The history of WWE pay-per-views (PPVs) and live events has played a crucial role in shaping how wrestling fans view the sport. Vince McMahon’s vision of sports entertainment transformed PPVs into pivotal moments that advanced TV storylines, with the competition against WCW altering the schedule from quarterly to monthly events.
Fans often remember highlights like WrestleMania 17 or Money in the Bank 2011, yet the less impressive PPVs stand out just as much. WWE enthusiasts might want to steer clear of these notoriously poor PPVs.
10. Great American Bash 2004
Main Event: The Undertaker vs. The Dudley Boys
PPV Rating: 2.82 (Cagematch)
Fan Favorite Match: King Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero
Author’s Pick: Sable vs. Torrey Wilson
This event showcased the struggles with the brand split and felt like extended TV episodes rather than major PPVs. The main event, where Undertaker defeated the Dudley Boys and entombed Paul Bearer in concrete, made the event infamous for the wrong reasons.
9. Fastlane 2017
Main Event: Goldberg vs. Kevin Owens
PPV Rating: 2.36
Fan Favorite Match: Neville vs. Jack Gallagher
Author’s Pick: Big Show vs. Rusev
Fastlane 2017 marked a shift but ended abruptly with a one-minute finish where Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship. Many important matches on the card failed to impress, leaving fans confused and disappointed ahead of WrestleMania 33.
8. In Your House 4
Main Event: Diesel vs. British Bulldog
PPV Rating: 2.89
Fan Favorite Match: Smoking Gunns vs. Razor Ramon and 1-2-3 Kid
Author’s Pick: Mabel vs. Yokozuna
WWE’s “In Your House” PPV was a strategy to increase events and rival WCW, but fans quickly saw them as inferior compared to traditional quarterly PPVs. The match finishes did not always reflect the importance of the event, leading to lackluster reactions.
7. Royal Rumble 2022
Main Event: Brock Lesnar’s Rumble Victory
PPV Rating: 2.70
Fan Favorite Match: Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
Author’s Pick: Men’s Royal Rumble Match
The Royal Rumble is beloved as a lead-in to WrestleMania, but the 2022 event was marred by Brock Lesnar’s predictable dominance and Paul Heyman’s storyline betrayal. This resulted in one of the most criticized Rumble events.
6. King of the Ring 1995
Main Event: Bam Bam Bigelow & Diesel vs. Sid & Tatanka
PPV Rating: 1.31
Fan Favorite Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Kama
Author’s Pick: Mabel vs. Savio Vega
This event is largely remembered for Mabel winning the tournament, which disappointed fans due to his lack of readiness. The awkward main event and poor booking decisions further decreased the event’s popularity.
5. WrestleMania 9
Main Event: Hulk Hogan vs. Yokozuna
PPV Rating: 3.75
Fan Favorite Match: Steiner Brothers vs. Headshrinkers
Author’s Pick: Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez
WrestleMania 9 was an ambitious attempt by WWE to host a large outdoor show in Las Vegas, but suffered from a strange atmosphere and weak card. The confusing double main event and Hogan’s ego led to a disappointing finish where Yokozuna’s title reign ended abruptly.
4. Battleground 2017
Main Event: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton
PPV Rating: 2.35
Fan Favorite Match: New Day vs. Usos
Author’s Pick: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton
The Battleground 2017 PPV suffered from fan disinterest, particularly due to Jinder Mahal’s unpopular reign and poorly executed matches. Key bouts were let down by weak finishes, resulting in an overall underwhelming night.
3. December to Dismember 2006
Main Event: Lashley vs. Big Show vs. CM Punk vs. Test vs. Hardcore Holly vs. Rob Van Dam
PPV Rating: 1.51
Fan Favorite Match: Hardy Boyz vs. MNM
Author’s Pick: Ariel & Kevin Thorn vs. Kelly Kelly & Mike Knox
WWE’s relaunch of ECW in 2006 faltered badly with this disappointing December PPV. Despite a strong opening match, the rest of the card featured mismatched bouts with no PPV value, culminating in a poorly received Elimination Chamber main event.
2. Crown Jewel 2018
Main Event: DX vs. Brothers of Destruction
PPV Rating: 1.05
Fan Favorite Match: AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe
Author’s Pick: DX vs. Brothers of Destruction
Widely regarded as the worst WWE PPV, Crown Jewel 2018 featured a foreign crowd that was unengaged and many odd matches with veteran wrestlers. The baffling booking decisions, including Shane McMahon replacing The Miz and Shawn Michaels ending his retirement for a poorly executed main event, left fans frustrated.
1. Over the Edge 1999
Main Event: Undertaker vs. Steve Austin
PPV Rating: 2.60
Fan Favorite Match: Kane & X-Pac vs. Mark Henry & D’Lo Brown
Author’s Pick: Val Venis & Nicole Bass vs. Jeff Jarrett & Debra
This event remains infamous due to the tragic accidental death of Owen Hart during a stunt. The decision to continue the show after the tragedy is heavily criticized, making this one of the most somber moments in WWE history.
Fan Take: Understanding the lows along with the highs in WWE PPV history helps fans appreciate the risks and evolving nature of sports entertainment. These notorious events serve as lessons for WWE on the importance of thoughtful booking and audience engagement to maintain the sport’s legacy and fan trust.
