In the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, plans can change in the blink of an eye. From last-minute substitutions to unforeseen circumstances, WWE history is filled with matches that were never initially intended to happen. Join us as we count down the top 10 WWE matches that defied expectations and left fans in awe.
**10. The Undertaker vs. Kane – SummerSlam 2000**
Fans were taken by surprise when Kane turned on The Undertaker in the summer of 2000, leading to an unexpected showdown between the brothers at SummerSlam. Originally slated to face The Big Show, The Undertaker found himself in a heated feud with his own flesh and blood, creating an electrifying match-up that no one saw coming.
**9. Goldberg vs. Braun Strowman – WrestleMania 36**
When Roman Reigns pulled out of WrestleMania 36 due to health concerns, WWE scrambled to find a replacement for his match against Goldberg. With little time to spare, Braun Strowman was thrust into the spotlight, resulting in a hastily arranged clash that divided opinions among fans.
**8. The Big Show vs. The Undertaker – Great American Bash 2006**
The planned Punjabi Prison Match between The Undertaker and The Great Khali at Great American Bash 2006 was derailed when Khali was unable to compete due to health issues. In a surprising turn of events, The Big Show stepped up to the challenge, delivering a memorable showdown with The Deadman.
**7. Dean Ambrose vs. Brock Lesnar – WrestleMania 32**
Originally set to face Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar found himself pitted against Dean Ambrose at WrestleMania 32 after a change in plans. Despite initial reservations, Ambrose stepped into the ring with The Beast Incarnate, delivering a gritty performance that exceeded expectations.
**6. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 23**
Following Triple H’s injury, Shawn Michaels was unexpectedly thrust into the main event of WrestleMania 23 against John Cena. What was initially intended to be a match between Cena and Triple H turned into a classic showdown between two of WWE’s biggest stars.
**5. Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston – WrestleMania 35**
Kofi Kingston’s WWE title win at WrestleMania 35 was never part of the original plan. With Mustafa Ali sidelined due to injury, Kingston seized the opportunity to capture the hearts of fans and secure a spot in the main event against Daniel Bryan.
**4. Big E vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar – Day One 2022**
Roman Reigns’ absence from Day One 2022 forced WWE to rearrange their plans, resulting in a chaotic Fatal Five-Way match for the Universal Title. With Brock Lesnar emerging victorious, the match showcased the unpredictability of WWE’s booking.
**3. Triple H vs. CM Punk – Night of Champions 2011**
CM Punk’s feud with Kevin Nash abruptly shifted to a clash with Triple H at Night of Champions 2011. Despite initial skepticism, Punk and The Game delivered a headline-worthy match that left fans buzzing.
**2. Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Daniel Bryan – WrestleMania 30**
CM Punk’s departure from WWE led to Daniel Bryan’s unexpected ascent to the main event of WrestleMania 30. Originally slated to face Triple H, Bryan’s inclusion in the title match transformed the landscape of WWE’s biggest event of the year.
**1. Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan – WrestleMania 37**
Vince McMahon’s change of heart led to Daniel Bryan’s inclusion in the WrestleMania 37 main event, shaking up the planned showdown between Edge and Roman Reigns. The triple threat match stole the show and cemented Bryan’s legacy as a top-tier superstar.
From shocking twists to last-minute substitutions, these matches prove that in the world of WWE, anything can happen. Which unexpected match-up surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more thrilling wrestling content!
