In WWE, fans always expect thrilling moments, intense action, and epic conclusions to matchups at pay-per-view (PPV) events. However, not all matches end with a clear winner. Some go in a direction that no one sees coming, with the match being called off unexpectedly. These no-contest finishes often leave fans scratching their heads and speculating on what could have been. While a no contest might not provide the closure fans want, these endings have had a lasting impact, sparking debate and further fueling rivalries.
From controversial finishes to instances where the action was just too chaotic to continue, here are four of the most surprising WWE PPV matches that ended with no definitive winner.
1. Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt – WWE TLC 2019
Seth Rollins vs. The Fiend (Image via Getty)At the TLC 2019 PPV, the WWE Universe expected a brutal, hard-fought match between Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship. What fans didn’t anticipate was the unexpected no-contest finish that left everyone perplexed. The match was a TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) match, which promised high stakes and high-flying action. Rollins and Wyatt tore through tables, ladders, and chairs in a wild contest, but the match’s chaotic conclusion was far from what anyone had envisioned.
As the match progressed, Wyatt’s monstrous persona came into full force, and the action became more intense with each passing minute. However, the match reached an abrupt halt when Wyatt, in his Firefly Funhouse persona, played mind games and manipulated the situation, causing Seth Rollins to be overwhelmed. The conclusion came when the action spilled into the crowd, and no clear decision was made. Fans were left questioning the purpose of such a finish, as it did not give either competitor a definitive result, but instead teased further developments in their storyline.
While the match itself had a high level of drama, the no-contest finish was one of the most surprising aspects of the encounter. This left fans eager to see where the rivalry would go next, but also frustrated by the lack of closure.
2. The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar – WWE Hell in a Cell 2015
Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker (Image via Getty)The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar are two of the most iconic names in WWE history, and their feud was already one for the ages. Fans had seen them clash in various environments, but at WWE Hell in a Cell 2015, they met in the most unforgiving structure in the company – Hell in a Cell. What fans didn’t expect, however, was a no-contest ending that not only stunned them but also led to significant implications for both men.
The match had everything you could want: brutal weapon usage, intense brawling, and both superstars pushing each other to their limits. But as the battle raged on, the ending came unexpectedly when a series of controversial events unfolded. Lesnar was hit in a way that caused legitimate injury, leading the referee to halt the match prematurely for safety reasons. This no-contest finish left fans in disbelief, especially given the intensity of the rivalry and the expectations for an epic conclusion to the feud.
This match is one that fans still talk about because of the no-contest finish. Many had hoped for a clear winner, but this outcome only fueled the growing anticipation for a future clash, making it an unforgettable moment in WWE history.
3. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman – WWE Payback 2017
Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns (image via Getty)Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman’s rivalry in 2017 was one of the most personal and destructive in WWE. Their feud saw them face off in various brutal matchups, and their Payback 2017 match was no exception. The contest between the two big men had fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating a clear winner to settle their rivalry. Instead, they got a no-contest finish that sent waves through the arena.
The match was set to be a physical showdown, with both superstars showing their immense strength and dominance. However, chaos ensued when a huge brawl broke out outside the ring. Both men were driven through barricades, and the fight became so wild that it was impossible to continue the match in the ring. The referee had no choice but to call for a no-contest finish. Fans were not only surprised by the abrupt ending but also by the implications it had for their ongoing feud.
Though a no-contest finish usually suggests that a storyline isn’t concluded, in this case, it only heightened the intensity of the rivalry. The lack of a winner ensured that the story would continue, leading to even more explosive encounters between the two.
4. Triple H vs. Randy Orton – WWE No Mercy 2007
Triple H vs. Randy Orton (Image via Getty)When Triple H and Randy Orton collided at WWE No Mercy 2007 for the WWE Championship, it was expected to be a classic contest between two of WWE’s biggest stars. Orton, the reigning champion, was looking to defend his title against the Game. However, things took an unexpected turn when the match ended in a no-contest.
The two men fought brutally, with each trying to outdo the other with high-impact moves and clever tactics. But the unexpected happened when the action spilled outside the ring, and both competitors found themselves in a perilous situation. In a stunning turn of events, the two men were so involved in their brawl that they were unable to continue the match in a fair and proper way. The referee called for the no-contest decision after neither man could continue the contest effectively.
Fans were left stunned as this no-contest finish was one of the rare occurrences in WWE history where both men were unable to secure a win or even a clear advantage. While the ending was surprising, it was also effective in building up more tension between Orton and Triple H. Their rivalry would continue to unfold, but the finish at No Mercy was a moment fans still talk about for its unpredictability.
Final Thoughts
WWE’s history is filled with matchups that have left fans on the edge of their seats, but some of the most surprising moments have come from matches that ended in a no contest. Whether it was due to interference, injury, or chaos, these unexpected finishes have added an element of unpredictability that only enhances the drama of the storylines. While no-contest results are frustrating for fans hoping for a decisive ending, they often serve to fuel ongoing rivalries and story arcs, ensuring that the action continues for months to come. From title matches to personal grudge matches, these no-contest finishes have carved their place in WWE’s legacy.