10 Times Top WWE Stars Lost Clean
Vladimir Kozlov and The Undertaker
10. Hulk Hogan vs. Kurt Angle
At the King of the Ring pay-per-view on June 23, 2002, Kurt Angle secured a rare clean victory over Hulk Hogan via submission. Hogan, who was known for rarely losing cleanly, tapped out to Angle's signature Ankle Lock maneuver. This marked the first time in his WWE career that Hogan had submitted in a ring, making it a significant and memorable moment. The win helped solidify Angle's position as a top-tier performer during the Ruthless Aggression era.
9. Goldberg vs. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman defeated Goldberg for the Universal Championship on Night 1 of WrestleMania 36 on April 4, 2020. Strowman was a last-minute replacement for Roman Reigns, who pulled out of the event due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a quick, powerful encounter, Strowman kicked out of multiple Spears before defeating Goldberg with a series of Running Powerslams to secure his first-ever world championship in WWE.
8. Vladimir Kozlov vs. The Undertaker
Vladimir Kozlov secured a surprising clean pinfall victory over The Undertaker on the February 27, 2009 episode of SmackDown. At the time, Kozlov was on an undefeated streak, and this win briefly positioned him as a potential opponent for The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak. Despite the magnitude and rarity of the win over a protected star like The Undertaker, the momentum did not lead to a sustained main-event push for Kozlov, and the anticipated WrestleMania match never materialized.
7. Shelton Benjamin vs. Triple H
Shelton Benjamin secured a major upset victory over Triple H in his very first singles match on Monday Night Raw on March 29, 2004. Having just been drafted to the brand, Benjamin defeated the then-top heel and World Heavyweight Champion in a non-title match, instantly establishing himself as a legitimate talent in the eyes of the audience. The match was a highlight of Benjamin's early career and showcased his immense in-ring potential.
6. John Cena vs. Justin Gabriel
In the summer of 2010, the Nexus faction, led by Wade Barrett, engaged in an intense rivalry with John Cena, which included Justin Gabriel pinning Cena multiple times. These victories were crucial for establishing Nexus as a dangerous and credible threat in WWE. Gabriel's wins over the company's top star were a rare occurrence for a developing talent at the time and proved the faction's dominance early in their run.
5. Ric Flair vs. Rico
In 2002, the legendary Ric Flair lost to the flamboyant and eccentric Rico via disqualification. Flair, frustrated by Rico's over-the-top antics and showboating during the match, resorted to punching him, leading to the disqualification and the surprising upset for Rico. The finish highlighted the clash between Flair's traditional wrestling style and Rico's more theatrical character during that period.
4. The Undertaker vs. Kama Mustafa
The Undertaker faced Kama Mustafa (the "Supreme Fighting Machine") in a Casket Match at SummerSlam 1995. The rivalry was fueled by Kama's audacious act of stealing The Undertaker's signature urn and having it melted down into a gold necklace. This personal insult intensified the feud, which ultimately culminated in The Undertaker defeating Kama in the specialty match and reclaiming the "restored" urn.
3. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart
The rivalry between brothers Bret and Owen Hart is one of the most celebrated and technically brilliant feuds in wrestling history. Their legendary match at WrestleMania X saw Owen secure a shocking upset victory over his older brother in the opening bout. This win set the stage for one of the most compelling sibling rivalries in wrestling history, which later included a classic Steel Cage Match at SummerSlam 1994, showcasing their incredible in-ring chemistry and storytelling ability.
2. Brock Lesnar vs. Chris Benoit
Brock Lesnar defeated Chris Benoit to retain the WWE Championship on SmackDown in December 2003 in a highly-rated match with a controversial finish. Benoit made Lesnar tap out at one point, but the referee was knocked out and did not see the submission. Ultimately, Lesnar won the match via submission after Benoit passed out in the Brock Lock. The match showcased the immense talents of both wrestlers and demonstrated Benoit's ability to compete with the powerhouse champion.
1. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston
Randy Orton's feud with Kofi Kingston in 2009-2010 was a memorable mid-card rivalry that saw Kingston gain significant momentum with strong fan support. The rivalry was characterized by intense, physical encounters, including a notable furious outburst from Kingston on Raw in November 2009 that showcased a new level of aggression. Despite the potential for a major push for Kingston, the feud ultimately ended in favor of Orton, with Kingston's momentum eventually stalling.
