WWE has built its reputation on intense action, compelling storylines, and larger-than-life characters. But with all the planning and rehearsal, nothing can fully prepare even seasoned superstars for live television. Fans love the high-risk stunts, but sometimes, things don’t go as planned. These botches are the moments that break the illusion, reminding everyone that WWE is as unpredictable as it gets. Whether it’s a slip off the ropes or a missed punch seen by millions, these incidents live on forever, thanks to social media and replays. Some of these mistakes have even become legendary, making fans laugh and wince in equal measure. Here are four of the most unforgettable WWE botches that left both superstars and audiences feeling secondhand embarrassment.
1. Titus O’Neil’s Infamous Slide at Greatest Royal Rumble (2018)
Titus O’Neil (Image via Getty)When WWE brought the Greatest Royal Rumble to Saudi Arabia in 2018, the event was filled with memorable moments. But no one could have predicted that one of the night’s most talked-about moments would be Titus O’Neil’s epic botch.
As O’Neil sprinted to the ring for his entrance, he attempted to slide under the bottom rope, but instead, he completely overshot his target. His entire body slipped under the ring, vanishing from sight for a few seconds before he awkwardly crawled back out. Commentators Corey Graves and Michael Cole could barely contain their laughter, and the replay of the moment was shown repeatedly during the broadcast.
What made this botch stand out was how unexpected and bizarre it was — something that would never be scripted. To O’Neil’s credit, he handled the moment with humor, even referencing it on social media. But that didn’t stop it from becoming one of the most replayed mistakes in WWE history. The “Titus World Slide” will always be a part of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. lore.
2. The Exploding Ring That Didn’t Explode – AEW Crossover
The Exploding Ring (Image via Getty)Although not under the official WWE banner, AEW’s “exploding barbed wire deathmatch” between Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley had plenty of WWE fans tuning in — and laughing. While WWE has had its fair share of pyrotechnic mishaps, this one gained crossover attention.
The entire match was built around the promise of a devastating explosion when the timer hit zero. But when the moment finally arrived, what fans got was a few sparks and some faint noises — far from the expected spectacle. Viewers at home and in live attendance were left confused as commentators tried their best to sell it as “life-threatening.”
Wrestling fans immediately compared it to WWE’s occasional pyro flubs, but this one seemed worse because the whole match’s payoff depended on that explosion. Even Eddie Kingston, who was supposed to shield Moxley from the blast, sold it like he was hit by a bomb, which only made the weak special effects more laughable. WWE fans who have seen botched pyrotechnics moments before couldn’t believe this one from a major competitor, and it continues to be cited when talking about high-profile wrestling blunders.
3. Shockmaster’s Legendary Fall (1993)
Shockmaster (Image via Getty)No list of embarrassing WWE-related botches would be complete without mentioning The Shockmaster. Although technically happening during a WCW broadcast, many of the key players involved, including Ric Flair and Sid Vicious, were WWE stars at different points in their careers, making this botched part of broader wrestling history.
During a live episode of Clash of the Champions, The Shockmaster, portrayed by Fred Ottman (aka Tugboat in WWE), was supposed to make a dramatic debut by bursting through a wall to confront a team of heels. Instead, when he tried to break through, he tripped on the platform and fell flat on his face — with his glitter-covered Stormtrooper helmet rolling away, exposing his identity.
The moment was so hilariously bad that Ric Flair and Sid Vicious can be heard trying to keep straight faces, while British Bulldog reportedly quipped off-camera, “He fell on his arse!” The Shockmaster never recovered from that entrance, and though he remained a cult figure in wrestling circles, his career never reached the heights that were expected. Even decades later, WWE has referenced this moment during anniversary specials as one of the biggest flubs in wrestling history.
4. John Cena’s Botched Promo with Roman Reigns (2017)
Roman Reigns and John Cena (Image via Getty)Botches aren’t always about moves in the ring — sometimes, words are just as important. One of the most uncomfortable promo moments happened during the build-up to John Cena vs. Roman Reigns in 2017. Their face-to-face verbal battle was supposed to be a “passing of the torch” moment, but instead, it exposed Roman’s struggles with promos at that point in his career.
During the segment on Monday Night Raw, Cena laid into Reigns, calling him out for being a “corporate bootleg” and not being able to cut a promo. When Roman stumbled over his lines, forgetting what to say, Cena pounced, famously quipping, “It’s called a promo, kid. If you’re gonna be the big dog, you’re gonna have to learn how to do it.”
Fans watching live couldn’t believe what they were seeing. The tension was real, and Cena’s ability to stay sharp while Roman fumbled made the entire moment even more awkward. While Reigns has since vastly improved on the mic — becoming one of WWE’s top stars — this botched promo remains a clip that WWE fans revisit when discussing uncomfortable or cringeworthy live TV moments.
Why These WWE Botches Are Unforgettable
Mistakes like these highlight how unpredictable live wrestling can be. With millions of people watching, there’s no second take — and that’s part of what makes WWE so thrilling. Botches, whether they’re from missed moves or failed promos, add a layer of realism that keeps fans engaged. They remind everyone that behind the superhero personas, these athletes are human.
From Titus O’Neil’s unforgettable slide to Shockmaster’s disastrous debut, these moments are talked about years after they happened. And in many cases, they’ve made the superstars involved even more famous. After all, if fans are still watching and laughing (or cringing) decades later, that’s a kind of legacy all its own.
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