Top 10 Wrestling Moments That Broke The Internet

The “Montreal Screwjob” may have occurred in 1997, before the advent of modern social media, but its deeply controversial nature reverberated everywhere – including the internet. In fact, it’s often regarded as the first wrestling event to ignite widespread outrage among online fans - lighting up plenty of chatrooms. The real-life act of betrayal unfolded during the 1997 “Survivor Series,” where Vince McMahon infamously “screwed” Bret Hart out of his championship in front of a stunned Montreal crowd, this to ensure Bret didn’t bring the top title to rival WCW. Decades later, fans still scrutinize the incident, fueling an online debate that remains as intense now as it was back then.

After helping build All Elite Wrestling from the ground up as a founding Executive Vice President, Cody Rhodes shocked the world by returning to the company he famously exited: WWE. This full-circle moment immediately ignited the internet, with fans and critics alike buzzing about “the Prodigal Son's” return and what it meant for both companies. His emotional entrance at “WrestleMania 38,” coupled with a high-profile match against Seth Rollins, cemented Cody’s comeback as one of the biggest wrestling stories of the year. The return also added plenty of fuel to the online rivalry between AEW and WWE fans.

This bizarre and over-the-top match between Matt and Jeff Hardy in TNA became nothing short of a viral sensation. Matt Hardy's glorious descent into his "Broken" persona culminated in "The Final Deletion," a match against his brother Jeff at the Hardy compound in Cameron, North Carolina. Unlike anything seen before in professional wrestling, the uniquely cinematic brawl featured everything from tree dives (pause for SB) to fireworks (pause for SB) to Señor Benjamin. It became an instant internet phenomenon, spawning countless memes and reactions – not to mention a sequel. The “Final Deletion's” unexpected virality proved the potential of alternative wrestling storytelling, opening the door for more “cinematic” matches.

Surprise appearances in professional wrestling are a thing of beauty. Take John Cena's unexpected entry in the 2008 “Royal Rumble.” Or, imagine if Chris Jericho’s 1999 WWE debut happened in the social media era - it would’ve trended instantly! Of course, few compare to Brock Lesnar’s shocking comeback in 2012. After leaving for a high-profile UFC career, Lesnar stunned everyone the night after “WrestleMania 28.” Marching to the ring, Brock delivered a devastating F5 to Cena, igniting an intense frenzy online. Yep, everyone seemingly lost their minds as the dominating force of the UFC had returned to the WWE, blurring the lines between pro wrestling and mixed martial arts in the process.

If social media had been as pervasive as it is today, The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan at “WrestleMania 18” would surely have sent the internet into overdrive. However, that legendary dream match no doubt set the stage for another historic showdown years later. The Rock and John Cena’s 2012 “WrestleMania” match was another battle of icons that transcended wrestling and captured widespread attention. Announced a year in advance, the bout generated immense hype, much of it fueled online. Fans of varying generations flocked to social media to express their enthusiasm and opinions on the Rock and Cena’s first encounter, demonstrating that wrestling could still engage the public on a massive scale.

To say that the wrestling industry changed forever when WWE purchased its biggest competitor, WCW, in 2001, would be a wee bit of an understatement. The once fierce “Monday Night Wars” had suddenly come to an end, with WWE standing tall as the victor. This monumental acquisition, not to mention the subsequent storyline revelations, sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. It also set online discussion into overdrive, with fans visiting forums and news sites to ponder the ramifications. This mainly “dial up” internet shattering moment led to more jaw-dropping instances, as former WCW talent would appear on WWE programming in the future - breaking the internet all over again.

Sticking with industry-altering events, the launch of All Elite Wrestling was a ground-breaking moment, providing an alternative mainstream platform to WWE. Spearheaded by industry performers and backed by the wealthy Khan family, AEW’s arrival sent shockwaves through the online wrestling community. The company's debut event, “Double or Nothing,” and the appearances of major stars the likes of Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley instantly legitimized the new company. Online discussions about a new era of competition in pro wrestling grew to critical mass with the premiere of AEW’s weekly TV show, “Dynamite.” With that, it’s safe to say that the internet played a significant role in spreading AEW's vision.

Daniel Bryan's underdog rise to the top of WWE, fueled by the echoes of "Yes!" chants, became a genuine phenomenon. It not only captivated audiences live in the arena, but dominated social media, even crossing over into mainstream pop culture. This organic groundswell of support, amplified by the internet fanbase, propelled Bryan to the main event of “WrestleMania 30,” culminating in one of the most emotionally charged and feel-good victories in wrestling history. The journey of the "Yes Movement" was a testament to the power of fan support and its ability to truly influence storylines in the digital age.

On a June 2011 episode of “Monday Night Raw,” CM Punk grabbed a microphone and delivered the most viral promo in all of pro wrestling. Referred to as the “Pipe Bomb,” Punk would go on to blur the lines of what was real and not by addressing real-life grievances in an unfiltered manner – all while sitting cross-legged on the stage. Punk managed to resonate with disenfranchised fans of the company, sparking immediate reactions online. The internet community dissected every word, speculating about how much was in fact unscripted. In the end, the promo transcended wrestling norms – giving jaded fans something to get excited about.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions.

Family Betrayal & Power Struggles Made This Storyline Continuously Trending

This “Money in The Bank” Cash-In Made Millions of People Lose Their Minds

The Most Viral Theme Song Of All Time?

A Never-Say-Never Comeback That the Internet Exploded For

A Viral Hashtag Started A New Era And Led To The Women’s Revolution

For 21 years, The Undertaker's undefeated streak at “WrestleMania” was considered a sacred cornerstone of WWE lore, with many believing it would never be broken. So, when Brock Lesnar did the unthinkable and actually conquered The Undertaker's streak at “WrestleMania 30,” it generated widespread disbelief. Stunned reactions spread across the internet - becoming one of the most talked about wrestling moments of all time. Social media exploded as outlets reported on the historic moment, one that wrestling fans thought they’d never see. The end of the streak not only crushed the hearts of Undertaker supporters, but broke the damn internet in the process.

What pro wrestling moment sent you straight to social media? Share your personal picks in the comments below.