The Best WWE Matches That Happened in a Non-Wrestling Setting

When we think of WWE, our minds often go to packed arenas, roaring crowds, and intense action inside the ring. However, some of the most memorable and thrilling matches in WWE history didn’t take place inside the squared circle at all. These matches took place in unconventional locations, often involving personal feuds or storylines that demanded a change in scenery.

From parking lots to boats and even abandoned buildings, WWE has pushed the limits of creativity and storytelling by taking its matches outside the standard arena. These events brought a fresh and thrilling atmosphere to the typical wrestling spectacle. Let’s explore some of the best WWE matches that defied convention and took place in non-wrestling settings.

1. The Boneyard Match – WrestleMania 36 (2020)

An Eerie Graveyard Showdown Between The Undertaker and AJ Styles

At WrestleMania 36, WWE delivered one of the most unique and memorable matches in its history, the Boneyard Match between The Undertaker and AJ Styles. This match wasn’t confined to a wrestling ring but took place in an eerie graveyard setting that perfectly matched the dark persona of The Undertaker.

The match had all the elements of a cinematic production, blending wrestling action with film-style editing, special effects, and a haunting atmosphere. From the fog-covered cemetery to the use of shovels, tombstones, and even a bulldozer, it felt like a confrontation pulled straight from a horror movie. AJ Styles and The Undertaker brawled through the graveyard, delivering unforgettable moments, such as The Undertaker’s dramatic resurrection and the final burying of AJ Styles.

While this match wasn’t a traditional contest, its creativity and cinematic approach made it one of the most memorable moments in WrestleMania history. The Boneyard Match showed how WWE could push boundaries and create something entirely new, even in a time of uncertainty due to the pandemic.

2. The House of Horrors Match – Payback 2017

Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton in a Haunted House

Another match that ventured outside the ring and into a unique setting was the House of Horrors Match between Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton at Payback 2017. The match was set in a spooky, dimly lit house, with a mixture of creepy props, unsettling environments, and eerie sounds, creating a chaotic atmosphere unlike any other.

The match started with both competitors battling in the house, throwing each other through windows, using kitchen items as weapons, and even utilizing the environment to gain an advantage. The match transitioned to a more traditional in-ring fight once the two finally made it back to the arena. However, the true highlight of the match was the setting, which gave the bout a fresh and terrifying feel.

Though the match received mixed reviews, it was still an ambitious attempt by WWE to break away from the norm. The House of Horrors Match pushed the limits of what was possible in a WWE storyline, and it remains one of the most talked-about non-wrestling venue matches to date.

3. The Greatest Royal Rumble – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2018)

The Massive Rumble Event that Took Place in a Grand Stadium

While the Royal Rumble traditionally occurs in the United States, WWE took the 2018 edition of the event to a massive outdoor stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Greatest Royal Rumble was one of the most exciting events of that year, featuring the first-ever 50-man Royal Rumble match. This event showcased WWE’s international expansion and took place in a massive, grand setting— a world-class stadium with state-of-the-art lighting and pyrotechnics.

Not only did this Royal Rumble feature some of the biggest names in WWE, but it also highlighted a significant non-wrestling setting for the company. The large crowd, passionate energy, and extravagant setting combined to make this one of the most unique Royal Rumble events in WWE’s history. The stage was set outside the usual confines of American arenas, showing that WWE could take a traditional match to a new location and deliver a compelling product.

The outdoor environment in Jeddah created a larger-than-life atmosphere, where the 50-man Rumble match became a spectacle that entertained fans worldwide. While the setting was massive, the action inside the ring didn’t disappoint either, solidifying this event as a special entry in WWE’s catalog of non-traditional match locations.

4. The Invasion of Vince McMahon’s Office – Raw (1999)

The Feud Between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon Goes Beyond the Ring

One of the most chaotic and memorable moments in WWE history took place when Stone Cold Steve Austin decided to invade Vince McMahon’s office during an episode of Raw in 1999. While this wasn’t a traditional match in a physical sense, it was a moment that blurred the line between storyline and reality.

The confrontation between Austin and McMahon escalated to such an extent that Stone Cold took matters into his own hands and barged into McMahon’s office, smashing furniture, and wreaking havoc. This unplanned altercation took WWE’s ongoing feud to new heights and set the stage for countless storylines. Although this wasn’t a match per se, it was a pivotal and unforgettable moment in the Attitude Era, where WWE’s focus on realism and edgy content brought fans something they had never seen before.

The brawl inside McMahon’s office, with all the destruction, was an example of how WWE could create compelling storylines that didn’t necessarily have to happen in a wrestling ring. These outside-the-ring moments helped WWE’s characters and made feuds feel more personal and intense, blurring the lines between reality and entertainment.

A New Dimension to WWE Entertainment

WWE has consistently pushed the envelope by taking its matches outside of the conventional wrestling ring. Whether it’s cinematic brawls in graveyards, chaotic confrontations in haunted houses, or massive international events in grand stadiums, WWE has continuously proven that the setting can play an important role in creating unforgettable moments. These non-wrestling venue matches are a testament to the creativity and innovation that WWE brings to the table, constantly offering something fresh and exciting to fans.

Through these memorable matches, WWE has not only entertained fans with high-stakes action but has also transformed traditional matches into truly groundbreaking spectacles. It’s clear that these outside-the-ring moments have a special place in WWE history and continue to influence the way WWE presents its product to fans worldwide.