10. Enemy Territory
Money in the Bank, 2011
John Cena is no stranger to a “mixed reaction”, but the chorus of boos that greeted him when he made his entrance at the Chicago-hosted Money in the Bank in 2011 was extraordinary. Defending his WWE title against the hometown hero, and imminently departing rebel CM Punk, Cena probably knew that that the initial ‘sirens’ of his famous entrance theme wouldn’t be too warmly welcomed...and he was right. Twenty thousand defiant fans made their feelings towards the ‘Cenation Leader’ known as he marched towards the ring, the start of a long night for the 15-time world champion.
9. A Phenomenal Debut
A longtime mainstay of TNA and the independent circuit, few could have predicted that AJ Styles would have been wrestling in a WWE ring not too long ago. Rumors of Styles’ imminent signing with the promotion heated up this January, and speculation finally ended when the decorated veteran made his bow as a surprise entrant in this year’s Rumble match. Initially confused at the sound of Styles’ new and then-unfamiliar entrance theme, the muttering was suddenly replaced by a thunderous roar from crowd as the WWE’s newest acquisition made his first walk down the aisle.
8. The Return Of The Deadman
Returning to the ring for the first time in four years as ‘The Deadman’, The Undertaker’s long awaited comeback at WrestleMania XX will always rank as one of his greatest entrances ever thanks to the participation of a buzzing sold out Madison Square Garden crowd. Kicked off with by Paul Bearer and a parade of the iconic druids, fans knew they were witnessing a special moment as Bearer raised the urn to signify the legendary ‘Phenom’s’ return. Their calm buzz was soon replaced by a huge cheer as the first gong sounded, and the loud ovation only grew as one of the WWE’s greatest superstars slowly made his way to the ring.
7. Y2J Arrives
Taking place long before the internet ruined everything, the WWF debut of Chris Jericho on Raw in August 1999 might have been a poorly kept secret among the more fanatical fans, but for most in attendance that night the arrival of one of the ‘enemy’s’ top superstars was a genuine surprise. Interrupting The Rock with the expiration of his long-running countdown to the millennium clock, the final reveal of Jericho’s name on the TitanTron elicited a huge reaction from the Chicago crowd before the former WCW superstar appeared at the top of the ramp in his now famous signature pose.
6. The Beast Returns
The Post-WrestleMania episode of Monday Night Raw was elevated to a whole new level thanks to Brock Lesnar’s stunning return in 2012. Hoping to confront The Rock following his upset defeat in the previous night’s main event, John Cena was instead met with the familiar introduction of an entrance theme not heard in over eight years. Making his first appearance in a WWE ring for the first time since WrestleMania XX, Lesnar’s return was meet with an ear-splitting pop from the raucous Miami crowd. It may have been predicted by many, but no-one could have expected such a huge ovation for ‘The Beast’.
5. Ziggler Cashes In
One of the best Money in the Bank cash-ins ever, Dolph Ziggler sent the Post-WrestleMania Raw crowd into a frenzy when he captured the world title in 2013. Having just defended the belt in a gruelling ‘Mania rematch against Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio was almost certainly the only person not happy to see Ziggler charging down the aisle to finally cash in the contract he’d held for well over six months. Del Rio gallantly fought Ziggler despite a damaged knee, but the challenger soon prevailed much to the delight of an electric crowd following the delivery of a second ‘Zig-Zag’. Ziggler was portraying a heel by the way.
4. The Slam Heard Around The World
Capturing the world’s attention at the height of the era of ‘Rock and Wrestling’ Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan’s collision in the main event of WrestleMania produced an iconic moment partnered just as importantly with a crowd reaction for the ages. They said it couldn’t be done, but Hogan did the unthinkable as he hoisted the huge Frenchman in the air for an earth-shattering bodyslam. The sound of the impact of Andre’s body hitting the mat should have been thunderous, but the hysteric celebration of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome easily drowned out the thud as ‘The Hulkster’ prepared to deliver his patented leg drop for the victory.
3. Breaking The Streak
The WWE have provided fans with countless happy memories over the years, but they’ve also dealt us a number of crushing blows as well. No one thought they would ever see The Undertaker lose at WrestleMania, but that’s just what happened when the legendary superstar faced Brock Lesnar at the extravaganza's thirtieth instalment in 2014. Delivering a third F-5, Lesnar hooked the leg of his fallen opponent as the referee slammed his hand down for the historic three count. The pinfall froze the New Orleans crowd, drawing countless, priceless reactions from stunned members of the sold out Superdome. Fans prayed that they’d witnessed the biggest botch in wrestling history, but fears were confirmed as the heartbreaking graphic ‘21-1’ lingered on the huge display panels across the arena.
2. The British Bulldog's Ultimate Homecoming
Superstars often get the rub when performing in front of their home crowd, but they very rarely get to do it in front of nearly 90,000 rabid fans. Battling for Bret Hart’s Intercontinental championship in the main event of a Wembley Stadium-hosted SummerSlam, ‘The British Bulldog’ Davey Boy Smith experienced his greatest moment as a professional wrestler when he rolled Hart into a successful pin attempt following a super competitive, and highly emotional struggle between family members. The win sent the mammoth London crowd into meltdown as they loudly celebrated their countryman’s well-earned title triumph.
1. Stone Cold Helps Mankind Win The Big One
Not only the biggest crowd reaction of all time, but a historic moment that saw the WWF finally swing the Monday Night War in their favour. Thanks to the ill-advised recommendation of WCW thousands turned over to watch Mick ‘Mankind’ Foley end The Rock’s reign as champion in the main event of Raw in January 1999, but the challenger had a little help in pulling off the huge upset victory.
Initially taking the fight to the ‘Corporate Champion’ Mankind soon found himself on the wrong side of interference from The Rock’s cronies at ringside, but the famous sound of glass shattering turned the match around, and produced one of the biggest pops of all time. Smashing his way to the ring, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rampage was accompanied by a deafening wave of cheers from the live audience, a massive reaction which continued long after Foley secured the win to seize his first ever world title.
Honorable Mentions:
Shawn Michaels Survives The Tombstone - WrestleMania 25, 2009
Daniel Bryan Triumphs Over The Wyatt Family - Raw, 2013
Hulk Hogan Interrupts Mohammed Hassan - WrestleMania 21, 2005
Icon vs. Icon - WrestleMania X-8, 2002
John Cena is no stranger to a “mixed reaction”, but the chorus of boos that greeted him when he made his entrance at the Chicago-hosted Money in the Bank in 2011 was extraordinary. Defending his WWE title against the hometown hero, and imminently departing rebel CM Punk, Cena probably knew that that the initial ‘sirens’ of his famous entrance theme wouldn’t be too warmly welcomed...and he was right. Twenty thousand defiant fans made their feelings towards the ‘Cenation Leader’ known as he marched towards the ring, the start of a long night for the 15-time world champion.
9. A Phenomenal Debut
Royal Rumble, 2016
A longtime mainstay of TNA and the independent circuit, few could have predicted that AJ Styles would have been wrestling in a WWE ring not too long ago. Rumors of Styles’ imminent signing with the promotion heated up this January, and speculation finally ended when the decorated veteran made his bow as a surprise entrant in this year’s Rumble match. Initially confused at the sound of Styles’ new and then-unfamiliar entrance theme, the muttering was suddenly replaced by a thunderous roar from crowd as the WWE’s newest acquisition made his first walk down the aisle.
8. The Return Of The Deadman
WrestleMania XX, 2004
Returning to the ring for the first time in four years as ‘The Deadman’, The Undertaker’s long awaited comeback at WrestleMania XX will always rank as one of his greatest entrances ever thanks to the participation of a buzzing sold out Madison Square Garden crowd. Kicked off with by Paul Bearer and a parade of the iconic druids, fans knew they were witnessing a special moment as Bearer raised the urn to signify the legendary ‘Phenom’s’ return. Their calm buzz was soon replaced by a huge cheer as the first gong sounded, and the loud ovation only grew as one of the WWE’s greatest superstars slowly made his way to the ring.
7. Y2J Arrives
Raw, 1999
Taking place long before the internet ruined everything, the WWF debut of Chris Jericho on Raw in August 1999 might have been a poorly kept secret among the more fanatical fans, but for most in attendance that night the arrival of one of the ‘enemy’s’ top superstars was a genuine surprise. Interrupting The Rock with the expiration of his long-running countdown to the millennium clock, the final reveal of Jericho’s name on the TitanTron elicited a huge reaction from the Chicago crowd before the former WCW superstar appeared at the top of the ramp in his now famous signature pose.
6. The Beast Returns
Raw, 2012
The Post-WrestleMania episode of Monday Night Raw was elevated to a whole new level thanks to Brock Lesnar’s stunning return in 2012. Hoping to confront The Rock following his upset defeat in the previous night’s main event, John Cena was instead met with the familiar introduction of an entrance theme not heard in over eight years. Making his first appearance in a WWE ring for the first time since WrestleMania XX, Lesnar’s return was meet with an ear-splitting pop from the raucous Miami crowd. It may have been predicted by many, but no-one could have expected such a huge ovation for ‘The Beast’.
5. Ziggler Cashes In
Raw, 2013
One of the best Money in the Bank cash-ins ever, Dolph Ziggler sent the Post-WrestleMania Raw crowd into a frenzy when he captured the world title in 2013. Having just defended the belt in a gruelling ‘Mania rematch against Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio was almost certainly the only person not happy to see Ziggler charging down the aisle to finally cash in the contract he’d held for well over six months. Del Rio gallantly fought Ziggler despite a damaged knee, but the challenger soon prevailed much to the delight of an electric crowd following the delivery of a second ‘Zig-Zag’. Ziggler was portraying a heel by the way.
4. The Slam Heard Around The World
WrestleMania III, 1987
Capturing the world’s attention at the height of the era of ‘Rock and Wrestling’ Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan’s collision in the main event of WrestleMania produced an iconic moment partnered just as importantly with a crowd reaction for the ages. They said it couldn’t be done, but Hogan did the unthinkable as he hoisted the huge Frenchman in the air for an earth-shattering bodyslam. The sound of the impact of Andre’s body hitting the mat should have been thunderous, but the hysteric celebration of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome easily drowned out the thud as ‘The Hulkster’ prepared to deliver his patented leg drop for the victory.
3. Breaking The Streak
WrestleMania XXX, 2014
The WWE have provided fans with countless happy memories over the years, but they’ve also dealt us a number of crushing blows as well. No one thought they would ever see The Undertaker lose at WrestleMania, but that’s just what happened when the legendary superstar faced Brock Lesnar at the extravaganza's thirtieth instalment in 2014. Delivering a third F-5, Lesnar hooked the leg of his fallen opponent as the referee slammed his hand down for the historic three count. The pinfall froze the New Orleans crowd, drawing countless, priceless reactions from stunned members of the sold out Superdome. Fans prayed that they’d witnessed the biggest botch in wrestling history, but fears were confirmed as the heartbreaking graphic ‘21-1’ lingered on the huge display panels across the arena.
2. The British Bulldog's Ultimate Homecoming
SummerSlam, 1992
Superstars often get the rub when performing in front of their home crowd, but they very rarely get to do it in front of nearly 90,000 rabid fans. Battling for Bret Hart’s Intercontinental championship in the main event of a Wembley Stadium-hosted SummerSlam, ‘The British Bulldog’ Davey Boy Smith experienced his greatest moment as a professional wrestler when he rolled Hart into a successful pin attempt following a super competitive, and highly emotional struggle between family members. The win sent the mammoth London crowd into meltdown as they loudly celebrated their countryman’s well-earned title triumph.
1. Stone Cold Helps Mankind Win The Big One
Raw, 1999
Not only the biggest crowd reaction of all time, but a historic moment that saw the WWF finally swing the Monday Night War in their favour. Thanks to the ill-advised recommendation of WCW thousands turned over to watch Mick ‘Mankind’ Foley end The Rock’s reign as champion in the main event of Raw in January 1999, but the challenger had a little help in pulling off the huge upset victory.
Initially taking the fight to the ‘Corporate Champion’ Mankind soon found himself on the wrong side of interference from The Rock’s cronies at ringside, but the famous sound of glass shattering turned the match around, and produced one of the biggest pops of all time. Smashing his way to the ring, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rampage was accompanied by a deafening wave of cheers from the live audience, a massive reaction which continued long after Foley secured the win to seize his first ever world title.
Honorable Mentions:
Shawn Michaels Survives The Tombstone - WrestleMania 25, 2009
Daniel Bryan Triumphs Over The Wyatt Family - Raw, 2013
Hulk Hogan Interrupts Mohammed Hassan - WrestleMania 21, 2005
Icon vs. Icon - WrestleMania X-8, 2002
Sting Debuts - Survivor Series, 2014
What is your favourite WWE crowd reaction? Let me know in the comments section below!
What is your favourite WWE crowd reaction? Let me know in the comments section below!
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