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From seismic returns to shocking betrayals, pro wrestling has never been short on jaw-dropping moments. Join us as we count down the most viral, meme-worthy, and unforgettable moments in wrestling history that sent the internet into an absolute frenzy! Which moment had you losing your mind online? Let us know in the comments!
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00:06Welcome to WatchMojo and today we'll be counting down our picks for those ultra-memorable or
00:12ultra-memeable wrestling moments.
00:2130.
00:22An RKO to Bourne Evan Bourne's shooting star press was nothing
00:27if not impressive.
00:36But do you know what's even more impressive?
00:38An RKO out of nowhere.
00:45Randy Orton proved once again how his version of Diamond Dallas Page's Diamond Cutter remains
00:51one of professional wrestling's most exciting finishers on this 2010 episode of Monday Night
00:57Raw.
00:58Fans were getting used to seeing Orton's finisher implemented within a variety of scenarios.
01:04But when Bourne started his forward motion and Randy hit the RKO, it was pure poetry in
01:10motion and offered further credence to the RKO's dangerousness as a move that can strike at
01:16any time.
01:2829.
01:29Not Very Oosie
01:36Let's face it, professional wrestling's strict levels of secrecy that used to live within
01:41the moniker of kayfabe aren't always upheld in the modern day.
01:45We as fans kind of love to see our favorite superstars break character once in a while,
01:50particularly when it's for a reason such as this one.
01:59Jay Uso just couldn't hold it together during this segment from SmackDown despite his character's
02:05supposed emotional reservations.
02:07Sami Zayn's declaration that Jay wasn't feeling very Oosie basically had the entire ring, the
02:14arena, and us at home in hysterics the entire time.
02:3328.
02:35Fandango's Theme Music
02:37We love wrestling theme music.
02:46You love wrestling theme music.
02:48But the entire world, generally speaking, does not love wrestling theme music.
02:52This is why it's still so curious that Fandango's entrance theme, titled Cha-Cha-La-La, became
02:58so popular with the WWE Universe that it actually managed to cross over into the mainstream.
03:16Fandango Fever was everywhere back around 2013, and the superstar's infectious theme tune eventually
03:23found its way onto the UK iTunes singles charts.
03:26It had its own accompanying dance, too.
03:29Although, we're not sure if sticking up disco fingers in the air had anything to do
03:33with Cha-Cha-La-La success.
03:4827.
03:50Pat McAfee is the mystery man
03:52Not every pro wrestling moment on this list broke the internet for the right reasons.
03:57The build-up to Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes' WrestleMania 42 main event had a mystery accomplice
04:03storyline going on, the reveal of which did not actually make the WWE Universe very happy.
04:21Online pundits vacillated with regard to the sports analyst and former NFL punter's place
04:28within the WWE, particularly at such a high level.
04:45Some such as Mark Henry defended the angle, although most seem to be fatigued of the WWE's
04:51constant courting of celebrities and other sporting talents for their storylines.
04:56McAfee certainly received his comeuppance at Mania, but it remains to be seen whether
05:01or not the company will continue down this synergistic road of opportunism.
05:1326.
05:15Rizla Down
05:16Usually, the wrestling audience will cheer ravenously whenever a celebrity guest is attacked, but
05:22that wasn't the case when internet royalty was struck down here at the 2026 AEW Revolution
05:28pre-show.
05:29You do not touch the Rizla.
05:39The beloved social media star was shoved by Shane Taylor, who immediately received a receipt
05:45from the Rizla's bro, Big Justice.
05:55The latter actually hit a solid spear for a Costco guy, and the internet went bananas, racking
06:02up millions upon millions of views on the clip.
06:05Oh yeah, and Wayne Brady was also there, for reasons.
06:1425.
06:15The Rock Returns To WWE
06:17It had been seven long years since The Great One had last graced the WWE Universe with his
06:34presence.
06:35The Rock had become a certified Hollywood superstar during the interim, but if there was any sort
06:40of bad blood or sour grapes on the part of the WWE Universe, then they were instantly drowned
06:46out by a chorus of cheers.
06:56The pop here for The Rock's return was simply massive, as The Great One returned home in 2011.
07:03A feud with John Cena would soon follow, as The Rock proved that he still had what it took
07:08to captivate us all over again.
07:2124.
07:22Randy Orton Makes It Personal With Triple H
07:25Wrestling fans can often feel smarter than ever with regards to knowing what goes on behind
07:30the scenes.
07:31How so many storyline beats are agreed upon by performers prior to leaving the gorilla position
07:37and heading down to the ring.
07:39Yet, that's what makes wrestling so magical, right?
07:42We can suspend our disbelief even when presented with a situation as the one Randy Orton put Triple
07:48H through on this episode of Raw.
08:00The game was handcuffed and helpless as his wife, Stephanie McMahon, was victimized by Orton,
08:07whose gaze never broke with Triple H. It was a moment that, depending on who you asked, either
08:12crossed the line or made for unmissable television.
08:3023.
08:32Bad Bunny Flies The Flag For WWE
08:41There always seems to be a good, a bad, and an ugly when it comes to celebrity appearances
08:46and runs with the WWE.
08:48Thankfully, Bad Bunny seems to have broken the proverbial mold with his appearances, thanks
08:53to some surprisingly athletic moments that went on to break wrestling internet fandom.
08:59The singing superstar famously performed his own version of a Canadian Destroyer multiple
09:04times on WWE programming, a move that never fails to get a pop from the audience.
09:14This not only enabled Bad Bunny to fulfill his childhood wrestling dreams, but also helped
09:20the WWE get their product on more eyes than ever.
09:2822.
09:30The Heist Of The Century It remains one of the best calls of Michael
09:34Cole's career as WWE's play-by-play professional, a shocked reaction to one of the best and most
09:40exciting WrestleMania finales of the modern era.
09:4623.
09:48Seth Rollins' status as Mr. Money in the Bank in 2015 came to fruition at the Showcase of
09:54the Immortals, when he cashed in his briefcase and entered the main event of Brock Lesnar
09:59vs. Roman Reigns.
10:06The former architect of The Shield wound up pinning his former partner Reigns in the finale,
10:11leaving WrestleMania 31 with his head and belt raised high as the company's new WWE Champion.
10:2321.
10:25CM Punk Returns To WWE
10:39Big returns will always receive a big pop.
10:42So it just sort of makes sense how we're seeing so many of them here on our list.
10:46And yes, while CM Punk's return to wrestling with AEW was clearly the bigger deal, his comeback
10:52to active participation within the WWE's talent roster was nothing to sneeze at.
10:58Punk had already towed the waters as an analyst on WWE Backstage, but it was his full return
11:03win at the company's Survivor Series event that was held in Punk's hometown Chicago back
11:08in 2023.
11:18His run in the company has been solid since then as well, most recently culminating with
11:23a WrestleMania main event slot for 2026.
11:3020.
11:31Braun Breaker Spears I Show Speed When it comes to WWE, this social media star
11:37doesn't know when to quit.
11:39Despite a brutal RKO through the announce table at WrestleMania XL, Speed was all too pleased
11:45to join the 2025 Royal Rumble match.
11:52Though he managed one elimination, that's where his moment of glory ended.
11:57Getting a little too comfortable, Speed turned a blind eye to Braun Breaker, who proceeded to
12:02destroy the former with a spear for the ages.
12:09The moment exploded on social media as soon as it happened.
12:13Breaker's spear looks so real, it's like watching a predator tear through its prey.
12:18Thanks to his incredible selling, Speed had millions believing he'd just survived a near-death
12:24experience.
12:3419.
12:35Goldberg Squashes Lesnar In 86 Seconds
12:39Fans hijacked Goldberg and Lesnar's WrestleMania 20 match, leaving it with a bitter legacy.
12:46Fast forward 12 years and Lesnar was a former UFC champion, the one in 21-and-1 and the man
12:53who destroyed John Cena.
12:55Having been out of action since 2004, Goldberg seemed like another legend destined to fall
13:00before the Beast.
13:02However, it turned out to be one of the most shocking squashes in wrestling history.
13:11Just one minute and 26 seconds in, the match was over.
13:16After years of dominance, the Beast was finally humbled.
13:19And all the WWE Universe could do was watch in disbelief.
13:27WWE set the trap with a flawless bait-and-switch, and by the end, fans were forced to appreciate
13:33just how brilliantly they'd been misled.
13:46The WWE TNA partnership has opened doors that many once believed were impossible.
13:52No one's benefited from this more than Joe Hendry.
13:55Sure, he is solid in the ring and on the mic, but the key to his rise is based entirely
14:00on
14:01one thing, his theme song.
14:14Catchy, upbeat, and with a feel-good charm, Hendry's entrance has captured millions of fans, springboarding
14:21him into mainstream popularity.
14:23Each time his name is spoken and he appears, arenas erupt to chant his song.
14:37And his tag team partner, Joe Hendry!
14:47The culmination of his meteoric rise was seen at WrestleMania 41, with more than 60,000 members
14:53of the WWE Universe cheering for him like a returning hometown hero.
14:58And just to be clear, we won't deny it, we believe in Joe Hendry!
15:13Number 17.
15:14The Nexus' debut.
15:16Raw had grown predictable during the PG era, and fans weren't used to surprises anymore.
15:22Meanwhile, the original NXT struggled with its pseudo-reality show format, but all that
15:28changed the night the original group of NXT rookies stormed Raw.
15:36Led by Wade Barrett, the faction, soon to be called Nexus, interrupted what seemed like
15:41a routine main event, and unleashed unbridled chaos.
15:48From dismantling the entire ringside to attacking everyone in sight, the Nexus tore through the
15:54WWE like never before.
15:56Even lapsed fans found themselves tuning back in for the hottest angle in years.
16:01Although the Nexus never reached the same heights again, their debut unified fans both past and
16:07present for a moment that still stands with the same impact it did back then.
16:16Number 16.
16:18Bored at work Drew McIntyre.
16:20Few superstars have connected with fans as creatively as Drew McIntyre.
16:25The Scottish warrior hijacked CM Punk's feud with Seth Rollins after the former's injury,
16:30winning a world championship at WrestleMania XL.
16:34During the match, McIntyre made a bold new move, posting a selfie with the caption, Bored
16:40at work.
16:46Unprecedented and outrageous, the post bridged the gap between wrestlers and the audience,
16:52almost as if offering fans a front row seat to the grandest stage of them all.
16:57He would double down the following year at WrestleMania 41, sharing another cheeky selfie,
17:02this time at Damian Priest's expense.
17:09The enormous reception to these posts shows just how much fans cherish this window into
17:14the WWE world, making them truly feel like part of the action.
17:19Number 15.
17:20Hulk Hogan gets booed out of the arena.
17:22Once the unquestioned golden goose for the WWE, the Hulkster's stock has plummeted over
17:28the last decade.
17:29From a racism scandal to leaked private videos and to controversial political views, Hogan
17:36no longer commands the respect he once did.
17:38But while much of this criticism lived behind our screens, the audience's contempt was unmistakable
17:45during Raw's Netflix debut.
17:53Returning as part of the show's legacy, and let's face it, to promote his real American
17:58beer, the WWE Universe was far from kind to the immortal.
18:07The reaction felt like a collective statement, as if the internet wrestling community itself
18:12had filled the arena just to say, this doesn't work for us, brother.
18:16So whatcha gonna do when the WWE and Netflix rose wild on you, maniacs?
18:29Number 14.
18:31John Cena turns heel.
18:33Much like Hulk Hogan's iconic WCW heel turn, this one sent ripples far beyond the squared circle.
18:44And considering he was the heroic face of the WWE since 2003, John Cena's turn was one for
18:51the history books.
18:52Many had long given up on it ever happening, so the fact that it arrived smack dab in the
18:57middle of his retirement tour hit like an attitude adjustment.
19:01With a single nod from former arch-nemesis The Rock, Cena sold out on two decades of hustle,
19:08loyalty and respect.
19:15In the blink of an eye, one of WWE's most beloved heroes became its most despicable villain.
19:21In the end, Cena lived up to his catchphrase, because we really did not see him or this coming.
19:32Number 13.
19:33CM Punk debuts in AEW
19:40Any wrestling fan with their salt knows that a wrestling retirement is just another way of
19:45saying, see you later.
19:47For seven years, CM Punk seemed to defy this rule.
19:50However, his return ignited the AEW crowd with such intensity that the entire wrestling world
19:57was forced to pay attention.
19:58Everyone knew it was coming, yet it still felt surreal in every way.
20:03His entrance wasn't just loud, it was seismic, as the thunderous crowd sent shockwaves through
20:09the arena and into our screens.
20:16The electricity was too good to miss, and even die-hard WWE loyalists tuned in to catch this
20:23once-in-a-lifetime reaction.
20:25Though Punk's AEW run ultimately crashed and burned, the magic of this night remains untouchable.
20:37Number 12.
20:38Edge comes out of retirement.
20:40For nine years, Edge's retirement felt like one of wrestling's greatest tragedies.
20:45A career cut short by injury, it seemed the rated-R superstar was gone for good.
20:56But at the 2020 Royal Rumble, one of the most feel-good comeback stories began its first
21:02chapter.
21:03All it took were the opening notes of his theme song, and fans, both home and in attendance,
21:08erupted.
21:11More so than anyone in the crowd, it was Edge who felt it the most, his face reflecting incredible
21:17gratitude and overwhelming emotion.
21:20Watching him share the ring with stars like AJ Styles and Roman Reigns was a surreal, dream-come-true
21:26moment that set the internet into a frenzy, much like the explosive pyro that marked Edge's
21:33return.
21:35Number 11.
21:36Seth Rollins betrays The Shield.
21:39Arguably the greatest betrayal in modern wrestling history, The Shield, still hot into their dominant
21:44run, were shattered beyond repair with a chair to the back.
21:51Despite firmly cementing themselves at the top of the WWE, the trio imploded in spectacular
21:57fashion.
21:58Seth Rollins, the architect of The Shield, became its executioner, aligning with Triple H
22:04and The Authority.
22:05Fans were left speechless, unable to comprehend the ruthlessness with which Rollins severed all
22:11ties with his former brothers.
22:16It marked a permanent turning point in the WWE, propelling all three members into main event
22:22status.
22:23Still, for many fans, it remains just as heartbreaking today as it was on that night so long ago.
22:35The Montreal Screwjob may have occurred in 1997, before the advent of modern social media, but
22:44its deeply conversational nature reverberated everywhere, including the internet.
22:55In fact, it's often regarded as the first wrestling event to ignite widespread outrage among online
23:01fans, lighting up plenty of chat rooms.
23:12The real-life act of betrayal unfolded during the 1997 Survivor Series, where Vince McMahon
23:19infamously screwed Bret Hart out of his championship in front of a stunned Montreal crowd.
23:25This to ensure Bret didn't bring the top title to rival WCW.
23:29Decades later, fans still scrutinized the event, fueling an online debate that remains as intense
23:36now as it was back then.
23:389.
23:39Cody Rhodes Returns to WWE
23:45After helping build All Elite Wrestling from the ground up as a founding executive vice-president,
23:51Cody Rhodes shocked the world by returning to the company he famously exited, WWE.
24:04This full-circle moment immediately ignited the internet, with fans and critics alike buzzing
24:10about the prodigal son's return and what it meant for both companies.
24:15His emotional entrance at WrestleMania 38, coupled with a high-profile match against Seth
24:20Rollins cemented Cody's comeback as one of the biggest wrestling stories of the year.
24:34The return also added plenty of fuel to the online rivalry between AEW and WWE fans.
24:48This bizarre and over-the-top match between Matt and Jeff Hardy in TNA became nothing short
24:54of a viral sensation.
24:56Matt Hardy's glorious descent into his broken persona culminated in The Final Deletion, a match
25:03against his brother Jeff at the Hardy Compound in Cameron, North Carolina.
25:07Unlike anything seen before in professional wrestling, the uniquely cinematic brawl featured
25:12everything from tree dives, to fireworks, to Senor Benjamin.
25:28It became an instant internet phenomenon, spawning countless memes and reactions, not to mention
25:35a sequel.
25:36The Final Deletion's unexpected virality proved the potential of alternative wrestling storytelling,
25:42opening the door for more cinematic matches.
25:50Brock Lesnar's Night After WrestleMania comeback
25:55Surprise appearances in professional wrestling are a thing of beauty.
25:58Take John Cena's unexpected entry in the 2008 Royal Rumble.
26:09Or imagine if Chris Jericho's 1999 WWE debut happened in the social media era.
26:16It would have trended instantly.
26:26Of course, few compared to Brock Lesnar's shocking comeback in 2012.
26:35After leaving for a high-profile UFC career, Lesnar stunned everyone the night after WrestleMania
26:4128.
26:48Marching to the ring, Brock Lesnar delivered a devastating F5 to Cena, igniting an intense frenzy
26:54online.
26:55Yep, everyone seemingly lost their minds as the dominating force of the UFC had returned
27:01to the WWE, blurring the lines between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts in the process.
27:10The Rock vs. John Cena
27:13If social media had been as pervasive as it is today, The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania
27:1918 would have surely sent the internet into overdrive.
27:31However, that legendary dream match no doubt set the stage for another historic showdown years later.
27:45The Rock vs. John Cena's 2012 WrestleMania match was another battle of icons that transcended wrestling and captured widespread attention.
27:55Announced a year in advance, the bout generated immense hype, much of it fueled online.
28:01fans of varying generations flocked to social media to express their enthusiasm and opinions on The Rock and Cena's first
28:09encounter, demonstrating that wrestling could still engage the public on a massive scale.
28:22WWE buys WCW
28:24To say that the wrestling industry changed forever when WWE purchased its biggest competitor, WCW, in 2001 would be a
28:33wee bit of an understatement.
28:34The once fierce Monday Night Wars had suddenly come to an end, with WWE standing tall as the victor.
28:50This monumental acquisition, not to mention the subsequent storyline revelations, sent shockwaves through the wrestling community.
29:09It also set online discussion into overdrive, with fans visiting forums and news sites to ponder the ramifications.
29:17This mainly dial-up, internet-shattering moment led to more jaw-dropping instances, as former WCW talent would appear on
29:26WWE programming in the future.
29:28Breaking the internet all over again.
29:374. AEW Debut
29:40Sticking with industry-altering events, the launch of All Elite Wrestling was a groundbreaking moment, providing an alternative mainstream platform
29:49to WWE.
29:50Spearheaded by industry performers and backed by the wealthy Khan family, AEW's arrival sent shockwaves through the online wrestling community.
30:08The company's debut event, Double or Nothing, and the appearances of major stars, the likes of Chris Jericho and Jon
30:16Moxley, instantly legitimized the new company.
30:19Online discussion about the new era of competition in pro wrestling grew to critical mass with the premiere of AEW's
30:27weekly TV show, Dynamite.
30:29With that, it's safe to say that the internet played a significant role in spreading AEW's vision.
30:49It's not only captivated audiences live in the arena, but dominated social media, even crossing over into mainstream pop culture.
31:04This organic groundswell of support, amplified by the internet fanbase, propelled Bryan to the main event of WrestleMania 30, culminating
31:13in one of the most emotionally charged and feel-good victories in wrestling history.
31:25The journey of the Yes Movement was a testament to the power of fan support and its ability to truly
31:32influence storylines in the digital age.
31:412. CM Punk's Pipe Bomb
31:44On a June 2011 episode of Monday Night Raw, CM Punk grabbed a microphone and delivered the most viral promo
31:56in all of professional wrestling.
32:042. CM Punk's Pipe Bomb
32:06Referred to as the Pipe Bomb, Punk would go on to blur the lines of what was real and not
32:12by addressing real-life grievances in an unfiltered manner, all while sitting cross-legged on the stage.
32:292. CM Punk
32:33Punk managed to resonate with disenfranchised fans of the company, sparking immediate reactions online.
32:39The internet community dissected every word, speculating about how much of it was in fact unscripted.
32:45In the end, the promo transcended wrestling norms, giving jaded fans something to get excited about.
32:52Let me tell you a personal story about Vince McMahon, alright? Can we do this whole bully camp?
33:13Before we continue, check out the single from Sound Mojo's album, Balance. Classical music reimagined as rock, hard rock and
33:20metal. Check out the full track and album below.
33:39For 21 years, The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania was considered a sacred cornerstone of WWE lore, with many believing
33:49it would never be broken.
34:02So, when Brock Lesnar did the unthinkable and actually conquered The Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania 30, it generated widespread disbelief.
34:19Stunned reactions spread across the internet, becoming one of the most talked-about wrestling moments of all time.
34:25Social media exploded as outlets reported on the historic moment, one that wrestling fans thought they'd never see.
34:37The end of the streak not only crushed the hearts of Undertaker supporters, but broke the damn internet in the
34:43process.
34:50What is it about pro wrestling that keeps you engaged and coming back for more? Let us know in those
34:56comments below.
34:58PENτού
34:59DOOM
34:59DOOM
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