5 defining moments of WWE in 2021

WWE had plenty of controversy throughout 2021 with the company coming out of the no-fan era and returning to live touring. Adding in multiple releases throughout the year, there were a lot of lowlights for the promotion. However, WWE did have its fair share of memorable moments that will live long in the fans' memories.

From superb in-ring work to history being made before everyone's eyes, the company did its best to highlight its stellar performers. There were 22 title changes and multiple returns that left a mark on the year overall for Vince McMahon's promotion.

2021 may be gone, but there are so many things fans will remember from this year. Some moments will be unforgettable and will be part of the highlight reel for years to come. In this article, let's take a look at the five defining moments of WWE in 2021.

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#5. John Cena returns to confront Roman Reigns at WWE Money In The Bank 2021

WWE had live fans return at WrestleMania 37 before returning to the ThunderDome. The official end of the ThunderDome era came on the SmackDown before Money In The Bank 2021. The Fort Worth, Texas crowd at the pay-per-view were vocal the whole night, but their loudest reaction came right at the end.

Following Roman Reigns defeating Edge to retain the Universal Championship, The Tribal Chief wanted the fans to acknowledge him. However, it was the returning John Cena who gave his acknowledgment. For Cena, the pop was the biggest reaction he has ever received. It made people realize the impact he has made on this company.

His return led to his showdown with Roman Reigns at The Biggest Party of the Summer. It also led to an increase in ticket sales, television ratings and pay-per-view viewership. John Cena headlined the most attended and watched SummerSlam in history.

This return at Money In The Bank started a successful period in 2021 for WWE.

#4. Brock Lesnar returns to confront Roman Reigns at WWE SummerSlam 2021

Roman Reigns added to his legacy by defeating John Cena to retain the Universal Championship at WWE SummerSlam. It looked as if no one was left for The Head of the Table after this victory. However, fans quickly realized how wrong they were to believe this.

Brock Lesnar returned to confront The Tribal Chief and set his sights on the Universal Title. This made fans excited because of the interesting dynamic this familiar matchup now has.

Paul Heyman is the special counsel to Roman Reigns, but he has also spent the past two decades as an advocate for Brock Lesnar. The Beast Incarnate's return sparked a compelling storyline that continues to this day.

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#3. Bobby Lashley wins the WWE Championship on the March 1st episode of RAW

Bobby Lashley found a renewed passion in 2020 with MVP by his side and the formation of The Hurt Business. His US title reign was dominant, but it ended in a triple threat without Lashley losing. He didn't let this stop him for long as he attacked Drew McIntyre to help The Miz beat him for the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber 2021.

It was a deal cut by MVP to get The All Mighty a singles bout for the title. Just eight days after on RAW, Lashley defeated The A-Lister to become the third African-American WWE Champion in the company's history.

It felt like a special moment for a superstar who was always billed as being a future world champion and finally achieved the goal.

#2. Big E cashes in the MITB contract to win the WWE Championship on the September 13th episode of RAW

Big E pulled off the biggest win of his WWE career to that point when he won the Men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match in July. Two months later, the New Day member announced that he would cash in on the September 13th episode of RAW. Bobby Lashley defeated Randy Orton to retain the WWE title on this night, but his night wasn't over.

Big E came down to the ring and cashed in his contract on Lashley. The All Mighty was dealing with an injured knee following his bout with Orton, but he hit a spear in this one. However, Big E kicked out. He reversed the Hurt Lock and hit the Big Ending to win the WWE Championship. This felt earned and the culmination of Big E's journey.

The powerhouse has steadily worked his way up the ranks. Winning Intercontinental gold, the rise of The New Day and going out on his own all gave the fans a unique connection with Big E unlike anyone else.

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#1. Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks make history in the main event of WrestleMania 37 Night One

Bianca Belair outlasted 29 other competitors to win the 2021 Women's Royal Rumble Match. The EST of WWE used this victory to challenge Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 37. The company announced a week before the event that the two women would headline Night One of The Show of Shows.

This was historic with two African-American women main eventing WrestleMania for the first time. The emotion was written all over the faces of both women. They knew how important and inspirational this was for them and many fans around the world. Belair and Banks stepped up to the moment and delivered an unforgettable encounter.

It was a star-making platform for Bianca Belair. Her unreal strength and agility were highlighted, while Sasha Banks gave one of the most giving performances of her career. Belair hit the KOD to defeat Banks and win the SmackDown Women's title. This will never be forgotten and must be remembered as the defining WWE moment of 2021.