When it comes to WWE’s year-end pay-per-views, fans often recall events like Survivor Series or the highly anticipated Royal Rumble, but there are several lesser-known, underrated PPVs that deserve just as much attention. These events might not have been as hyped, but they were packed with memorable moments, unforgettable matches, and important storylines that helped define the company. In this, we take a closer look at some of WWE’s most underrated year-end PPVs that might have flown under the radar, but still left an indelible mark on WWE history.
1. Armageddon 2000: A Night of Chaos and Controversy
Armageddon 2000 (image via Getty)Armageddon 2000 may not get the credit it deserves, but it was an event that epitomized the chaos and unpredictability of the Attitude Era. The PPV, held on December 10, 2000, at the Ice Palace in Tampa, Florida, featured a main event that is still discussed among fans today: the Six-Man Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Championship.
The match included The Rock, Triple H, Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, Rikishi, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, and it was nothing short of brutal. The six men took part in one of the most dangerous and chaotic contests in WWE history, with multiple high spots and devastating stunts that pushed the boundaries of what fans had come to expect from WWE matches. The match concluded with Triple H walking away as the WWE Champion, with the involvement of Stone Cold Steve Austin adding further intrigue to the night.
The rest of the event also included strong matches, such as Chris Benoit defending the Intercontinental Championship against Edge and Eddie Guerrero’s match with Chyna, which showed the company’s commitment to creating top-tier women’s action. The diversity of storylines and the intensity of the bouts ensured Armageddon 2000 remains a key part of WWE’s end-of-year PPV history.
2. Vengeance 2005: The Birth of the WWE Championship Unification
Vengeance 2005 (image via Getty)Vengeance 2005, held on June 26, 2005, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, is often overlooked when WWE fans reflect on memorable year-end PPVs. However, the event provided a pivotal moment that would shape WWE for years to come. The show’s headline feature was the unification match between WWE Champion John Cena and World Heavyweight Champion Batista.
Though Vengeance is usually remembered for its mid-year timing, the stakes were incredibly high. Both Cena and Batista were at the peak of their powers, and the match solidified their dominance as top stars of the company. The bout was a standout, delivering everything fans wanted—strong action, suspense, and great storytelling.
Beyond the main event, Vengeance 2005 also offered other exciting moments, such as the memorable Ladder Match between Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin. Their chemistry in the ring, combined with their innovative spots, made this one of the most exciting and underrated Ladder Matches in WWE history. The event’s importance to both Cena and Batista’s rise to prominence cannot be understated, as it marked a key milestone in their careers and the direction of the company.
3. TLC 2012: The Battle for Supremacy
TLC 2012 (image via Getty)WWE TLC 2012, held on December 16, 2012, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, might not have the historical significance of other year-end PPVs, but it certainly stands out in terms of its entertaining action and memorable moments. The night saw a variety of high-stakes matches featuring some of WWE’s biggest stars, including John Cena, Ryback, and The Shield in their first pay-per-view appearance.
The main event of the evening featured a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the WWE Championship between Cena and the champion, CM Punk. With both competitors having unfinished business and a heated rivalry, this match was an electrifying contest, featuring innovative spots, including Cena’s attempt to climb the ladder despite interference from The Shield.
Perhaps the most significant storyline from TLC 2012 was the debut of The Shield. Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose made their first appearance on the main roster, attacking Cena and Ryback in the midst of their match. This act would go on to shape WWE’s future and lead to the rise of one of the most dominant factions in WWE history.
The undercard was not to be overlooked either, with memorable bouts like Dolph Ziggler defending his Money in the Bank contract against John Cena in a ladder match, which was one of the best contests of the year. TLC 2012 may not have the same legacy as some other pay-per-views, but it is certainly worth remembering for its action, debuts, and long-term impact.
4. New Year’s Revolution 2006: The Rumble Before the Rumble
New Year’s Revolution 2006 (image via Getty)WWE’s New Year’s Revolution 2006, held on January 8, 2006, at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York, was a sleeper event that often gets overshadowed by the company’s more popular PPVs. However, it delivered some incredible moments that deserve more recognition. The event’s centerpiece was the first Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, which set the tone for future chamber matches.
The Elimination Chamber match featured Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Kane, Chris Masters, Carlito, and the defending champion, John Cena. The match’s intensity was off the charts, as Cena survived a brutal contest with near eliminations at every turn. Despite some fans’ criticisms of Cena during his reign, this match proved his ability to hang with some of the company’s best, with his resilience becoming a key part of his character.
New Year’s Revolution 2006 also featured a memorable women’s match, with Trish Stratus defending her WWE Women’s Championship against Lita. Their bout showcased both women’s technical prowess and storytelling, setting the stage for the future of WWE’s women’s division.
Though overshadowed by other events on the road to WrestleMania, New Year’s Revolution 2006 provided a standout moment in the Elimination Chamber, marking a significant milestone in WWE’s year-end history. The match’s pacing, high spots, and drama helped to an otherwise underrated event to a more respected place in WWE history.
More Than Just the Big Names
WWE’s year-end PPVs often carry the weight of tradition, with iconic events like Survivor Series or the Royal Rumble frequently taking center stage. However, it’s important to recognize the lesser-known PPVs that offered just as much in terms of excitement, drama, and game-changing moments. Events like Armageddon 2000, Vengeance 2005, TLC 2012, and New Year’s Revolution 2006 might not have been as talked about as others, but they played significant roles in shaping WWE’s history and pushing the boundaries of what fans could expect from year-end pay-per-views. These events may not have always been in the spotlight, but they definitely left their mark.