Top 10 Most Controversial WrestleMania Matches of All Time
WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event, has seen its fair share of unforgettable moments, from jaw-dropping performances to shocking outcomes. However, not all WrestleMania matches have been met with unanimous praise. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 most controversial WrestleMania matches that stirred up the wrestling world:
10) Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock (WrestleMania X8, 2002)
This match pitted two generations of wrestling icons against each other. The Toronto crowd’s unexpected reaction, cheering for Hogan (the supposed heel) over The Rock (the babyface), turned the match into an unintended display of fan sentiment.
9) Bret Hart vs. Yokozuna (WrestleMania IX, 1993)
WrestleMania IX concluded with a controversial finish as Yokozuna defeated Bret Hart for the WWE Championship only for Hulk Hogan to intervene immediately and win the title from Yokozuna. This impromptu change left many fans scratching their heads.
8) Triple H vs. Booker T (WrestleMania XIX, 2003)
The storyline leading to this match was laden with racial undertones, with Triple H making derogatory remarks about Booker T’s past. Despite Booker T being portrayed as the underdog, Triple H emerged victorious, raising questions about racial sensitivity in WWE storytelling.
7) The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar (WrestleMania XXX, 2014)
The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, spanning 21 matches, came to a shocking end when Brock Lesnar defeated him. This result left fans and wrestling pundits alike in disbelief, sparking heated debates about the decision.
6) John Cena vs. The Miz (WrestleMania XXVII, 2011)
The main event of WrestleMania XXVII saw The Miz retaining his WWE Championship against John Cena with the help of interference from The Rock. Many fans felt dissatisfied with the outcome, considering the interference marred the purity of the match.
5) Roman Reigns vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania 33, 2017)
The symbolism behind this match, with Reigns being positioned as the new face of WWE against the legendary Undertaker, divided fans. Reigns defeating The Undertaker led to mixed reactions, with some feeling it was the right passing of the torch while others believed it tarnished Undertaker’s legacy.
4) Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart (WrestleMania XII, 1996)
The Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart was technically brilliant but left some fans feeling unsatisfied with the drawn-out nature of the bout and the lack of a decisive victory.
3) Triple H vs. Randy Orton (WrestleMania XXV, 2009)
The personal rivalry between Triple H and Randy Orton culminated in a “no-disqualification” match. However, the match ended in controversy as Triple H won via pinfall despite the stipulation, leading to confusion among viewers.
2) The Rock vs. John Cena (WrestleMania XXIX, 2013)
The rematch between The Rock and John Cena for the WWE Championship received criticism for its predictable outcome, with Cena avenging his previous loss to The Rock. Many fans felt the match lacked the element of surprise and failed to live up to expectations.
1) Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 13, 1997)
While praised for its storytelling and intensity, the “Submission Match” between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels ended controversially with Hart allegedly refusing to submit to Michaels’ Sharpshooter. The infamous “Montreal Screwjob” unfolded, forever changing the landscape of professional wrestling.
These WrestleMania matches have etched their place in history not just for their in-ring action but also for the controversies they sparked, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling community.
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What do you think of our list? Agree? Disagree? Are there any other controversial WrestleMania matches we should have included in this list? Let us know in the comments below!
