WWE has been home to some of the most intense and memorable moments in sports entertainment. But not all moments are celebrated with cheers; some have sparked debates and even lifelong arguments among fans. From controversial decisions to matches that left fans questioning what they had just seen, these events have become part of the conversation long after the bell rang. Some may have happened years ago, but they still ignite fierce opinions and passionate discussions every time they come up.
In this, we will explore four WWE moments that continue to be debated by fans to this day. These moments have left lasting impressions on the WWE Universe and are the source of ongoing conversation, from iconic finishes to unexpected twists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, these moments are still as relevant as ever. Let’s look at the WWE moments that still stir up debates among fans around the world.
1. The Montreal Screwjob – A Betrayal That Changed Wrestling Forever
Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart (Image via Getty)One of the most iconic and controversial moments in WWE history, the Montreal Screwjob, still resonates deeply with fans. The incident occurred during the 1997 Survivor Series when Bret “Hitman” Hart was scheduled to defend his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels. Hart, the reigning champion, was about to leave for WCW, and tensions between him and Vince McMahon were escalating. What followed remains one of the most debated events in wrestling.
In the midst of the match, Vince McMahon ordered the referee to call for a bell and declare Shawn Michaels the winner, even though Hart hadn’t submitted. Hart, furious with the decision, spat in McMahon’s face and stormed out of the ring. Fans quickly labeled it a betrayal, and the controversy only grew with time. Hart’s departure marked the end of an era for the WWE, and many fans felt the company had wronged one of its top stars.
To this day, people debate whether McMahon was justified in his actions or if it was an unethical decision to undermine a wrestler’s legacy. Many still wonder if it was a work, a real-life storyline that blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Despite its occurrence over two decades ago, the Montreal Screwjob remains a key talking point in wrestling discussions, with opinions still divided.
2. The Undertaker’s Streak Ends at WrestleMania 30 – The Streak Broken
The Undertaker (Image via Getty)WrestleMania has always been synonymous with The Undertaker’s undefeated streak, a feat that fascinated fans for years. At WrestleMania 30, The Undertaker’s perfect 21-0 record was shattered by Brock Lesnar in what was an earth-shattering moment in WWE history. The result left the audience stunned, with the silence in the arena palpable as fans tried to process what had just happened.
The end of The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania was met with mixed reactions. For many, The Undertaker was the ultimate force of nature, a man whose streak was untouchable and symbolic of his dominance in WWE. To see him lose was almost unimaginable, and this moment immediately became one of the most divisive topics in wrestling history.
While some believed Brock Lesnar was the perfect choice to end the streak, others felt that it should have been a more meaningful moment, perhaps passing the torch to a younger star. There are still heated discussions today about whether the streak should have been preserved and if the decision to end it was the right one. Regardless of which side of the argument fans fall on, one thing is certain: the moment when The Undertaker’s streak ended will always be a topic of intense debate in the WWE Universe.
3. The “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon Rivalry – Who Was the Real Winner?
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon (Image via Getty)“Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Vince McMahon’s rivalry is arguably one of the greatest storylines in WWE history, and it sparked countless moments that are still discussed by fans. The Austin-McMahon feud began in the late 1990s and quickly became a cornerstone of the Attitude Era. Austin’s rebellious anti-hero character clashed perfectly with McMahon’s portrayal of the evil corporate boss. Their rivalry reached its peak at WrestleMania 17 when Austin defeated McMahon in a brutal No Holds Barred match.
The twist at the end of the match, where Austin shockingly aligned with McMahon to defeat The Rock, was a moment that caught many fans off guard. Fans were confused and angry, as it seemed to contradict Austin’s entire character arc up to that point. Many felt betrayed by the decision, wondering why Austin, the hero, would join forces with the very villain he had fought against for so long.
To this day, fans argue whether the turn was the right move. Some believe it was a necessary moment to evolve Austin’s character, while others feel it was a poor decision that undermined everything Austin stood for. The rivalry between Austin and McMahon continues to be a touchstone for wrestling discussions, with opinions still split on who truly won that war – the rebel or the boss.
4. The 2014 Royal Rumble – A Controversial Victory and Fan Backlash
Batista (Image via Getty)The 2014 Royal Rumble is a moment that is often cited as one of the most contentious in WWE history. Fans went into the event excited to see who would win the Royal Rumble match and secure a spot in the main event at WrestleMania. The crowd’s excitement turned to frustration when the winner, Batista, was announced.
Batista, who had made his return to WWE after a brief hiatus, was heavily booed by the audience. Fans had been hoping for Daniel Bryan to win the Rumble, especially after his underdog story during the previous months. Bryan had become one of the most beloved wrestlers in the company, and fans had been rallying behind him. But despite the overwhelming support, Bryan was eliminated from the match early, and the winner’s spot went to Batista instead.
The backlash was swift, and the fans let their displeasure be known, chanting for Bryan and booing Batista throughout the event. Some even believed that WWE had orchestrated the result to set up a feud between Batista and Randy Orton at WrestleMania, ignoring the desires of the fans. The controversy surrounding the 2014 Royal Rumble has since become a talking point for fans, many of whom still argue that WWE missed a golden opportunity to push Daniel Bryan as the rightful winner.
Even though Bryan’s eventual win at WrestleMania 30 provided some redemption, the 2014 Rumble remains a polarizing moment in WWE history, and fans continue to argue whether the event was handled poorly or if it served a larger purpose in shaping future storylines.
WWE’s Legacy of Debate
WWE is no stranger to creating moments that become legendary, and sometimes, even these moments become sources of argument and debate among its fans. The moments outlined above continue to spark conversation, whether for the value, questionable decisions, or just the sheer unpredictability of the outcome. They serve as reminders of the passion that fans bring to the product and how WWE’s most controversial moments have left a lasting impact on the culture of professional wrestling. Even after years of these events taking place, they still fuel arguments and discussions, proving that in the WWE Universe, the debate never truly ends.