WWE has long been known for its high-stakes drama, unforgettable moments, and unique twists. One of the most exciting elements that has added unpredictability to several WWE matches over the years is the involvement of guest referees. These guest officials, often celebrities, legends, or even former superstars, add a whole new layer of intrigue and tension to the action. Whether it’s a battle for a title or a personal grudge match, having a guest referee can completely alter the course of a match.
In this, we look back at some of the most memorable WWE matches featuring guest referees. From unpredictable outcomes to emotional moments, these matches are iconic for their twists, the personalities involved, and the excitement that ensued.
1. Shawn Michaels as Guest Referee: WrestleMania 14 (The Undertaker vs. Kane)
The Undertaker vs. Kane (Image via Getty)WrestleMania 14 is remembered as a pivotal moment in WWE history, particularly for the match between The Undertaker and Kane. The tension between the two brothers had been building for months, with Kane making his debut earlier that year to confront The Undertaker. The addition of Shawn Michaels as the guest referee brought even more drama to an already highly anticipated match.
Shawn Michaels, who was in the midst of his final run as an active competitor before his back injury, added a personal touch to the match as he had been involved in the storyline leading up to this clash. Although his role as referee was neutral, the audience couldn’t help but wonder if Michaels would influence the outcome, given his past ties with both competitors.
In an emotional and brutal match, The Undertaker defeated Kane, marking the beginning of his legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania. The involvement of Shawn Michaels added an extra layer of storytelling and drama, which elevated the match beyond just a physical contest. The symbolism of Michaels being the referee, after all his history with both men, made this encounter even more unforgettable for fans.
2. Mike Tyson as Guest Referee: WrestleMania 14 (Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels)
Mike Tyson (Image via Getty)Another memorable match from WrestleMania 14 involved Mike Tyson as the special guest enforcer in the match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship. Tyson’s presence added an unparalleled level of excitement and anticipation, as he was one of the most famous athletes in the world at the time. His involvement in WWE came as a huge surprise and turned the match into one of the most talked-about events in wrestling history.
The match itself was intense, with Austin and Michaels putting on a dramatic contest for the WWE Championship. Tyson, whose role was initially unclear, made a pivotal moment in the match when he unexpectedly sided with Austin. This led to a knockout punch to Shawn Michaels, which allowed Austin to claim his first WWE Championship. Tyson’s role as the guest enforcer turned the tide in Austin’s favor, marking a turning point in both his career and WWE history.
Mike Tyson’s appearance brought an undeniable mainstream appeal to the event, and his involvement as a guest referee added to the unpredictable nature of the match. Fans were on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting to see what Tyson would do next, and his actions undoubtedly contributed to making this match one of the most iconic moments in WrestleMania history.
3. Mick Foley as Guest Referee: Royal Rumble 2004 (Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels)
Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Image via Getty)One of the most emotional matches involving a guest referee took place during the 2004 Royal Rumble, when Mick Foley served as the special guest referee for the match between Triple H and Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship. The rivalry between Triple H and Michaels had been one of the most heated in WWE, and the addition of Mick Foley only heightened the stakes of this bitter feud.
Mick Foley, who had recently returned to WWE after a hiatus, had a personal connection to both men, making his role as the guest referee all the more intriguing. Foley, known for his brutal and extreme style, was tasked with maintaining order in what promised to be a violent and chaotic match. His involvement allowed the storyline to take on even more layers, with fans wondering if he would favor one competitor over the other, considering his history with both.
The match itself was brutal, with both men enduring unimaginable punishment. However, Foley played an important role in keeping the match fair despite the chaos surrounding him. In the end, Triple H successfully retained his title, but it was the unpredictable dynamics introduced by Foley’s role that made this contest so memorable.
4. Guest Referee: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper at WrestleMania 21 (Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle)
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (Image via Getty)At WrestleMania 21, one of the most highly anticipated matches saw Shawn Michaels face off against Kurt Angle, two of the greatest in-ring performers in WWE history. To make things even more exciting, WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was chosen as the special guest referee. The match was a showcase of wrestling talent, with both Michaels and Angle delivering a clinic of technical and high-flying moves.
Roddy Piper, a true legend in the industry, had a history of being involved in some of the most intense and controversial moments in WWE. His addition as the guest referee was a nostalgic nod to the past and provided an extra layer of excitement to the match. Fans were eager to see how Piper would handle the two high-caliber competitors, given his notorious personality and unpredictable behavior.
Though the match was intense and well-executed, it was Piper’s involvement that made it stand out. As a guest referee, Piper played a pivotal role in the match’s pacing and dynamics, which contributed to the dramatic atmosphere. Kurt Angle emerged victorious, but it was Piper’s presence that kept the fans engaged throughout the bout, proving that even a guest referee could leave a lasting impact on a match.
Final Thoughts
Guest referees have become an integral part of many memorable WWE moments, adding an extra layer of intrigue and excitement. Whether it’s a Hall of Famer like Mick Foley, a pop culture icon like Mike Tyson, or an in-ring legend like Shawn Michaels, these guest referees have helped some of the most iconic matches in WWE history. Their unpredictable involvement has created some unforgettable moments, proving that sometimes the referee can steal the spotlight just as much as the competitors in the ring.