The Most Memorable Wrestling Feuds of the 2000s
The first decade of the 21st century was a transformative era for professional wrestling, markedly different from its past. On January 1, 2000, wrestling held a mainstream status akin to that of pop music and Disney films, with the WWF thriving while WCW struggled financially. ECW also made its mark as a significant player in American wrestling. However, by the end of 2009, the landscape had drastically changed; both WCW and ECW had disappeared, and Japanese wrestling faced significant challenges, culminating in the tragic death of Mitsuharu Misawa. Amid these shifts, WWE faced its own issues, struggling to regain the intense interest it once held, even as TNA and ROH experienced their early successes.
Despite the challenges of the 2000s, this era birthed notable matches and rivalries that remain etched in the memories of fans, largely due to the advent of social media. These unforgettable feuds emerged during a time when wrestling desperately sought new narratives and excitement.
Edge & Christian vs. Dudley Boys vs. Hardy Boys
In a fitting reflection on current rivalries, Adam "Edge" Copeland recently challenged Matt and Jeff Hardy in TNA’s Slammiversary event, recalling the legendary matches these three teams had together during the WWE Attitude Era. Their saga began with a groundbreaking ladder match at No Mercy in 1999, followed by a series of intense contests, including the iconic TLC matches at WrestleMania. Together, these teams redefined tag team wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on WWE history.
Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels
The later years of the Attitude Era were tumultuous, with WWE experimenting with controversial storylines. Amidst this chaos, Shawn Michaels returned in 2002, reigniting his rivalry with Triple H. Their matches, especially the iconic street fight at SummerSlam and the unforgettable encounters at WrestleMania, exemplified the era’s intensity and emotional investment from fans, solidifying their feud as one of the most significant of the decade.
Lita vs. Trish Stratus
While women’s wrestling was often overlooked in the 2000s, the rivalry between Lita and Trish Stratus marked a pivotal moment in WWE history. Their feud culminated in a main event match on “WWE Raw,” showcasing the talent and resilience of female wrestlers during a time when they were often underrepresented. Despite injuries, their matches helped elevate women’s wrestling in the mainstream, leaving a legacy that inspires today’s female superstars.
Brian Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness
In the realm of independent wrestling, the feud between Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness became emblematic of Ring of Honor’s appeal. Their rivalry was rooted in their quest to be recognized as the best wrestler, culminating in historic matches that resonated with fans and highlighted the passion and dedication of indie wrestling.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton
As one of WWE’s longest-running rivalries, the story of John Cena and Randy Orton has shaped both their careers and the company’s direction. Their feud was interwoven through the 2000s, highlighting their evolution as characters and building anticipation among fans. While other feuds emerged, Cena and Orton’s ongoing narrative established a foundation for future storytelling in WWE.
Fan Take: The significance of these legendary feuds lies in their ability to captivate audiences and drive storylines in wrestling. For fans, they not only represent riveting entertainment but also mark a transformative period that shaped the future of the sport.
