10 WWE Match Results That Didn't Matter At All
Overturned stipulations and the hollowest of victories...
Everyone knows that the results of pro-wrestling matches are predetermined, but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be taken seriously. If anything, the fact that wrestling bookers can craft outcomes to suit their own needs and long-term goals means that what happens when men and women square off is subject to an even greater level of scrutiny. Everything, with few exceptions, should serve a greater story going forward.
When it comes to WWE, though, that statement is rarely true. At an increasing level over the past several years, the company's booking makes no sense, and wins and losses matter less than ever. It's very disheartening to see a wrestler lose a big match and then be rewarded with a title shot, or see someone score what looks to be a career-making win only to lose his or her next several matches. It all points to a lack of overall direction, which in turn makes it harder for fans to get invested in a product.
These WWE match results didn't matter - either in the bouts' immediate aftermath or in the following days (or weeks), events happened that made it clear that who won and lost was really immaterial. Unsurprisingly, this article is heavily populated with examples from recent years, making it clear that things are getting worse in this regard.
10. Mark Henry Vs. Ryback (WrestleMania XXIX)
During Ryback's initial push in WWE, people began comparing him to Goldberg - and while the two muscular brawlers did have similarities, the differences were more pronounced. For one thing, Goldberg had charisma, and for another, WWE booked Ryback worse than WCW ever did Goldberg.
Ryback's first loss came at Hell in a Cell 2012 at the hands of CM Punk, and from there he went on a losing streak that killed any chance of him ever drawing money. At WrestleMania XXIX, he took on Mark Henry in a midcard match, and to the shock of many, Henry won. Ryback attempted to lift him for the Shell Shock, but he collapsed, allowing Henry to get the pin.
Immediately after the match, Ryback hit Henry with a spinebuster and a successful Shell Shock. The very next evening on Raw, Ryback became the number one contender to the WWE Championship when he turned heel on John Cena - so what was the point of having him lose to Henry?