Christian Vs. Shelton Benjamin: Survivor Series 2004 Showdown

Alright wrestling fans, let's rewind the clock to November 2004! We're diving deep into a Survivor Series match that's often overlooked, but trust me, it's a hidden gem. We're talking about the clash between Christian and Shelton Benjamin. This wasn't just any match; it was a battle for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and it delivered! The context of this match adds extra layers of spice, given both superstars' position in the company, and the crowd was ready.

First off, let's talk about why this match is so awesome. It had everything: high-flying action, technical wrestling, and a compelling storyline. Christian, with his smarmy, conniving persona, was a perfect heel champion, and Shelton Benjamin, with his incredible athleticism, was the ideal babyface challenger. Their contrasting styles meshed incredibly well, resulting in a match that kept you on the edge of your seat. This was also an era of wrestling before the internet really took off. Guys were wrestling to win championships and to be able to make money for their families. It was all about the work and being able to perform in front of the crowd. The fans were really into this and it gave the wrestlers so much fuel.

Before the bell even rang, the stage was set. Christian, ever the opportunist, had been clinging to the Intercontinental Championship, often through underhanded tactics. Shelton Benjamin, on the other hand, was the rising star, showcasing his awe-inspiring athleticism week after week. The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling. They used the opening minutes to establish their characters, with Christian resorting to his usual cowardly antics, and Shelton using his incredible athleticism. The crowd was hot for Shelton, and every near fall brought the house down. Remember, back then, the WWE was really doing a great job of building up talent. The roster was full of stars that were known all over the world. Guys like The Rock, Stone Cold, and Triple H, and a lot more. The wrestling world was on fire and it was amazing to watch.

Christian was a great heel. He knew how to get under people's skin. He was also a good wrestler. He had the ability to go out there and deliver, and he was able to make the crowd react. Shelton Benjamin was a great athlete. He could do things that other wrestlers couldn't do. He was also a good wrestler. He was able to go out there and deliver, and he was able to make the crowd react. The match was a perfect blend of styles. It was a fast-paced match with a lot of near falls. The crowd was on the edge of their seats the whole time. The match was a great example of how to tell a story in the ring. It was a match that had everything: athleticism, storytelling, and drama. This match set the stage for both superstars to really take off.

The Build-Up: More Than Just a Title Match

The road to Survivor Series wasn't just about a title defense; it was a clash of personalities and a battle of momentum. Christian, the champion, was aligned with Tyson Tomko and Trish Stratus, forming a formidable heel trio known as Team Canada. Their strategy was simple: dominate, cheat, and keep the title at all costs. This dynamic was a stark contrast to Shelton Benjamin's underdog spirit. He was a rising star who had the heart of a champion. This was a classic storyline in professional wrestling. The champion was a heel, and the challenger was a babyface. The champion was always trying to cheat, and the challenger was always trying to overcome the odds. This formula works every time because it's so simple. The audience knows who to cheer for.

Shelton's athleticism was on full display in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series. He was executing gravity-defying moves and showcasing his incredible speed and agility. His performance in the ring was winning over the crowd. Each week, Shelton built his momentum. This was before social media was big. The only way you were going to see these guys was to be at the arena, or watching on TV. He had to use his talent to win over the fans. The energy was electric. Christian, on the other hand, was playing his cards close to his chest, relying on his sneaky tactics and the backing of his allies to maintain his grip on the title. Christian was a great heel, and he knew how to get the crowd involved. He would do whatever it took to win. The crowd was always waiting for Shelton to win the match. This would have been a great match for a young guy like him.

The weeks leading up to the pay-per-view saw a series of matches and segments designed to amp up the tension. The two wrestlers engaged in promos, backstage altercations, and interference from Tomko and Stratus. This built a palpable sense of anticipation. It was a way to make the match feel important. You didn't just stumble into the match, there was a reason you wanted to see the match. Each encounter provided a glimpse into their respective strategies. These moments were designed to elevate the status of both Christian and Shelton, making the eventual title match even more significant. This was a perfect formula and it made the pay-per-view feel like something you couldn't miss.

Match Analysis: A Clinic in Wrestling Psychology

When the bell rang at Survivor Series, the match started with a slow pace. This was intentional. They started slowly to set the stage for an explosive encounter. Christian did not want to come out and get beat up by Shelton. The two wrestlers then began to pick up the pace, showcasing their different styles and strategies. Christian used his heel tactics to gain an advantage. He would cheat and take advantage of any opportunity. Shelton would use his athleticism and high-flying maneuvers to try and gain the upper hand. The crowd was on fire and it was building from there. This match was a perfect example of storytelling. The psychology of wrestling involves more than just the moves. The ability to tell a story and keep the crowd engaged is important. You want to make them cheer and boo and hate the bad guy. Christian was really good at this.

Shelton was a true athlete. His amazing feats of athleticism were one of his biggest attributes. This would eventually wear down Christian. Shelton's raw power was a sight to behold, and he was able to use his strength. The match went back and forth, with near falls and reversals keeping the audience on their feet. The climax was a nail-biter. Christian's attempts to cheat were foiled by Shelton's resilience. The ending saw a flurry of signature moves. The crowd would go crazy every time Shelton hit one of his moves. Christian was on his last leg. The result was a victory for Shelton Benjamin, who captured the Intercontinental Championship. The victory was sweet. After a long battle, the crowd went crazy for Shelton. Shelton celebrated his victory, and the crowd celebrated with him.

Legacy and Impact: Beyond the Championship

This match did more than just crown a new champion. It solidified Shelton Benjamin as a main event player and showcased Christian's ability to be a top heel. The fans had been waiting for Shelton to become a champion. It was great to see him finally get that title. The match also helped to set the stage for both wrestlers to go on to bigger and better things. Christian was one of the best heels in the company at this time. He would continue to grow into the role. Shelton was finally on the map. He would go on to have a great career.

The impact of this match on their careers is undeniable. For Christian, it showed he could carry a championship and play a pivotal role in a major pay-per-view. It also proved his ability to work with someone like Shelton and still produce a classic. This would give him more confidence. His confidence helped him to continue to grow in the industry. For Shelton, it was a defining moment. It was a demonstration of his in-ring prowess and helped him get over with the fans. The win was a huge boost for his career and gave him a chance to be in bigger storylines. He would be in the spotlight for a long time. The match is still talked about today. The match itself is a classic. It's often praised as one of the best Intercontinental Championship matches in the history of the WWE. It serves as a reminder of a time when wrestling was all about the work.

In conclusion, the Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin match at Survivor Series 2004 is a must-watch for any wrestling fan. It's a prime example of how to blend athleticism, storytelling, and character work to create a memorable match. It's a reminder of what makes professional wrestling so captivating. So, next time you're looking for a dose of wrestling nostalgia, go back and watch this gem. You won't be disappointed! It's a testament to their dedication to the craft and their commitment to entertaining the fans. You won't regret watching this match. It is a true classic.