WWE has built its reputation on producing electrifying, unpredictable moments, and the main event of a pay-per-view (PPV) is often where the biggest surprises unfold. Over the last decade, some matches have left fans reeling, challenging expectations and making history in ways no one could have predicted. From sudden title changes to unexpected returns, these events have sparked debates and discussions that still resonate today. Let’s take a look at some of the most unpredictable WWE PPV main events of the last ten years.
1. WrestleMania 30: Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
The Undertaker (Image via Getty)WrestleMania 30 will forever be remembered for one moment: Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at the event. The Streak, which had lasted for 21 matches at the grandest stage of them all, seemed invincible, making the idea of its end almost impossible to fathom. Fans packed the Mercedes-Benz Superdome expecting another classic ‘Taker WrestleMania victory, but as the match progressed, the reality started to set in. Lesnar, who had already established himself as a dominant force, took control, and with three F5s, the streak was broken.
The silence in the arena was deafening when the referee counted to three. It was a moment that defied logic and left the WWE Universe stunned. Many thought The Undertaker would retire with the streak intact, but Lesnar’s victory turned that notion on its head. The aftermath, where The Undertaker’s loss was acknowledged in the days that followed, had a lasting impact on how fans viewed both Lesnar and ‘Taker, cementing this match as one of the most unpredictable WWE PPV main events.
2. Royal Rumble 2015: Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan
Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan (Image via Getty)The 2015 Royal Rumble was supposed to be a crowning moment for Roman Reigns. After dominating the previous year’s Rumble match, it seemed like WWE was preparing him for his first big WrestleMania main event. However, fans had other plans. Daniel Bryan, a fan favorite who had been sidelined with injuries, was inserted into the Royal Rumble match itself, igniting the crowd’s passion for his underdog journey.
When Reigns entered the final stretch of the match against Bryan, the fans were split. Bryan, who had enjoyed a tremendous run as WWE Champion in 2014, was still incredibly popular, and they wanted to see him take the top spot again. Reigns, on the other hand, was met with a mixed reaction. The tension between the two men led to an electric atmosphere, with Bryan’s near-miss of victory adding to the drama.
Reigns’ eventual win was met with boos, and the backlash was so intense that WWE had to adjust its course for WrestleMania. What was meant to be a victory march for Reigns turned into a chaotic situation where WWE had to adjust and rework its main event plans, all because the fans were not prepared for Reigns to be the undisputed star.
3. Money in the Bank 2019: Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (Image via Getty)Seth Rollins had a towering challenge ahead of him at Money in the Bank 2019: defending his WWE Universal Championship against the beast incarnate, Brock Lesnar. The match had a predictable outcome in the eyes of many; after all, Lesnar had been portrayed as an unstoppable force, a wrestler that few could realistically defeat. However, WWE had something entirely different planned.
In a twist that left fans on edge, Brock Lesnar would not only lose but also experience a humiliating defeat at the hands of Seth Rollins. The contest started off with Lesnar taking control, as expected, but Rollins fought back with sheer resilience. The match reached a point where Rollins, after absorbing massive damage, was able to make a miraculous comeback, stunning the crowd and the commentators.
What followed was a rollercoaster of emotions, as Rollins hit a series of well-timed strikes, ultimately retaining his Universal Title by pinning Lesnar. This outcome was a game-changer in the eyes of fans. Rollins’ victory represented a triumph of heart and resilience, and the way WWE structured the match allowed fans to feel that anything could happen, even in the face of a Brock Lesnar domination. The unpredictability of the match, and Rollins’ ability to outlast Lesnar, made it one of the most talked-about WWE PPV main events.
4. SummerSlam 2020: The Fiend vs. Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns
The Fiend vs. Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns (Image via Getty)SummerSlam 2020 provided a moment that no one could have predicted: Roman Reigns’ return to the WWE Universal Championship scene. Heading into the match, it seemed that Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt’s The Fiend would battle for the title in a brutal contest, with fans already discussing who would come out on top. Reigns had been absent from WWE since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but no one expected his comeback to be so explosive.
The match itself between Strowman and Wyatt was already unpredictable, with both men using extreme tactics to fight for dominance. But just as Strowman looked set to retain his title, the arena was rocked by the return of Roman Reigns, who stormed into the ring with a vengeance. Reigns’ new heel persona, accompanied by his alliance with Paul Heyman, signaled a massive shift in his character.
Reigns attacked both competitors, leaving the match in chaos. In the end, he walked out as Universal Champion, defeating both The Fiend and Strowman in a stunning and unexpected fashion. His return was a major turning point in WWE’s storylines, and the manner in which it all unfolded proved that WWE still knew how to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Reigns’ transformation from fan favorite to villain added even more unpredictability to the match, making this main event one of the most talked-about moments of the year.
Final Thoughts
In recent years, WWE has shown that anything can happen in a main event. Whether it’s a sudden title change, an unexpected return, or a match that goes completely off the rails, these moments keep fans coming back for more. The unpredictable nature of these PPV main events has helped WWE stay relevant and continue to generate buzz around their product. What’s certain is that fans will continue to watch closely, knowing that when the lights go down and the main event begins, anything is possible.