10 Dumbest Match Finishes In Modern Wrestling History

2. Roman Reigns Vs. 'The Demon' Finn Bálor - WWE Extreme Rules 2021

Shane McMahon Cedric
WWE.com

Remember when WWE protected Finn Bálor's alter-ego at Extreme Rules 2021?

Do you also remember how 'Papa H' saved WWE from the demented clutches of Vince McMahon and ushered in a bold new era of wrestling awesomeness?

Neither of these things can be true at the same time. Welcome to the toxic positivity engagement grift.

WWE did not protect the Demon character at Extreme Rules. WWE made him look like a complete and utter ar*ehole in a finish with less than zero weight nor meaning. After being laid out by the Usos and speared by Roman through the barricade, heartbeart.wav played over the PA system. This was apparently enough to bring the Demon back to life, and, roused, he went on a Rampage that was to conclude with the match-winning Coup de grâce. Wouldn't you just bloody know it?

The ring broke! At the most inopportune time possible!

"He looked like a clumsy oaf, but at least he wasn't beaten in an excellent, competitive pro wrestling match. We can't be having that."

How is that good? How is that good? How is that good? How was Bálor looking like a d*ckhead in what scanned as a slapstick joke in any way justifiable?

Some wrestling fans are so afraid of drama in storytelling that they'd prefer unintentional comedy. It is incredible. And, if nothing else, WWE told the world that they were too incompetent to correctly assemble a ring.

That's the first order of f*cking business!

 
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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!