In the world of WWE, championships aren’t just symbols of dominance - they're storytelling tools. Over the years, the pursuit of gold has sparked some of the most memorable and conflicting moments in wrestling history. Whether it’s shocking betrayals, incomprehensible finishes, or unwanted interference, certain title matches have left fans split right down the middle.
As debates around John Cena’s recent controversial win at Backlash 2025 continue to heat up, we look back at the top seven most contentious WWE title matches that had audiences talking - and arguing, for years.
7. Sheamus vs Roman Reigns - Survivor Series 2015Reigns finally claimed the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, only to lose it minutes later to a Money in the Bank cash-in from Sheamus. Fans expected a coronation, but were instead handed one of the most anti-climactic title changes in modern WWE.
6. Triple H vs Five Opponents - Unforgiven 1999The Six-Pack Challenge saw interference galore and heavy McMahon family drama. Triple H walked out with the WWF Championship, cementing the beginning of his controversial “reign of terror” era.
5. Brock Lesnar vs Kofi Kingston - SmackDown 2019Kingston’s beloved title reign ended in just nine seconds after a single F5. The abrupt finish with zero buildup or post-match follow-up left fans furious over what felt like a disrespectful dismissal of Kofi’s momentum.
4. Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan - SummerSlam 2013Bryan’s triumph over Cena was short-lived. Triple H’s sudden betrayal allowed Orton to cash in Money in the Bank and steal the title. The move was met with instant backlash, but it also sparked the fan-fuelled Yes Movement.
3. John Cena vs Cody Rhodes - WrestleMania 41Cena’s record-breaking 17th world title win was supposed to be a milestone. Instead, it was overshadowed by heel tactics, foreign objects, and even a Travis Scott interference, making it one of the most debated finishes in WrestleMania history.
2. Hulk Hogan vs Yokozuna - WrestleMania IXAfter Bret Hart lost the title to Yokozuna, Hogan suddenly stepped in and pinned the new champion in seconds. The unplanned feel of the moment and Hogan’s backstage influence still fuel fan frustration to this day.
1. Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels – Survivor Series 1997No list would be complete without the infamous Montreal Screwjob. Vince McMahon ordered the bell to ring despite Bret never submitting, effectively ending his WWF run in real-life betrayal. Decades later, it remains the most infamous title match in wrestling history.
In WWE, controversy often leads to conversation - and these matches prove it like nothing else.
As debates around John Cena’s recent controversial win at Backlash 2025 continue to heat up, we look back at the top seven most contentious WWE title matches that had audiences talking - and arguing, for years.
7. Sheamus vs Roman Reigns - Survivor Series 2015Reigns finally claimed the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, only to lose it minutes later to a Money in the Bank cash-in from Sheamus. Fans expected a coronation, but were instead handed one of the most anti-climactic title changes in modern WWE.
6. Triple H vs Five Opponents - Unforgiven 1999The Six-Pack Challenge saw interference galore and heavy McMahon family drama. Triple H walked out with the WWF Championship, cementing the beginning of his controversial “reign of terror” era.
5. Brock Lesnar vs Kofi Kingston - SmackDown 2019Kingston’s beloved title reign ended in just nine seconds after a single F5. The abrupt finish with zero buildup or post-match follow-up left fans furious over what felt like a disrespectful dismissal of Kofi’s momentum.
4. Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan - SummerSlam 2013Bryan’s triumph over Cena was short-lived. Triple H’s sudden betrayal allowed Orton to cash in Money in the Bank and steal the title. The move was met with instant backlash, but it also sparked the fan-fuelled Yes Movement.
3. John Cena vs Cody Rhodes - WrestleMania 41Cena’s record-breaking 17th world title win was supposed to be a milestone. Instead, it was overshadowed by heel tactics, foreign objects, and even a Travis Scott interference, making it one of the most debated finishes in WrestleMania history.
2. Hulk Hogan vs Yokozuna - WrestleMania IXAfter Bret Hart lost the title to Yokozuna, Hogan suddenly stepped in and pinned the new champion in seconds. The unplanned feel of the moment and Hogan’s backstage influence still fuel fan frustration to this day.
1. Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels – Survivor Series 1997No list would be complete without the infamous Montreal Screwjob. Vince McMahon ordered the bell to ring despite Bret never submitting, effectively ending his WWF run in real-life betrayal. Decades later, it remains the most infamous title match in wrestling history.
In WWE, controversy often leads to conversation - and these matches prove it like nothing else.
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