Emotional pro wrestling is the best type of pro wrestling. In fact, one of my favorite things about the sport: a crying wrestler after a title win. All the hard work and dedication has paid off, childhood dreams came true, and the lucky superstar is finally a champion.
Honorable Mentions…
Kerry Von Erich wins the NWA title
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkZM34wffJM?feature=oembed]
American Alpha wins the NXT Tag titles
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5hL-kEKLuk?feature=oembed]
Sami Zayn wins the NXT title
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U_R29pb3Xk?feature=oembed]
5. Mankind Wins the WWF Title- January 1999
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSa80CxTbCU?feature=oembed]
It was 1998, Mick Foley’s year. He was starting to win over the love and respect of the fans and constantly delivered quality segments for the WWF. Fans wanted nothing more than for Mankind to hold the WWF title, however, the thought was still a little ridiculous.
Either way, Foley was granted a World Title match on RAW against The Rock. Mankind locked in his Mandible Claw finisher, and Ken Shamrock interfered, sparking a massive brawl outside the ring. Suddenly, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s music hit, and the crowd reacted with what is known as the “biggest pop in WWE history.” Austin ran to the ring and destroyed The Rock with a chair shot to the head. Austin put Mankind on top of The Rock and the ref counted to three for a pin.
Foley grabbed a mic and screamed, “Big Daddy-O did it!” He ran around the ring and entrance ramp, waving the title in the air. With tears in his eyes, DX lifted Foley in the air, as his teenage dream had finally been realized.
4. Shawn Michaels Wins the WWE Title- Wrestlemania XII
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGdLGoG3e4?feature=oembed]
WWE promoted the “boyhood dream” of Shawn Michaels, as he rose to the top of the WWE mountain. Starting as a tag team star, and slowly climbing up the ranks, Michaels eventually became one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
His first major title reign came during an Iron-Man match at WM XII against Bret Hart. Neither man was pinned during the 60-minute time slot for the match, sending them into a sudden death overtime. Finally, Michaels landed a thunderous Sweet Chin Music to pin the Hitman and win his first World Title. Michaels sat in disbelief, staring down at his newly won World Title. The boyhood dream had become a reality.
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3. Daniel Bryan Wins Both World Titles at Wrestlemania 30
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfFrDS2cCKA?feature=oembed]
Famously coined “Yestlemania” by Jerry “The King” Lawler, Daniel Bryan overcame all odds and defeated Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista in the same night. Not only that, but he won the WWE World Heavyweight titles in the process. The second Batista tapped out to Bryan, he immediately started to cry.
As 80,000 people chanted “YES” with Bryan, tears streamed down his face. With both World Titles in the air, confetti raining down, and his family in the ring, the moment was special for all fans. I’ve never been so emotionally invested in any wrestling storyline.
2. Chris Benoit Wins the World Title- Wrestlemania XX
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFV8OaoMN4?feature=oembed]
Much like Daniel Bryan, Benoit was held down by authority figures before earning a championship match by winning the Royal Rumble. In the main event of WM 20, Chris defeated HHH and HBK to win the gold. With confetti falling, family, and friends joined a crying Benoit in the ring. You could clearly see that this meant the world to him, and it meant a lot to fans too.
1. Eddie Guerrero Wins the WWE Title
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkx-p_JpYyk?feature=oembed]
The late, great, Eddie Guerrero overcame so much in his life: drug and alcohol problems, a life-threatening car wreck, and family issues. Despite this, Eddie persevered, and was welcomed back into the WWE with open arms.
Eddie eventually challenged Brock Lesnar for the WWF title. Like an interpretive dance, the heartfelt battle told the story of Eddie’s triumph over his problems. He went on to pin the seemingly unstoppable champion, before passionately celebrating with his fan base.
