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There have been a plethora of world championship matches in the history of WWE. Some memorable, some game-changing, some forgetful and some that the WWE Universe will never stop talking about.
The shortest world title matches are often the ones that generate the most shock and conversation. We're not only talking about matches that last a few minutes, but matches that last mere seconds, with WWE's biggest prizes on the line.
With that being said, let's take a look at the five shortest World Championship matches in recent WWE history, in no particular order.
#5 Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Title at WWE WrestleMania
At WrestleMania 28 in 2012, Daniel Bryan defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Royal Rumble winner Sheamus. The championship bout was the opening match in Miami, Florida.
This wasn't the typical battle we expect to see in world title matches. Instead, we saw AJ Lee kiss Bryan good luck on the apron, before the superstar turned around and ate a Brogue Kick. Sheamus pinned the reigning champion and became the new World Heavyweight Champion in just 18 seconds.
The WWE Universe were outraged by the result and claimed that Daniel Bryan was being misused.
Bryan spoke about the match and whether he shared the fans' frustrations:
"Of course I do. I was World Heavyweight Champion for four months. I wanted to go out there and steal the show. I was trained by Shawn Michaels, and that's what he's notorious for. I've always had the mindset that my wrestling is as good as or better than anybody out there. I was really looking forward to going out there and showing everybody what I can do on the biggest stage of them all, and then I just wasn't able to do it." Daniel Bryan said. (h/t Cageside Seats)
Of course, things turned around months later for the American Dragon. The WWE Universe rallied behind him and adopted his "YES!" chant and began what is now known as the "YES! Movement"
The "YES! Movement" reached its climax at WrestleMania 30 when Bryan won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Batista and Randy Orton. It was a spectacular moment that will be forever remembered by the WWE Universe.
#4 Drew McIntyre vs. The Miz at WWE Elimination Chamber 2021
WWE's own A-lister The Miz managed to get his claws on the Money in the Bank briefcase in October 2020. He defeated Otis at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view to officially become the contract holder.
Using all of his experience, The Miz cashed in at exactly the right time. He cashed in following a grueling Elimination Chamber match in February 2021, taking advantage of then-champion Drew McIntyre.
It took the A-lister just 28 seconds to finish off the champion and become a two-time World Champion.
#3 John Cena vs. Batista at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in 2010
After another grueling Elimination Chamber match in February 2010, a WWE Championship match was sanctioned. Instead of just another Money in the Bank cash-in, this match was sanctioned by Vince McMahon himself. The boss used the full extent of his power against John Cena.
McMahon stated that if then-champion John Cena wanted to go to WrestleMania, he would have to defeat Batista. The Animal came storming down to the ring and finished off Cena in 32 seconds to become the new champion.
The win ultimately set-up a blockbuster WrestleMania 26 match between Batista and John Cena. The match saw Cena regain his championship by defeating The Animal.
#2 Kofi Kingston vs. Brock Lesnar on WWE SmackDown
In October 2019, WWE SmackDown made the move to FOX. The event was marked with a special celebration.
The debut on the network also coincided with SmackDown's 15th anniversary. The company bulked up the show and even included a WWE Championship match between then-champion Kofi Kingston and Brock Lesnar.
To the surprise of many, the match was over in just seven seconds. Lesnar F5'd Kofi to once again become a world champion and reign over the WWE.
#1 Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg at WWE Fastlane 2017
Kevin Owens looked to be on his way to defending his Universal Championship against Chris Jericho in the main event at WrestleMania 33. Sadly, this dream came to an abrupt end at the hands of Goldberg at the Fastlane pay-per-view in 2017.
Not only did the former WCW World Champion defeat Owens, but he defeated him in just 22 seconds. This sparked outrage within the WWE Universe as many felt Kevin Owens was short-changed and that Goldberg didn't need the championship.
