10 Most Shocking WWE PPV Squash Matches Of All Time
Even the shortest matches can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.
WWE pay-per-view events are often used as a high-profile platform to present a championship match, showcase an on-going feud, or culminate a long-standing rivalry. However, WWE has also booked countless squash matches on PPV over the years - some with eternally memorable results.
While the introduction of the Money in the Bank contract has seen several one-sided victories in typically brief fashion, the opportunistic nature of these bouts leaves them out of contention for a traditional squash match. For example, Cena was already a bloody mess when Edge "cashed in" at New Year's Revolution 2006, while Daniel Bryan was also a sitting duck when Randy Orton made his MITB intentions official at SummerSlam 2013.
Nevertheless, squash matches on PPV can be hugely entertaining when done right and WWE can benefit massively as a result. Conversely, when done poorly, a high-profile squash can attract the ire of fans across the globe. With such contrasting results, the decision to implement a one-sided drubbing on the grand stage of PPV is one that is done with increasing rarity.
Good or bad, the outcome is usually both shocking and memorable, and these ten examples prove just that.
10. Ultimate Warrior Vs. Triple H - WrestleMania XII
Having slipped out of the global spotlight since he left the WWF in 1992, The Ultimate Warrior's eagerly anticipated return at WrestleMania XII was one of the biggest selling points of the entire show.
The commentary team of Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler did a great job of setting the scene prior to his arrival, raising question over the enigmatic Warrior's physical condition. In an age before internet smarks, fans were genuinely interested to see if the muscle-bound maniac would appear as they remembered him; luckily, their curiosity would be answered emphatically when the man from Parts Unknown burst through the curtain.
That fire didn't diminish at all when he reached the ring and he shook off Triple H's early assault from behind with ease. The high-octane superstar even no-sold the almighty Pedigree, which would be an incredible feat were it to happen today. Unfortunately for Trips, this was 1996 and his status as a mid-carder saw the move presented as far less devastating.
Moments later, the future COO of WWE was forced to eat the canvas before tasting defeat for dessert - probably not how 'The Game' had envisioned his WrestleMania debut. Despite the decisive win, Warrior would be gone in mere months and wouldn't return until his Hall of Fame induction in 2014.