10 Biggest "Out Of Left Field" WWE Booking Decisions

8. Shane McMahon Buys WCW (2001)

Ahead of the March 26, 2001 episode of Monday Night Raw, rumors persisted that Vince McMahon had purchased WCW. When the Chairman of the Board popped up on WCW Nitro, those rumors were validated and it appeared that hell had indeed frozen over. In typical fashion, McMahon found the opportunity to toy with the livelihoods of the men and women that worked for the company. Rather than signing the contract that made it official, he demanded that Ted Turner himself walk the contract to the ring at WrestleMania. His hubris allowed son Shane to walk to the ring in Panama, Florida (home of that night's Nitro) and announce to the world that he had purchased the company out from underneath his father. 'The contract reads McMahon...' The stunned expression on Vince's face represented the feelings of fans everywhere. Not only had they been surprised by the sale of WCW but, from a storyline standpoint, fans were left shocked by Shane's actions. Suddenly, the foundation had been laid for a battle between the two storied companies, one that would play out over the course of the year and change the landscape of the company forever. Though not necessarily for the best.