WWE Matches That Ended Due to Referee Mistakes

When the lights are brightest and the stakes are highest, WWE matches can end in unexpected ways—sometimes because of a simple human error. Referees play a crucial role in ensuring fair competition, but even they aren’t immune to making mistakes under pressure. These missteps can lead to surprising conclusions, changing the course of matches, championships, and even careers.

Referee mistakes have become an integral part of WWE history, influencing storylines and sometimes creating controversy that fans still talk about today. From missed counts to misinterpretations of rules, these errors have had lasting impacts. Here are four WWE matches where referee mistakes played a pivotal role in the outcome.

1. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels – Survivor Series 1997 (The Montreal Screwjob)

One of the most infamous referee errors in WWE history occurred during the 1997 Survivor Series match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. This bout for the WWE Championship ended with one of the most controversial finishes ever seen in professional wrestling. The referee, Earl Hebner, made the call to ring the bell after Michaels applied Hart’s own submission hold, the Sharpshooter, while Hart never submitted.

The mistake wasn’t in the execution of the match itself but in the referee’s decision to end it early under orders from Vince McMahon. McMahon, believing that Hart might leave the company with the championship, orchestrated a finish that saw the bell ring before Hart could actually submit. This decision has been widely criticized by fans and wrestlers alike, sparking a long-standing feud between Hart and McMahon. The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most discussed instances where a referee’s decision became an iconic and controversial moment in WWE history.

2. The Rock vs. Mankind – Royal Rumble 1999 (The Fast Count)

At the Royal Rumble 1999, The Rock and Mankind fought in an “I Quit” match for the WWE Championship. The match had brutal moments, with both men using various weapons, but it was the referee’s mistake that changed the outcome in an unexpected way. During the final moments of the match, Mankind had The Rock trapped in the “Mandible Claw,” and it appeared that he had won. However, as the referee, Earl Hebner, counted, his hand seemed to hit the mat faster than normal, prompting many to believe it was a “fast count.”

The controversy surrounding the quick count led to debates about whether Mankind was actually unconscious or if the count was too fast for the situation. Many believed that the referee’s mistake influenced the outcome of the match, helping The Rock retain the title. This misstep not only sparked confusion in the ring but also fueled the animosity between Mankind and The Rock, setting the stage for their intense rivalry.

3. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon – St. Valentine’s Day Massacre 1999 (The Referee Distraction)

At the 1999 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre pay-per-view, Stone Cold Steve Austin faced Vince McMahon in a highly personal match. The fight had its fair share of drama, but it was a referee’s mistake that shifted the balance of power in the contest. As Austin was on the verge of defeating McMahon, the referee was distracted by the interference of several individuals, including Shane McMahon and other WWE officials.

The distraction allowed McMahon to gain the upper hand. The referee missed key moments, such as Austin pinning McMahon after delivering a Stone Cold Stunner, as the chaos unfolded around the ring. Had the referee been more attentive, Austin could have easily secured a victory. While the match continued to be chaotic with outside interference, the referee’s mistake played a key role in the final outcome, which saw Austin eventually prevail, but only after a dramatic series of events.

4. The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle – No Way Out 2006 (The Referee’s Blind Spot)

At the No Way Out 2006 event, The Undertaker faced Kurt Angle in a classic WWE Championship match that ended with a controversial referee mistake. As both men fought fiercely for the title, there was a pivotal moment when Angle was in a pinning predicament. The referee, who was out of position, failed to see that Angle’s shoulder was clearly off the mat during a pin attempt.

This small but crucial error gave The Undertaker a chance to capitalize on a false count, leaving fans divided over whether Angle truly lost the match under fair circumstances. The referee changed the course of the match, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion for some viewers who felt that Angle deserved to retain the title. While both competitors performed at the highest level, the referee’s lack of awareness during a critical moment made the result feel unjust to many fans.

Why Referee Mistakes Matter in WWE

Referee errors in WWE matches often lead to heightened drama, but they also remind us of the human element involved in professional wrestling. These mistakes can sometimes alter the outcome of a match in ways that even the most seasoned wrestlers can’t predict. Whether it’s a fast count, a missed submission, or an out-of-position referee, these errors add a layer of unpredictability and excitement to matches that can’t be replicated through scripted storytelling alone.

Moreover, the influence of referees extends beyond their immediate role. These errors can propel new storylines, fuel rivalries, and spark debates among fans. Just as wrestlers are celebrated for their athleticism, referees are also vital to the dynamic nature of WWE, with their decisions often contributing to the success or failure of a storyline.

In the case of the matches listed above, the referee mistakes turned what would have been ordinary bouts into enduring talking points for fans. These errors, whether intentional or accidental, remain etched in WWE history and serve as a reminder that even in sports entertainment, anything can happen, especially when a referee’s decision is called into question.

While these matches highlight the role referees play in WWE, they also underscore the unpredictability that makes professional wrestling so exciting. Referee mistakes may not be common, but when they occur, they can shape the direction of entire storylines and leave fans with lasting memories.