Sami Zayn’s ongoing storyline with The Bloodline is the best thing going in WWE and wrestling as a whole today.
The angle was only meant to last for a few weeks but has become so popular that plans have been altered to maintain its momentum and Sami Zayn’s potential breakout as a major main event player.
However, a break-up is inevitable and will lead to either the current “Honorary Uce” challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title or teaming with old pal Kevin Owens to take on The Usos for their Undisputed Tag belts. Either way, it should make for phenomenal TV drama.
With this in mind, GiveMeSport has been thinking about the biggest and best splits down the years, so here is 10 of the best break-ups in WWE history…
10. The Rock and The Nation of Domination – 1998
The Rock’s transformation from Rocky Maivia saw him overthrow Faarooq as leader of the Nation in 1997, and eventually see his popularity go through the roof. This led to fellow members Mark Henry and D’Lo Brown turning on him, and The Rock becoming the main event singles superstar we know and love.
Edge and Christian
9. Edge and Christian – 2001
One of the greatest tag teams in WWE history, the real-life best friends broke up in 2001 due to Christian’s jealousy of Edge’s Intercontinental Title and King of the Ring wins. He sealed their split with their signature conchairto.
8. Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio – 2005
Another tag team split, this time as a result of Eddie not being able to beat Rey – he lost to him at WrestleMania 21. Eddie then cost them their WWE Tag Titles which would eventually lead to the infamous yet iconic “Custody of Dominik” ladder match.
7. The Rockers – 1992
One of the most famous splits and the one that led to Shawn Michaels becoming the “Heartbreak Kid.” Michaels super kicked his tag partner Marty Jannetty through the window of Brutus Beefcake’s barber shop in a memorable segment.
6. Evolution and Randy Orton – 2004
The first of the Evolution entries, both of which led to two main event superstars being formed. Orton was booted out by Triple H after winning the World Title from Chris Benoit, a man The Game had been unable to defeat.
Batista leaves Evolution
5. Evolution and Batista – 2005
Batista quit instead of being booted, after becoming wise to Triple H’s motivations. Having won the Royal Rumble, he mimicked the thumbs up and down given to Orton, declaring his intention to challenge his mentor for the World Title at WrestleMania 21.
4. D-Generation X – 2002
A third entry for Triple H, this time with his other legendary faction, DX. The Game turned on Shawn Michaels having very briefly reformed the group, leading to a lengthy blood feud between the pair.
3. NWO and Hulk Hogan – 2002
Hogan’s first of two entries. After his WrestleMania 18 loss to The Rock, Hogan became a babyface once again and shook Rocky’s hand, leading to Scott Hall and Kevin Nash beating him down, before The Rock helped him turn the tables.
Randy Savage
2. The Mega Powers – 1989
Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage were the two biggest stars in the WWE’s 1980s golden period. Savage grew increasingly paranoid about Hogan’s relationship with Miss Elizabeth and turned on the Hulkster in early 1989. The WrestleMania 5 main event was the scene of their epic showdown, where Hogan defeated Macho Man for the WWE Title.
1. The Shield – 2014
The most memorable break-up arguably ever in WWE history, and one that created three megastars – just look at them now. It saw Seth Rollins be Triple H’s “Plan B” levelling his Shield brothers with a steel chair in a shocking moment.