WWE is no stranger to stunning moments. From dramatic betrayals to unexpected returns, some of the most unforgettable moments in wrestling have taken place during pay-per-views (PPVs). These endings not only catch fans off guard but also leave them questioning what they just witnessed. Whether it’s a sudden title change, a surprise appearance, or an emotional farewell, WWE has consistently delivered some of the most gripping moments that fans will remember forever.
In this article, we’ll look back at some of the most unforgettable WWE PPV endings that left fans in disbelief. These moments have become iconic, elevating the stakes of wrestling storytelling. Let’s explore four of the most memorable PPV finales that remain fresh in the minds of fans everywhere.
1. The Undertaker’s Streak Ends at WrestleMania 30
The Undertaker (Image via Getty)The build-up to The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania was one of the most legendary runs in WWE history. For years, fans believed that no one could possibly defeat The Deadman on the grandest stage of them all. That all changed at WrestleMania 30 when Brock Lesnar ended the streak with a victory.
Fans packed the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, expecting The Undertaker to maintain his streak of 21-0, but Lesnar’s devastating F5 ended it all. The stunned and disbelief were palpable. The entire arena fell silent as the referee counted to three.
This moment forever changed the way fans viewed WrestleMania. It was a bitter reminder that anything could happen at a WWE event. The Undertaker’s tears in the ring afterward proved how much the streak meant to him. For many fans, this was a heartbreaking moment, but it also marked a new chapter in WWE history, one that would shape future WrestleMania main events. Lesnar’s victory was an unforgettable twist, leaving everyone wondering what would come next for the iconic Deadman.
2. Stone Cold Turns on Team WWE at Survivor Series 2001
Stone Cold (Image via Getty)At Survivor Series 2001, the WWE Universe was thrown into turmoil when Stone Cold Steve Austin turned his back on Team WWE. The match was set to determine the fate of the company, with Team WWE fighting against the Alliance (WCW and ECW) in a winner-takes-all battle. Austin, who had been the face of WWE for years, was a major player in this storyline.
However, in a twist, Austin betrayed Team WWE by attacking Kurt Angle, costing his team the match. Fans were stunned as Austin, who had always been the rebellious anti-hero, aligned himself with the Alliance instead of sticking with his fellow WWE superstars. This moment marked one of the most dramatic heel turns in WWE history.
Austin’s decision to turn on his own team and join the Alliance was a game-changer. It left fans questioning his motivations and what his future in WWE would look like. The betrayal turned the tide in the war between WWE and its rivals, and Austin’s shift to the dark side became one of the most talked-about moments in wrestling history.
3. The Shield’s Surprise Debut at Survivor Series 2012
The Shield (Image via Getty)The Survivor Series 2012 PPV remains one of the most memorable events in WWE history, thanks to the debut of The Shield. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose made their explosive debut by interfering in the main event between John Cena, Ryback, and CM Punk. The trio of unknown wrestlers stormed the ring, attacked Ryback, and allowed CM Punk to retain his WWE Championship.
The surprise debut was a masterstroke in storytelling. Fans had no idea who these men were at the time, and their actions immediately generated intrigue and excitement. As the trio continued to cause chaos on Raw and PPVs, their presence became increasingly influential, culminating in their domination of WWE for years to come.
The Shield’s debut is a perfect example of how a PPV can leave an audience in stunned silence. It was a moment that not only shifted the course of WWE programming but also introduced three of the biggest stars of the next decade. This unexpected event cemented The Shield’s place in WWE history, and the group’s legacy would continue to evolve in exciting ways.
4. Bret Hart’s Double-Cross at Montreal at Survivor Series 1997
Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart (Image via Getty)The Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997 is one of the most controversial and unforgettable moments in WWE history. The controversy centers around Bret “Hitman” Hart’s departure from WWE and his controversial loss of the WWE Championship to Shawn Michaels. Hart, who was set to leave WWE for WCW, had a special stipulation in his contract that he would retain the title until he left the company.
However, in a stunning moment during the match, WWE owner Vince McMahon, in collaboration with referee Earl Hebner, called for the bell while Hart was in the Sharpshooter, despite the fact that Hart had not submitted. This was a clear violation of the agreed-upon finish, and the decision left fans and Hart himself in complete stunned.
The Montreal Screwjob remains a deeply debated and controversial moment, sparking a real-life animosity between Hart and McMahon that would only add to the drama in the years that followed. It not only left the fans stunned but also blurred the lines between reality and the storyline, as the betrayal was so real and intense. To this day, the Montreal Screwjob is still remembered as one of the most stunning moments in professional wrestling, forever changing the relationship between WWE and its talent.
Wrapping Up: WWE’s Legacy of PPV Endings
WWE has mastered the art of storytelling, using PPV endings to keep fans invested in the product. Moments like The Undertaker’s streak ending, Stone Cold’s heel turn, The Shield’s debut, and the Montreal Screwjob have become cornerstones of WWE history, reminding fans of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. These moments continue to be discussed, analyzed, and remembered by the WWE Universe.
Each of these PPV endings not only left fans stunned but also helped WWE to new heights of entertainment. They’ve shaped storylines, created legends, and sparked debates that still persist in wrestling. These unforgettable moments are a testament to WWE’s ability to craft compelling, dramatic, and, most importantly, events that have kept fans on the edge of their seats for decades.