Tag team wrestling has been a cornerstone of WWE for decades, but every so often, a championship win takes fans completely off guard. Whether it’s an unlikely pairing, an underdog team, or a storyline twist that flips expectations, these victories are etched in history because nobody expected them to happen.
From mismatched duos to last-minute alliances, WWE’s tag team division has delivered unforgettable surprises. These moments create buzz not only for their unpredictability but also because they showcase the depth of storytelling and talent within WWE. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most unexpected WWE Tag Team Championship wins that left audiences speechless. These victories are ranked not just for their rarity but for the way they reshaped WWE’s tag team scene, proving that anything can happen in WWE — and often does.
1. John Cena and The Miz (WWE Tag Team Champions – 2011)
John Cena and The Miz (image via Getty)Few would have expected John Cena and The Miz, fierce rivals at the time, to walk away as WWE Tag Team Champions. Heading into WrestleMania XXVII, the two were set to square off for the WWE Championship, but an unexpected tag team match on Monday Night Raw saw them temporarily unite.
Facing the formidable Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel of The Corre, Cena and Miz managed to pull off a win and capture the titles. The audience was stunned to see two men who couldn’t stand each other holding the same belts. This wasn’t a classic feel-good victory — it was filled with tension and foreshadowed their intense WrestleMania clash.
What makes this win memorable is not only the unlikely partnership but how quickly it unraveled. The pair lost the titles the very same night, adding another layer of drama to their ongoing feud. Cena and Miz’s victory remains one of the most unexpected moments in WWE’s tag team championship history, proving that rivals can sometimes find short-lived success — even if chaos is right around the corner.
2. Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels (WWE Tag Team Champions – 1997)
Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels (Image via Getty)When you think of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels, “tag team specialists” probably isn’t the first phrase that comes to mind. These two icons were singles stars at the top of their game, making their tag team title win in 1997 even more unexpected.
At the time, both men were embroiled in high-profile feuds and were unlikely to cooperate. Yet, they managed to defeat Owen Hart and The British Bulldog, a well-established and dominant duo, to win the WWE Tag Team Championships. Fans couldn’t believe that two of WWE’s most volatile personalities — both known for their egos and rebellious attitudes — could function as a team.
Their reign was brief, but the storyline implications were massive. Watching Austin and Michaels try to coexist brought a fresh dynamic to WWE programming. It added tension to both men’s existing rivalries and kept viewers guessing what would happen next. This surprise win showcased how WWE can mix top stars in creative ways, creating legendary moments that transcend traditional tag team wrestling.
3. Nicholas and Braun Strowman (Raw Tag Team Champions – WrestleMania 34)
Nicholas and Braun Strowman (Image via Getty)Perhaps one of the most talked-about and bewildering moments in WWE tag team history was when Braun Strowman selected a 10-year-old fan named Nicholas from the crowd to be his partner at WrestleMania 34. Together, they went on to defeat The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus) for the Raw Tag Team Championships.
No one watching that night expected Strowman to pick a child — let alone win the titles with him. While fans knew Strowman could dominate anyone in the ring, Nicholas’s involvement turned this match into a viral moment that transcended wrestling and made headlines everywhere.
The reign was short-lived, as they vacated the titles the next night on Raw due to Nicholas’s “scheduling conflicts” (he had to go back to school). But this win proved WWE’s willingness to break every rule of tradition and deliver an unforgettable WrestleMania moment. It also reinforced Strowman’s image as an unstoppable force, needing virtually no help to win gold.
Even years later, the image of Nicholas holding up the championship remains one of WWE’s most surprising moments, proving that sometimes, WWE really does live up to its motto: “Then. Now. Forever.”
4. Rhyno and Heath Slater (SmackDown Tag Team Champions – 2016)
Rhyno and Heath Slater (Image via Getty)When WWE announced the creation of the SmackDown Tag Team Championships in 2016, few would have placed bets on Heath Slater and Rhyno becoming the inaugural champions. At that time, Slater was portrayed as a desperate free agent, unable to secure a contract with either Raw or SmackDown after the brand split. Rhyno, a veteran powerhouse, was seen as past his prime.
Yet, against all odds, this odd-couple team captured the hearts of fans. Slater’s “I got kids!” catchphrase became a rallying cry, and Rhyno’s no-nonsense persona created a compelling dynamic. After winning a tournament to decide the first SmackDown Tag Team Champions, they faced The Usos in the finals at Backlash 2016.
Not only did Slater and Rhyno pull off a win, but their victory also earned Slater a full-time WWE contract — adding a feel-good element that resonated with the audience. Their championship reign symbolized that WWE’s tag team division was open to fresh, unexpected stories, and their success helped revitalize SmackDown’s tag team scene at a critical time.
This win remains a fan-favorite, showing that with heart and determination, even the most unlikely duo can rise to the top.
Final Thoughts: Why These Moments Still Matter
Tag team wrestling in WWE has always thrived on the unexpected. Whether it’s bitter rivals forced to work together, single stars stepping into a new role, or story-driven alliances, the surprise victories discussed above represent some of the best twists WWE’s creative team has produced. These wins weren’t just for value — they served larger storylines, built new stars, and created lasting memories.
Fans keep coming back to WWE for moments like these — when the unexpected becomes reality and underdogs get their due. Whether it’s a legend, a top star, or even a kid from the audience, WWE Tag Team Championships have had some of the most unpredictable journeys — and that’s what keeps tag team wrestling exciting.
If you’re a longtime fan or new to WWE, these moments are reminders of why anything can happen when those tag ropes are held and the bell rings. And with WWE’s ever-evolving roster, there’s always the chance that the next surprising championship win is just around the corner.