Professional wrestling thrives on unpredictability, and few moments are more memorable than a title change that no one saw coming. Throughout WWE history, there have been instances where fans were certain about a champion retaining, only to witness an unexpected outcome. Whether due to a last-minute decision, an injury, or simply a bold creative move, these moments stand out as some of the most unforgettable title changes in WWE history.
Below are four WWE pay-per-view (PPV) events that featured championship victories no one anticipated.
1. Survivor Series 2016 – Goldberg Destroys Brock Lesnar in 86 Seconds
Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar (Image via Getty)When Goldberg returned to WWE in 2016, many believed it was a one-off nostalgia act. Brock Lesnar, on the other hand, was in the midst of a dominant run, having ended The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak and demolished top-tier opponents. Heading into Survivor Series, Lesnar was expected to run through Goldberg with ease.
Instead, what happened left everyone in disbelief. The bell rang, and within seconds, Goldberg had Lesnar on his back after a devastating spear. Another spear followed, then a Jackhammer, and just like that, the match was over in 86 seconds. Not only did Goldberg win, but he did so in one of the most dominant performances ever seen against Lesnar.
This wasn’t just any victory—it was a complete dismantling of The Beast Incarnate. The match result sent waves through the industry, and Goldberg’s quick victory over Lesnar remains one of WWE’s most unexpected championship wins.
2. WrestleMania 35 – The IIconics Win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
The IIconics (Image via Getty)At WrestleMania 35, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship was up for grabs in a Fatal 4-Way match featuring Bayley & Sasha Banks (the reigning champions), Beth Phoenix & Natalya, Nia Jax & Tamina, and The IIconics. The favorites heading into the match were either the dominant duo of Jax & Tamina or the highly skilled team of Bayley & Banks.
No one seriously considered The IIconics—Peyton Royce and Billie Kay—as legitimate threats to leave with the gold. Yet, in a moment that left the entire stadium in disbelief, The IIconics pulled off the ultimate upset. Seizing an opportunity, they capitalized on a moment of chaos, with Billie Kay pinning Bayley to secure the win.
Their victory wasn’t just surprising—it marked a defining moment for the underdog team, proving that anything can happen on WWE’s biggest stage. The reaction was a mix of celebration and disbelief, solidifying WrestleMania 35 as one of the most unpredictable nights in WWE history.
3. Money in the Bank 2017 – Jinder Mahal Becomes WWE Champion
Jinder Mahal (Image via Getty)If there was ever a WWE Championship victory that seemed completely out of left field, it was Jinder Mahal’s triumph over Randy Orton at Money in the Bank 2017.
Leading up to this event, Mahal had been a mid-card talent at best. He had spent years either as an enhancement talent or in forgettable tag teams. Then, out of nowhere, he was thrust into the main event picture. Even as he challenged Orton for the WWE Championship, few believed he had a realistic shot at winning.
Yet, against all odds, Mahal pulled off one of the most unexpected victories in WWE history. With help from The Singh Brothers, he managed to dethrone Orton and become the WWE Champion. The victory left the WWE Universe stunned, as Mahal had gone from being a background character to the face of SmackDown overnight.
His reign may have been controversial, but no one can deny that his title win remains one of the most unforeseen moments in WWE’s modern era.
4. SummerSlam 2013 – Randy Orton Cashes In on Daniel Bryan
Randy Orton Cashes In on Daniel Bryan (Image via Getty)SummerSlam 2013 had one of the most emotional main events in WWE history. Daniel Bryan, the ultimate underdog, had just defeated John Cena clean in the middle of the ring to become WWE Champion. The crowd erupted, celebrating Bryan’s long-awaited victory. It seemed like the beginning of a new era.
However, Triple H, who had been the special guest referee, quickly changed the mood. As Bryan celebrated, Randy Orton’s music hit, and he walked down to the ring with his Money in the Bank contract. Just as it seemed like Orton might hesitate, Triple H stunned everyone by delivering a Pedigree to Bryan. Orton cashed in, made the cover, and just like that, Bryan’s reign was over before it could even begin.
The moment shattered fans’ expectations, as Bryan had seemingly overcome all the obstacles only to be blindsided. This set the stage for months of storytelling, but in the moment, it was one of WWE’s most unexpected and gut-wrenching title changes.
Final Thoughts
WWE has delivered countless unforgettable moments over the years, but nothing gets the crowd talking quite like a title change that no one saw coming. Whether it was Goldberg’s squash of Brock Lesnar, The IIconics defying the odds, Jinder Mahal’s rise to the top, or Daniel Bryan’s heartbreak at the hands of Randy Orton, these moments prove that in WWE, anything can happen when you least expect it.