5 Worst WWE Matches of 2025

There is no doubt that 2025 has been a roller coaster ride for WWE and the fans. From Jey Uso's Royal Rumble win to John Cena's retirement, there were some major moments. WWE also produced some incredible matches this year that left a lasting impact on fans. Just as every coin has two sides, there were some lackluster showdowns as well this year.

Names such as Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Nikki Bella were involved in some contentious matches that fans hardly want to recall. There have been numerous instances when Triple H failed to deliver and live up to fans' expectations. And this has been mostly seen in terms of matches that turned fans' heads upside down this year.

Here are the five worst WWE matches of 2025:

#5. Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 41

John Cena competed in his final WrestleMania match against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This bout had high expectations due to it being the first match where Cena was working as a heel. However, it turned into a total disaster due to a lack of intensity. The Franchise Player entered the match to ruin wrestling forever.

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However, this idea did not land with the fans, which resulted in a dead crowd reaction throughout the match. Besides, it had a slow start, and it failed to pick up the pace. Overall, the quality of wrestling in this match was on the poor side. Despite having a decent build, this match failed to live up to the hype that made it one of the worst matches of the year.

#4. Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella at WWE Clash in Paris

Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella collided at Clash in Paris this year for the Women's Intercontinental Championship. Their feud had a pretty strong build, and fans expected a great match between the two veterans. However, the showdown heavily lacked chemistry. It eventually turned into an awkward situation when the two missed several spots during the match.

Besides, the crowd booed Nikki Bella for the majority of the match, even though she was a babyface during that feud. It created a terrible situation for the former Divas Champion, which led to her making mistakes during critical moments. The lack of fans' interest and a sloppy sequence turned it into one of the worst matches at Clash in Paris.

#3. Jey Uso vs. Austin Theory on Monday Night RAW (March 17)

Jey Uso competed in several matches on the Road to WrestleMania 41 and one of them was against Austin Theory. It was intended to build Jey's momentum for his 'Mania match against Gunther. However, the match turned into a nightmare for The YEET Master with several botches. It lasted less than a minute and did more harm to him than good.

Following the match, Jey Uso botched a dive outside the ring, which went viral. This match caused a big hit on his credibility, and that too at a time when he was heading into WrestleMania as the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. Besides, it sparked a debate among the fans about Jey's wrestling skills. Well, this match ended up being remembered as one of the worst clashes of the year.

#2. Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill on WWE SmackDown (September 26)

Tiffany Stratton defended the Women's Championship against Nia Jax and Jade Cargill in a Triple Threat Match on SmackDown. While this match mainevented the show, fans had no interest. This bout was nothing but a fiasco where neither could match the other's chemistry. At times, it felt like Stratton and Jax were rushing towards the ending without selling the effects of their moves.

What's worse? It was the botched ending. Jax was supposed to kick out at two after Stratton delivered her a Preetiest Moonsault Ever. However, The Irresistible Force forgot to kick out, and still the referee stopped her count at two. It created an awkward moment on live television, which sparked outrage among the fans. Many questioned if they deserved to main event the episode.

#1. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar at WWE Wrestlepalooza

John Cena and Brock Lesnar faced off at Wrestlepalooza in what was their last chapter in their rivalry. It was Lesnar's first match following his return at SummerSlam. WWE booked it as the final few matches of Cena's retirement tour. Therefore, fans expected it to be an epic clash.

Unfortunately, none of that happened. The match was one-sided with The Beast Incarnate dominating. He destroyed John Cena with F5s and German Suplexes, and Cena never got an opportunity to counter him. Well, what could have been an incredible match ended up being a squash match. It is considered one of the worst matches in WWE in 2025.

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Edited by Subhasish Deb