Professional wrestling thrives on compelling storylines, and the greatest WWE storylines capture our imagination and create emotional investment. These narratives have defined generations of wrestling fans. They’ve launched careers and cemented legacies. Some storylines emerged from real-life tensions between performers. Others were masterfully crafted fictional tales that felt completely authentic.
The best WWE storylines combine personal stakes and memorable characters. They create moments that fans discuss decades later. Here’s our countdown of the 10 greatest WWE storylines that changed sports entertainment forever.
10. The Nexus Invasion
On June 7, 2010, eight rookies from WWE’s NXT program, led by Wade Barrett, invaded Raw, attacking John Cena and dismantling the ring area. Calling themselves The Nexus, they aimed to dominate WWE. Their initial impact was profound, leading to high-profile matches and storylines, though internal conflicts eventually led to their dissolution.
9. Becky Lynch’s Rise to The Man
In 2018, Becky Lynch’s transformation into “The Man” began after she attacked Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam. Embracing a tougher persona, Lynch’s newfound attitude resonated with fans, leading to her historic victory in the main event of WrestleMania 35, where she became both Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion.
8. The Authority vs. The Shield
The Shield, comprising Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns, initially served as enforcers for The Authority. However, as they outgrew their roles, tensions rose, leading to a feud. The climax occurred when Rollins betrayed his teammates to join The Authority.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 SmackDown Matches of All Time
7. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – Career vs. Streak
Shawn Michaels sought to end The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak, leading to a match at WrestleMania XXV. After failing, Michaels challenged Taker again, this time putting his career on the line at WrestleMania XXVI. The high-stakes match ended with Michaels’ retirement.
6. CM Punk’s Pipebomb
In 2011, CM Punk delivered a scathing, unscripted promo—dubbed the “Pipebomb”—criticizing WWE’s management and voicing real-life frustrations. This blurred the lines between fiction and reality, leading to heightened interest in his WWE Championship match against John Cena at Money in the Bank. Punk’s subsequent title win and temporary departure with the belt added unpredictability to WWE programming.
5. The Yes Movement
Daniel Bryan’s underdog journey to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship captivated fans worldwide. Facing opposition from The Authority, who deemed him a “B+ player,” Bryan’s grassroots support led to the “Yes Movement,” culminating in his triumphant victory at WrestleMania XXX.
11 YEARS AGO TODAY DANIEL BRYAN AND THE FANS TOOK OVER RAW THAT LED TO HIM BEING INCLUDED IN THE MAIN EVENT OF WRESTLEMANIA
THE YES MOVEMENT ☝🏼
(#WWERaw 03-10-2014) pic.twitter.com/vXfyZrWLO5
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) March 10, 2025
4. The Brothers of Destruction
The complex relationship between The Undertaker and his storyline brother Kane began in 1997. Introduced as a figure from The Undertaker’s past, Kane’s arrival led to a series of confrontations and alliances. Their on-again, off-again partnership, filled with betrayal and reconciliation, added depth to WWE’s storytelling.
3. The Mega Powers Explode
In the late 1980s, two of WWE’s biggest stars, Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage, formed the “Mega Powers.” Their alliance, however, was fraught with jealousy and misunderstandings, especially over Miss Elizabeth’s role. The tension culminated in a heated rivalry, leading to their iconic WWE Championship match at WrestleMania V, where Hogan emerged victorious.
Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best NXT Live Main Events of All Time
2. The Bloodline Saga
Beginning in 2020, Roman Reigns reinvented himself as “The Tribal Chief,” aligning with Paul Heyman and later bringing in his cousins, The Usos. This storyline explored family dynamics, loyalty, and power, with Reigns asserting dominance over his relatives to solidify his position at the head of the family table.
Which is the greatest WWE storyline of all time?
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Mr. McMahon
In the late 1990s, the rebellious “Stone Cold” Steve Austin clashed with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, embodying the classic struggle between employee and employer. Austin’s defiance and McMahon’s tyrannical attempts to control him led to memorable moments, including Austin’s beer truck incident and their intense matches. This feud played a pivotal role in the success of the Attitude Era.
