10 Times WWE Immediately Broke Its Own Rules

6. Automatic Rematch Clause Ban

Becky Lynch
WWE.com

As part of the drive to convince fans that they shouldn't continue to stop watching in their droves, WWE, in addition to blaming everything on Baron Corbin - and then promoting him in the main event of the very next show, in a straight singles, after a popular stipulation match didn't draw - dispensed with the automatic rematch clause.

After AOP petitioned for a rematch, Shane McMahon brushed them off. "The whole automatic rematch thing is antiquated," Shane said - Shane, Attitude Era holdover who hadn't at all worn out his nostalgic welcome - and no rematch took place.

Within hours, WWE on Twitter promoted SmackDown Women's Champion Asuka Vs. Becky Lynch. Lynch had just dropped the title to Asuka. She didn't earn a rematch. She received the opportunity...automatically. Much like a smoker lighting up in a pub on impulse and without thought after the ban was introduced, WWE just up and did it, addicted not to nicotine but "institutional laziness" and "being dumb". WWE soon devised a loophole, in that the loser of any given title was to instead wrestle a #1 contender's match, putting off the inevitable by a week. Now, in 2020, the rule is either adhered to or it isn't, as each case is carefully considered on its individual merit.

That, or sh*t just happens.

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!