WWE's Most Cringeworthy Moments: A Top 10 Countdown

Hey wrestling fanatics! Get ready to cringe, because today, we're diving headfirst into the most embarrassing moments in WWE history. From wardrobe malfunctions to botches that went horribly wrong, we're counting down the top 10 moments that made us want to hide behind the couch. These aren't just moments; they're legendary blunders etched in wrestling infamy, the kind that get replayed over and over (and over!) again. We'll explore the moments that had everyone talking (or facepalming), and the wrestlers' reactions that are just pure gold. So, buckle up, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a rollercoaster of mortification and laughter.

1. The Montreal Screwjob – Betrayal in the Ring

Let's kick things off with a moment that's more than just embarrassing; it's a historic wrestling scandal: The Montreal Screwjob. This infamous event unfolded at the Survivor Series in 1997. The setup was simple: Bret Hart, the reigning WWE Champion, was set to lose his title to Shawn Michaels. However, Hart, who was leaving for WCW, had a clause in his contract giving him creative control, and he refused to lose to Michaels in Canada. The plan was to have the match end in a disqualification, with Hart retaining the title. But Vince McMahon, the WWE owner, had other ideas. During the match, with Hart locked in Michaels' Sharpshooter submission, McMahon ordered the referee to call for the bell, declaring Michaels the winner, even though Hart hadn't submitted. The arena erupted in chaos. Hart was furious, spitting at McMahon and destroying the ringside equipment. The Montreal Screwjob wasn't just an embarrassing moment; it was a massive betrayal that shattered Hart's trust in McMahon and the company. The fallout was immense, with Hart leaving WWE under a cloud of controversy and the wrestling world divided. Looking back, it's a reminder that professional wrestling, at its core, is a business, and sometimes, business decisions overshadow the artistry and the wrestlers' feelings. It's a moment that continues to be debated and discussed, making it the top of the embarrassing moment list in WWE history.

2. Mae Young's Hand – Where Did It Go?

Next up, we have a moment that’s so bizarre, so absurd, it's hilarious: Mae Young's hand. This is one of the most infamous instances in WWE history, involving a storyline angle. In a match against Mark Henry, Mae Young, then in her late 70s, had a rather unusual encounter. After a run-in involving a tables spot, the audience and commentators were left confused when Mae Young's hand appeared to be severed and was left lying on the mat. The subsequent weeks saw the WWE play up the mystery of the missing hand, leading to some ridiculous segments. The 'hand' then reappeared, not as an actual hand, but as a bizarre prop. It was a clear example of WWE's willingness to push the boundaries of sports entertainment, often at the expense of common sense. The angle might not be the most highbrow wrestling, but it's undoubtedly memorable. The entire saga has become a symbol of the absurdity and unexpected moments. It's the kind of thing that makes you scratch your head and think, “Did that really happen?”. The absurdity of it all makes it undeniably memorable. It's a shining example of WWE's sometimes bizarre storytelling.

3. Katie Vick – The Most Offensive Angle Ever

Prepare yourselves, guys, because this one is truly cringeworthy: the Katie Vick storyline. This is a moment that is frequently cited as one of the most offensive and tasteless angles in WWE history. In 2002, the WWE decided to delve into a truly bizarre and disturbing storyline involving Kane, Triple H, and a deceased woman named Katie Vick. The storyline involved Kane being accused of necrophilia with Vick before she died in a car accident. The most disturbing part of it all was a segment where Triple H claimed to have seen a video of Kane and Katie Vick, which led to a prosthetic mannequin representing the deceased Vick. The whole thing was in awful taste, as you can imagine. The storyline was universally panned by fans and critics alike. The angle was heavily criticized for being deeply insensitive and crossing all kinds of lines. It was a massive misstep for the WWE, a moment that fans would quickly love to forget. It’s a stark reminder that even the biggest entertainment companies can miss the mark. This is an uncomfortable reminder of WWE's ability to sometimes stumble into truly bad territory.

4. Gillberg – The Mockery of Goldberg

If you were a fan of WCW in the late '90s, you know that Goldberg was one of the biggest stars in wrestling. The WWE decided to poke fun at Goldberg by creating a parody character: Gillberg. Played by Duane Gill, Gillberg was a clear imitation of Goldberg, complete with the same entrance, look, and mannerisms. The problem? Gillberg was a joke. His matches were short, he was always defeated, and the entire thing was designed to ridicule Goldberg. While Gillberg did have a brief moment of success with a small fanbase, it did not have the effect that WWE wanted. It’s hard to imagine that this was supposed to be serious business. The creation of Gillberg is a clear example of WWE's tendency to mock the competition. It's a reminder that even the best in the business are not immune to ridicule. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the absurdity of professional wrestling at its best. The character quickly became an embodiment of all that was wrong with the WWE at the time.

5. The Shockmaster – A Shattered Debut

Now, let's talk about the Shockmaster. This is one of those moments that is so bad, it's good. In 1993, WCW was attempting to create a new monster heel. The wrestler, formerly known as Tugboat, was to debut as the Shockmaster. The setup was simple: the Shockmaster would burst through a wall during a live interview. However, things did not go as planned. Instead of bursting through the wall with a dramatic entrance, the Shockmaster tripped and fell face-first, losing his helmet in the process. He then tried to regain his composure while the announcers and the live audience exploded in laughter. The debut was a disaster, instantly turning the Shockmaster into a joke. The whole thing was just an embarrassing mess from start to finish. The whole thing was a complete and utter debacle. The Shockmaster became one of the most infamous and laughed-at moments in wrestling history. His debut is a prime example of how even the best-laid plans can go horribly wrong.

6. David Arquette's WCW Championship Reign – The Celebrity Blunder

In 2000, WCW made a decision that left fans scratching their heads: they put the WCW Championship on actor David Arquette. Arquette was in the film 'Ready to Rumble' and, as part of the promotion, he was given the title. It was a move designed to gain mainstream attention, but it backfired spectacularly. Arquette's wrestling skills were non-existent, and his reign as champion did nothing to elevate the title. Instead, it was met with widespread criticism. The title reign was short-lived, but the damage was done. The fans were furious, and WCW lost all credibility. The whole idea was to bring in mainstream attention, but it just made WCW look ridiculous. The entire experience served as a prime example of how to alienate your fanbase. It’s a constant reminder of how celebrity involvement can go awry in the world of professional wrestling.

7. The Fingerpoke of Doom – The Death of WCW

If the Montreal Screwjob signaled the beginning of a wrestling scandal, then the Fingerpoke of Doom was the beginning of the end for WCW. This infamous moment occurred on an episode of Monday Nitro in 1999. The main event featured Hulk Hogan facing off against Kevin Nash. The match lasted only seconds. Hogan simply poked Nash in the chest, and Nash fell down, allowing Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. The match was designed to reunite the nWo, but the way it was executed was utterly ridiculous. It was a slap in the face to the fans and a sign that WCW was in serious trouble. The Fingerpoke of Doom is often cited as one of the catalysts for WCW's eventual demise. The whole thing was just a sign of the company's creative bankruptcy. It’s a classic example of a moment that can be so bad it’s memorable.

8. Titus O'Neil's Slide – The Royal Rumble Fiasco

Now for something that will make you cringe. Titus O'Neil, a veteran WWE Superstar, has had his fair share of memorable moments. But one stands out: his infamous slide at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018. During the match, O'Neil was making his entrance. He was supposed to slide under the ring, but he tripped and stumbled, sliding right under the ring in a comedic fashion. The entire stadium burst into laughter. What made it even more hilarious was O'Neil's reaction. He looked absolutely mortified as he tried to regain his composure. It was a genuine and relatable moment that showed the human side of a wrestler. It was a reminder that even the biggest stars can have slip-ups. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of live events. The entire moment is a reminder that in wrestling, anything can happen.

9. Brock Lesnar's Shooting Star Press – The WrestleMania Botch

Sometimes things go wrong in the ring. During WrestleMania XIX, Brock Lesnar, known for his incredible strength and power, decided to attempt a Shooting Star Press. It was a risky move, and it unfortunately went horribly wrong. Lesnar misjudged the jump and landed headfirst. The crowd fell silent, fearing the worst. Miraculously, Lesnar was able to continue the match, albeit with a concussion. The botch was a stark reminder of the dangers of wrestling. It's a reminder of the toll that it can take on the body. It was a reminder that even the biggest stars are not immune to making mistakes. It's one of those moments that will forever be remembered in WrestleMania history.

10. Hornswoggle Revealed as Mr. McMahon's Son – The Ridiculous Twist

We wrap things up with a moment that is the epitome of WWE's love for the absurd: Hornswoggle's reveal. For months, there was a storyline where Mr. McMahon was being harassed by an unknown person. The culprit was revealed to be none other than Hornswoggle, the little person who was a part of the comedy antics. The reveal was meant to be a shocking twist, but it was just ridiculous. It made very little sense, and it had fans wondering what they were watching. The whole thing was just a reminder of WWE's willingness to go to any length for a laugh. It's a moment that perfectly captures the over-the-top nature of WWE. The storyline was considered by many to be one of the worst and most nonsensical storylines in WWE history.

And there you have it, folks! The top 10 most cringe-worthy moments in WWE history. These moments, as embarrassing as they were, are a part of the rich and sometimes bizarre tapestry of professional wrestling. From the Montreal Screwjob to Hornswoggle's reveal, these moments have cemented their place in the annals of wrestling history. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a casual observer, these moments remind us that wrestling is unpredictable, and sometimes, the best moments are the ones that make us cringe. So, next time you're watching a WWE show, remember these moments. Because in the world of professional wrestling, anything can happen, and sometimes, it's spectacularly awkward. Thanks for joining me for this trip down memory lane, and keep an eye out for more wrestling content!