WWE has been the home to some of the most jaw-dropping moments in sports entertainment history. Whether it’s a fight that defies all logic or an unexpected twist that has fans on the edge of their seats, the company has always pushed the limits of what can happen in the squared circle. However, some bouts took things to a whole new level, leaving fans stunned and making headlines for years to come.
From wild stipulation matches to legendary showdowns between massive superstars, WWE has created a catalogue of matches that defy expectations and leave fans questioning, “Did that really happen?” Here are some of the most unbelievable WWE matches that actually happened, showing the lengths the company is willing to go to entertain its audience.
1. Hell in a Cell – The Undertaker vs. Mankind (King of the Ring 1998)
The Undertaker vs. Mankind (Image via Getty)No WWE list would be complete without mentioning one of the most infamous moments in the history of professional wrestling. The “Hell in a Cell” match between The Undertaker and Mankind at King of the Ring 1998 was a brutal, chaotic contest that left an indelible mark on WWE fans worldwide.
In a match already known for its dangerous stipulations, Mick Foley (as Mankind) suffered what many consider to be one of the most painful and insane bumps in wrestling history. Early in the match, The Undertaker threw Mankind off the top of the cell, sending him crashing through a table below. That moment alone would have been enough to cement the bout in wrestling folklore, but it didn’t end there.
Minutes later, Mankind was chokeslammed through the roof of the cell and crashed onto the ring mat below. The fall was devastating, and Foley had to continue the match despite being in tremendous pain. The Undertaker’s terrifying dominance, combined with Mankind’s sheer determination to continue, made this match one of the most dangerous and unforgettable in WWE history.
2. The Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan – WrestleMania VI (1990)
The Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan (Image via Getty)WrestleMania VI marked a monumental moment in WWE history when two of the biggest icons of the era, Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior, squared off for the WWE Championship. This match was unique not only because of the larger-than-life personalities involved but also because it was a collision of two fan-favorite faces at the peak of their careers.
The match was built as a battle of unstoppable forces. Hogan, the established champion and fan favorite, took on The Ultimate Warrior, who was riding high with his momentum and rapidly growing fan base. What made this match so unbelievable was how the fans were split down the middle, cheering for both competitors. Rarely do two heroes of equal stature face off at the pinnacle of their popularity, and this created an electric atmosphere at the event.
The match ended with The Ultimate Warrior claiming victory and winning his first WWE Championship in front of an ecstatic crowd. It was a passing of the torch, and the crowd’s response to Warrior’s victory was deafening, showing just how magical and unforgettable the moment truly was. The match still stands as one of the most iconic encounters in the history of the company.
3. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker – WrestleMania 25 (2009)
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (Image via Getty)WrestleMania 25 featured one of the most memorable matches in WWE history when Shawn Michaels took on The Undertaker in a battle that had fans wondering if anyone could stop the Deadman’s undefeated streak at the grandest stage of them all. This match wasn’t just about physicality; it was a dramatic contest between two legends who had pushed their bodies to the limit over the years.
The storytelling in this match was on another level. Michaels, who had already cemented himself as one of the greatest of all time, made it his mission to end The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak. What made the match even more special was the respect between the two competitors, as both men showcased their legendary skills with some of the most exciting and daring spots in wrestling history.
The two would go back and forth, each trying to put the other away with their signature moves, including Shawn Michaels’s Superkick and The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver. Ultimately, The Undertaker would claim victory, but not before giving fans a contest that many consider one of the greatest matches ever. The chemistry, athleticism, and drama in this match were unmatched, and it remains a highlight of WrestleMania’s storied history.
4. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon – WrestleMania 17 (2001)
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon (Image via Getty)Another match that fans still talk about today is the epic showdown between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 17. At this point in time, Austin and McMahon’s feud had reached a boiling point, with McMahon doing everything he could to ruin Austin’s career, from interference in his matches to attempting to take away his championship. This feud was as personal as it gets in WWE, and fans were eagerly awaiting the culmination of this bitter rivalry.
What made this match so unbelievable wasn’t just the physicality or the stakes involved. The biggest twist came when Stone Cold Steve Austin, who had been the face of the “Attitude Era,” shockingly aligned himself with Vince McMahon during the match. This unexpected turn had fans questioning everything they thought they knew about Austin’s character.
Despite this betrayal, the match was filled with unforgettable moments, including chair shots, stunners, and interference from various WWE figures. Austin would ultimately win the match, but it was the betrayal and the aftermath that left a lasting impact on the WWE Universe. The unexpected alliance between Austin and McMahon shook the foundations of the business and forever changed the course of Austin’s career.
Final Thoughts on WWE’s Most Unbelievable Matches
WWE continues to deliver thrilling, unforgettable moments in the squared circle. These matches not only provided incredible action but also had fans invested in the storylines, twists, and larger-than-life characters that make the company so unique. Whether it’s an insane match like The Undertaker vs. Mankind or the unexpected twists in Austin vs. McMahon, WWE has constantly proven that anything can happen inside the ring, and that’s what keeps fans coming back for more.