The Most Memorable WWE PPV Moments That Were Never Repeated

WWE Pay-Per-Views (PPVs) are often filled with excitement, jaw-dropping moments, and unforgettable matches. Throughout its history, the company has provided some of the most iconic instances in sports entertainment. However, there are a select few that have stood out above the rest, moments that were so extraordinary they could never be replicated. From unscripted surprises to bizarre occurrences, these rare moments continue to be etched in the memories of fans everywhere. Some were once-in-a-lifetime events, and others changed the direction of WWE forever.

In this, we’ll explore four of the most remarkable WWE PPV moments that will never happen again. These instances not only stunned audiences but also cemented themselves as legendary parts of WWE’s storied history. Let’s take a look at some of the most unique moments that have set themselves apart.

1. The Montreal Screwjob (Survivor Series 1997)

The Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997 is, without question, one of the most infamous moments in WWE history. This event didn’t just entertain fans—it tore apart the fabric of the business itself. In the match between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels, Hart was set to retain the WWE Championship in his home country of Canada. However, things took an unexpected turn when Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, ordered the referee to call for the bell and award the title to Michaels, despite Hart not submitting.

What made this moment even more stunning was that Hart had no idea it was coming. He had been promised by McMahon that he would leave the event with the belt, but due to internal conflicts and concerns about Hart’s contract, McMahon made the controversial decision. The incident caused irreparable damage to Hart’s relationship with WWE and marked the beginning of his exit from the company. This moment was never replicated because it blurred the lines between reality and scripted entertainment, and the aftermath left a lasting impact on the business.

The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most discussed events in WWE’s history, and it’s hard to imagine a situation where something like this would occur again. The way it intertwined real-life drama with the storytelling of professional wrestling made it a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that is unlikely to ever be duplicated.

2. Mankind’s Hell in a Cell Fall (King of the Ring 1998)

The Hell in a Cell match between Mankind (Mick Foley) and The Undertaker at King of the Ring 1998 is often remembered for one of the most extreme and painful moments in WWE history. During the match, Mankind was tossed off the top of the steel cage by The Undertaker, falling nearly 16 feet to the announce table below. The moment was a jaw-dropping sight that left fans speechless.

This was not scripted as a standard wrestling maneuver. Foley had volunteered to take such risks to give fans something they had never seen before. However, the fall wasn’t the end of the brutality. Later in the match, Foley was chokeslammed through the roof of the cage, landing on the ring canvas below, further adding to the severity of the incident. The level of physicality and pain that Foley endured in that match is almost unimaginable.

What made this moment truly unforgettable was that no one anticipated it. The match’s intensity reached an extreme that’s rarely seen, and it helped define Foley as one of the most hardcore performers in WWE history. While WWE has since introduced other Hell in a Cell match, none have come close to the sheer unpredictability and danger that Foley faced during that King of the Ring event. It’s unlikely that any wrestler would take that kind of risk again, making this moment a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

3. The Return of the Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania 30)

At WrestleMania 30, the Ultimate Warrior made his first appearance in WWE after nearly two decades away from the company. What made his return even more memorable was the emotional nature of the moment. Warrior was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame that weekend, and on the night after his induction, he made an appearance on Monday Night Raw, speaking to the audience and giving a heartfelt promo. It would, tragically, be one of his final appearances, as he passed away just days later, on April 8, 2014.

The Warrior’s return was already a huge moment, but it took on even greater significance when he unexpectedly passed away shortly after. His final appearance on WWE television was an emotional and symbolic moment for both the performer and his fans. Warrior’s return not only honored his legacy but also solidified his place as one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history. The emotional weight of this moment, combined with the timing of his death, makes it impossible for WWE to recreate or top.

WWE’s relationship with the Ultimate Warrior had been rocky in the past, and this reunion was an unexpected and poignant moment in wrestling history. It was an emotional farewell, a moment that fans will remember as one of the most touching and significant in WWE’s storied history.

4. The First-Ever Money in the Bank Ladder Match (WrestleMania 21, 2005)

The first-ever Money in the Bank Ladder Match, which took place at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, introduced a new type of match to WWE fans. The concept involved several superstars battling inside the ring, climbing a ladder to retrieve a briefcase containing a contract that would allow the winner to cash in for a WWE Championship match at any time. This innovative match type quickly became a fan favorite and has since become an annual staple in WWE, leading to its own dedicated PPV event.

However, the debut of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match stands out for its unpredictability and excitement. The contest featured six participants: Chris Jericho, Christian, Edge, Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, and the debuting Kane. Each wrestler brought their unique style, and the result was a match filled with high-flying moves, hard falls, and tense moments. The victory went to Edge, who cemented his place in WWE history by winning the match in a spectacular fashion.

The first-ever Money in the Bank match was the birth of a concept that has become a key part of WWE’s offerings. While the match has been replicated many times, the debut was truly special, as it introduced a new and unpredictable element to WWE storytelling. The excitement and success of that first match set a precedent that continues to be a highlight of WWE events today.

The Money in the Bank match, although still part of the WWE calendar, will never be as fresh and groundbreaking as it was on that historic night. The introduction of the match concept was a major turning point for WWE, and the first-ever contest remains a landmark event in the company’s history.

Final Thoughts

These WWE PPV moments stand as some of the most unforgettable in the company’s history. Whether it was a behind-the-scenes altercation, a brutal match, an emotional return, or the introduction of a game-changing concept, each of these moments left an indelible mark on WWE and its fans. While WWE continues to deliver exciting events, these four moments will forever remain etched in history as instances that could never be replicated.