Title victories are meant to be career-defining moments, but in WWE history, some championship wins have sparked outrage, debate, and controversy among fans.
From shocking finishes to questionable decisions, these title changes remain unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
Booker T’s storyline was built around overcoming prejudice and mockery, and many expected him to finally win the World Heavyweight Championship, but Triple H retained in a finish widely criticized as disrespectful and controversial.
Goldberg squashed The Fiend in under three minutes to win the Universal Championship, a decision fans criticized for destroying The Fiend’s mystique.
In the infamous Montreal Screwjob, Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart for the WWF Championship after the referee called for the bell despite Hart never submitting.
The Rock aligned with Vince McMahon in a screwjob-style finish against Mankind, a repeat of the Montreal Screwjob that earned him massive heel heat.
After Yokozuna defeated Bret Hart for the WWE title at WrestleMania IX, Hulk Hogan immediately challenged and beat him in seconds, a decision fans felt buried Yokozuna’s big win.