Winning the WWE Championship is the pinnacle of success in professional wrestling. The title has been held by legends like The Rock, John Cena, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, there have been times when a winner emerged that nobody saw coming. These moments are rare, but when they happen, they create unforgettable memories for fans.
Some champions defied expectations due to their size, background, or perceived status in WWE. Others were part of storylines that took unexpected turns, leading them to the top spot. While some of these reigns were brief, they remain etched in history as examples of how anything can happen inside a WWE ring. Here’s a look at some of the most surprising names to ever hold the company’s most prestigious title.
1. Vince McMahon (1999)
Vince McMahon (Image via Getty)Yes, the owner of WWE himself once held its biggest prize. Vince McMahon, better known as the ruthless businessman behind the scenes, found himself in an unusual position in 1999. At the height of the Attitude Era, McMahon was deeply involved in on-screen feuds, particularly with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
In a match against Triple H on an episode of SmackDown, McMahon pulled off the impossible with some unexpected help. Due to outside interference from “Stone Cold,” he managed to pin The Game and claim the championship. While he vacated the title shortly after, his brief reign remains one of the most unexpected moments in WWE history. McMahon’s victory was a prime example of how unpredictable WWE storytelling can be.
2. Jinder Mahal (2017)
Few WWE fans ever expected Jinder Mahal to become the WWE Champion. Before his sudden rise, Mahal had spent years as a lower-card wrestler, often seen as an enhancement talent. However, in 2017, he was given an opportunity that stunned everyone.
After winning a battle royal to become the number-one contender, Mahal went on to defeat Randy Orton at Backlash and secure the WWE Championship. His victory marked one of the most dramatic career turnarounds in recent memory. Mahal held the title for several months, defending it against top names before finally losing it to AJ Styles. Whether fans loved or hated his reign, it was a reminder that WWE can a wrestler overnight.
3. The Great Khali (2007)
The Great Khali (image via Getty)The Great Khali was one of WWE’s most imposing figures, standing at over 7 feet tall and weighing more than 400 pounds. However, few expected him to win the WWE Championship due to his limited in-ring abilities. Despite his size and strength, Khali’s wrestling skills were often criticized.
Yet, in 2007, he won a battle royal on SmackDown after John Cena had vacated the title due to injury. His reign lasted just over two months, but it was long enough to surprise the wrestling world. Khali’s championship run was short-lived, but it cemented his place in WWE history as one of the most unexpected titleholders.
4. Ivan Koloff (1971)
Longtime fans remember Ivan Koloff as a feared competitor, but his WWE Championship victory remains one of the most surprising moments in wrestling history. In 1971, Bruno Sammartino had held the title for nearly eight years, an unheard-of reign that seemed unbreakable.
Then came Koloff, a Russian villain who amazed Madison Square Garden by pinning Sammartino clean. The arena fell silent, as fans couldn’t believe what had just happened. Koloff’s reign lasted only three weeks before he lost the title to Pedro Morales, but his victory ended one of the longest title runs in history. Though his time at the top was brief, it remains a legendary moment in WWE’s past.
While WWE has crowned many champions over the years, some title wins stand out due to how unexpected they were. These moments remind fans that in professional wrestling, anything can happen—even the most unlikely competitors can rise to the top when the time is right.