The Most Controversial WWE Match Endings Ever

WWE is known for its dramatic storylines and larger-than-life characters, but some match endings have sparked intense debates and left fans wondering what just happened. Whether it’s a sudden interference, a questionable decision, or an unexpected twist, these endings are unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. These controversial moments often raise more questions than answers and leave fans discussing them for weeks, if not years.

Let’s take a look at some of the most controversial WWE match endings ever, moments that not only surprising viewers but also created lasting tension within the WWE universe.

1. The Montreal Screwjob (Survivor Series 1997)

Perhaps the most infamous WWE match ending of all time, the Montreal Screwjob, left fans reeling. In the Survivor Series 1997 main event, Bret “The Hitman” Hart defended his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels. The match ended with a controversial and unexpected decision: Vince McMahon instructed the referee to call for the bell while Hart was in a sharpshooter submission, even though Hart had not tapped out. The result? Michaels was declared the winner, and Hart was screwed out of his title in front of thousands of fans. This surprising betrayal led to real-life animosity between Hart and WWE, with Hart famously spitting in McMahon’s face on the way out.

2. The Fingerpoke of Doom (January 1999)

WWE’s rival promotion, WCW, was no stranger to controversial moments, and the infamous Fingerpoke of Doom is a prime example. During a WCW Monday Nitro episode, the much-anticipated match between Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship turned into a comedy segment. Nash, the reigning champion, was poked in the chest by Hogan and dramatically fell to the mat. The referee immediately counted the pin, and Hogan was crowned the new champion. Fans were furious as they believed they had been duped by this anticlimactic and nonsensical ending. This moment marked a significant downfall in WCW’s popularity and led to more viewer discontent as the company’s creative direction continued to falter.

3. The 2015 Royal Rumble Controversy

The 2015 Royal Rumble match is remembered for its chaotic ending, which ignited a firestorm of backlash from WWE fans. Roman Reigns entered as a heavy favorite, but the match was filled with drama. The most controversial moment occurred when WWE Hall of Famer The Rock, Reigns’s cousin, appeared to help him eliminate Rusev, securing Reigns’s victory. Fans who were expecting Daniel Bryan, who was wildly popular at the time, to win felt cheated, as Reigns’s victory was seen as forced by the company. The reaction from the crowd was hostile, with loud boos echoing throughout the arena. Despite Reigns being portrayed as a hero, the reaction cemented the 2015 Rumble as one of the most divisive in history.

4. Seth Rollins Cashes In at WrestleMania 31

WrestleMania 31 had an unexpected and controversial ending, thanks to Seth Rollins. During the main event between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Lesnar and Reigns were both severely battered. Just when it seemed like the match would go to either man, Rollins’s music hit, and he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. He inserted himself into the match, hitting both competitors with curb stomps and ultimately pinning Reigns to win the title. While fans were surprised by the moment, many felt it was a cheap way to end the match and remove both Lesnar and Reigns from the spotlight. Despite this, it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments in WrestleMania history.

These WWE match endings still generate strong opinions and serve as a reminder that not every moment in wrestling history is met with approval. Whether due to unsatisfying finishes or surprise betrayals, these moments have become legendary for their controversy and lasting impact.