WWE Storylines That Were Dropped Without Explanation

WWE has been known for creating some of the most memorable and entertaining storylines in wrestling history. But for every storyline that makes it to a satisfying conclusion, there are plenty that just disappear. Fans invest weeks, sometimes months, following a plot, only for it to be quietly shelved without a word. Whether due to backstage politics, creative indecision, injuries, or changing plans, WWE has a long history of abruptly abandoning angles that once seemed pivotal.

These dropped storylines leave fans scratching their heads, wondering what might have been if the creative team had followed through. Some could have launched careers, while others might have revitalized fading stars. Regardless of why they were dropped, these unfinished storylines remain major “what-ifs” in WWE history. Here are four memorable WWE storylines that were dropped without explanation, leaving fans with unanswered questions.

1. GTV — The Mysterious Hidden Camera Saga

Back in the late ’90s, WWE (then WWF) introduced a bizarre and intriguing angle known as GTV. Short for “Gorilla Television” (though never officially confirmed), these segments would air random hidden camera footage that exposed WWE Superstars in embarrassing, compromising, or controversial moments. From Goldust’s locker room antics to behind-the-scenes drama, GTV promised to lead to a massive reveal.

For months, fans speculated about who was behind GTV. Theories ranged from Goldust himself to a returning superstar like Shawn Michaels. The footage was often scandalous and added layers of realism to ongoing feuds. However, just as the mystery seemed to be heating up, GTV disappeared entirely.

No reveal, no resolution, and no follow-up. It was as if WWE hoped fans would forget. While some reports suggested GTV was originally meant for Goldust or even Tom Green (yes, the comedian), WWE never clarified its purpose. To this day, it remains one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in WWE storytelling, and fans still discuss what could have been if the company had followed through.

2. The Anonymous Raw General Manager

From June 2010 to July 2011, Monday Night Raw was run by an Anonymous General Manager, communicating exclusively through emails read aloud by Michael Cole. Every week, the mysterious GM would dictate match stipulations and make major storyline decisions, teasing a massive payoff. The angle brought a sense of unpredictability and intrigue, especially when fan favorites and heels alike were at the mercy of unseen authority.

However, for over a year, WWE dropped hints but never revealed the GM’s identity — until months later when Hornswoggle was “revealed” in a comedy segment as the mastermind. Fans widely panned this reveal as nonsensical, and many believed it was a last-minute decision rather than a planned ending.

What makes this storyline more frustrating is that, for a time, it was a major part of Raw, involving stars like John Cena, Randy Orton, and Edge. WWE invested so much time in building the mystery only to abandon any logical conclusion. Many believe this could have been a huge angle if a major returning star had been revealed as the GM, but instead, it fizzled out, leaving many questioning why WWE set it up in the first place.

3. Retribution — WWE’s Failed Anarchist Faction

In 2020, WWE introduced Retribution, a faction portrayed as rebellious outsiders looking to destroy WWE from within. Their chaotic arrival saw them destroying equipment, cutting the ring ropes, and attacking anyone in sight. Initially, they looked to be WWE’s attempt to recreate the success of past dominant factions like The Shield or Nexus, and their masked appearances created a buzz among fans.

However, things went south quickly. As weeks passed, Retribution’s booking became increasingly inconsistent. Their leader, Mustafa Ali, was revealed only after months of build-up, but even that couldn’t save the group from poor creative direction. They suffered frequent losses, were given laughable masks, and lacked a clear mission, which made fans lose interest fast.

Eventually, Retribution quietly disbanded without any official storyline conclusion. WWE never addressed what happened to them as a group, and the individual members simply moved on to other roles. This was especially disappointing because the group had the potential to be a powerful anti-establishment force, but weak writing and stop-start booking led to one of WWE’s biggest dropped storylines in recent memory.

4. Vince McMahon’s “Death” — The Exploding Limo Incident

One of the most dramatic cliffhangers in WWE history occurred in 2007 when Vince McMahon was shown entering a limousine that exploded on live television. The storyline was meant to portray McMahon’s “death” and likely set up a major shift in the WWE hierarchy. At the time, it was a jaw-dropping moment, leaving fans wondering how WWE would move forward without its Chairman.

However, before WWE could progress with the storyline, real-life tragedy struck. The horrific Chris Benoit incident happened shortly after, forcing WWE to drop the McMahon storyline out of respect and address Benoit’s death instead. Vince even appeared on TV, breaking kayfabe, to discuss the situation.

Despite the understandable reason for halting the storyline, WWE never circled back to properly address it, leaving fans puzzled about what the original plan was. In later years, McMahon would joke about it on television, but the “death” angle remains a glaring example of a storyline that started with a bang — literally — only to be abandoned for reasons beyond creative control.

Final Thoughts

WWE’s history is filled with creative highs and abrupt stops. Fans invest emotionally in storylines, and when these plots are dropped with no explanation, it often feels like a missed opportunity. Whether it’s mysterious figures like the Anonymous GM, chaotic factions like Retribution, or explosive events like Vince McMahon’s limo scene, these storylines had the potential to reshape WWE narratives.

Unfortunately, due to backstage changes, real-life events, or simply shifting focus, these angles were abandoned, leaving fans to speculate endlessly. If there’s one thing WWE has shown, it’s that no matter how important a storyline might seem, it’s never guaranteed to reach the finish line. And for the loyal fanbase, that makes each cliffhanger or tease a gamble — will it pay off, or will it become just another entry in WWE’s list of forgotten stories?

Whether you’re a long-time viewer or a newer fan trying to understand some of WWE’s most puzzling creative choices, these abandoned storylines stand out as unforgettable examples of unresolved WWE history.