The 1980s marked a significant boom for professional wrestling, propelling it into mainstream pop culture, largely through Vince McMahon’s bold leadership of WWE during its Golden Age. While other promotions experienced varying fortunes, the transformation of the NWA and Jim Crockett Promotions into WCW heralded a new wrestling era. Throughout wrestling history, intense rivalries often fueled backstage conflicts, driven by fierce competition for main event spots, resulting in real-life tensions. An update will be provided to reveal whether the individuals involved resolved their differences or continued their hostilities.
Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage
During WWE’s Golden Era, Hogan and Savage were promoted as the company’s iconic faces, embodying Vince McMahon’s vision of sports entertainment with their larger-than-life personas. Despite on-screen chemistry, Savage harbored personal grievances against Hogan, notably over Miss Elizabeth’s divorce. Savage expressed his animosity through a rap song in the 2000s, but both eventually reconciled before Savage’s passing.
Bobby Heenan & The Ultimate Warrior
Both WWE talents, Heenan became a notable heel manager and commentator after his wrestling days, often clashing with the Warrior. Their backstage relationship was marred by mutual animosity, especially with Heenan’s harsh treatment of Warrior’s opponents. Sadly, they never resolved their differences before passing away.
Ric Flair & Lex Luger
Once rivals, Flair and Luger overcame past tensions to become friends in later years. Luger’s early career arrogance rubbed many the wrong way, but maturity helped mend fences, and they now share mutual respect.
Bob Backlund and Hulk Hogan
Hogan, a top WWE star, faced opposition from Backlund, who refused to lose the WWE Championship to him, leading to ongoing resentment. Their feud was never resolved, with Hogan still voicing frustrations years later.
Roddy Piper & Mr. T
Both collaborated during WWE’s celebrity era, but Piper’s refusal to lose to Mr. T in a major storyline caused strain, fearing it would harm his credibility. Despite this, they eventually made peace.
Hulk Hogan & Ultimate Warrior
These two had a high-profile WrestleMania clash and years of public insults exchanged after a WWE documentary criticism from Hogan. They finally reconciled in a 2014 Hall of Fame moment.
Tully Blanchard & Magnum TA
Their legendary feud was complicated by a real-life love triangle when Blanchard’s ex-wife married Magnum, but they managed to reconcile, even supporting Blanchard’s daughter Tessa’s wrestling career together.
Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon
Sammartino openly criticized McMahon’s WWE direction during the late ’80s and ’90s, boycotting WWE-related events during the Attitude Era. Efforts by Triple H helped bring Sammartino back into WWE’s Hall of Fame, mending the relationship.
Hulk Hogan & Jesse Ventura
Ventura’s attempt to unionize WWE was thwarted by Hogan, who informed McMahon and derailed the effort, causing ongoing resentment. They never reconciled due to Hogan’s recent passing.
Fan Take: The backstage rivalries and subsequent reconciliations shape the rich, dramatic history of professional wrestling, reflecting the complex human stories behind the spectacle. Understanding these dynamics helps WWE fans appreciate the personal sacrifices and tensions that contribute to the sport’s evolution and emotional depth.
