WWE Unreal: The Most Outlandish and Unbelievable Moments in Wrestling History
WWE Unreal: Exploring the Outlandish and Unbelievable Moments in Wrestling History
Professional wrestling, particularly WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), is a spectacle built on athleticism, storytelling, and larger-than-life characters. However, sometimes reality blurs with the absurd, creating moments so outlandish and unbelievable that they become legendary. This article delves into some of the most unforgettable instances where WWE transcended the realm of believability, examining the circumstances, the impact, and the enduring legacy of these "WWE Unreal" moments.
Defining "WWE Unreal": What Makes a Moment Unbelievable?
The term "unreal" in the context of WWE can encompass several categories:
- Extreme Stunts and Bumps: Moments involving gravity-defying leaps, dangerous weapon spots, and seemingly impossible physical feats.
- Shocking Betrayals and Turns: Unexpected alliances and betrayals that shatter established storylines and leave fans stunned.
- Bizarre Gimmicks and Characters: Characters and storylines that push the boundaries of taste and realism, often venturing into the absurd.
- Controversial and Unexpected Victories: Outcomes that defy logic or fan expectations, leading to widespread outrage or disbelief.
- Real-Life Intrusion (Kayfabe Breaking): Instances where the fictional world of wrestling collides with reality, blurring the lines between performance and real events.
Extreme Stunts and Bumps: When Gravity Takes a Backseat
WWE has a long history of pushing the limits of physical endurance. Wrestlers have consistently performed breathtaking stunts that defy logic and often result in significant physical risks. These moments are often meticulously planned and practiced, but the inherent danger always adds an element of the unbelievable.
Mankind vs. The Undertaker: Hell in a Cell (1998)
This match is arguably the epitome of "WWE Unreal." During the King of the Ring 1998 event, Mankind (Mick Foley) faced The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match. The match quickly devolved into a brutal spectacle when The Undertaker threw Mankind off the top of the 16-foot steel structure. Mankind crashed through the announce table below. Miraculously, he continued the match, only to be chokeslammed through the roof of the cell later, landing hard inside the ring.
Why it's Unreal: The sheer height of the falls, combined with the unforgiving nature of the steel cell and announce table, made Mankind's survival seem impossible. The fact that he continued the match, despite suffering significant injuries (including a concussion and a dislocated shoulder), cemented this as one of the most unbelievable moments in wrestling history. Mick Foley himself has talked about the physical toll this match took on his body and the long-term effects it had on his health.
Shane McMahon's Leaps of Faith
Shane McMahon, known for his daredevil antics, has consistently delivered unbelievable moments throughout his career. His penchant for high-risk maneuvers has earned him a reputation as one of the most fearless performers in WWE history.
- WrestleMania 32: Against The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match, Shane McMahon jumped from the top of the cell, attempting an elbow drop onto The Undertaker, who moved out of the way. Shane crashed through the announce table.
- SummerSlam 2000: Facing Steve Blackman for the Hardcore Championship, Shane fell from the top of the stage after Blackman hit him with a kendo stick.
- Countless other dives from high structures: Shane is famous for his moves off of Titantron's and backstage rigging.
Why it's Unreal: While not always successful, Shane's willingness to risk his body in such spectacular ways makes his performances consistently unbelievable. His advanced age when he was taking many of these bumps only added to the incredulity. His family’s position in the wrestling world and the seemingly cavalier attitude towards his well-being further contribute to the unreal nature of these spots.
Jeff Hardy's Swanton Bombs
Jeff Hardy's signature move, the Swanton Bomb, is a high-risk maneuver that has become synonymous with his career. While the move itself is visually impressive, it's the circumstances surrounding some of his Swanton Bombs that make them truly unbelievable.
- WrestleMania X-Seven: In a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match against Edge & Christian and The Dudley Boyz, Jeff Hardy performed a Swanton Bomb off a ladder onto Bubba Ray Dudley, crashing through a table below.
- Various other high-spots throughout his career: Jeff has been known to do his Swanton Bomb from the top of production rigging, or from ladders onto the outside of the ring.
Why it's Unreal: The combination of height, the risk of miscalculation, and the potential for serious injury makes each Swanton Bomb a heart-stopping moment. Hardy's willingness to put his body on the line, often with seemingly reckless abandon, contributes to the unbelievable nature of his performances. Jeff’s career has had its fair share of off-screen drama, and that too contributes to the mystique and “unreality” of his character.
Shocking Betrayals and Turns: When Alliances Crumble
Professional wrestling thrives on drama, and nothing generates more drama than a shocking betrayal. These moments often involve established alliances crumbling, leaving fans stunned and eager to see the aftermath. Such actions create rivalries that can span years and define careers.
The Montreal Screwjob (1997)
The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most controversial and talked-about moments in wrestling history. During the Survivor Series 1997 event, Bret Hart was defending the WWF Championship against Shawn Michaels. Hart was leaving WWF for WCW (World Championship Wrestling) and refused to drop the title to Michaels in his home country of Canada.
Vince McMahon, fearing Hart would take the title with him to WCW, secretly instructed referee Earl Hebner to call for the bell when Michaels locked Hart in the Sharpshooter, even though Hart had not submitted. Hart was stripped of the title in a manner that was pre-planned without his knowledge, in his home country, a huge breach of trust.
Why it's Unreal: The Montreal Screwjob blurred the lines between reality and fiction in a way that had never been seen before. The betrayal was real, the anger was real, and the consequences were real. The incident sparked a massive controversy, tarnished the reputations of McMahon and Michaels, and forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling. It raised questions about ethics, trust, and the power dynamics within the wrestling industry. This event is talked about even today, and continues to be cited as an example of how wrestling can affect the real world. Countless documentaries and interviews have examined the event from every angle, solidifying its place in wrestling lore. The reverberations of this event continued to shape storylines and character arcs for years to come.
Hulk Hogan Joins the nWo (1996)
In the summer of 1996, Hulk Hogan, the ultimate babyface and symbol of WWF's 1980s dominance, shocked the world by turning heel (becoming a villain) and joining the New World Order (nWo) at WCW's Bash at the Beach pay-per-view. Hogan, along with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, formed the nucleus of the nWo, a rebellious faction that threatened to take over WCW.
Why it's Unreal: Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler; he was a cultural icon. His betrayal of everything he stood for was unthinkable to many fans. The nWo storyline became a massive success, revitalizing WCW and sparking a Monday Night War with WWF. Hogan's heel turn ushered in a new era of edgy and rebellious wrestling, proving that even the most beloved heroes could be corrupted. It demonstrated the power of reinvention and the willingness of a performer to take risks to stay relevant.
Triple H's Betrayal of Kurt Angle (2000)
During the SummerSlam 2000, Triple H seemingly betrayed Kurt Angle during their match for Stephanie McMahon's affection. Throughout the preceding months, a love triangle storyline had developed between Triple H, Stephanie McMahon (who was Triple H's real life and on screen wife), and Kurt Angle.
Why it's Unreal: The storyline was one that captivated the fans because of it's salacious nature, and Triple H's turn made it very real. It was all theatrics, of course, but at the time viewers were deeply invested in this betrayal.
Bizarre Gimmicks and Characters: When Wrestling Gets Weird
WWE has never shied away from the absurd, and its history is filled with bizarre gimmicks and characters that push the boundaries of good taste and realism. These characters, while sometimes controversial, often become cult favorites and contribute to the unique flavor of WWE.
The Gobbledy Gooker (1990)
The Gobbledy Gooker is widely considered one of the worst gimmicks in WWE history. The character, a giant turkey, was hatched from an egg at the 1990 Survivor Series event. The Gooker, portrayed by Hector Guerrero, then danced around the ring with commentator Gene Okerlund.
Why it's Unreal: The Gobbledy Gooker was simply ridiculous. The character was poorly conceived, poorly executed, and utterly devoid of wrestling ability. The gimmick was so bad that it became a symbol of WWE's willingness to embrace the absurd, even at the expense of its credibility. It stands as a cautionary tale of how not to create a wrestling character. It was so unbelievable that it almost felt like a parody of itself. It has been repeatedly referenced in WWE programming as an example of a failed gimmick and a source of embarrassment for the company.
Papa Shango (1992)
Papa Shango was a voodoo practitioner known for his dark magic and sinister rituals. The character, portrayed by Charles Wright, would often cast spells on his opponents, causing them to suffer bizarre ailments. The character was portrayed as a supernatural being with the ability to control minds and manipulate events from afar.
Why it's Unreal: Papa Shango's gimmick was so over-the-top and supernatural that it stretched the boundaries of believability. His voodoo rituals and implied powers were far removed from the athletic competition that was supposed to be the core of WWE. The character was criticized for being racially insensitive and for perpetuating negative stereotypes. The unrealistic nature of the gimmick and the controversy surrounding it contributed to its place in the annals of "WWE Unreal." Wright later found success as a very different character named The Godfather, highlighting the unpredictable nature of success in the wrestling business.
The Right to Censor (2000)
The Right to Censor (RTC) was a stable of wrestlers who opposed the edgy and often raunchy content of WWE programming during the Attitude Era. The group, led by Steven Richards, portrayed themselves as moral crusaders who sought to censor anything they deemed offensive. They often attacked other wrestlers for their attire, language, or behavior.
Why it's Unreal: The Right to Censor was a meta-commentary on the real-life criticisms of WWE's programming. The group's attempts to censor the very content that made WWE popular were inherently contradictory and absurd. The gimmick was a clever way to address the controversy surrounding the Attitude Era while simultaneously generating heat for the group. The storyline blurred the lines between reality and fiction, as the RTC's criticisms often mirrored the concerns of real-life media watchdogs and parent groups.
Controversial and Unexpected Victories: When the Script Takes a Twist
In professional wrestling, the outcome of matches is predetermined. However, some victories are so controversial or unexpected that they shock the wrestling world and leave fans questioning the decisions of the writers and promoters. These moments can create instant heat for a wrestler or storyline, but they can also backfire if not handled correctly.
David Arquette Wins the WCW World Heavyweight Championship (2000)
In 2000, actor David Arquette, who was starring in the wrestling-themed film "Ready to Rumble," won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Arquette teamed with Diamond Dallas Page to defeat Jeff Jarrett for the title, with the stipulation that whoever made the pinfall would become champion.
Why it's Unreal: The decision to put the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on a non-wrestler was widely criticized as a publicity stunt that devalued the title. The move was seen as a desperate attempt to generate buzz for WCW, which was struggling to compete with WWF at the time. Arquette's reign as champion was short-lived, but it remains a symbol of WCW's decline and its willingness to sacrifice credibility for short-term gains. While Arquette himself expressed regret for the decision, the moment remains a notorious example of a wrestling championship being treated as a joke. He donated his earnings from his time as champion to the families of wrestlers who had passed away or were suffering from injuries.
Brock Lesnar Defeats The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX (2014)
The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania was one of the most sacred traditions in wrestling. For over two decades, The Undertaker had remained undefeated at WWE's biggest annual event, amassing a record of 21-0. In 2014, Brock Lesnar ended that streak, defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX.
Why it's Unreal: The ending of The Undertaker's streak was one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history. The crowd in attendance was stunned into silence, and the internet exploded with disbelief. The decision to have Lesnar break the streak was controversial, with many fans feeling that it was disrespectful to The Undertaker's legacy. The Undertaker’s aura of invincibility had been a key part of his appeal for decades. While Lesnar’s victory solidified his position as a dominant force in WWE, it came at the cost of shattering a cherished tradition. The implications of this one match resonated throughout the WWE landscape for years to come.
Real-Life Intrusion (Kayfabe Breaking): When the Curtain is Pulled Back
Kayfabe is the tradition of presenting professional wrestling as genuine, even though it is a scripted performance. When kayfabe is broken, either intentionally or unintentionally, it can create moments of "WWE Unreal" that blur the lines between reality and fiction. These moments can be shocking, confusing, or even humorous, depending on the circumstances.
CM Punk's "Pipe Bomb" Promo (2011)
In 2011, CM Punk delivered a now-famous promo on Monday Night Raw, known as the "Pipe Bomb." During the promo, Punk broke character and spoke candidly about his frustrations with WWE, Vince McMahon, and the wrestling industry in general. He criticized WWE's management, its creative direction, and its treatment of its wrestlers. The promo was delivered with a level of authenticity and intensity that was rarely seen in WWE at the time.
Why it's Unreal: CM Punk's "Pipe Bomb" promo was a groundbreaking moment in WWE history. It blurred the lines between reality and fiction in a way that had never been seen before. Punk's criticisms of WWE resonated with many fans who felt that the company had become stale and predictable. The promo sparked a major storyline that revitalized Punk's career and helped to usher in a new era of edgy and unpredictable wrestling. It sparked debate about creative freedom, the treatment of talent, and the role of kayfabe in modern wrestling. The realism of the promo made it feel like more than just a scripted performance. It had the feel of a man speaking his mind, regardless of the consequences.
The Death of Owen Hart (1999)
One of the most tragic and surreal moments in WWE history occurred on May 23, 1999, at the Over the Edge pay-per-view in Kansas City, Missouri. Owen Hart, performing as The Blue Blazer, was scheduled to make a dramatic entrance from the rafters of the Kemper Arena. However, during the descent, Hart fell approximately 78 feet and landed chest-first in the ring.
Why it's Unreal: The death of Owen Hart was a devastating tragedy that shook the wrestling world to its core. The fact that it occurred during a live pay-per-view event, witnessed by thousands in attendance and millions watching at home, made it all the more surreal. The decision to continue the show after Hart's death was highly controversial and remains a source of debate to this day. The incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers of professional wrestling and the importance of safety precautions. The circumstances surrounding his death, the way it was handled by WWE, and the long-term impact on the wrestling community contribute to its place as an unbelievably tragic moment. Jim Ross's heartfelt announcement of Owen's passing is one of the most somber and memorable moments in wrestling broadcasting.
The Enduring Appeal of "WWE Unreal"
The moments of "WWE Unreal" discussed in this article are just a small sampling of the many outlandish and unbelievable instances that have occurred throughout wrestling history. These moments, whether they involve extreme stunts, shocking betrayals, bizarre gimmicks, or real-life tragedy, serve as a reminder of the unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and spectacle that defines professional wrestling.
The appeal of "WWE Unreal" lies in its ability to surprise, shock, and entertain. These moments push the boundaries of believability, creating lasting memories that fans will continue to discuss and debate for years to come. They are a testament to the creativity, athleticism, and sheer audacity of the performers who dare to push the limits of what is possible in the world of professional wrestling. These moments are a reminder that anything can happen in WWE, and that is precisely what keeps fans coming back for more.
Ultimately, "WWE Unreal" represents the essence of professional wrestling: a carefully crafted illusion that can captivate, thrill, and even shock audiences. It is a testament to the power of storytelling, the dedication of the performers, and the unwavering passion of the fans who embrace the outlandish and unbelievable.
Conclusion
From gravity-defying stunts to shocking betrayals, the history of WWE is filled with moments that defy belief. These instances, often referred to as "WWE Unreal," showcase the blend of athleticism, storytelling, and spectacle that makes professional wrestling so captivating. Whether it's Mankind's brutal fall in Hell in a Cell, Hogan's shocking heel turn, or the tragic death of Owen Hart, these moments are etched in the minds of wrestling fans worldwide. They represent the unpredictable nature of the business and the enduring appeal of the outlandish and unbelievable.