WWE is known for its intense rivalries, jaw-dropping moments, and high-energy matches. However, it has also made several controversial booking decisions that have sparked heated debates among fans. Whether it’s an unexpected title change, a storyline twist that felt forced, or a superstar pushed in an unexpected direction, these decisions have often left fans questioning WWE’s creative direction.
In this, we will look at some of the most controversial booking decisions in WWE history. From the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” to the divisive booking of superstars like Roman Reigns, these moments showcase just how unpredictable and polarizing WWE can be. These decisions not only changed the course of storylines but also impacted WWE’s relationship with its fanbase. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most talked-about moments in WWE booking history.
1. The Montreal Screwjob – Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (1997)
Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (Image via Getty)Few decisions in WWE history have sparked as much outrage as the infamous Montreal Screwjob. At the 1997 Survivor Series, Bret Hart was scheduled to defend his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels. However, in a twist that no one saw coming, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon orchestrated a real-life betrayal during the match.
Hart, who was preparing to leave WWE for WCW, refused to drop the title to Michaels, especially in his home country of Canada. The original plan was to have Hart retain the title, but McMahon feared it would be too difficult to carry out. Without Hart’s knowledge, the finish of the match was changed, and Michaels was ordered to apply Hart’s signature sharpshooter submission. The referee called for the bell even though Hart had not submitted.
This booking decision sent waves through the wrestling world. Fans, especially in Canada, were furious, feeling betrayed by both McMahon and Michaels. Hart was enraged and left WWE, eventually joining WCW. The incident became one of the most talked-about moments in wrestling history, with many fans still considering it one of the most controversial decisions WWE has ever made.
2. The Royal Rumble 2015 – Roman Reigns’s Victory
Roman Reigns (Image via Getty)The Royal Rumble match has historically been a way to set up top talent for a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania. However, the 2015 edition is remembered for one of the most divisive finishes in Rumble history. Roman Reigns, who was being heavily pushed as the future of WWE, was the last man standing after eliminating Rusev. Despite his push, the fans had other ideas.
The crowd in Philadelphia, a city notorious for voicing its displeasure, heavily booed Reigns throughout the match. They had hoped for a different outcome, particularly for Daniel Bryan, a fan-favorite who had been excluded from the match despite widespread demand. When Reigns emerged victorious, the boos grew louder, and the atmosphere was filled with tension. Fans felt that WWE had been pushing Reigns too forcefully, rejecting the booking decision that seemed to be aimed at making him the next big star.
The backlash against Reigns’s victory led to WWE reworking the entire narrative heading into WrestleMania. The company eventually inserted The Rock into the storyline, where he helped Reigns fend off boos during the post-match celebration. This booking decision remains one of WWE’s most controversial, as it was a clear example of the disconnect between the company’s vision and the audience’s preferences.
3. The Undertaker’s Streak Ending at WrestleMania 30
The Undertaker (Image via Getty)The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania was one of the most revered accomplishments in World Wrestling Entertainment history. Fans had come to believe that it was impossible for The Deadman to lose at the grandest stage of them all, and his streak became a legendary part of the spectacle. That was until WrestleMania 30, when Brock Lesnar ended the streak.
The match itself wasn’t particularly thrilling, but the result was enough to leave fans in complete disbelief. The arena fell silent as Lesnar hit the final F5 and pinned Undertaker, marking the first loss at WrestleMania for The Phenom. Fans were stunned, and many struggled to come to terms with the decision. Some believed that Lesnar wasn’t the right person to break the streak, as it felt out of place for a part-time talent to be the one to end the most prestigious streak in professional wrestling.
This decision led to massive debate, with many questioning WWE’s reasoning behind it. Some saw it as a bold move to create a new star, while others believed it was a mistake that took away from the legacy of the streak. Regardless of opinion, the moment remains one of the most controversial in WWE history, and it reshaped the way fans viewed the legendary Undertaker at WrestleMania.
4. Roman Reigns’ Forced Babyface Push (2014-2016)
Roman Reigns (Image via Getty)Roman Reigns’s rise to the top of WWE was not a smooth one. WWE’s decision to push Reigns as the company’s top babyface (good guy) following The Shield’s breakup in 2014 received heavy criticism. The company’s attempts to mold Reigns into the next John Cena led to a forced narrative that didn’t resonate well with the fans, who rejected him time and time again.
The pivotal moment came at the 2015 Royal Rumble, where Reigns won the match in a highly controversial fashion. Fans were furious that Reigns, who had been heavily favored by WWE officials, eliminated their beloved favorite Daniel Bryan. The crowd erupted with boos, and many felt that the company was pushing Reigns too hard despite his lack of connection with the audience. The reaction was so negative that WWE had to rethink its strategy for Reigns, trying to incorporate him into storylines with top stars like The Rock to salvage the situation.
Despite his undeniable talent, Reigns struggled to win over the fans. WWE’s insistence on pushing him as the face of the company seemed forced and artificial, and the dissonance between what the company wanted and what the fans desired created one of the most controversial booking decisions of all time. Although Reigns eventually embraced his role as a heel and became one of WWE’s top stars, the early years of his career were defined by this unpopular push.
Final Thoughts
These four booking decisions highlight just how difficult it can be for WWE to balance creative vision with fan expectations. While some moments led to career-defining shifts for certain superstars, others felt like missteps that alienated the very audience they aimed to entertain. Whether it’s a betrayal, an unpopular victory, or a forced push, WWE has certainly had its fair share of controversial decisions throughout its storied history. These moments remind us that professional wrestling, for all its scripted nature, can still be unpredictable and at times, deeply polarizing.