, has been such an important partner of WWE, dating back to the ’80s.”

While none of the “Big 4” have been in Chicago for a while, WWE has brought quality events to the area over the years, including the memorable 2011 Money In The Bank show, which saw Chicago native CM Punk win the WWE Championship from John Cena. This year’s Money In The Bank event was at Allstate Arena featuring Braun Strowman’s victory in the men’s MITB match and Ronda Rousey’s first major Chicago match against Nia Jax.

Allstate Arena has played host to three WrestleManias (part of 2 in 1986, 13 in 1997 and 22 in 2006) and the 1989 Survivor Series. The United Center hosted SummerSlam in 1994 in that arena’s first-ever public event. Chicago has never entertained a Royal Rumble event.

Some of the most memorable matches in Chicago include the famous Bret Hart-Steve Austin submission match at WrestleMania 13, which was encapsulated by the image of Austin’s bloody, screaming face while he was trapped in Hart’s Sharpshooter hold. WrestleMania 22 had several classic bouts, including Rey Mysterio’s World Championship victory over Kurt Angle and Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels’ brawl with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Mickie James’ WWE Women’s Championship victory over Trish Stratus and Edge’s hardcore win over Mick Foley after spearing his fellow Hall of Famer through a flaming table.

WWE is planning to bring an entire weekend of action to Allstate Arena, beginning with SmackDown Live on Friday night, Nov. 22. NXT TakeOver will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 with Survivor Series on Sunday, Nov. 24. The weekend concludes with Monday Night Raw on Nov. 25.

The electricity at wrestling events in the Chicago area is undeniable and the superstars love to perform in the Windy City.

“Chicago is the best,” said Quad Cities native and die-hard Bears fan Seth Rollins during last month’s ACE Comic Con Midwest. “I’ve been wrestling in Chicago for almost 15 years now. The crowds here are the best in the world. The place never lets me down, all the way from the Berwyn Eagles Club for AAW to Allstate Arena and the United Center for WWE. Every single time I’ve been here, the place has always been wild. The crowds are crazy hot.”

The feeling is mutual from most WWE Superstars.

“I love being in front of the Chicago crowd,” said five-time WWE Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss at ACE Comic Con. “It’s unlike any other show. You have to mentally prepare yourself for the Chicago show because the crowd is so amazing and so interactive and I’ve love it.”