WWE's Craziest Moments: Top 10 Wildest Instances!
Hey wrestling fanatics! Get ready to relive some of the most jaw-dropping and unbelievable moments in WWE history. From unexpected turns to pure chaos, the world of professional wrestling has given us a treasure trove of unforgettable instances. I am talking about moments that had us on the edge of our seats, screaming at our TVs, and still talking about them years later. Today, we're diving into the top 10 craziest WWE moments that have defined the sport and etched themselves into our memories. Let's jump right in, shall we?
1. The Montreal Screwjob
Alright, guys, let's kick things off with arguably the most infamous moment in wrestling history: The Montreal Screwjob. This wasn't just a crazy moment; it was a watershed event that changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever. It all went down at the Survivor Series in 1997. The setup was simple: Bret Hart, the reigning WWE Champion, was set to defend his title against Shawn Michaels. The catch? Hart was on his way to rival promotion WCW, and Vince McMahon was determined to ensure Hart didn't leave with the championship belt. The plan was for Hart to lose the match via disqualification, keeping the title in the company. But things took a dramatic turn.
McMahon, along with referee Earl Hebner, conspired to end the match abruptly. Hebner was instructed to ring the bell when Michaels put Hart in the Sharpshooter, even though Hart hadn't submitted. The result? Michaels was declared the winner, and Hart was screwed. This act of betrayal sparked immediate controversy and outrage. Fans were furious, and Hart was understandably livid. The aftermath was a whirlwind of emotions and legal battles. Hart eventually left for WCW, and the incident became a symbol of betrayal and corporate maneuvering. The Montreal Screwjob is a testament to the fact that wrestling, while scripted, can still be incredibly real and impactful. It's a reminder of the power of storytelling and the lengths promoters will go to maintain control. This moment's legacy lives on in wrestling lore, discussed and dissected by fans and industry insiders alike. It is a moment of pure shock and disbelief.
2. Stone Cold Steve Austin's Beer Bath
Now, let's lighten the mood a bit with a moment of pure, unadulterated fun: Stone Cold Steve Austin's Beer Bath. Stone Cold was known for his rebellious nature and anti-hero persona, and this segment perfectly embodied that. The year was 1998, and Austin was feuding with Vince McMahon, the ultimate authority figure. McMahon, in his quest to control Austin, often found himself on the receiving end of Austin's shenanigans. One memorable night, after winning a match against The Undertaker, Austin decided to celebrate in the most Stone Cold way possible. He commandeered a beer truck and drove it into the arena. Then, he proceeded to hose down McMahon and his Corporation with gallons of beer. It was pure, unadulterated mayhem. The crowd went wild. McMahon, drenched and humiliated, could only watch in disbelief. The beer bath became an instant classic, a moment of cathartic release for the fans who reveled in Austin's defiance. It perfectly captured the essence of the Attitude Era, where anything seemed possible. This moment showcases the popularity of the beer bath and Austin’s character.
3. Mankind Thrown Off Hell in a Cell
Fasten your seatbelts, because we're about to delve into one of the most physically demanding and terrifying moments in WWE history: Mankind being thrown off Hell in a Cell. This match, at King of the Ring 1998, pitted Mankind against The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match. The match itself was already brutal, confined within the steel structure. But what happened next was beyond anything anyone could have imagined. In a pre-planned spot, The Undertaker threw Mankind off the top of the cell. Mankind plummeted approximately 20 feet, crashing through the announce table below. The impact was sickening, and the entire arena went silent in shock and horror. But the carnage wasn't over. Later, The Undertaker chokeslammed Mankind through the cell roof, causing him to land on the ring below. Despite the incredible pain and injuries, Mankind somehow continued the match. This spot is a testament to Mick Foley's toughness and dedication to his craft. The entire match is now a reminder of the risks involved in professional wrestling. This moment became an instant legend.
4. Brock Lesnar Destroys the Undetaker's Streak
Here’s a moment that shocked the entire wrestling world: Brock Lesnar breaking The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak. The Undertaker had a legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania, spanning over two decades. Going into WrestleMania 30, the streak was the most iconic aspect of The Undertaker’s career. The Undertaker faced Brock Lesnar, and it was a battle of titans. In a grueling, back-and-forth match, Lesnar managed to reverse a tombstone piledriver and hit an F-5. The referee counted to three, and the unthinkable happened: Lesnar had won. The crowd was stunned into silence. Paul Heyman, Lesnar's advocate, was overcome with joy. The Undertaker, defeated for the first time at WrestleMania, looked shell-shocked. It was a moment of pure disbelief. This moment signaled a major shift in the balance of power within WWE. It was a defining moment for Lesnar, establishing him as an unstoppable force. The match still has impact today.
5. Seth Rollins Cashes in at WrestleMania 31
Speaking of shocking moments, let's talk about Seth Rollins cashing in his Money in the Bank contract at WrestleMania 31. The main event was a match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a hard-hitting affair, with Lesnar and Reigns pushing themselves to the limits. Midway through the match, Seth Rollins emerged. He was carrying his Money in the Bank briefcase. He cashed in his contract, turning the match into a triple-threat. Rollins, seizing the opportunity, delivered a curb stomp to Reigns and pinned him to win the title. The crowd erupted in a frenzy. Rollins' unexpected victory was a testament to his cunning and athleticism. It added an element of unpredictability to WrestleMania that no one saw coming. This moment proved how exciting and dynamic the WWE can be.
6. Edge Spears Jeff Hardy Off a Ladder
Now, let's rewind to a moment of high-flying, death-defying action: Edge spearing Jeff Hardy off a ladder at WrestleMania 17. This match was a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match, which meant pure chaos. The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff Hardy) faced off against Edge and Christian and the Dudley Boyz. In the midst of the carnage, Jeff Hardy climbed a massive ladder, attempting to retrieve the titles. Edge, seeing his opportunity, charged and speared Hardy mid-air. The impact was brutal, sending both men crashing to the mat below. This spot has become iconic, a symbol of the risks these performers take to entertain us. It was a highlight of a match that is considered by many to be one of the greatest in WrestleMania history. This moment showcases wrestling's commitment to pushing boundaries.
7. Chris Jericho Wins the Undisputed Championship
Let’s celebrate a moment of triumph and historical significance: Chris Jericho winning the Undisputed Championship. In 2001, Chris Jericho was a rising star. He was looking to make a name for himself. He faced off against The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in a match. Jericho went up against The Rock at Vengeance. Jericho defeated The Rock and won the WCW Championship. Later that night, Jericho faced Stone Cold Steve Austin and won the WWE Championship. This win made Jericho the first-ever Undisputed Champion. The victory marked a pivotal moment in Jericho's career. It solidified his status as a main-event player. This win was a historic moment, combining the WCW and WWE titles. This showed Jericho's abilities and talent.
8. Goldberg Squashes Brock Lesnar
Here is a moment of pure dominance and shock: Goldberg squashing Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2016. Lesnar, a dominant force in WWE, was riding high, having destroyed many opponents. Goldberg, who had been away from WWE for many years, made a shocking return. This match was highly anticipated. Many fans had expected a long, grueling battle between the two powerhouses. Instead, Goldberg decimated Lesnar in under two minutes. Goldberg hit two spears and a Jackhammer to pin Lesnar. The speed and unexpectedness of the victory left the audience in shock. It was a clear statement that Goldberg was still a force to be reckoned with. This moment showed how the unexpected can happen in wrestling.
9. Daniel Bryan Wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Let’s dive into a moment of pure emotion and crowd connection: Daniel Bryan winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 30. Daniel Bryan was a fan favorite. His journey to the main event was filled with obstacles. He had to overcome the Authority's interference to achieve his dream. In the main event, Bryan faced Triple H. Later he also faced Batista and Randy Orton in a triple-threat match. Bryan was the underdog and gave an amazing performance. Bryan went on to win the championship. The moment he won, the stadium exploded with cheers. This was a testament to Bryan’s popularity and the power of perseverance. This moment perfectly highlighted the bond between wrestlers and fans.
10. The Nexus Debuts
Let’s finish with a moment that changed the direction of WWE: The Nexus Debuting on RAW. The Nexus, a group of NXT rookies, made an impactful debut. The group came out during a match, wreaking havoc on the ring. They destroyed everything in sight, from the announce table to the ring. This chaotic debut made a statement that they were a force to be reckoned with. They targeted the main roster stars, including John Cena. Their actions established them as a dangerous and unpredictable group. This moment was shocking, making a memorable impact on the WWE. It was a daring move that has become a defining moment in WWE history.
So there you have it, folks – our list of the top 10 craziest WWE moments! These instances, among many others, have kept us hooked on wrestling for decades. Each of these moments represents the unpredictable and captivating nature of WWE. They remind us why we love the sport so much. Until next time, keep those wrestling memories alive!