Many wrestling storylines feature betrayals or objections, but these often don’t result in an actual breakup of the partnership. Major wrestling promotions like WWE have frequently teased final farewells in their storylines, such as Shawn Michaels throwing Marty Jannetty through a barbershop window or Adam Cole turning on him, creating expectations of a definitive split. However, while betrayals and heel turns stir excitement among fans, these plots often conclude without the anticipated fallout.
For example, WWE’s tag team "Team Hell No", consisting of Kane and Daniel Bryan, captured fans’ attention as a quirky duo committed to their storyline. Despite fans hoping for a dramatic breakup, Bryan’s ascent to main event status led to a quiet split with Kane, who turned heel and started a feud with Bryan instead.
Similarly, the Dudley Boyz in WWE were led to multiple betrayals and splits, especially when factions like Teddy Long’s sought to undermine D-Von Dudley. However, these storylines were designed as misdirections to strengthen the duo, culminating in their eventual reunion.
In AEW, Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara formed a strong faction bond, with hints of tension teased but never fully realized, maintaining respect within the group until their amicable separation.
At WCW, fans were kept on edge for years with the storyline between Sting and Lex Luger, which involved complex character dynamics and leveraged their real-life friendship. Despite prolonged tension, they didn’t become full-fledged enemies until several years later.
The WWE tag team "The Bar" (Sheamus and Cesaro) had a unique Best of 7 Series feud that ended in a tie, leading to their transformation into partners rather than rivals. Their eventual split came through WWE’s draft rather than an in-ring betrayal.
In AEW, Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter’s alliance was cut short when Hayter suffered an injury, preventing a major storyline betrayal from unfolding.
The famous WWE couple Triple H and Stephanie McMahon have been involved in layered storylines and love triangles since 1999, with plans for dramatic splits changed over time. Their ongoing storylines consistently influence WWE’s narrative direction.
Finally, Edge and Christian’s long-term WWE partnership was marked by a brief feud after their first split, but Edge’s career-ending injury stopped a highly anticipated rivalry from happening in WWE, which later continued in AEW.
Fan Take: These near-breakup storylines keep fans intrigued by blending reality and fiction, showing how wrestling promotions balance storytelling with real-life circumstances. Understanding these unfinished rivalries gives fans insight into the creative choices shaping wrestling’s evolving drama and legacy.
