Top 10 Craziest WWE Moments That Shocked The World
The world of WWE is known for its high-octane action, larger-than-life characters, and unpredictable storylines. But sometimes, the script goes out the window, and moments occur that leave fans completely stunned. These are the moments that become legendary, talked about for years, and etched into the very fabric of wrestling history. Guys, get ready to relive some of the most insane, shocking, and downright crazy moments ever witnessed in a WWE ring! These aren't just matches; they're moments that blurred the line between reality and entertainment, leaving us all wondering, "Did that just happen?"
1. Montreal Screwjob: When Reality Kicked In
The Montreal Screwjob is arguably the most controversial and talked-about moment in WWE history. It happened at Survivor Series in 1997 during the match between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship. The backstory is crucial: Bret Hart was leaving for rival promotion WCW, and WWF owner Vince McMahon was worried that Hart would take the WWF title with him. Hart, holding the championship, had refused to lose the title to Shawn Michaels in his home country of Canada. McMahon, fearing Hart would tarnish the title on a competing program, decided to take matters into his own hands.
During the match, when Michaels locked Hart in his own signature submission move, the Sharpshooter, McMahon, who was at ringside, ordered referee Earl Hebner to call for the bell, even though Hart had not submitted. The crowd was instantly confused as the arena announcer declared Michaels the winner and new WWF Champion. Hart, realizing what had happened, was visibly furious and spat at McMahon before destroying cameras and other ringside equipment. The incident sparked immense controversy and debate, blurring the lines between scripted entertainment and real-life betrayal. It forever changed the relationship between wrestlers and management and created a sense of distrust that lingered for years. The Montreal Screwjob remains a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of the wrestling business and the lengths to which people will go to protect their interests. It also propelled WWE into the “Attitude Era,” characterized by more mature and controversial storylines.
2. Mike Tyson Joins DX: A Crossover Sensation
In 1998, the world of WWE collided with mainstream celebrity when boxing legend Mike Tyson made a special appearance, aligning himself with the rebellious group D-Generation X (DX). At the time, Tyson was one of the most recognizable figures on the planet, known for his ferocious boxing style and controversial persona. His association with WWE brought unprecedented attention to the wrestling world. Initially, Tyson was presented as an enforcer for Shawn Michaels, adding fuel to the fire of the already heated rivalry between Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The idea of having one of the most intimidating men in the world in DX’s corner sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. However, the biggest twist came when Tyson seemingly turned on DX at WrestleMania XIV, siding with Stone Cold Steve Austin and helping him win the WWF Championship. This move shocked everyone and solidified Tyson's role as a key player in one of the most important matches in WWE history. Tyson's involvement with WWE not only boosted the company's popularity but also demonstrated the potential for crossover appeal between sports and entertainment. It helped WWE reach a wider audience and paved the way for future celebrity appearances in wrestling. The image of Tyson standing alongside Stone Cold, raising his fist in victory, remains an iconic moment in WWE lore.
3. Mankind's Hell in a Cell Plunge: A Test of Mortality
King of the Ring 1998 hosted one of the most brutal and unforgettable matches in WWE history: Mankind versus The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match. This match is forever etched in the minds of wrestling fans due to the sheer amount of punishment Mankind endured. From the start, the match was an absolute war. The most infamous moment occurred when The Undertaker threw Mankind off the top of the 16-foot-high cell onto the announce table below. The visual was horrifying, and many believed Mankind was seriously injured, if not worse. But incredibly, Mankind got up and continued the match. However, the torture wasn't over. Later in the match, The Undertaker chokeslammed Mankind through the roof of the cell, sending him crashing to the mat inside the ring. This second devastating fall left Mankind unconscious, and he was eventually carried out of the arena. The sheer brutality and reckless abandon displayed in this match cemented Mankind's legacy as one of the toughest and most dedicated performers in WWE history. It also raised questions about the safety of wrestlers and the lengths to which they would go to entertain the fans. This Hell in a Cell match remains a testament to the extreme nature of wrestling during the Attitude Era and the willingness of performers like Mankind to push their bodies to the absolute limit.
4. Brock Lesnar Breaks the Streak: End of an Era
WrestleMania XXX in 2014 witnessed what many consider to be the most shocking result in WWE history: Brock Lesnar defeating The Undertaker, ending his legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania. For over two decades, The Undertaker's streak had been a cornerstone of WrestleMania, a symbol of his dominance and invincibility on the grandest stage of them all. Each year, fans eagerly anticipated who would challenge The Undertaker, knowing that their chances of victory were slim to none. The streak had become so iconic that it seemed unbreakable. When Brock Lesnar defeated The Undertaker, the arena fell silent. The crowd was in disbelief, struggling to process what they had just witnessed. The shock was palpable, and the moment was replayed countless times on sports news and social media. The decision to end the streak remains a topic of debate among wrestling fans. Some argue that it was a necessary move to elevate Lesnar's status, while others believe that the streak should have remained unbroken, a symbol of The Undertaker's legendary career. Regardless of opinion, the moment Lesnar pinned The Undertaker will forever be remembered as one of the most surprising and controversial in WrestleMania history. It marked the end of an era and a turning point in WWE, signaling that even the most sacred traditions could be broken.
5. CM Punk's Pipebomb: Truth Hurts
In 2011, CM Punk delivered what is now known as the "Pipebomb" promo, a scathing and unfiltered rant that blurred the lines between reality and storyline. Frustrated with his position in WWE and the company's direction, Punk aired his grievances in a way that had never been seen before. Seated on the entrance ramp after a match with John Cena, Punk unleashed a verbal assault on Vince McMahon, Triple H, John Cena, and the entire WWE system. He accused the company of stifling creativity, favoring certain performers over others, and failing to recognize his talent. What made the "Pipebomb" promo so impactful was its raw honesty and the sense that Punk was speaking his mind, regardless of the consequences. He touched on real-life issues and frustrations, resonating with fans who felt that WWE had become too predictable and corporate. The promo went viral, generating buzz and excitement around Punk and WWE. It ushered in a new era of edgier storylines and more realistic character portrayals. CM Punk's "Pipebomb" is considered a landmark moment in WWE history, a testament to the power of speaking truth to power and the impact that a single, unfiltered promo can have on the wrestling world.
6. Edge Spears Jeff Hardy: A High-Flying Betrayal
At WrestleMania X-Seven, Edge and Christian faced the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz in the second TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) match in WWE history. This match was already a chaotic spectacle of high-flying stunts and brutal weapon shots. However, one moment stands out as particularly shocking. Jeff Hardy, known for his daredevil antics, was hanging from the tag team championship belts suspended high above the ring. As Hardy reached for the belts, Edge, who was positioned on a ladder below, leaped into the air and speared Hardy off the ladder, sending both men crashing to the mat. The visual of Edge spearing Hardy out of the air was breathtaking and terrifying. It perfectly captured the reckless abandon and high-stakes nature of the TLC match. The spot required perfect timing and coordination, and the risk of serious injury was immense. This moment not only solidified Edge and Christian's reputation as innovative and fearless performers but also added another layer of brutality and excitement to the already legendary match. It remains one of the most replayed and talked-about moments from WrestleMania X-Seven, a testament to the creativity and athleticism of the wrestlers involved.
7. The Katie Vick Angle: A Storyline Too Far
In 2002, WWE introduced a storyline involving Triple H and Kane that is widely considered to be one of the most tasteless and controversial in company history. The storyline revolved around Kane's past relationship with a woman named Katie Vick, who had tragically died in a car accident. Triple H accused Kane of being responsible for Katie Vick's death, claiming that Kane had engaged in necrophilia with her corpse. To illustrate this accusation, WWE aired a segment in which Triple H, dressed as Kane, appeared to simulate necrophilia with a mannequin in a casket. The segment was met with widespread condemnation from fans, critics, and even some within WWE. Many felt that the storyline was offensive, disrespectful, and exploitative. It crossed the line of good taste and trivialized the sensitive topic of death and sexual assault. The Katie Vick angle is often cited as an example of WWE's willingness to push the boundaries of taste and decency in the pursuit of ratings. However, in this case, the backlash was severe, and the storyline was quickly dropped. It remains a dark chapter in WWE history, a reminder of the potential consequences of pushing storylines too far.
8. Shawn Michaels Superkicks Marty Jannetty: A Friendship Destroyed
On an episode of WWE's "Barber Shop" in 1992, Shawn Michaels turned on his tag team partner, Marty Jannetty, in a moment that shocked the wrestling world. The Rockers, Michaels and Jannetty's tag team, were one of the most popular and exciting tag teams in WWE at the time, known for their high-flying moves and charismatic personalities. During the segment, Michaels and Jannetty were seemingly reconciling after a period of tension. However, as they stood in the "Barber Shop" set, Michaels suddenly turned on Jannetty, hitting him with a superkick that sent him crashing through a glass window. The betrayal was sudden and unexpected, leaving fans in disbelief. The superkick became Michaels' signature move and the moment marked the beginning of his singles career, which would eventually lead to him becoming one of the biggest stars in WWE history. For Jannetty, the betrayal was a career setback, and he never achieved the same level of success as Michaels. The moment remains a classic example of a heel turn, a shocking and memorable moment that cemented Michaels' reputation as a ruthless and ambitious performer.
9. Goldberg Squashes Brock Lesnar: An Improbable Victory
At Survivor Series in 2016, Goldberg made his return to WWE after a 12-year absence to face Brock Lesnar, who was then considered one of the most dominant forces in the company. What made this match so shocking was not just Goldberg's return but the manner in which he defeated Lesnar. In a match that lasted just over a minute, Goldberg squashed Lesnar, hitting him with two spears and a jackhammer to score a clean pinfall victory. The result was completely unexpected, as Lesnar had been built up as an unstoppable monster. The crowd was stunned into silence as Goldberg celebrated his improbable victory. The squash match was a bold move by WWE, designed to re-establish Goldberg as a credible threat and generate buzz around his return. It also set the stage for a rematch between Goldberg and Lesnar at WrestleMania 33, where Lesnar would ultimately avenge his loss. However, the memory of Goldberg's shocking victory over Lesnar at Survivor Series remains a memorable moment in WWE history, a testament to the unpredictability of wrestling and the power of a well-executed surprise.
10. Daniel Bryan Wins the Title at Wrestlemania XXX: The Ultimate Underdog Story
The main event of WrestleMania XXX saw Daniel Bryan overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a triumphant and emotional victory. For months leading up to WrestleMania, Bryan had been embroiled in a storyline where he was constantly being denied opportunities by The Authority, WWE's on-screen villains. Despite his immense popularity with the fans, Bryan was deemed too small and unmarketable to be a top star. The fans, however, rallied behind Bryan, chanting his name at every show and demanding that he be given a chance. At WrestleMania XXX, Bryan had to overcome two major obstacles to achieve his dream. First, he had to defeat Triple H in the opening match of the show to earn a spot in the main event. After a grueling and hard-fought battle, Bryan emerged victorious. Then, in the main event, Bryan faced Randy Orton and Batista in a triple threat match for the title. Despite being attacked and injured throughout the match, Bryan persevered, eventually forcing Batista to submit to his signature submission move, the Yes! Lock. The arena erupted in thunderous cheers as Bryan celebrated his victory with the fans. The moment was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for Bryan, who had overcome numerous obstacles to reach the top of WWE. It was also a testament to the power of the fans, who had refused to give up on their favorite underdog. Daniel Bryan's victory at WrestleMania XXX is considered one of the most heartwarming and satisfying moments in WWE history, a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and the support of the fans.
These are just a few of the many crazy moments that have occurred in WWE history. These moments have helped to shape the wrestling world and make it the exciting and unpredictable place that it is today.