King Kong Bundy vs. S.D. Jones (image via Getty)

WWE Matches That Lasted Less Than a Minute

A Look at the Fastest Squash Matches in WWE History

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WWE has delivered countless epic bouts that kept fans on the edge of their seats. But sometimes, matches don’t even last long enough for a full entrance song to finish playing. These ultra-quick matches, often over in mere seconds, become unforgettable moments in wrestling history. Whether it was a dominant display of power, a surprising upset, or part of a larger storyline, these bouts remind fans that anything can happen once that bell rings. Short matches often create as much buzz as 30-minute classics, showing the unpredictable nature of WWE. Below, we take a look at four WWE matches that wrapped up in under 60 seconds, leaving fans in awe of their abruptness and intensity.

1. Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan – WrestleMania 28 (2012)

Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (image via Getty)

One of the most talked-about WWE matches to end in under a minute took place at WrestleMania 28, when Sheamus faced Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Championship. Fans expected a hard-fought clash between two top-tier talents. Instead, as soon as the bell rang, Bryan leaned in for a kiss from AJ Lee, giving Sheamus the perfect opening. The Celtic Warrior hit Bryan with a devastating Brogue Kick, covering him for the three-count in just 18 seconds. The crowd was stunned, and the match became infamous. While some fans were disappointed, others recognize this as a defining moment that eventually led to Bryan’s massive fan-fueled rise to main-event status.

2. The Rock vs. Erick Rowan – WrestleMania 32 (2016)

At WrestleMania 32, The Rock made a surprise appearance that led to one of WWE’s fastest matches ever. After a fiery promo, The Rock was confronted by The Wyatt Family, and a match was set on the spot between him and Erick Rowan. As soon as the bell rang, The Rock delivered a Rock Bottom and pinned Rowan in six seconds, making it the fastest match in WrestleMania history. This quick victory allowed The Rock to add another memorable moment to his long list of WrestleMania highlights. Fans loved seeing him in action again, even if the match itself was over in the blink of an eye.

3. Diesel vs. Bob Backlund – Madison Square Garden (1994)

Diesel vs. Bob Backlund (image via Getty)

In 1994, Diesel (Kevin Nash) captured the WWE Championship from Bob Backlund in just eight seconds at Madison Square Garden. Backlund had just won the title days before from Bret Hart, and many assumed he would hold it for a while. But as soon as the match began, Diesel caught Backlund with a powerful Jackknife Powerbomb, and that was all she wrote. Diesel’s win marked the beginning of his reign as WWE Champion and cemented his place as a dominant figure in WWE’s “New Generation” era. The sheer speed of this match made it legendary, especially for fans who witnessed it live.

4. King Kong Bundy vs. S.D. Jones – WrestleMania 1 (1985)

At the very first WrestleMania, King Kong Bundy faced S.D. Jones in what is still remembered as one of the event’s most iconic squash matches. Bundy, billed as a monster heel, wasted no time. After a quick corner splash and a follow-up body slam, Bundy pinned Jones in what was originally announced as nine seconds, though closer analysis suggests it was around 23 seconds. Regardless, the match achieved its purpose—making Bundy look unstoppable. This short bout helped set the stage for Bundy’s later feuds with major WWE stars, including Hulk Hogan, and remains a famous piece of WrestleMania trivia.

These lightning-fast WWE matches prove that sometimes, less really is more. Whether it’s to establish dominance, surprise the crowd, or deliver a memorable moment, quick finishes hold a special place in wrestling history. Fans never forget when a major bout ends before they’ve even settled into their seats, making these matches timeless talking points among wrestling enthusiasts.