5 heartwarming times WWE superstars broke character

WWE has had many heartwarming moments over the years, ranging from Kofi Kingston and Daniel Bryan finally winning the big one at WrestleMania to Rey Mysterio winning the Royal Rumble for Eddie Guerrero. Most of these moments were pre-planned to send the fans home happy at witnessing the success of their favorite characters.

However, there have been moments when the humans behind the superstars authored unplanned moments of wholesomeness out of character. These fleeting interactions did not go unnoticed by the fans and helped them grow fonder of the superstars after seeing another side of them.

Kayfabe may be an important part of the business, but nothing captures fans' hearts like a spontaneous moment of genuine humanity. One of the reasons why live events are so beloved is because their less-structured format enables superstars to let loose and have more fun.

Here are five heartwarming times WWE Superstars broke character.

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#5: Randy Orton comforts Shane McMahon's children at WWE Survivor Series 2016

At WWE Survivor Series 2016, Randy Orton was involved in a traditional 5-on-5 contest between RAW and Smackdown Live. The Viper, who was Shane McMahon's blue brand teammate, was a heel at the time. Theirs was only a temporary alignment for brand supremacy before reverting to business as usual.

Therefore, he was expected to keep up an indifferent facade when McMahon was met in mid-air with a nasty spear by Roman Reigns while attempting a Coast-to-Coast. At the very least, an RKO to the Big Dog in retaliation would have been consistent with his gimmick.

However, fans in attendance were shocked to see the Apex Predator leave the ring apron to reassure McMahon's children, who were sitting at ringside, of their father's safety. The visible concern in their eyes soon dissipated as they returned to enjoying the show. This wholesome gesture from one of the greatest heels in company history was unexpected, but nonetheless, extremely heartwarming.

#4: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar kicks off Monday Night RAW by interacting with a young fan

10-time WWE world champion Brock Lesnar was portrayed as a silent, stone-faced warrior for most of the first 19 years of his career. The Beast Incarnate rarely interacted with fans, entering and leaving arenas in quick, mercenary-esque fashion after destructing his opponents.

However, upon his return at SummerSlam 2021 after a 16-month absence, the Conqueror exhibited a changed demeanor. He was more exuberant, happy and relatable.

Fast forward six months, the former UFC champion had a unique interaction while making his entrance on the RAW after Elimination Chamber 2022. The Beast initiated a handshake with a young fan, even encouraging him to touch his newly-won WWE Championship.

This surprised the entire wrestling community and set social media abuzz due to its rare nature, and increased fans' fondness for the champion.

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#3: WWE legend Triple H consoles young fan at ringside on Monday Night RAW

In January 2015, WWE COO Triple H was part of The Authority at the height of the stable's villainous run. Sitting ringside during a match on an episode of Monday Night RAW, The Game noticed a young 8-year-old fan chanting his name. The 14-time World Champion tried to stop his chants using heelish behavior, but in the process, caused the young fan to cry.

This led the King Of Kings to break character by explaining to the young fan that he had just been messing around. Stephanie McMahon broke character as well to help cheer up the child.

Later on, the fan and his father were invited backstage for a special meeting with the power couple in a heartwarming gesture, contrary to the evil characters they portrayed on screen.

#2: The Undertaker pays his respects to Ric Flair at the Nature Boy's WWE retirement tribute

Ric Flair lost his retirement match at WrestleMania 24 against Shawn Michaels in a highly emotional affair. The following night on RAW, emotions ran even higher as a tribute was held in honor of the Nature Boy. Legends and superstars came out in numbers to pay tribute to the 16-time world champion, including the chairman himself, Vince McMahon.

The emotion on the night came to a head when the Undertaker's legendary gong hit. The Phenom, who almost never broke kayfabe, unusually knelt before Flair in the ring as a sign of respect, causing the latter to break out in tears.

When the Deadman tipped his hat to the newly inducted Hall Of Famer as he made his exit, there was not a dry eye in the building, not even the Deadman's.

This uncharacteristic gesture left fans in awe of the affection shown by the man behind the Deadman.

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#1: Roman Reigns addresses WWE Universe about his leukemia diagnosis

In late 2018, the WWE Universe was rocked by the news that Universal Champion Roman Reigns had to relinquish the title due to Leukemia. The Big Dog announced his diagnosis on the October 22, 2018 episode of RAW, addressing the crowd as Joe Anoa'i.

Four months later, Reigns returned to announce that he was in remission, to a roaring crowd reception. This moment allowed the fans to empathize and celebrate a personal victory with the man behind the polarizing character. This was one of the most heartwarming out-of-character moments ever seen in the business.