WWE Underdogs Who Shocked the World
The WWE has produced some of sports history’s most iconic and unforgettable moments. With all manner of characters, incredible entrances, and thrilling storylines, it’s no wonder Canadian fans are always kept at the edge of their seats.
While many may argue the WWE has scripted matches and storylines, it certainly hasn’t stopped the Canadian fandom from betting on the outcomes. This has led to WWE online sports betting, with many diehard fans predicting who will come out on top in each match.
However, some of the most memorable WWE moments are when the underdog triumphs over the favorites. There have been several instances in WWE when a seemingly outmatched competitor rose to the occasion and completely stunned the world. Here are some WWE underdogs who did just that.
Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan’s tale is perhaps the ultimate WWE underdog story. Bryan didn’t have the physique of your typical WWE superstar, standing at only 5’8″ and weighing 210 pounds. Despite this, he rose through the ranks of independent wrestling promotions before joining WWE in 2010.
For years, Bryan was relegated to mid-card status and seemed unlikely to ever become a world champion. However, the WWE fanbase rallied behind him in what became known as the “Yes Movement” in 2013. Bryan took home the World Heavyweight Championship title at WrestleMania 30 after beating Randy Orton and Batista in a triple-threat match.
Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is another WWE underdog who defied the odds to become a fan favourite. Mysterio was often the smallest wrestler in the ring, standing only 5’6″ and weighing 175 pounds. But his high-flying moves and innovative style made him a standout performer. Mysterio won the Royal Rumble in 2006, defending his World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22. Even after facing much larger opponents in the build-up to the event, Mysterio emerged victorious, winning the championship and the hearts of fans worldwide.
Eddie Guerrero
Eddie Guerrero was a beloved wrestler of his generation, known for his incredible in-ring abilities and charisma. Despite his talent, Guerrero struggled with personal demons throughout his career, including addiction issues. However, Guerrero stunned the world by defeating Brock Lesnar and winning the WWE Championship in 2004. The win was seen as a redemption story for Guerrero, who had overcome his struggles to achieve the ultimate goal in WWE. Sadly, in November 2005, Eddie Guerrero succumbed to a heart attack, at the age 38.
Mick Foley
Mick Foley is renowned for his extreme wrestling techniques and willingness to risk his life for the sake of amusement. Regardless of his reputation as a hardcore wrestler, fans often saw Foley as an underdog due to his lack of size and athleticism. But in 1998, Foley shocked the world by defeating The Rock and claiming the WWE Championship. This match even went down as the “The Rock and Sock Connection.” Foley’s win was seen as a triumph for the “everyman” wrestler, proving that heart and determination could trump even the most formidable opponents.
Zack Ryder
Zack Ryder was a perennial underdog in WWE, often seen as a lower-card wrestler whose management didn’t take seriously. But in 2011, Ryder used social media to build a massive following. Fans rallied behind him, and he eventually won the United States Championship in an unexpected victory against Dolph Ziggler. While Ryder’s winning streak was brief, his victory demonstrated the power of fan support in the age of social media.
Kofi Kingston
Kofi Kingston had been a well-known WWE wrestler for many years before breaking into the spotlight in 2019. At WrestleMania 35, Kingston took on Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship in what many termed a David vs Goliath matchup. Despite Bryan’s size and experience advantage, Kingston pulled off an upset victory to become the first African-born WWE Champion in history. The win was seen as a long-overdue recognition of Kofi’s hard work and determination.
