Sometimes in WWE, title changes don’t happen at the right time. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to pull the trigger often backfires, and it diminishes the eventual moment. Long-term booking is meant to be satisfying, but sometimes it comes at the expense of several memorable moments that could have unfolded along the way.
In this listicle, we will look at five times WWE failed to crown a new champion at the right time.
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#5. Booker T at WrestleMania XIX
Perhaps the most questionable booking choice in WWE history came at WrestleMania XIX, where Triple H defeated Booker T to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. The highly controversial build-up and storyline called for Booker to win, but the company had different plans.
To add salt to the wound, The Game took his sweet time before covering Booker in the closing moments of the match, making the latter look weak. The setup at ‘Mania was perfect for King Booker to put an end to Triple H’s reign of terror, but the company failed to execute it.
#4. Chad Gable as Intercontinental Champion in 2023
In 2023, Chad Gable delivered some of the best work of his career during his pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship against Gunther. The story captivated fans, as they were all behind Master Gable to dethrone The Ring General.
However, in the end, the former Imperium leader retained the IC Title, despite several valiant efforts by Gable. The American Made leader earned everyone’s respect with his performances, but failed to win gold. The storyline had emotional depth, and it was a great opportunity to crown Gable and turn him into a massive babyface champion.
#3. Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber 2023
The storyline with The Bloodline turned Sami Zayn into a massive star. The Canadian had the opportunity to win his first World Title in the global juggernaut in his hometown at Elimination Chamber 2023, where he challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Considering how popular the entire storyline was, many fans believed Zayn should have ended Reigns’ iconic reign on that night. However, the OTC retained the gold and went on to defend it against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39.
#2. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39
Cody Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 and had one goal in mind: to finish the story by winning the World Title. The American Nightmare won the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble and challenged Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
Given Rhodes’ emotional story, it appeared that he would put an end to Reigns’ title run in California. However, after a chaotic match, the QB1 lost, leaving him and the fans disappointed.
While Rhodes’ eventual moment at WrestleMania 40 felt grand and worth the wait, many believe it should have happened a year earlier.
#1. Drew McIntyre at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022
This was another instance when fans felt that it was time for Roman Reigns’ dominant title run to end. At Clash at the Castle 2022, Drew McIntyre challenged The Head of the Table for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. It was the first PLE in the UK since 2003, and it was the perfect setup for the Scotsman to win a World Title in front of a live audience.
However, Solo Sikoa’s main roster debut cost McIntyre the match, as Reigns continued his reign.
Edited by Parth Pujara
