The world of wrestling has provided countless storylines over the years, whether it’s WWE’s biggest or small independent companies. With so many different angles going on, it’s not surprising that many will never forget whether it’s because they’re not good or attracting the crowd.
But there are some in the end, as good people never forget them. Wrestling has always been extremely popular thanks to these storylines. The biggest angles pull the emotions of fans in different ways, with the various debilitating and flows that culminate in great matches that helps close out the incredible storyline.
16
Terry Funk vs. Rick Flare
Violent and personal rivalry in the NWA/WCW
- Terry Funk was cruel in his attack on Rick Flair
- Flare introduced his amazing babyface potential in this personal feud
Terry Funk even wanted his life with Rick Fair’s spot, soul, and sometimes this fierce personal rivalry. Flare generally worked as a heel up to this point, but things shook when he played the incredible babyface in this story. Whether you try to suffocate yourself with a plastic bag or “I’ll stop” match, an All-Star Steel Cage Tag Team match, or threaten Pildlabor via the table, this story had everything that convinces fans that these two hate each other.
In times, the lines could still be blurry, and Flair & Funk went on a hell of work selling each other’s bloody desires.
15
Tony Storm vs. Mariahamei
Aee talked about Hollywood
- Toni Storm’s “timeless” character captivated AEW fans
- Mariah betrays Tonystorm and begins a classic rivalry
Mariah Mei joined AEW and quickly became engrossed in the “timeless” Tonistorm. May and Storm tell the classic Hollywood story of the Star-Trapping Underdudi, making her go against someone more than just an ally. The turn itself was a wonderful moment that will last forever in Aew’s legacy.
The story continues in a big match trilogy, one of the most violent glasses in the history of women’s wrestling, and was entitled “Hollywood Ending” in the 2025 Revolution.
14
Triple H & Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker wins
The last four years of saga has ended the ERA at WWE
- Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker streamed two classics at WrestleMania
- Triple H & The Undertaker followed up two more great fights to try and end the streak
Shawn Michaels was engrossed in the idea of heading the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak towards WrestleMania 25 to create a beautifully executed story of light and dark. Michaels’ greatest post-game loss of all time brought him to a year-long crisis and attempted to overcome his loss, but managed to shake his obsessions and brought out some of his greatest character jobs of all time. This led to an even more personal rematch a year later, ending Michaels’ career.
Michaels’ best friend, Triple H, stepped in the following year to build his own obsession, resulting in a dramatic masterpiece, including Michaels in his build into Cell’s final culmination in hell.
13
CM Punk vs. MJF
One of AEW’s best storylines
- MJF detailed his real-life history in CM Punk, blurring the lines
- This feud was emotional and violent and helped MJF become a major star
Anyway, the basic feud between CM Punk and MJF would have been great, but when Aew delved into their true history, it became much bigger when he unearthed the “virginity” of MJF in the process. MJF’s promotional work and storytelling opened the door to fans, see why he became a heel, and his vulnerability created sympathy for the most despicable character in AEW’s history.
Their fight in the microphone, the human side of the punk disappointed him, and the role of wardrobe in the story, and this wonderful dog collar match all played a role in making this a mesmerizing plot line.
12
Ric Flair Vs. Ricky Steamboat
These two had magical chemistry
- Ric Flair & Ricky Steamboat had many matches for candidates this year
- Their work in the ring was many years before that era.
In the 1980s, the best storylines in the NWA were centered around Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat. Their fights are legendary, they have multiple of the best matches in the history of professional wrestling, and have presented undeniable chemistry and tips to make every match feel huge.
Flair played the ultimate cheeky heels, which perfectly matched the steamboat’s underdog babyface character,
11
Adam Page’s Hero Journey
Page’s story with the elite was thrilling
- Adam Page was victim of his own demon and betrayal of his friends
- Page’s rise to the AEW World Championships was a three-year saga
When AEW decided to become the first AEW world champion, Adam Page suffered a major loss. His fight with confidence, alcohol and the loss of friends left him with a damaged character. He finds new friends in a dark order, overcomes his demons (and various setbacks), and finally abdicates his ex-friend, Kenny Omega, as AEW World Champion.
Page’s journey took place over three years, with several different chapters, twists, turns, and more. Ultimately, it was a healthy story of friendship and confidence, which made him the best on Babyface. This was one of the best long-term stories of all time.
10
The rise of “man” Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch has become the biggest name in wrestling
- She won the first woman WWE WrestleMania Main Event
- Lynch has become the top star of WWE
Women’s wrestling has long been not given the appropriate focus or attention. Not only is it often an aftermarket or attraction match, but things haven’t started to change until recently. Becky Lynch played a major role in making it happen with his organic rise as a man.
She was a weak babyface that fans often overlook and often overlook until they no longer decide. They gathered behind her, and Lynch took it, dealing with the broken nose and becoming the face of the entire company, fighting the odds of Charlotte Flair and Rhonda Lucy.
9
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho worked as a top heel
- They had an incredible ladder match
- They had a very personal feud
Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels always had amazing chemistry whenever they worked together, and that was clear during their 2008 feud. They made things personal. Jericho worked as a heel in his best here, but Michaels was still putting together a great match.
Their rivalry lasts longer than ever, and it depends on entertaining their work in the ring. They delivered in the match, but they also added Jericho and individual level, punching Michaels’ wife at one point.
8
Raven vs. Tommy Dreamer
Things have become personal between them
- Beulah McGillicutty was at the heart of the storyline
- They physically pushed each other
While ECW may best remember it at various violent spots and wild barrage moments, the company also knew how to tell incredible stories. The angle between Raven and Tommy Dreamer is an example, pushing the idea that these two men are childhood friends who oppose each other through Beura McGillicutti.
They brought some violent moments worthy of the company they were in, but there were also many hearts and emotions that brought out the best from both men through their promotions.
7
Batista vs. Triple H
He has become a main event star
- They started together in evolution
- Batista established himself in this storyline
The rise to Batista becoming WWE’s top main event star is one of the storylines in business history. The evolution was a red-hot fact, but Batista was prepared to break out of top talent, and WWE did that the right way.
It led to a blood feud where he screwed him into Triple H and saw them bring together some physical encounters that their beloved viewers loved. It’s tough, and every match has a big sense of fighting, which is a feat of their work.
