When fans sit down for a WWE pay-per-view, they expect the opening match to get them fired up — but sometimes, that first bout completely flips expectations. WWE is known for crafting unforgettable moments, and often, the last thing anyone anticipates is for the night’s biggest drama to explode right out of the gate. Whether it was a dream match starting sooner than expected, a title changing hands when no one saw it coming, or pure chaos erupting before the crowd even warmed up, some of these opening contests left a lasting impact on fans and the industry itself.
Here are four of the most unforgettable WWE PPV opening matches that took fans by surprise and set a new standard for what a pay-per-view opener could be.
1. John Cena vs. AJ Styles — Money in the Bank 2016
AJ Styles vs. John Cena (Image via Getty)When AJ Styles faced John Cena for the first time ever, fans assumed this massive showdown would headline the night. Instead, WWE decided to start Money in the Bank 2016 with one of the most highly anticipated matches of that year. The crowd was electric as soon as the first notes of Cena’s entrance theme hit, and the two icons wasted no time delivering a masterclass in storytelling and athleticism.
This bout wasn’t just about big moves — it was about pride, reputation, and proving who really was “the face that runs the place.” By starting the event with this high-profile clash, WWE instantly captured attention and raised the stakes for every match that followed. The ending, though controversial thanks to The Club’s interference, ensured that fans would be talking about this bout for weeks.
2. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins — WrestleMania 35
Few expected the Universal Championship match to kick off WrestleMania 35, but when Paul Heyman stormed down the ramp, announcing that Brock Lesnar wasn’t waiting around, the energy inside MetLife Stadium skyrocketed. Seth Rollins’ challenge felt monumental as he went head-to-head with “The Beast” in a match loaded with anticipation and physicality.
What made this match unforgettable was how quickly it escalated. Lesnar battered Rollins before the bell even rang, making it seem like another dominant performance was coming. But Rollins turned the tables, landing a low blow followed by three Curb Stomps to pull off one of the most memorable title wins in modern WrestleMania history. Starting with a major title match added a jolt to the event and proved that anything could happen — anytime.
3. Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H — WrestleMania 30
Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H (Image via Getty)Heading into WrestleMania 30, fans were hungry to see Daniel Bryan overcome The Authority, and nobody expected WWE to place that pivotal match right at the start. But when Triple H’s grand entrance signaled that he would open the show against Bryan, the excitement was through the roof.
This wasn’t just an opening match — it was Bryan’s path to potentially headlining the show and competing for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship later that night. Triple H used every underhanded tactic, but Bryan’s determination and connection with the crowd carried him through an emotional and hard-fought victory. By starting WrestleMania 30 with this intense bout, WWE set the perfect stage for Bryan’s historic night, leaving fans emotionally invested from the very beginning.
4. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge & Christian — WrestleMania 2000 (Triangle Ladder Match)
When WrestleMania 2000 opened with a Triangle Ladder Match for the Tag Team Championships, few realized they were about to witness the birth of a new era in WWE’s tag division. The Dudley Boyz, Hardy Boyz, and Edge & Christian pushed their bodies to the absolute limit, performing breathtaking high-risk moves that had fans on their feet the entire time.
Tables, ladders, and bodies crashed from every corner of the ring, turning this match into an unforgettable spectacle. It wasn’t just a great tag team bout — it was the kind of contest that redefined what WWE superstars could do in the ring. Starting the event with such a high-octane performance proved that WrestleMania 2000 was set to be a night full of surprises and jaw-dropping moments.
These opening matches remind fans that WWE pay-per-views aren’t always built to slowly rise to a main event. Sometimes, the first match can become the most talked-about moment of the night. From dream matches to title victories and brutal ladder wars, these bouts show that when WWE wants to start fast, they go all out — and fans are left with memories that last a lifetime.