For the most part, WWE does a very good job at keeping behind-the-scenes moments exactly that, behind-the-scenes. However, every now and then pieces of information are revealed to the public that leave fans shocked.
Whether it be a backstage fallout or secret meeting notes, WWE doesn't want its private moments being shared outside the WWE bubble. However, with social media, autobiographies, and reality shows, information is leaking out more than ever.
While it might be ordinary for the talents, any behind-the-scenes information is brand new to the WWE Universe. In this article, we will rank the 10 most shocking behind-the-scenes moments in WWE history.
10 Goldberg Confronts Matt Riddle
We kickstart this list with a very recent behind-the-scenes incident that shocked fans, a meeting between Goldberg and Matt Riddle. Originally starting on social media, things got incredibly awkward when they first met backstage at SummerSlam this year.
Riddle had called out Goldberg for his lack of wrestling ability and the first chance Goldberg got he let Riddle know he wasn't impressed. The WWE Hall Of Famer shoulder checked him in the corridor and the two then had a very awkward moment together.
Riddle then told the story on Watch Along and people weren't sure if he was being honest. Yet when WWE showed Goldberg's documentary, this altercation was part of it, leaving many gobsmacked.
9 Undertaker Is Burnt
This moment involves behind-the-scenes and on-camera, and almost cost The Undertaker his life. Those who remember the 2010 Elimination Chamber will certainly remember this moment.
Behind-the-scenes, whoever was in control of Undertaker's promo decided they wanted to be fired that day. Hitting the pyro while he was stood directly underneath, 'Taker was seriously burned by the flame ball.
Somehow, the leather jacket actually saved his life, and he went on to wrestle. However, Undertaker had to dowse himself in water prior to leaving his pod, and who knows what happened to the person responsible.
8 A Fan Hijacks Batista's Warm-Up
If you saw this moment take place live, it is one that you likely never forgot. During an episode of Raw, the cameras went backstage to show Batista warming up for an upcoming match and this led to a fan appearing.
How they got there nobody knows, but the fan ran in front of the shot and did Batista's classic firework pose on-screen. Clearly shocked, Batista just stared on in amusement as the fan then ran away (presumedly from security).
While it wasn't anything too crazy, it is something that you never see in WWE. Nobody knows what happened to the fan, but it certainly made for a funny moment.
7 CM Punk's Firing
While CM Punk might be back in the wrestling world, he is very much not working with WWE. Punk is back and under contract with FOX, and he's not keen to make a WWE comeback.
Punk has many issues with WWE, but his biggest is the manner in which they fired him. WWE actually went out of their way to send him his contract of termination on his wedding day, despite the company knowing exactly when it was.
Imagine going to those lengths just to have one last laugh at a former employee. This is something many wrestling fans aren't aware of as WWE is never going to admit it was on purpose. However, it's not a good look for the company.
6 Lesnar Launches The Title
Another shocking behind-the-scenes moment from WWE involves Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship. The Beast is well-known for wanting things to go a certain way and for whatever reason, he wasn't happy with how WrestleMania 34 went down.
Lesnar defeated Roman Reigns in the main event in what was a very bloody battle. He left as Universal Champion but when he got to the Gorilla position he actually launched the title at Vince McMahon during a heated argument.
This was simply a rumor on social media at first but was later confirmed by one of WWE's own documentaries on the Network. While we never found out why it happened, it was still a shocking moment that highlighted just how angry Lesnar was at the situation.
5 Jericho vs Lesnar
Speaking of Brock Lesnar, he has been involved in several backstage incidents during his WWE career. However, this one wasn't actually his fault as it was WWE veteran Chris Jericho that started the issue.
After Lesnar's SummerSlam match with Randy Orton, Jericho had a serious issue with the Beast. During the match, Lesnar had intentionally busted open Orton's head with a series of stiff elbows, and Jericho thought it was him being careless.
Jericho went backstage and confronted Lesnar and the two got involved in a legitimate fight. However, the spot during the match was pre-planned, and wasn't Lesnar being dangerous and WWE officials had to quickly pull them apart.
4 John Cena's Rapping
While Dr. Thuganomics seems like such a long time ago, without that character John Cena wouldn't have succeeded. Cena's rapping gimmick is what put him on the map in WWE, that is what made him a success.
Cena did have legitimate rapping skills as well, going as far as to create his own album. However, had it not been for a behind-the-scenes moment, this may never have ended up happening.
During a tour, Cena started rapping at the back of the bus. This rapping just so happened to be heard by Stephanie McMahon who made him turn it into a gimmick, and the rest is history.
3 JBL's History
Hazing and pranks are commonplace in the world of WWE, but sometimes they end up taken too far. Sadly, that is something that WWE legend, JBL often did during is run with the company.
Many stories have been shared about the 'Wrestling God' and his backstage antics. Whether it be in Justin Roberts' candid autobiography, or through interviews with other talents.
It is sad that JBL spent his time with WWE this way, and the behind-the-scenes stories really don't make for pretty reading.
2 Hitman Hits The Boss
The Montreal Screwjob is a situation that has led to tons of behind-the-scenes stories, with the situation being something that caused huge controversy. Of course, Bret Hart was left furious at the situation, and understandably so.
When he got backstage, the situation only escalated. Vince McMahon knew ahead of time that Hart would be furious, and he waited in his office for the Hitman to meet him.
Knowing how angry he was, Vince actually gave Bret a free shot. Bret obviously took it, punching him and giving him a black eye.
1 Paul London's Firing
Did you ever wonder why Paul London was mysteriously fired from WWE? Well, the reason is petty and ridiculous. It involved a behind-the-scenes moment that many fans might have missed.
During the infamous limousine explosion that was set to 'kill' Mr. McMahon, London made a big mistake. During the walk to his car, Vince is shown walking past various WWE Superstars who all had sad faces.
They were instructed to look that way, yet Paul London didn't fancy doing that. He stood with a huge grin from ear to ear as he smiled throughout the segment. Seeing this on the playback, London ended up paying the price as he was fired.