Wrestling is filled with memorable visuals, tactics, and superstitions. Over time, certain patterns have emerged that both fans and wrestlers consistently notice—trends that span different eras, promotions, and individuals. These aren’t just scripted stories or random matches but intriguing tendencies that make you wonder if some bigger force is at work, possibly a curse or chronic bad luck.
The Curse of WrestleMania Live Performances
Entrance music played live often leads to defeat
At WrestleMania, the grand stage where storytelling and spectacle merge, wrestlers whose entrance music is performed live frequently end up losing. Examples include stars like CM Punk at WrestleMania 29, Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 32, and Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 36. The live music, from iconic acts like Motorhead for Triple H to Joan Jett for Ronda Rousey, rarely accompanies a victorious outcome.
Tag Team Split Curse
Usually only one wrestler thrives after the split
When tag teams break up, the common goal is to make two successful solo stars, but usually only one member prospers while the other fades away. This happened with wrestlers like JTG after Shad Gaspard, Tucker following Otis, and Jimmy Uso compared to Jey Uso. The term "Janetty" has even become an insult in wrestling circles, symbolizing those left behind when a team dissolves.
The WWE Universal Championship Curse
Short reigns and lost momentum
Since being introduced in 2016, the WWE Universal Championship has carried a strange jinx. Finn Balor had to relinquish the title due to injury on day one, and champions like Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins experienced overshadowed reigns or faced disengaged crowds. Roman Reigns stands as the only champion who truly lifted the belt to legendary status, with previous holders seeming cursed and hindered by it.
The Road to WrestleMania Injury Curse
When momentum is derailed by injury
The lead-up to WrestleMania is when storylines peak, but it’s also when injuries strike hardest. Wrestlers like Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and CM Punk have suffered injuries just before the big show, disrupting long-term plans and forcing unexpected changes. This trend is so common that performers often approach this period with caution.
The 205 Live Curse
The cruiserweight show led to career setbacks
Launched in 2016 to spotlight WWE’s cruiserweights, 205 Live ended up being a creative cul-de-sac for many wrestlers. Despite high-quality matches, poor promotion and weak audience support hurt the show’s success. Most of the original roster was eventually released or faded away, with talents like Buddy Murphy only achieving success after leaving the brand, reinforcing the notion of 205 Live as a career ceiling rather than a stepping stone.
The Partnership Curse
One promotion usually loses out
Cross-promotional partnerships might sound promising but often result in one promotion being drained. The relationship between WWE and independent promotions like Progress and Evolve led to a large-scale talent signing that ultimately caused the decline of those companies. Similarly, AEW’s partnerships with NJPW and AAA give exposure but often end with smaller promotions losing their top stars long-term.
The Von Erich Family Curse
A legacy marked by heartbreaking tragedy
The Von Erich family, once wrestling royalty in Texas, suffered unspeakable tragedies that have become a symbol of misfortune in the wrestling world. Five of the six brothers died young due to illness or suicide, leaving only Kevin von Erich alive today. Their story remains one of the most sorrowful real-life sagas in wrestling, often explored in documentaries and films.
Fan Take: These wrestling curses and patterns highlight the unique blend of entertainment and real-life unpredictability in WWE. For fans, understanding these trends adds a deeper layer to the sport, shaping expectations and making every match and storyline more suspenseful.
