WWE Title Matches That Ended in a Disqualification Finish

In WWE, high-stakes title matches are a staple of major events, and fans are always on the edge of their seats, hoping to witness dramatic moments. However, some of these bouts end unexpectedly with disqualifications, leaving fans frustrated but intrigued. A disqualification finish in a WWE title match can be a controversial and frustrating turn of events, but it also serves as a creative tool to prolong rivalries or protect the integrity of certain characters. These finishes often lead to rematches, giving fans a chance to see even more intense battles. Let’s look at some of the most memorable WWE title matches that ended with disqualification finishes.

1. Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena – WWE Title Match at Unforgiven 2007

In 2007, WWE fans were treated to an explosive rivalry between Shawn Michaels and John Cena, two of the most iconic superstars of that era. Their feud built up to a match at Unforgiven 2007, where Cena defended his WWE Championship against Michaels in a Last Man Standing match. The contest was intense, with both superstars pushing themselves to the limit, and it seemed like the match would produce a clear winner. However, the ending left fans bewildered and frustrated.

The match culminated in a disqualification when Cena used a steel chair to attack Michaels. The disqualification meant that Cena would lose his title despite dominating much of the match. While the decision was polarizing, it was clear that WWE intended to keep the rivalry alive. Fans who had hoped for a decisive finish were left eagerly anticipating a rematch that would ultimately provide a more conclusive outcome. The disqualification kept the heat between Cena and Michaels alive, setting the stage for future confrontations.

2. Bret Hart vs. Jerry “The King” Lawler – WWE Title Match at SummerSlam 1993

At SummerSlam 1993, Bret Hart faced off against Jerry “The King” Lawler for the WWE Championship in a match that would go down in history for its unusual finish. Lawler, known for his devious tactics and relentless trash-talking, was never going to win this match through conventional means. In this highly anticipated encounter, Lawler attempted to use underhanded methods to gain an advantage over Hart, but the ending came as a surprise when Lawler was disqualified.

During the match, Lawler resorted to his signature cheating tactics, including hitting Hart with a low blow and using a foreign object. These actions, combined with the referee’s warning, led to the disqualification. While it was a frustrating finish for fans who wanted to see a clean contest, the disqualification kept the feud between Hart and Lawler alive. Lawler’s constant attempts to cheat and outsmart Hart served to further their rivalry, adding a layer of intensity and drama that would continue to unfold in subsequent months.

3. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman – WWE Universal Title Match at Payback 2017

The WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman at Payback 2017 is remembered for its chaotic finish, which saw a rare disqualification in a high-profile title bout. Their rivalry had been brewing for months, and both superstars were at the height of their power. The match, which saw Strowman take on Reigns in a brutal, no-holds-barred contest, had fans expecting a physical war between the two behemoths.

However, the ending took an unexpected turn when Reigns’ former ally, The Big Show, intervened in the match. As the two men battled outside the ring, the Big Show attacked Strowman, causing the referee to disqualify Reigns, despite his dominance. Fans were left in disbelief, as they had been expecting a straightforward championship match. Instead, the disqualification led to further drama, with WWE emphasizing the personal nature of the rivalry and creating a storyline that would keep fans on their toes for months. The chaos surrounding this disqualification kept the feud alive and set the stage for more brutal battles between the two.

4. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho – WWE Title Match at Armageddon 2002

One of the more memorable WWE Title matches that ended in a disqualification was the encounter between Triple H and Chris Jericho at Armageddon 2002. This match featured one of the most explosive rivalries of the early 2000s, with Jericho attempting to dethrone Triple H, the reigning champion. The match was set to be a classic, but the ending left fans questioning the outcome.

The disqualification came about when the interference of Ric Flair, a longtime ally of Triple H, played a crucial role in the match. As Jericho was on the verge of winning the WWE Championship, Flair entered the match and attacked him, leading to a disqualification. This chaotic finish was designed to protect both superstars. Triple H’s status as a dominant champion remained intact, while Jericho’s momentum was preserved by giving him a controversial win that furthered their rivalry. Although fans were left disappointed by the finish, it only set the stage for even more drama between the two, with a future rematch on the horizon.

Why Disqualification Finishes Are Important in WWE

Disqualification finishes, though frustrating for fans, serve an important purpose in WWE storylines. These finishes allow WWE to keep rivalries going without giving a definitive conclusion. They can be used to protect the characters involved, whether it’s a rising star who might not be ready to lose cleanly or a top champion who can’t afford a loss. Disqualification finishes also provide WWE creative teams with a way to continue telling complex stories without prematurely ending a feud.

For example, in the case of Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman, the disqualification finish at Payback 2017 allowed their rivalry to continue while maintaining the momentum of both competitors. It also paved the way for more physical matches and provided further opportunities for interference and drama, all of which made for compelling television.

The Impact of Disqualifications on Future Matches

While disqualification finishes can leave fans frustrated in the short term, they often lead to more thrilling and highly anticipated rematches. When a title match ends in disqualification, the lack of closure fuels fan interest and anticipation for the next encounter. This can be an effective way to build suspense and extend the storylines between key rivalries.

For instance, the disqualification in the Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena match at Unforgiven 2007 set the stage for their next encounter, where fans finally got to see the ultimate resolution of their feud. WWE uses these disqualifications strategically to build even more hype for the next event, turning a negative finish into a reason to keep watching.

Disqualification finishes in WWE Title matches may not be the most satisfying way to conclude a bout, but they are an important storytelling tool. They keep rivalries alive, protect the status of key characters, and ensure that fans remain invested in ongoing feuds. The WWE Universe has seen numerous memorable title matches end in disqualification, each one leaving a lasting impact on the storylines that followed. While they can be polarizing, these finishes are just another example of how WWE creatively weaves together drama, suspense, and long-term planning to keep fans engaged.