WWE has been home to some of the most thrilling, high-energy title matches in professional wrestling history. While one-on-one bouts often steal the spotlight, multi-competitor matches bring an unpredictable level of excitement and drama that fascinated fans like no other. These matches have given fans unforgettable moments, where alliances are forged, betrayals unfold, and every competitor brings their best to claim the ultimate prize: the WWE Championship.
Some of the most legendary WWE title bouts have involved more than two competitors. Whether it’s the excitement of a fatal four-way or the chaos of a triple threat, multi-competitor matches offer a unique spin on traditional championship matches. In this, we’ll highlight some of the best WWE title matches that featured more than two competitors, showcasing the innovation and thrill these matches brought to the WWE Universe.
1. Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship – WrestleMania 20 (2004)
WrestleMania 20 (Image via Getty)WrestleMania 20 is often regarded as one of the greatest pay-per-view events in WWE history, and the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship played a major role in its success. The match saw Triple H defending his title against two of the company’s top stars at the time—Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit.
The build-up to this match was intense, with Triple H’s reign as champion being heavily challenged by both Michaels and Benoit. Each competitor brought something unique to the table: Triple H’s ruthless aggression, Michaels’ high-flying and technical prowess, and Benoit’s intense submission skills.
What made this match truly remarkable was the emotional journey it took fans on. The final moments of the match were unforgettable, as Chris Benoit, with a relentless determination, locked in the Crippler Crossface on Triple H, eventually forcing the champion to tap out. Benoit’s victory was a defining moment in his career and cemented his place in WWE history.
This triple-threat match is remembered for its incredible storytelling, the athleticism of all three competitors, and the sheer unpredictability of the outcome. It set the bar for what a WWE Championship match could be, with high-stakes drama, unexpected twists, and an unforgettable conclusion.
2. Fatal Four-Way Match for the WWE Championship – SummerSlam 2015
SummerSlam 2015 (Image via Getty)The SummerSlam 2015 Fatal Four-Way Match for the WWE Championship featured four of WWE’s biggest superstars at the time: Seth Rollins, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. With the WWE Championship on the line, the match promised to be a high-octane, chaotic affair, and it delivered on all fronts.
Each competitor had a unique role in the match. Seth Rollins, the defending champion, was looking to retain his title amidst the chaos of the match. John Cena, a 15-time World Champion, was aiming to tie Ric Flair’s record and secure yet another title. Brock Lesnar, the Beast Incarnate, was looking to reclaim the title he lost earlier in the year, while Roman Reigns was looking to establish himself as the new face of WWE.
The match delivered on its promise of excitement, with each superstar going to extreme lengths to take the other out. From Brock Lesnar’s suplexes to John Cena’s “Five Knuckle Shuffle” and Rollins’ aerial attacks, the action was fast-paced and brutal. However, it was Seth Rollins who ultimately left as the champion, securing his victory after an opportunistic pin on Lesnar while Cena and Reigns were both incapacitated.
This Fatal Four-Way match is widely remembered for its chaotic nature, incredible spots, and the way it elevated Seth Rollins as one of WWE’s top stars. It’s an unforgettable example of how WWE can take the concept of a multi-competitor match and turn it into an unpredictable and thrilling ride.
3. Money in the Bank Ladder Match for the WWE Championship – Money in the Bank 2011
Money in the Bank 2011 (Image via Getty)The 2011 Money in the Bank Ladder Match for the WWE Championship wasn’t just a regular multi-competitor match; it was a history-making moment that marked the beginning of a new era in WWE. The match saw five competitors vying for the WWE Championship contract: Alberto Del Rio, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Rey Mysterio, and The Miz. While all five men were talented in their own right, it was the match’s aftermath that stole the spotlight and turned it into one of WWE’s most iconic moments.
The match was filled with high-flying spots, brutal ladder encounters, and creative moments. However, it was the unexpected victory of Alberto Del Rio that helped build the match’s legacy. Del Rio’s climb to the top of the ladder and his eventual win over the WWE Universe, but the biggest surprise came after the event itself when CM Punk’s now-legendary “pipebomb” promo rocked the wrestling world. Punk’s subsequent departure from the WWE Championship created a storyline that would fascinated fans for months to come, marking one of the most intense periods in WWE history.
This Money in the Bank match was more than just about the action in the ring. It signified a turning point in WWE’s history, with CM Punk’s controversial actions and the unpredictable nature of the match keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The outcome set the stage for one of the most exciting periods in WWE, proving that multi-competitor matches could create long-lasting, game-changing moments.
4. Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Championship – Elimination Chamber 2010
Elimination Chamber 2010 (Image via Getty)The Elimination Chamber match is one of the most brutal stipulations in WWE, with its high steel walls, and pods that trap competitors as the match begins. The Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Championship at the 2010 Elimination Chamber pay-per-view stands as one of the most memorable and physically demanding multi-competitor bouts in WWE history.
The match featured six superstars: Sheamus, John Cena, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Ted DiBiase, and Kofi Kingston, all vying for the coveted WWE Championship. Each superstar was locked inside a pod, with two competitors starting the match. The action was fast, hard-hitting, and full of near-eliminations. With bodies flying everywhere, it was clear that only the toughest would walk out as the champion.
What made this match particularly memorable was the outcome. John Cena, who had been dominant throughout the match, was eliminated by Batista, who entered the match at the last possible moment. Batista’s interference allowed Sheamus to retain his title, in one of the most unexpected twists of the year. The mix of high-impact moments, strategic alliances, and unpredictable eliminations created an atmosphere of pure chaos that fans would never forget.
The 2010 Elimination Chamber match set the standard for multi-competitor title matches, combining brutal physicality with gripping storytelling. It reinforced the Elimination Chamber’s place as one of the most dangerous and thrilling matches in WWE history.