Betrayals have led to some of wrestling’s wildest memories. Best friends turning into bitter enemies, iconic tag teams falling apart, or trusted managers switching sides when least expected, WWE has delivered betrayals that keep viewers on edge. A sudden steel chair shot or a public humiliation can turn a hero into a villain.
WWE’s biggest betrayals have left deep marks. Fans still debate the fallout from Montreal and the end of The Shield. Here are the top 10 WWE betrayals ever.
10) Trish Stratus Betrays Chris Jericho (2004)
At WrestleMania XX, Trish Stratus turned on Chris Jericho during his match against Christian by attacking him, leading to Christian’s victory. This betrayal led to Stratus aligning with Christian and marked a significant heel turn in her career.
9) Kevin Owens Betrays Chris Jericho (2017)
During the “Festival of Friendship” in 2017, Kevin Owens handed Chris Jericho a list titled “The List of KO,” with Jericho’s name on it. Owens then brutally attacked Jericho, ending their alliance and sparking a heated rivalry.
8) Evolution Betrays Randy Orton (2004)
After Randy Orton won the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2004, his Evolution stablemates, led by Triple H, turned on him. This betrayal stemmed from Triple H‘s desire to reclaim the title, leading to Orton’s face turn and subsequent feud with Evolution.
7) Paul Bearer Betrays The Undertaker (1996)
Longtime manager Paul Bearer turned on The Undertaker during his Boiler Room Brawl against Mankind at SummerSlam 1996, striking him with the urn and aligning with Mankind, adding a new dimension to The Undertaker’s character.
6) Triple H Betrays Shawn Michaels (2002)
Fans anticipated a D-Generation X reunion in 2002, but Triple H had other plans. He delivered a Pedigree to Michaels during a Raw episode, leading to a heated rivalry between the former best friends.
Triple H betrays Shawn Michaels – WWE RAW July 22, 2002. pic.twitter.com/qc1faSACzS
— Pro Wrestling Feed (@prowrestlefeed) May 20, 2024
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE Feuds of All Time
5) Tommaso Ciampa Betrays Johnny Gargano (2017)
Known as DIY, Ciampa and Gargano were a celebrated NXT tag team. After a loss at NXT TakeOver: Chicago in 2017, Ciampa viciously attacked Gargano, ending their partnership and igniting one of NXT’s most intense rivalries.
4) Andre the Giant Turns on Hulk Hogan (1987)
Once close allies, Andre the Giant challenged Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship in 1987. During an episode of “Piper’s Pit,” Andre, influenced by manager Bobby Heenan, ripped off Hogan’s shirt and crucifix. It was a huge betrayal that led to their legendary WrestleMania III match.
3) Seth Rollins Turns on The Shield (2014)
The Shield, consisting of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose, dominated WWE as a united faction. In 2014, Rollins shocked fans by attacking his teammates with a steel chair, aligning himself with The Authority and ending one of WWE’s most dominant groups.
2) Paul Heyman Betrays CM Punk and Roman Reigns (2025)
Paul Heyman shocked the fans when he betrayed both CM Punk and Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 41. The wise man first handed the steel chair to CM Punk and asked him to hit Roman, but delivered a low blow to the veteran before he could take a shot. He then repeated the process with his Tribal Chief, ultimately helping Seth Rollins to win the match.
PAUL HEYMAN DID THE UNTHINKABLE! 😲#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/i4t1QyDLQx
— WWE (@WWE) April 20, 2025
Also Read: Ranking Every Bloodline Member Ever ft. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman
Which is the most shocking WWE betrayal of all time?
The Montreal Screwjob (1997)
At Survivor Series 1997, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon orchestrated a controversial plan against Bret Hart during his match against Shawn Michaels. Unbeknownst to Hart, McMahon instructed the referee to call for the bell while Michaels had Hart in the Sharpshooter, despite Hart not submitting. This real-life betrayal led to Hart’s departure from WWE.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Best WWE Finishers of All Time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the Montreal Screwjob?
At Survivor Series 1997, Vince McMahon secretly instructed the referee to end Bret Hart’s match while he was in the Sharpshooter, awarding the win to Shawn Michaels without Hart’s submission.
Who broke up The Rockers on “The Barber Shop”?
Shawn Michaels betrayed Marty Jannetty by superkicking him and throwing him through a glass window during a 1992 segment.
Who ended The Shield?
Seth Rollins betrayed his team by attacking Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose with a steel chair, joining The Authority.
