Disappointing Endings: Iconic Dragon Ball Fights That Fell Short

The Unfortunate Ends to Epic Fights in Dragon Ball

The Dragon Ball series is renowned for its exhilarating battles and impressive displays of power by its characters. However, not every epic showdown results in a satisfying conclusion. Whether due to plot conveniences, unexpected interruptions, or unsatisfying endings, some of the most memorable fights in the series are marred by less than ideal conclusions. Below are some of the best Dragon Ball fights that ended with a disappointing twist.

Goku vs Tien: The Unexpected Truck Incident

The clash between Goku and Tien Shinhan during the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai stands out as one of the highlights of early Dragon Ball. The battle was fierce, with Goku demonstrating his cleverness against a formidable opponent. In a twist of fate, just as Goku was set to secure his victory, two forces interrupted the fight. A truck struck Goku midair, forcing him to touch the ground and secure a ring-out loss. While humorous, the outcome certainly did not match the intensity of the battle that preceded it.

Piccolo vs Android 17: Interrupted Glory

Piccolo's fight with Android 17 is often celebrated for demonstrating the Namekian's combat intelligence and creativity. This battle highlighted Piccolo's evolution into a fighter capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Saiyans. Unfortunately, the fight's conclusion never arrived due to Cell's sudden interference. Despite its unsatisfying end, the alliance forged between Piccolo and 17 was a pleasantly surprising outcome, albeit one that denied Piccolo a much-deserved victory at that pivotal moment in the series.

Goku vs Frieza: Defeated by a Mere Minion

In Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F, fans were eager to witness Goku's rematch with Frieza, who returned with his newfound Golden form. Shockingly, the battle's climax saw Goku caught off guard and defeated not by Frieza but by a surprise attack from Sorbet, a lowly minion. This anticlimactic development undermined what should have been a significant showdown, reducing Goku to a victim of an easily avoidable strategic oversight.

Kami vs Piccolo: A Predictable Oversight

In the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai, Kami's fight against Piccolo presented an intriguing matchup of two halves of the same whole. Despite his wisdom and knowledge, Kami inexplicably relied on the Evil Containment Wave, a move Piccolo had already countered before. This tactical misstep led to a swift defeat and served as Kami's final notable combat appearance in Dragon Ball.

Goku vs Broly: Overcoming the Unbelievable

As a fan-favorite antagonist, Broly the Legendary Super Saiyan was irresistible in his domineering strength display across multiple films. However, during his initial appearance, Goku's victory was laden with plot armor, made possible by a contrived transfer of energy from exhausted comrades. Despite the odds, Goku's implausible triumph detracted from the legendary status the battle had built around Broly.

Goku vs Cell: The Choice to Surrender

At the height of the Cell Saga, Goku made a rare decision to step down, leaving the battle to his son, Gohan. While fans often debate its rationale, as it showcased Goku’s faith in Gohan, the choice came at a high cost, precipitated by the suffering of allies and falling short of a preemptive victory.

Gohan vs Super Buu: Unfulfilled Potential

With the promise of becoming the series’ savior, Mystic Gohan’s showdown with Super Buu positioned him as Earth's last hope. In a surprising turn, Gohan’s growth was cut short by defeat, disrupting the path set for him to assume the hero mantle. This pivotal moment reflected creator Toriyama's change of heart, as Gohan’s unfolding story was redirected back to Goku.

Goku vs Syn Shenron: An Implausible Finale

In Dragon Ball GT’s climactic conflict against Syn Shenron, Goku's mysterious endurance and ability to withstand Syn's deadly attacks while in his base form challenged series consistency. Although the battle concluded with Goku's ultimate Spirit Bomb, the path to the conclusion was riddled with anomalies.

Goku vs Majin Vegeta: The Rivalry without Resolution

During the intense duel against Majin Vegeta, Goku refrained from using his Super Saiyan 3 form to keep the fight fair, ultimately leading to Vegeta's untimely betrayal and knockout. Although driven by respect, Goku's choice compounded the impending threat of Majin Buu, missing opportunities in stopping the cycle of impending doom and casting a shadow on an otherwise phenomenal rivalry match.

The Dragon Ball series excels at crafting memorable battles that captivate its audience with their intensity and dramatic tension. Yet, the culmination of these fights occasionally brings disappointment, leaving fans longing for what might have been had these iconic battles reached their full potential.