WWE events have always been full of drama, thrills, and intense rivalries. Over the years, the company has provided countless main-event matchups featuring the biggest stars of the industry. However, some of the most memorable bouts have been the ones fans didn’t expect. These unexpected WWE main-event matches left audiences surprised and in awe. Whether due to the participants, the storyline, or the circumstances leading up to the match, these bouts became moments that WWE fans won’t forget.
This explores four of the most unexpected WWE matches that headlined pay-per-views, changing of the company. Let’s take a closer look at these unforgettable moments that delivered far more than anyone could have predicted.
1. Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton vs. Batista – WrestleMania 30
Daniel Bryan vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton (Image via Getty)At WrestleMania 30, fans were hoping for a Daniel Bryan victory, but the match itself had quite a twist of fate. Originally, Bryan’s path to the main event seemed uncertain, with Triple H’s interference keeping him from getting the title shot he deserved. This match, featuring Bryan, Randy Orton, and Batista, not only took fans by surprise due to the storyline’s unpredictability but also due to Bryan’s rise from underdog to champion.
Batista and Orton were positioned as the heavy favorites going into WrestleMania 30. Batista, a returning star, was expected to have a dominant run at the top. Randy Orton, the defending WWE Champion, was heavily favored to retain the title. Meanwhile, Daniel Bryan was involved in a long, grueling storyline, facing constant obstacles. His inclusion in the main event was the result of a series of twists and turns, leading him to be one of the most popular faces of the company. The match at WrestleMania 30 was a rollercoaster, with fans questioning whether Bryan would finally get his moment. The crowd’s reaction throughout the match showed just how much they wanted Bryan to triumph. After a hard-fought battle, Bryan emerged victorious, capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This unexpected ending cemented Bryan as one of WWE’s top stars, and it remains a fan-favorite moment in WrestleMania history.
2. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns – Money in the Bank 2016
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (Image via Getty)Money in the Bank 2016 was another example of a match that seemed like a long shot but turned into one of the most memorable events in WWE history. Roman Reigns, the reigning champion, was set to defend his title against the former Shield member, Seth Rollins. Their history, built on betrayal, personal vendettas, and past alliances, made this an intense showdown.
For months leading up to the event, Roman Reigns had been positioned as the unstoppable champion. The WWE Universe was largely divided over Reigns, with some fans backing him and others opposing him due to his forced babyface persona. Seth Rollins, the architect of the Shield, was returning after a long injury layoff, giving him the chance to regain the title he never truly lost. The most unexpected part of the match came in the form of a surprise outcome. While most expected Reigns to hold onto his title, Rollins made his mark by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract during the match. This allowed Rollins to pin Reigns and win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, marking one of the most thrilling moments of 2016. This match solidified Rollins as one of WWE’s top heels and gave fans a conclusion they never saw coming.
3. Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena – SummerSlam 2014
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena (Image via Getty)SummerSlam 2014 was billed as the biggest party of the summer, but few could have predicted the one-sided dominance that Brock Lesnar displayed over John Cena. Lesnar, known for his strength and wrestling skill, was a formidable opponent, but many fans expected Cena, with his never-give-up attitude, to put up a much stronger fight. Leading into the match, Cena had been positioned as the eternal underdog, constantly overcoming the odds. His matches were typically characterized by resilience and determination, leading many to assume that Cena would be the one to overcome Lesnar’s brutal onslaught. Instead, what followed was a display of raw power as Lesnar absolutely dominated Cena.
Lesnar delivered a series of German suplexes and punishing F5s, showcasing a level of aggression that had not been seen before in a Cena match. The 16-time World Champion was completely overwhelmed, and fans were left stunned as Lesnar decimated him. The ending was surprising to fans who were used to seeing Cena triumph in such situations, making the match one of the most unexpected and brutal pay-per-view headliners in WWE history. The match didn’t just end with Lesnar’s victory—it was an absolute squash match. Lesnar captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in an incredibly dominant fashion, leaving fans unsure of what had just happened. The unexpected brutality of the match made it one of the most talked-about moments of SummerSlam and the entire year.
4. Kurt Angle vs. Shane McMahon – King of the Ring 2001
Kurt Angle vs. Shane McMahon (Image via Getty)One of the most surprising matches in WWE history took place at King of the Ring 2001 between Kurt Angle and Shane McMahon. At this time, Kurt Angle was a decorated Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion, while Shane McMahon was not known for his wrestling abilities. This made the contest an unlikely pairing for a main event at the King of the Ring pay-per-view. Fans went into this match not knowing what to expect. Kurt Angle, a true professional wrestler, was expected to dominate the match, while Shane McMahon, who was more known for his daring stunts, was seen as out of his depth. However, what transpired was a brutal and unpredictable brawl that would go down as one of the most WWE main-event bouts.
Both competitors took unimaginable risks throughout the match. One of the most memorable moments occurred when Shane McMahon, during a chaotic brawl, was suplexed through a glass window. The violent nature of this match, coupled with the unexpected physicality from Shane, kept fans on the edge of their seats. Shane McMahon may have been outclassed in terms of wrestling technique, but his willingness to take insane risks—combined with Angle’s technical prowess—made this one of the most brutal and memorable headlining matches. Angle emerged victorious, but it was the insane spots and moments that turned this match into an unforgettable spectacle, with many fans still recalling Shane’s wild stunts and the brutal fight that ensued.
Final Thoughts
The unexpected WWE matches that headlined these pay-per-views have become iconic moments in the company’s history. Whether it was a victory, an unpredicted twist, or an underdog coming out on top, these matches provided fans with memories they’ll never forget. From Daniel Bryan’s triumph at WrestleMania 30 to Brock Lesnar’s dominance at SummerSlam, each of these bouts highlighted the unpredictability of WWE storytelling and the wild surprises that can unfold when the stakes are high.