WWE has never been shy about bringing in big names to add excitement to their shows, but some appearances caught even the most loyal fans off guard. Whether it’s Hollywood A-listers stepping into the squared circle or music icons making surprise entrances, these moments have kept audiences on their toes for decades. Fans tune in expecting thrilling action, but when an unexpected face appears, it adds a whole new layer of energy and unpredictability. From WrestleMania surprises to random Monday Night Raw appearances, these unannounced guests often create moments that live on long after the bell rings. Let’s revisit some of the most unforgettable — and unexpected — appearances that left fans buzzing.
1. Arnold Schwarzenegger Takes Down Triple H (SmackDown, 1999)

Arnold Schwarzenegger, known globally for his action movies and bodybuilding fame, stunned WWE fans when he showed up on SmackDown in 1999. While promoting End of Days, no one expected “The Terminator” to get physically involved — but he did just that. During a tag match featuring Triple H, Arnold found himself ringside when things got heated. In a moment that lit up the arena, Schwarzenegger threw a mean right hand at Triple H, knocking him down and leaving fans roaring. The moment was all over mainstream media, showcasing how WWE could mix pop culture with wrestling in unforgettable ways. Schwarzenegger’s appearance proved that when celebrities get involved, anything can happen inside a WWE ring.
2. Mike Tyson Joins D-Generation X… Then Turns on Them (WrestleMania XIV, 1998)
Few moments have blurred the lines between sports entertainment and real-life controversy like Mike Tyson’s role at WrestleMania XIV. Initially brought in as an “enforcer” for the main event between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels, Tyson surprised fans by aligning himself with D-Generation X in the weeks leading up to the event. But the twist came when Tyson, standing in DX colors, punched Michaels after Austin won the WWE Championship, revealing he had been with Austin all along. Tyson’s presence brought mainstream attention to WWE and turned a monumental match into an even bigger spectacle. His unexpected betrayal of DX is still talked about as one of the most iconic moments in WWE history.
3. Stephen Amell Steps into the Ring (SummerSlam, 2015)

Stephen Amell, famous for his role as Oliver Queen on Arrow, surprised fans when he didn’t just make a guest appearance — he wrestled! During a feud with Stardust (Cody Rhodes), Amell appeared on Monday Night Raw, hopping over the barricade to confront the villainous character. This led to a tag team match at SummerSlam 2015, where Amell teamed up with Neville to take on Stardust and King Barrett. Despite having no professional wrestling experience, Amell impressed fans and critics alike with his athleticism and commitment. His involvement showed that even celebrities from outside the wrestling world could bring their A-game when stepping into the squared circle, making for an unforgettable WWE moment.
4. Bad Bunny Stuns at WrestleMania 37 (2021)
Music superstar Bad Bunny turned heads when he didn’t just perform at WrestleMania 37 — he wrestled, and surprisingly well. Initially appearing on Monday Night Raw alongside Damian Priest, many assumed Bunny’s involvement would be limited to music or a quick cameo. But during the tag match against The Miz and John Morrison, Bad Bunny proved he had trained seriously for the moment. Pulling off high-flying moves, including a near-perfect Canadian Destroyer outside the ring, he won over the WWE Universe. Bad Bunny’s effort earned him massive respect from both fans and wrestlers, making his unexpected foray into WWE one of the most talked-about guest appearances in recent memory.
Whether it’s a legendary boxer, a Hollywood action hero, a superhero actor, or a global music star, WWE has always found ways to keep fans guessing about who might show up next. These appearances remind everyone watching that anything can happen — and sometimes, it’s those surprises that become the most legendary moments in WWE history.