WWE has built its reputation on unpredictability and unforgettable moments. Among the most memorable are those championship victories that no one saw coming—especially when a champion with a seemingly unbreakable hold on the title is finally dethroned. Fans invest months, sometimes years, watching dominant champions crush challenger after challenger, only to be stunned when someone breaks that streak. These moments remind everyone that anything can happen inside a WWE ring. Whether it was due to a perfect storyline twist, an underdog finally seizing their moment, or a last-minute surprise, these wins are forever etched in wrestling history.
Below are four of the most surprising WWE Championship victories that ended reigns fans thought would never end. Each one not only changed the title picture but also left an undeniable mark on WWE’s history and future.
1. Jinder Mahal Ends Randy Orton’s Reign at Backlash 2017
Jinder Mahal (Image via Getty)Few expected Jinder Mahal to even challenge for the WWE Championship in 2017, let alone win it. Before his sudden rise, Mahal had spent years in the lower card, rarely featured in major storylines. But in a stunning turn of events, he became the number one contender and set his sights on Randy Orton, who was then enjoying his ninth WWE Championship reign.
Going into Backlash, Orton was heavily favored. Mahal was viewed by many as a temporary challenger, set up to be another victim for “The Viper.” But WWE had other plans. With the help of The Singh Brothers, Mahal managed to pull off one of the most unexpected victories in recent memory, pinning Orton cleanly to capture his first WWE Championship.
This victory didn’t just end Orton’s reign; it elevated Mahal to main-event status for months, as he held the title through several defenses. Fans still discuss this match as one of the biggest surprises of modern WWE, proving that even underdogs can reach the top with the right opportunity.
2. Brock Lesnar Ends CM Punk’s Historic 434-Day Reign at SummerSlam 2013
Brock Lesnar vs CM Punk (Image via Getty)CM Punk’s reign as WWE Champion from late 2011 to early 2013 became one of the longest in modern history, lasting an incredible 434 days. His reign saw him take on and defeat some of the biggest names in wrestling, including John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Daniel Bryan. Punk carried the title with unmatched charisma and wrestling ability, making fans believe his reign could continue indefinitely.
But everything changed when he stepped into the ring against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2013. Though Lesnar wasn’t officially chasing the title during this match, the fight represented a major shift in momentum for both stars. With Paul Heyman’s betrayal and interference, Lesnar brutalized Punk in a hard-hitting match, eventually securing the win with an F-5.
While this wasn’t technically a WWE Championship match, it symbolized the end of Punk’s dominance and led to him losing the title shortly after. Lesnar’s victory signaled the arrival of a new era where part-time stars could topple long-standing champions, altering the way WWE booked its biggest names from then on.
3. Eddie Guerrero Defeats Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004
Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie Guerrero(Image via Getty)
Eddie Guerrero’s victory over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004 is still considered one of the most heartwarming and surprising title changes in WWE history. At the time, Lesnar was portrayed as an unstoppable force—athletic, powerful, and nearly unbeatable. He had steamrolled through top-tier competition, including The Rock, Kurt Angle, and The Undertaker. Fans expected Lesnar to carry the WWE Championship straight into WrestleMania, but Guerrero had other plans.
The match was a classic underdog story. Guerrero fought from underneath, taking a massive amount of punishment but refusing to stay down. After a chaotic back-and-forth battle, Goldberg—who had his own issues with Lesnar—interfered and speared Lesnar, opening the door for Guerrero. Seizing the moment, Guerrero hit a DDT onto the title belt and followed it up with his signature Frog Splash to secure the victory.
Guerrero’s emotional celebration with the WWE Championship is one of the most enduring images in WWE history. His win not only ended Lesnar’s dominant reign but also gave hope to fans who longed to see a beloved underdog finally triumph on the grand stage.
4. Kofi Kingston Topples Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 35
Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan (image via Getty)Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35 was the payoff to a journey that spanned over a decade. Bryan, known as “The Planet’s Champion,” had reinvented himself as an eco-friendly villain and held the title with an iron grip. Going into WrestleMania, Bryan was considered one of the most formidable champions on the roster, and few believed Kofi would break through to win the big one.
However, “KofiMania” had taken over the WWE Universe in the months leading up to the event. Fans rallied behind Kingston, forcing WWE to acknowledge his undeniable popularity. Still, when the match began, Bryan dominated for much of it, using brutal submission holds and relentless offense. Yet, Kingston’s resilience was on full display.
In a moment that left fans cheering with raw emotion, Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise to pin Bryan and claim the WWE Championship for the first time in his career. It was a monumental moment, marking the first time an African-born WWE Superstar won the top prize. His victory wasn’t just about ending Bryan’s reign—it was about breaking barriers and making history.
Why These WWE Championship Wins Still Resonate
What makes these victories so memorable isn’t just the title change itself but the deeper stories behind them. From long underdog journeys to unexpected turns in ongoing rivalries, each win represented a moment when WWE defied expectations.
Fans connect with these matches because they reflect real emotions: hope, surprise, triumph, and even disbelief. Whether it was Eddie Guerrero finally achieving his dream or Kofi Kingston overcoming years of being overlooked, these victories offered moments of pure celebration.
Moreover, each win impacted WWE’s future in significant ways. Jinder Mahal’s reign opened doors for other mid-card wrestlers to ascend to main-event status. Lesnar’s defeat of Punk shifted the balance of star power in WWE, leading to Lesnar’s future dominance. Guerrero’s win showed that fan favorites could carry the company, and Kingston’s victory broke new ground for representation in WWE.
Final Thoughts: WWE’s Greatest Surprise Championship Wins
WWE thrives on moments that get fans talking, and there’s nothing quite like a title victory that comes out of nowhere—especially when it ends a reign that felt unbeatable. These matches keep the WWE Championship picture exciting and unpredictable.
As history has shown, no champion is invincible, and sometimes it takes an unlikely hero to bring an era to a close. Whether it’s a veteran finally seizing the spotlight or an unexpected challenger rising to the occasion, these moments keep fans on the edge of their seats and glued to their screens.
These unforgettable title changes serve as a reminder: in WWE, anything can happen—and that’s what makes being a fan so thrilling.