Through the years, WWE has used fire as a dynamic element in its storylines. Characters like Kane are synonymous with flames. WWE utilized fire in some of its top storylines during the Attitude Era, but it has somewhat tapered off in recent years. Still, WWE has created some iconic moments by adding fire to its storylines.
For example, this past week on WWE RAW, Alexa Bliss shockingly shot a fireball at Randy Orton. Naturally, many fans thought of the company's other fiery moments. WWE has featured several Inferno Matches, but the company rarely lets wrestlers use fireballs.
WWE storyline moments that utilize fire are often buzzworthy because they create fascinating visuals. Plus, there's something savage about seeing a wrestler burn a fellow competitor alive.
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With that being said, here's a look at the top five times WWE used fire for dramatic effect.
#5 Randy Orton sets the Wyatt Family Compound on fire on WWE SmackDown
From the fall of 2016 through the spring of 2017, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt feuded with each other. Wyatt constantly outsmarted Orton, so "The Viper" decided to join The Wyatt Family. Together, Orton and "The Eater of Worlds" were quite successful.
The duo won the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, and Orton won the 2017 Royal Rumble Match. Meanwhile, Wyatt held the WWE Championship for the first time in his career. Orton made the WWE Universe think that he was fully committed to being a member of The Wyatt Family. But he ultimately betrayed his stablemates.
On the February 28, 2017 episode of WWE SmackDown, Orton revealed that he was plotting against Wyatt the whole time. To officially confirm his intentions, he decided to burn the Wyatt Family Compound down. This moment remains one of the most memorable scenes in recent WWE history.
#4 Kane sets Jim Ross on fire on WWE RAW
In the summer of 2003, Kane was on a path of destruction in WWE after he unmasked for the first time in his career. During his reign of terror, fans widely expected him to use fire at some point. Kane was more monstrous than ever, as he betrayed his partner, Rob Van Dam and chokeslammed WWE RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff off the stage.
During this period, it only took "The Devil's Favorite Demon" four weeks until he lit someone on fire. On the July 14, 2003 episode of WWE RAW, Jim Ross interviewed Kane. The WWE legend was trying to help "The Big Red Machine." But Kane was infuriated by JR's suggestion of embracing his unmasked face. As a result, Kane wanted to make "JR" feel his pain.
Naturally, "The Big Red Machine" poured gasoline on Ross and set him on fire. As Kane relished this ruthless attack, JR writhed in pure agony. This usage of fire has been somewhat forgotten over the years, but it still stands out because JR is such an iconic figure in wrestling history.
#3 Edge spears Mick Foley through a burning table at WWE WrestleMania 22
Wrestling fans can't forget how Edge once speared Mick Foley through a flaming table. The two stars clashed in a Hardcore Match at WWE WrestleMania 22. This feud started when Foley served as the special guest referee for Edge's WWE Championship Match with John Cena.
Edge felt like he was cheated out of a victory, so he took his frustrations out on Foley. This conflict set the stage for an iconic match at WWE WresleMania. The bout culminated with Edge spearing Foley through the burning table.
Edge slowly covered Foley for the three count to win the match. After Edge's spear into the flames, both "The Rated R Superstar" and Foley were left in a bloody, quivering mess.
This Hardcore Match had quite an effect on both Superstars. In an interview with Inside The Ropes, Edge said that he considers this bout as a WrestleMania moment for both him and Foley. The contest featured thumbtacks, baseball bats, barbed wire, and even fire. It still stands as one of the most brutal WrestleMania matches of all time.
#2 Shane McMahon kicks Kane into the fire on WWE RAW
In 2003, WWE legend Kane was decimating his victims by setting them on fire and delivering nasty chokeslams. But he ended up facing a potential threat in Shane McMahon. Shane knew that he father, Vince wasn't going to do anything about Kane's violence. So Shane decided to step up to "The Big Red Machine."
On the August 25, 2003 episode of WWE RAW, Shane wanted to get revenge on Kane. When Kane interfered in his match with Chris Jericho, he brought out Shane's inner monster. While "The Devil's Favorite Demon" was walking to the back, Shane courageously followed him backstage. The two stars brawled, and they took their rivalry to a new level.
When Kane was about to throw Shane into a fire pit, The Chairman's Son countered by kicking Kane into the dumpster of fire. The show ended with Shane telling Kane, "Burn in hell, you son of a b****."
This moment made Shane look like a tough challenger in his feud against Kane. But the monster won both of their brutal WWE pay-per-views matches in 2003.
#1 The Undertaker burns Vince McMahon's teddy bear on WWE RAW
On the February 22, 1999 episode of WWE RAW, The Undertaker collided with Kane in an Inferno Match. The two stars made this stipulation famous, so it made sense to have them try to set each other on fire on WWE RAW.
At the time, "The Phenom" was the leader of a legendary faction named the Ministry of Darkness. His goal was to take over the WWE by any means necessary. Of course, this quest created a conflict with Vince McMahon. The Undertaker sought to rule WWE, and McMahon desperately wanted to stop him.
"The Boss" punished The Undertaker every chance he got. But "The Deadman" ultimately made him pay. After this Inferno Match, The Undertaker burned McMahon's favorite teddy bear. McMahon was so distraught that he fell to his knees and cried.
As it turns out, the teddy bear belonged to McMahon's daughter, Stephanie, when she was a child. This moment remains one of WWE's most bizarre usages of fire, but it's certainly memorable.