12 One-Time WWE Pay-Per-Views
3. Breaking Point (2009)
In the late 2000s, with sagging buyrates, WWE decided a shakeup was needed in their PPV lineup. They phased out long-running but somewhat generic shows such as Unforgiven and No Mercy, replacing them with shows centered around gimmick matches such as TLC and Extreme Rules. While many shows like Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank have become staples of the calendar year, shows like Breaking Point weren’t so fortunate.
Taking place in Montreal, the theme of this show was tap-outs, with three matches on the card having a submission-based stipulation. In fairness, it’s not a bad concept. By this time, UFC was gaining serious traction on PPV (this was the year UFC 100 did 1.6 million buys), so having matches that would appeal to an MMA audience was a solid idea. Unfortunately, the show only garnered 169,000 buys, so the concept wouldn’t be revisited.
Notable matches on the card include an excellent I Quit match between John Cena and Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, and the main event, where CM Punk retained the World Heavyweight Championship against the Undertaker because Teddy Long re-did the Montreal Screwjob. Because they’re in Montreal, you see!