WWE Matches That Ended in Unconventional Ways

WWE matches are famous for their high-octane action, dramatic storytelling, and intense rivalries. However, some bouts stand out not because of their in-ring athleticism but because of the unexpected ways they concluded. Whether it’s a surprise interference, a match-ending injury, or an unprecedented finish, these endings leave a lasting impact. Let’s explore some of the most unconventional match conclusions that surprised both fans and wrestlers alike. These moments remind us that anything can happen in professional wrestling, where unpredictability is key.

1. The “Montreal Screwjob” – A Controversial End

One of the most talked-about moments in WWE history occurred during the 1997 Survivor Series. Bret “Hitman” Hart, the reigning champion, was set to defend his title against Shawn Michaels. The match ended in one of the most controversial finishes in the history of the sport, forever remembered as the “Montreal Screwjob.”

During the match, Vince McMahon, the WWE Chairman, ordered the referee to call for the bell prematurely, despite Hart not tapping out to Michaels’ submission hold. The incident amazed Hart, who was about to leave the company for WCW, and enraged fans worldwide. The decision to change the finish without informing the involved parties created a massive divide between the locker room and the fans. It became a historic moment, drastically altering both Hart’s career and WWE’s future trajectory.

The Montreal Screwjob was a perfect example of how backstage politics and unscripted events can create an unconventional match finish. This event not only changed the course of the 1997 Survivor Series but also set the stage for a turbulent time in WWE’s history. It proved that even the most well-planned matches could end in complete chaos.

2. Mankind vs. The Undertaker – Hell in a Cell (1998)

At King of the Ring 1998, Mankind (Mick Foley) and The Undertaker faced off in one of the most unforgettable Hell in a Cell matches in WWE history. The contest would see both superstars endure unimaginable pain as they battled on top of the steel structure. However, it was the way the match ended that left fans speechless.

Mankind was thrown off the top of the cell by The Undertaker, crashing through the announcer’s table below. Despite the seemingly brutal fall, Mankind continued the match. Then, in one of the most surreal moments in WWE history, The Undertaker chokeslammed Mankind through the roof of the cell, sending him crashing onto the mat below, knocking him unconscious. While this event was technically part of the match, it was far from conventional in its execution.

The fact that Mankind continued after such a harrowing series of events was remarkable, and the match became an iconic moment in WWE history, cementing both superstars’ legacies. The Hell in a Cell match wasn’t just about the in-ring action—it was about pushing human limits to a extreme.

3. The Undertaker vs. Vince McMahon – WrestleMania 17

Another memorable WWE moment occurred during the 2001 WrestleMania 17 event, when Vince McMahon faced The Undertaker in a No Holds Barred match. While the match was expected to showcase the extreme nature of both competitors, the unexpected way it ended left fans stunned.

The finish of the match saw Vince McMahon receive a tombstone piledriver from The Undertaker. The factor came not from the move itself, but from the interference that followed. Just as it seemed that The Undertaker was about to secure the victory, the Big Show and Shane McMahon ran to the ring to help Vince. As Vince attempted to get back up, an unexpected twist occurred: Linda McMahon, Vince’s wife, made a dramatic appearance, to everyone in attendance.

Linda, who had been largely absent from the storyline, walked slowly to the ring and unexpectedly sat down in a chair, only for Vince to be incapacitated by his own actions. This strange moment was one of the most unconventional match endings in WWE, creating a highly memorable and peculiar conclusion to a brutal contest.

The eerie and unexpected turn of events, where family dynamics intertwined with brutal action, marked this match as a unique and unforgettable conclusion in WWE’s history.

4. The “I Quit” Match – The Rock vs. Mankind (1999)

The 1999 Royal Rumble saw one of the most harrowing finishes in WWE history with the “I Quit” match between The Rock and Mankind. This match was designed to push both competitors to their physical and emotional limits, with the only way to win being for the opponent to say the words “I quit.” However, the conclusion left fans reeling.

The match took place in front of an audience that had grown increasingly nervous due to the extreme violence on display. The Rock viciously attacked Mankind with a steel chair repeatedly, and Mankind, at times, appeared to be in severe pain. The unorthodox ending came when The Rock, trying to get the upper hand, used a taped microphone to make it appear as though Mankind was saying “I quit,” when, in fact, he had not.

The image of Mankind lying beaten, bloodied, and incapacitated while the referee declared The Rock the winner is a testament to how a seemingly straightforward match can evolve into a gruesome spectacle. While the use of trickery wasn’t entirely new to WWE, the brutality of the finish left fans questioning the ethics of the match’s outcome.

This unconventional conclusion set the tone for future “I Quit” matches and displayed how WWE could blur the line between reality and storytelling to craft truly finishes.

Final Thoughts

WWE matches that end in unconventional ways often have a lasting impact on both the audience and the performers. These unpredictable endings keep fans on the edge of their seats, proving that anything can happen in professional wrestling. From interferences to unexpected injuries and out-of-nowhere betrayals, these moments show just how varied and dramatic wrestling can be. They remind us that WWE isn’t just about athleticism; it’s about creating memorable moments that transcend the usual expectations, leaving fans talking about them for years.