WWE Matches That Ended with the Most Unexpected Twist

WWE matches have always been a breeding ground for dramatic moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats. While the high-flying action and intense rivalries are what make wrestling exciting, it’s the unpredictable twists that often steal the show. From surprise returns to sudden betrayals, some WWE bouts have taken unexpected turns, leaving fans in awe and often scrambling to make sense of what just happened.

Whether it was an unexpected heel turn, a surprise guest, or a sudden title change, these twists have defined some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable WWE matches that ended with jaw-dropping surprises.

1. The Montreal Screwjob (Survivor Series 1997)

One of the most talked-about twists in WWE history occurred at the 1997 Survivor Series. The match between Bret “Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship had the entire wrestling world in suspense. However, what transpired after the match would become a scandal that affected WWE for years.

Bret Hart, at the time, was the reigning WWE Champion but was on his way out of the company. He had a contract with WCW, and there were disagreements about how he would drop the title. Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, had a plan to ensure that Hart would lose the belt without appearing weak. During the match, with Hart in the Sharpshooter submission hold, Vince McMahon called for the bell, declaring Michaels the winner, even though Hart had not submitted.

This act of betrayal, dubbed “The Montreal Screwjob,” turned Michaels into a villain and marked the end of Hart’s WWE career. The fallout from this event reverberated throughout the wrestling industry for years to come, as fans and wrestlers alike questioned the integrity of WWE’s leadership. To this day, the incident remains a key moment in professional wrestling history.

2. The Return of The Undertaker at WrestleMania 20

The return of The Undertaker at WrestleMania 20 is one of the most iconic moments in WWE history, and it was certainly an unexpected twist. At that time, The Undertaker had been absent from WWE programming for several months, and speculation about his future was running high. He had been last seen at the previous year’s WrestleMania, where he had defeated Kane in a casket match.

When the match between Chris Benoit and Triple H ended, fans were already in anticipation of what would come next. However, no one expected The Undertaker to make a dramatic return in the manner that he did. The lights in Madison Square Garden suddenly went out, and eerie bells tolled through the arena. The Deadman’s iconic music played, and the arena erupted with excitement as The Undertaker, in his classic biker persona, walked to the ring to challenge Kane.

What made this return so was the fact that it marked the first time Undertaker had appeared as the biker version of his character after years of being known as the “dead man.” This change was completely unexpected, and it set the tone for a new era in The Undertaker’s career.

3. Seth Rollins Cashes In at WrestleMania 31

WrestleMania 31 is remembered not just for its match card but also for the finish to the main event. The highly anticipated bout between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship seemed destined to end with one of the two emerging as the victor. The match was hard-hitting, and the momentum constantly shifted between the two competitors. However, the biggest twist of the night came when Seth Rollins, who had been holding the Money in the Bank briefcase, made his presence known.

After Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns fought through a brutal match, Rollins’ music hit, and the crowd immediately knew something big was about to happen. Rollins rushed to the ring, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and turning the match into a triple threat. His speed and cunning allowed him to pin Roman Reigns after a series of high-impact moves, securing his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

What made this moment even more unexpected was the fact that fans had not seen a cash-in during a WrestleMania main event in such a dramatic fashion. Rollins’s ability to seize the opportunity at the right moment, amidst the chaos, added another layer to his already impressive career. His cash-in was a highlight that will forever be remembered in WWE history.

4. CM Punk’s 434-Day WWE Title Reign Ends in Controversy (Royal Rumble 2014)

CM Punk’s historic 434-day reign as WWE Champion is one of the longest in modern WWE history. Punk’s run was filled with unforgettable matches, rivalries, and moments that cemented his place as one of the best in the business. However, his reign ended in an unexpected and controversial fashion at the Royal Rumble in 2014.

Punk had already had a long and exhausting run with the title and was facing one of WWE’s top stars, The Rock, in a match that would determine who would go on to headline WrestleMania. The match was highly anticipated, but what no one expected was how it would end. Despite Punk being a dominant champion, The Rock managed to defeat him with help from outside interference.

The twist came after the match when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and WWE officials declared that the match would be restarted after Punk was attacked. This decision left fans in disbelief as it marked an abrupt and controversial end to Punk’s reign. The aftermath of the match led to Punk’s eventual departure from WWE, and the fans who had supported him during his long reign felt betrayed by how his championship reign came to a close.

This moment not only brought an abrupt end to Punk’s career in WWE but also generated endless debates about the company’s treatment of one of its top talents.

WWE is no stranger to twists, and these four moments are just a few examples of the many surprises that have unfolded over the years. Whether it’s through betrayal, surprise returns, or a championship opportunity taken at the perfect moment, WWE has a knack for keeping fans on their toes. These unexpected events are what make wrestling so unpredictable, leaving fans talking about them for years to come.