10 most controversial moments in WWE history

WWE has been around for over 60 years in the pro wrestling industry. Throughout the years, the company has provided some ground-breaking moments and provided entertainment in many ways. It gave the world megastars like Dwayne The Rock Johnson, The Undertaker, and John Cena. Moreover, it provided fans with some amazing moments in terms of the storyline.

However, with all the ground-breaking and industry-shaping decisions of the company, it also had contentious scars lingering around it. Take a look at some of the most controversial moments that transpired in the history of WWE.

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10. The Montreal Screwjob, 1997

Bret Hart is one of the greatest wrestlers to ever lace up a pair of boots. His technical finesse in the pro wrestling world is beyond parallel. However, there was a time when he was a World Champion and his contract was due. The WWE legend was looking to jump ship and go to WCW. As a result, Vince McMahon had no other option but to get the title off him.

However, Bret Hart refused to take the fall against Shawn Michaels in a match. It was then that Shawn, ironically, had Bret locked up in the sharpshooter. As a result, Vince called the referee for the bell, giving rise to one of the most controversial finishes. HBK was declared winner of the match via submission, even though Bret had not tapped out.

Since this happened in Bret’s hometown, Montreal, there was complete pandemonium in the arena. This moment was named “The Montreal Screwjob” and remained on the list of controversies. However, till date, this has stood out as one of the most bizarre moments on live television.

9. Owen Hart’s Death, 1999

Over the years, there have been many superstars who passed away in the prime of their careers. It includes some of the most prominent names, such as Brodie Lee, Owen Hart, and the legendary Eddie Guerrero. However, the demise of Owen Hart was extremely tragic because it happened on live television.

The sad incident transpired at the “Over the Edge” PPV in 1999. Owen Hart was making an entrance through a harness and grapple line into the ring from the rafters, but unfortunately, the line snapped and he succumbed to death. Perhaps, it remains one of the darkest moments in the history of WWE.

8. The Kliq, 1996

Over the years, WWE has seen factions formed out of nowhere. One such faction was “The Kliq.” In 1995, a group of wrestlers consisting of Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman, and Scott Hall had become very close friends. They were known as “The Kliq”. Moreover, they had a lot of influence on WWE backstage. Due to their on-screen characters having different relationships, they had to keep their friendship a secret.

However, during a live event at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1996, the four wrestlers shared an emotional moment in the ring. Scott Hall and Kevin Nash embraced each other as it was their last night before parting ways. The two superstars were leaving for a rival wrestling company. However, the segment broke the illusion of fans about their on-screen characters, leaving the WWE officials provoked.

7. Victory Over God, 2006

WWE is always known for bizarre moments. One of those transpired when Vince McMahon booked a match against Shawn Michaels and God. Mr. McMahon showed an immense amount of confidence when he booked himself and his son to defeat Shawn Michaels. It was effectively a 2-on-1 match at Backlash 2006.

This decision was highly controversial, and some considered it tasteless and tone-deaf due to its outlandish storyline. It was a bold move, and not everyone agreed with it, but it showcased Vince’s fearless attitude and willingness to take risks in the world of wrestling.

6. Punk’s PipeBomb, 2011

CM Punk‘s “Pipebomb” speech was a stunning moment in wrestling history. He delivered a scathing takedown of the company and its management. What made the speech so iconic was its authenticity and how it resonated with fans who were frustrated with the state of the industry.

At the time, it was unclear whether Punk had gone rogue or if it was a planned storyline, and the uncertainty only added to the controversy surrounding it. Although it was eventually revealed to be a “worked shoot,” many of the issues that Punk raised in his speech still ring true today. The impact of his words continues to be felt in the wrestling community.

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5. End of the Streak, 2014

Brock Lesnar pinning The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30 was one of the most monumental moments in WWE history. Those visuals will forever induce shock and disbelief in the minds of every fan. The legendary streak of 21-0 came to an end like that. For a long time, there was multiple speculation if the finish was botched.

Considering the fact that Undertaker suffered a genuine concussion before the match, there was speculation that the match was tweaked on the fly. But it was all put to bed when it was confirmed that it had been Vince McMahon’s decision all along. Considering how significant the streak was, many still question the decision to end it.

4. Katie Vick’s Funeral, 2002

In 2002, WWE’s storyline involved Triple H revealing a shameful secret about Kane’s past. It involved a drunken driving accident that killed his high school girlfriend, Katie Vick. Triple H promised to present the most graphic and salacious video footage, which he delivered. A disturbing re-enactment of Katie’s funeral involving a mannequin in a cheerleader uniform in a coffin.

Over seven minutes, Triple H simulated a s*x act with the mannequin, producing raw meat to suggest he had literally “screwed her brains out.” This storyline was a weird and disturbing departure from WWE’s usual supernatural and fantasy-based characters.

3. Muhammad Hasan and Undertaker, 2004

In 2004, WWE introduced a character named Muhammad Hassan. An Arab-American wrestler complained about being stereotyped as a terrorist. However, WWE portrayed him as a villain and used terrorist imagery in his storyline. In July 2005, Hassan and his manager were feuding with the Undertaker, and during a match, five men in ski masks and desert camo attacked and choked the Undertaker with a garotte wire while Hassan applied a submission hold.

This episode of SmackDown was taped on July 4 but aired on July 7, which was the same day as a terrorist attack in London that killed 52 people. WWE faced backlash and pressure from their network to remove the character from the show. Hassan’s career with WWE ended a few weeks later in an eight-minute match.

2. The Undertaker hangs the Bossman, 1999

During a match between The Undertaker and Big Boss Man in 1999, The Undertaker hung Boss Man from the top of ‘Hell in a Cell’ cage with a noose. The camera zoomed in on Boss Man’s face, turning blue as he gasped for air. The disturbing scene was met with shock and horror from the audience and commentators, and the WWE faced backlash from both fans and critics for crossing the line. The incident is now remembered as one of the most controversial and unsettling moments in WWE history.

1. DX Blackfaces, 1998

In 1998, the wrestling faction D-Generation X dressed up as their opponents, the Nation, which consisted mostly of black wrestlers. The DX costumes included using makeup to darken their faces, and one member, X-Pac, appeared in full blackface.

Although the crowd reacted positively at the time, the skit was highly offensive and has not aged well. Despite this, it has been included in some WWE releases as a comedic highlight, though X-Pac has since expressed regret about it.

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