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As 2011 comes to an end, I decided to make a list of the most shocking moments in the WWE, this year. These moments would be etched in the annals of pro-wrestling history, not just because they were surreal, but because they were truly memorable.
Some of the shocking events that almost made into the top 10 include:
- Edge’s sudden retirement
- John Morrison’s Spiderman act at Royal Rumble
- WWE Superstars walkout on Triple H
- R-Truth snaps and goes crazy on John Morrison
- Mark Henry becomes the World Heavyweight Champion
10. Booker T and Kevin Nash’s surprise return
Royal Rumble 2011
It was the largest ever Royal Rumble in history and two legends of Pro-wrestling came back to the WWE. Both men went to TNA after successful careers in the WWE, and their return back evoked shock and awe amidst the WWE Universe. Booker T and Kevin Nash were the surprise entrants of Royal Rumble 2011 and deservedly got huge pops from the live crowd. Their return was the main talking point of Royal Rumble, taking the spotlight away from its winner – Alberto Del Rio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4QBM9LI2SJM
9. Triple H relieves Vince McMahon of his duties
Monday night raw 18/7/2011
Triple H’s return combined with the on-screen firing of Vince McMahon made this a moment of prime importance. This also paved the way for a gripping storyline in the following weeks, involving Triple H and his managerial skills, which included a short feud with CM Punk followed by a much lengthy one, also involving Kevin Nash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=h7o2UQs0nTY
8. Daniel Bryan wins the World Heavyweight Championship
TLC 2011
It has to be said that Daniel Bryan’s entry to cash in at TLC, was somewhat spoiled by the live crowd chanting ‘Daniel Bryan! Daniel Bryan!’, when Mark Henry was attacking the Big Show. However, when Daniel Bryan came out and cashed, but many including myself felt that he would be the first to lose after cashing in the Money in the bank briefcase. Fortunately, Daniel Bryan put all doubts to rest and went on to realise his dream of being the World Heavyweight Champion after a 12-year long journey, filled with trial and tribulations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TIipaDBh9dU
7. Christian’s first ever World Championship victory
Extreme Rules 2011
I have to admit that I was one among those who considered that Christian would never win a World Championship in the WWE, eventhough he deserved one. My opinion was shattered when Christian did the unthinkable at Extreme Rules. After 17 long years, Christian finally won the world championship that he thoroughly deserved, courtesy of a victory over Alberto Del Rio in a ladders match at Extreme Rules.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmeyYm4Y5mE&feature=player_embedded
6. The Undertaker kicks out of Triple H’s tombstone
Wrestlemania 27
The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at Wrestlemania was at stake when Triple H battled with him in a no holds barred match at Atlanta. Triple H was trying to accomplish something that his close friend Shawn Michaels had failed to do over two consecutive attempts – Beat the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. And boy oh boy, how close was he to accomplish that feat! When Triple H tombstoned the Undertaker, everyone was shocked and thought that the streak was coming to an end. Seconds later, the Undertaker kicked out of the three count, only to shock the crowd even more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u8ZsHFZn4ng
5. The return of the great one
Monday night raw 14/2/2011
The manner in which The Rock left WWE seven years ago prompted many to think that he may never return back in future. He became a mainstream movie star which further fuelled doubts on the possibility of his return. And when he was introduced as the host of Wrestlemania 27, all hell broke loose. The Great One finally came back and electrified the millions worldwide. The rest is history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7lhUZzJlA88
4. The resurrection of Kane and his attack on John Cena
Monday night raw 12/12/11
At the beginning of 2011, Kane’s heel character became too stale which forced the WWE to turn him into a face. It didn’t go down well with the fans. Kane was shelved for months after Mark Henry inducted him into the hall of pain. To make Kane’s character relevant again, WWE puts the mask back on him and a resurrected Kane returned on 12/12. While many expected him to go after Mark Henry who injured him, Kane went after John Cena which raised eyebrows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mW-zYlLgnxc
3. CM Punk wins at Money in the bank; leaves with the WWE title
Money in the bank 2011
With the fate of the WWE title in balance, John Cena and CM Punk faced off at Money in the Bank. It was supposed to be the last match for CM Punk as his contract was expiring on that day. CM Punk had proclaimed that he would leave the WWE with the title. The stipulation was that if Punk wins John Cena would be fired. Against popular opinion, CM Punk won the match and took away the WWE title, leaving the fans in shock and awe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yqkUMLLmUfQ
2. Ring collapses after Big Show suplexes Mark Henry
Vengeance 2011
What happens when a 500 pound giant is suplexed from the top rope by another similar giant? The ring collapses! That’s exactly what happened at Vengeance as Big Show suplexed Mark Henry. The ring collapse prompted the fans in the arena to chant ‘Holy S#!t!” and it was only the second occasion that a ring collapse had happened in the WWE. Amazingly, The Big Show has been involved on both occasions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_NYee8huFQ&feature=player_embedded
1. CM Punk Shoots the WWE
Monday night raw 27/6/2011
There may be several moments which prompt you to say ‘wow!’. But only a few moments make you to say that and also prompt you to jump out of your seat. One such moment was when CM Punk went beserk on WWE, Vince McMahon, The Rock and John Cena. Many argue that the promo was scripted, but my point of view is that scripted or not, it was executed to perfection. This shoot promo was the defining moment in the history of WWE as it moved from the PG Era to the Reality Era. CM Punk rose from a upper mid-card heel to become the face of the company. The fact that one never gets tired of watching this promo again and again tells a lot. Hat’s off to CM Punk for creating the most shocking moment of 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2Is9SdaC-X8
Do you agree with this list? Post your comments below.
