WWE has long been known for its high-octane drama, intense rivalries, and epic showdowns. However, not every championship match has gone according to plan, leading to some titles being vacated. Whether due to injury, interference, or unexpected circumstances, certain bouts left fans in disbelief and forced WWE officials to strip the title from the champion. These controversial moments remain etched in the memories of fans for all the wrong reasons. This list explores some of the most dramatic instances when WWE titles were vacated due to chaos inside and outside the ring.
1. The 1999 Royal Rumble: Mankind vs. The Rock
The Rock vs. Mick Foley (Image via Getty)The 1999 Royal Rumble match for the WWE Championship between Mankind and The Rock is one of the most unforgettable encounters in WWE history. The match saw a twist that forced the title to be vacated in a stunning fashion. Mankind, who had been brutally attacked by The Rock and his allies during the bout, was defeated after interference by none other than Vince McMahon. The controversy started with McMahon’s interference, where he blatantly assisted The Rock in securing the victory, despite the clear unfair advantage.
The aftermath of the match saw the title being vacated after WWE officials, led by Commissioner Shawn Michaels, decided that the victory wasn’t legitimate. McMahon’s involvement in the match cast a shadow of doubt over the fairness of the result, making it clear that The Rock had not earned the championship honor through traditional means. This incident marked a pivotal moment in WWE’s storylines, highlighting the backstage power struggles that often influence title outcomes.
The vacating of the title eventually led to a dramatic scene where The Rock was given another shot at the title at the next pay-per-view, where his reign would be truly cemented. Nonetheless, the controversial nature of this match and the subsequent vacating of the title is remembered as one of the most chaotic events in WWE history.
2. WWE Championship: Daniel Bryan and the 2014 Controversy
Daniel Bryan (Image via Getty)Daniel Bryan’s victory at the 2014 WWE Royal Rumble marked a turning point in his career, but it was his controversial path to the WWE Championship that left fans divided. After months of being manipulated and undermined by authority figures like Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, Bryan fought tooth and nail to earn a chance at the top title. However, the controversial situation arose during the Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 30, where Bryan was forced to defend his title against both Triple H and Randy Orton.
Although Bryan was able to win, the post-match celebration quickly turned into controversy when it was revealed that the authority figures refused to acknowledge his legitimacy as champion. The claims of a “Botched Finish” were widespread, with critics arguing that the match had been poorly executed, leading to questions about whether Bryan’s victory was truly deserved. This controversy forced WWE to take drastic action.
To settle the matter, WWE officials decided to vacate Bryan’s title in favor of a rematch at a later event. Bryan’s second chance to earn the championship again was filled with intense drama, leading to a climactic moment where he could once more be crowned as champion. However, the manner in which the title was vacated in the first place remains one of the most hotly debated instances in recent WWE history.
3. Roman Reigns and the 2016 WWE Title Debacle
Roman Reigns (Image via Getty)Roman Reigns’ 2016 WWE Championship reign is one that fans will never forget, largely due to the controversial circumstances surrounding it. Reigns was stripped of the title after a stunning decision by WWE officials, sparking a lot of backlash among fans who had already grown frustrated with his booking. What many fans may not remember, however, was the actual reason behind the vacating of the title: Reigns had violated the WWE wellness policy.
The violation occurred after a suspension of 30 days was handed down to Reigns for the breach. As a result, WWE was left with no choice but to vacate the title he had just won at the previous pay-per-view. Reigns’ reign had been interrupted and his chances at redemption were put into question. The decision to strip him of the title sparked heated debates within the WWE Universe, with many questioning the timing and fairness of the suspension.
This vacating incident led to one of the most memorable tournaments in WWE history. Reigns was forced to fight in the ensuing tournament for the championship, ultimately being defeated by Kevin Owens, who would go on to have a successful run as the Universal Champion. The 2016 debacle remains one of the most controversial moments in modern WWE title history.
4. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels – The Montreal Screwjob (1997)
Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (Image via Getty)Arguably one of the most infamous and controversial moments in wrestling history, the “Montreal Screwjob” is a story that needs no introduction. In the lead-up to the 1997 Survivor Series, Bret Hart was set to defend his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels. The match took place in Montreal, Hart’s hometown, and the story behind the match became one of the most talked-about scandals in wrestling.
The controversy occurred when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon secretly decided to change the finish of the match without Hart’s knowledge. During the contest, Michaels was placed in a submission hold by Hart, and in a twist, McMahon ordered the bell to be rung, signaling that Michaels had won the match and the title, despite Hart never submitting. This highly controversial act led to a furious response from Hart, who left WWE immediately after the event, refusing to return until the issue was resolved.
The “Montreal Screwjob” led to the immediate vacating of the title, as it was clear that the match result had been tampered with. The aftermath saw the championship being put into dispute, and the entire incident ignited a feud that would shape the future of WWE. The dramatic betrayal of Hart by McMahon and Michaels became a defining moment in professional wrestling and remains one of the most important events in WWE’s storied history.
Final Thoughts
WWE has witnessed its fair share of controversial moments that shook the foundations of its championship scene. Whether due to interference, violations, or outright betrayal, these instances where titles were vacated left fans with a mix of disbelief and frustration. These events prove that in WWE, not everything goes according to plan, and sometimes the most dramatic moments arise when the titles are up for grabs in the most unexpected ways.