10 WWE Rivalries That Changed Wrestling Forever
Wrestling thrives on rivalries that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Having said that, there are some feuds that went beyond the ring and left a lasting mark on the sport. These battles shaped the company into what it is today.
Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero (2005)
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In 2005, Eddie Guerrero’s jealousy of Rey Mysterio’s success set the stage for their intense feud. Their SummerSlam Ladder Match was a thrilling contest, but the real twist came when Eddie manipulated Rey’s son, Dominik. The personal stakes made their matches stand out as some of the most emotionally charged in WWE history.
The Rock vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (1997-2001)
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From 1997 to 2001, The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s rivalry became central to WWE’s success. At WrestleMania 17, Austin’s heel turn shocked the audience and marked a dramatic shift in WWE’s storytelling. Their ongoing battles helped elevate both wrestlers.
Shawn Michaels vs. Bret “Hitman” Hart (1992-1997)
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Bret “Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels’ rivalry began in the early ’90s and came to a head during Survivor Series 1997. The infamous Montreal Screwjob turned their professional rivalry into a real-life controversy. Their matches, including their WrestleMania 12 encounter, were driven by their desire to be the best.
CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy (2009)
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In 2009, CM Punk’s straight-edge lifestyle went up against Jeff Hardy’s wild, fan-favorite persona in a high-stakes feud. Their SummerSlam TLC match was a standout, with Punk ultimately winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Hardy’s departure from WWE signaled the end of their rivalry.
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins (2022-2022)
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Cody Rhodes’ unexpected return to WWE in 2022 sparked a fierce rivalry with Seth Rollins. The Hell in a Cell match, where Rhodes wrestled with a torn pec, became one of the most talked-about bouts of the year. Rollins’ attempts to stop Cody’s rise helped elevate Rhodes into WWE’s upper echelon.
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (1987)
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The legendary clash between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant in 1987 became a pivotal moment in WWE history. At WrestleMania 3, Hogan’s body slam of the 520-pound Andre was a shocking spectacle that defined the ‘80s wrestling era.
Lita vs. Trish Stratus (2004-2006)
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Lita and Trish Stratus’ rivalry began in the early 2000s, with Lita’s high-flying style contrasting against Trish’s technical skill. Their battles helped establish women’s wrestling as a serious division, and their final match at Unforgiven 2006 was a career-defining moment for both women. Trish’s victory that night marked the end of an era for WWE’s women’s division.
The Undertaker vs. Kane (1997-2010)
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The feud between The Undertaker and Kane began in 1997, when Kane, claiming to be Taker’s brother, sought revenge for their shared past. Their matches, including the Inferno Match at Unforgiven 1998, were full of destruction. Their rivalry stretched for years and culminated in several key battles.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton (2004-2014)
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John Cena and Randy Orton’s rivalry spanned from 2004 to 2014. The two clashed for the WWE Championship numerous times, with their 2009 TLC match standing out as one of their most brutal. Their ongoing battles helped define the mid-2000s era of WWE, with Cena often coming out on top but Orton remaining a constant threat.
Ric Flair vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (1992)
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In 1992, Ric Flair and “Macho Man” Randy Savage’s feud centered around Flair’s claim to have a relationship with Miss Elizabeth. Their match at WrestleMania 8 saw Savage reclaim the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Flair’s eventual title win months later kept the rivalry going.
Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon (1997-2001)
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From 1997 to 2001, Steve Austin’s feud with Vince McMahon became the backbone of WWE’s Attitude Era. McMahon’s attempts to control Austin’s rise led to chaotic and entertaining segments that broke the mold of traditional wrestling storylines.
Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz (2000-2001)
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Edge & Christian and The Hardy Boyz helped revolutionize tag team wrestling in WWE, particularly through their Ladder and TLC matches. Their rivalry peaked at WrestleMania 17 with the first-ever TLC match, where each team risked everything to claim victory.
Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns (2022-2024)
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Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE in 2022 set up a heated rivalry with Roman Reigns and culminated in their highly anticipated WrestleMania 39 match. Despite Rhodes’ efforts, Reigns retained the title, but their story is far from over. This feud has become a key narrative in WWE’s ongoing storyline.
Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker (2002-2015)
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Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker’s feud began in 2002, but it wasn’t until WrestleMania 30 that their rivalry became unforgettable. Lesnar ended The Undertaker’s 21-0 streak and shocked the wrestling world. Their subsequent matches, including the Hell in a Cell 2015 bout, reinforced Lesnar’s dominance in WWE.
Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper (1985-1986)
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Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper’s rivalry became a centerpiece of WWE’s rise to mainstream popularity in the mid-‘80s. Their intense feud at the first WrestleMania helped launch the event’s success. Piper’s villainous antics clashed with Hogan’s hero persona.