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A Look Back On History: 12 Greatest Factions In WWE/WCW History

WWE.com

It's been two weeks since my last installment of the "A Look Back On History" series, for which I sincerely apologize. I'd like to dedicate this article to my mother, Stacy Balonick-Rago, who on November 17th, 2014 passed away from complications directly relating to a failed liver.

A successful faction instantly increases the quality of WWE programming, providing viewers with either a group of men to support as representatives or a detestable nemesis to direct our loathing toward. In this article we will be taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting the legacies left behind by some of the most highly acclaimed factions in WCW/WWE history.

Honorable Mentions

The Radicalz: Comprised of Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, and future WWE Champions Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero,The Radicalz earned the distinction as possibly the most technically sound stable of all time. The foursome defected from WCW to WWF in early 2000, negotiating their release due to dissatisfaction over the creative direction of each of their respective characters. The change of employment is heavily considered the final knell in the coffin for the now defunct WCW, as it deprived the promotion of four of its most promising young talents, chiefly Chris Benoit, who was officially recognized as the current WCW Heavyweight Champion at the time of the jump. Unfortunately, though they were able to obtain a respectable amount of midcard success while together in WWF, feuding with the likes of the New Age Outlaws and, to a lesser extent, Mick Foley, they never reached their full potential as a faction, as the four members opted to part ways in search of singles success.

The Authority: Admittedly, the idea of the Authority was excellent. However, the actual portrayal was severely lacking until recently, as throughout late 2013 and early 2014, the Authority was made up of a non-wrestler, a p (Stephanie McMahon), a part-time wrestler (Triple H), a wrestler who cannot buy a win (Kane), and an overly cowardly heel (Randy Orton). Until Seth Rollins joined the alignment with Triple H, the group of company men were severely struggling to maintain relevance. That's not to suggest that the Authority did not have any positive moments, as their detestable actions toward Daniel Bryan led to arguably WWE's greatest moment of 2013. However, their minimal positive contributions fail to neutralize some of the worst storytelling in WWE history on their behalf.

The Von Erichs: Had the Von Erichs made a greater impact in either the WWE or WCW, they would undoubtedly warrant a much higher ranking. However, only Kerry Von Erich (wrestling under the ring name Texas Tornado) and his famous Iron Claw finisher achieved anything of note within the WWE, capturing the WWF Intercontinental Championship from Mr. Perfect at the 1990 edition of Summerslam. Nevertheless, the contributions made by the Von Erich Family to the wrestling industry are so notorious that WWE inducted the entire family into the WWE Hall of Fame, showing appreciation for the legendary feuds against the likes of The Fabulous Freebirds.

Unfortunately, the tale of the Von Erichs remains one of the most tragic stories in professional wrestling history, as five of the six sons of Fritz Von Erich preceded him in death, including the suicides of Kerry, Michael, and Chris. Only Kevin Von Erich remained as the lone second generation representative for the Von Erich Family's WWE Hall of Fame induction, providing for a bittersweet ceremony.

The Heenan Family: The Heenan Family does not qualify for this list as the "members" of the Heenan Family rarely worked together as a cohesive unit, their only common denominator being the management of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Granted, the wrestlers did seem to share similar agendas, such as the destruction of Hulkamania, though that also seemed to be a communal goal shared between every heel of the era (if not every superstar, regardless of persona). Nevertheless, since some of you undoubtedly consider the Heenan Family a stable, I decided to designate a spot for them under honorable mentions, simply to acknowledge the greatness of Heenan as a manager and recruiter. as well as appease the outrage that would certainly come my way had I completely excluded them.

The Fabulous Freebirds: The contributions of the Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts to the entire industry as a whole are indisputable, firmly cementing them as one of the greatest factions of all time. What makes this threesome unique to this list was their propensity to jump from promotion to promotion, ranging from juggernauts such as WWF to comparatively lesser known promotions like the Universal Wrestling Federation based in Oklahoma. Their participation within the WWF was limited to 1984, when they partook in the ever-popular Rock n' Wrestling Connection era before departing following a confrontation with Andre the Giant. However, you will be hard pressed to find a true wrestling fan who hasn't familiarized themselves with the legendary feuds contested between The Freebirds and the Von Erichs as well as The Freebirds and The Road Warriors. Additionally, the Freebirds popularized the usage of the rock/alternative genre as an entrance theme, indirectly catapulting the wrestling industry to new heights. The fact that the Freebirds were able to act as the anchor to feuds that were so excellent that they did not need a high-level platform to reach legendary status warrants them an inclusion on this list. However, their lack of an impact within either the WCW or WWE promotions as a unit relegates them to the honorable mentions section.

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12) The Nation of Domination

Key Members: Farooq, The Rock, D-Lo Brown, Mark Henry, Owen Hart, Savio Vega,The Godfather
Theme: "Nation of Domination"

A Brief History: The original embodiment of the Nation of Domination began with Farooq and manager Clarence Mason adopting a gimmick loosely based on the Nation of Islam and The Black Panthers. Earning inordinate amounts of heat due to their extremist mantras and and pro-black tirades, the group established themselves as a successful heel act in 1996. However, what propelled the group from 'successful' to great was the complete overhaul triggered by leader Farooq, who wanted a "Bigger, Badder, Better, and Blacker Nation.

On the June 16th edition of Raw is War, Farooq would dismiss former members such as Savio Vega and Crush (who would go on to form the Nation's rival factions Los Boricuas and Disciples of Apocalypse, respectively), replacing them with new inductees Rocky Maivia, Mark Henry, and Kama Mustafa (Ahmed Johnson would also be introduced as a new member of the Nation of Domination only to be forced out due to legitimate injury). While still a complementary member, The Rock's swagger and cockiness began to resonate with the WWE fanbase, a development aptly acknowledged by WWE management. Following months of teased dissension within the group, the Rock's growing popularity directly led to the his usurpation of Farooq's position as leader.

This led to a major change in the values of the group, morphing them from a group of men with militant personas to a cooler, contemporary group focused on proudly representing the black race. The groups main focus would develop into protecting the Rock's Intercontinenal Championship at all costs, whether it be intentional disqualifications or underhanded tactics to ensure victory. During this era, the group engaged in a spectacular feud with D-Generation X, leading to one of the most infamous segments in WWE History. The DX-Nation feud would climax at Summerslam 1998, when the Rock and Triple H would partake in a memorable ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

What Made Them Great: The Nation of Domination utilized the race card to perfection, using the controversial tactic to garner genuine heat from the crowd. The group also portrayed the gimmick of violent yet justified protesters exceptionally, eventually getting over with fans due to their gimmick and dedication alone; something about their anger toward racism rang a little too true in the ears of WWF fans, generating sympathy against our will. The involvement within the faction successfully accentuated each individual's strengths, especially in comparison to their comically awful gimmicks of the past, allowing each member to rejuvenate his career while also remaining extremely believable in his respective role. However, what truly launched the Nation of Domination into unforeseen territory was the transformation of Rocky Maivia into The Rock. A wrestler who began as a cookie-cutter babyface morphed into arguably the most charismatic superstar in the history of the WWE/F thanks in part to his time with the Nation of Domination.

Why They Are Ranked #12: At their peak, the Nation of Domination was comprised of four surefire future Hall of Famers (Farooq, The Rock, Mark Henry, and Owen Hart) as well as two reputable upper midcard superstars (D'lo Brown and The Godfather). Along with a legendary theme, the way they were able to employ the race card to garner heat from audiences was exceptional. However, though the members of the Nation of Domination captured a respectable number of titles during the groups run -- the Rock winning the Intercontinental Champion and D'lo Brown earning the European Championship -- each member of the group found greener pastures beyond the stable's run together. Prior to his role in the Nation of Domination, Farooq earned the distinction as the first African American to ever win the WCW Heavyweight Championship. Owen Hart had previously frequented the main event scene alongside his brother and Yokozuna. Following the disbandment of the group, The Rock and Mark Henry would both go on to capture top WWE Championships, while D'lo Brown would go on to simultaneously hold both the Intercontinental and European Championships at the peak of his popularity. The Godfather would also obtain the Intercontinental Championship in 1999, though his most memorable contributions to WWE came as the pseudo-main-event heel under the Papa Shango character. Additionally, outside of Farooq's WWF Championship match against The Undertaker at King of The Ring 1997, the members of The Nation didn't get much main-event exposure. Nevertheless, the Nation of Domination left a lasting mark during their time together, engaging in captivating feuds and providing WWE with one of the greatest heel stables of all time.

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11) The Million Dollar Corporation

Key Members: Ted DiBiase, Bam Bam Bigelow, 1-2-3 Kid, Sycho Sid, Nikolai Volkoff, IRS, Tatanka, King Kong Bundy, Kama, "Ringmaster" Steve Austin
Theme: "It's All About The Money"

A Brief History: As a heel faction between 1994-1996, the Million Dollar Corporation was anchored by none other than the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. After recruiting inaugural members Bam Bam Bigelow and Nikolai Volkoff, WWE inserted the faction into main-event storylines, including the infamously disastrous Undertaker vs. Undertaker match. However, despite their first main event involvement resulting in a flop of epic proportions, the Corporation continued to expand its ranks, adding the likes of the IRS and Tatanka after a meticulously planned double-crossing of Lex Lugar. With expansion came an ascension up the card, climaxing with Million Dollar Corporation member Bam Bam Bigelow main eventing Wrestlemania XI against NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor.

The Million Dollar Corporation continued to experience a flux of new members, as Kama, King Kong Bundy, The 1-2-3 Kid, and Sycho Sid would soon join forces under Ted DiBiase. However, the most prominent member of the group came during its dying embers. By 1996, the once illustrious group found its numbers depleted, as various members either found themselves released from their contract or opted to sign with rival promotions. In to replace the departed members came an emerging superstar who went by the name of "Ringmaster" Steve Austin, who with Ted DiBiase as his manager was promptly granted the Million Dollar Championship. Austin's affiliation with DiBiase ended after an underrated feud with Savio Vega, where Austin claimed to have purposely lost a stipulated match that would force DiBiase out of the WWE. However, DiBiase's real life decision to join WCW may have indirectly been the best circumstance ever to land on the WWE, as without a manager, Austin commenced a character change that ultimately led to his portrayal of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

What Made Them Great: The Million Dollar Corporation was a rare source of entertainment during a dramatically underwhelming period in WWE. The faction provided established yet stale babyfaces with a safe platform to execute a successful heel turn while simultaneously giving floundering veterans a new purpose. Also, everyone remembers the infamous skit involving the IRS Man attempting to extract past due payments from the deceased. However, no one can dismiss the importance of Ted DiBiase's role within the group, as his portrayal of a affluent, greedy leader led to some of the most captivating moments of the era.

Why They Are Ranked #12: As great as the Corporation was, the group was comprised of A- Superstars -- DiBiase, Bigelow, and Sycho Sid -- and midcarders with simply average careers. The group was never graced with a member who, in hindsight, was ever the face of the WWF, which negatively reflects on their ranking. However, the members within the group still lay claim to two Wrestlemania main-event berths, as well as an abundance of main event story lines, which forces me to rank them higher than the Nation of Domination.

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10) The Nexus

Key Members: Wade Barrett, CM Punk, Michael Tarver, Skip Sheffield (Ryback), Darren Young, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, David Otunga, Mason Ryan, Michael McGillicutty, Husky Harris
Theme: "We Are One"

A Brief History: On The June 10th edition of Monday Night Raw, eight unknown superstars debuted in the most impressive fashion conceivable, incapacitating everyone involved in the main event (including ringside personnel), as well as dismantling the entire set of Raw. Later introduced as the Nexus, the stable comprised of the eight participating rookies of NXT immediately made their presence felt, antagonizing the superstars of Raw both past and present.

At Fatal 4-Way 2010, the Nexus would make their first noteworthy impression on the championship picture, costing John Cena his WWE Championship to Sheamus by way of outside interference. A feud with Cena ensued, which essentially saw Cena destroy the group from all directions. Following a Survivor Series-esque elimination match at Summerslam 2010 and a stipulated match that would require John Cena to join the Nexus should he lose, The Nexus were weakened by the untimely injuries to Skip Sheffield and Michael Tarver, as well as the (kayfabe) excommunication of Darren Young. Though leader Wade Barrett would remain in the main event spotlight through Survivor Series 2010, where he defeated WWE Champion Randy Orton via disqualification, the Nexus storylines gradually became overcrowded and discombobulated. The banishment of Barrett as leader (replaced by CM Punk) momentarily reinvigorated excitement for the group, but the fresh breathe of air was short lived, as CM Punk's expiring contract and rapidly ascending status left the rest of the group looking like lame ducks.

What Made Them Great: The Nexus introduced an unprecedented storyline to WWE fans, as never before have a group of unknown rookies made such an immediate impact on WWE television. Individual star power is not what propelled the Nexus to the success they experienced, but rather an excellent level of camaraderie combined with a sense of purpose. Additionally, their debut is without question one of the most infamous in the history of professional wrestling, while their propensity for punishing their enemies with each of their finishing moves was vicious in nature.

Why They Are Ranked #10: The idea of The Nexus, itself, elevated the quality of the main-event scene, providing a captivating grudge feud to not only complement the WWE/World Heavyweight Championship scene, but perhaps even usurp it. The group was introduced in a foreign yet captivating way, announcing eight new superstars as significant characters upon arrival. However, the majority of the superstars that fromed the Nexus have fallen so far down the card that it's almost comical envisioning them sharing the ring with WWE Hall of Famers, let alone being portrayed as legitimate threats to them. Re-watch Summerslam 2010, where Heath Slater consecutively pinned both Chris Jericho and Edge; or perhaps revisit the segment that featured Justin Gabriel pinning John Cena. It's a testament to how influential the group was to these mens' careers that today's perennial jobbers were pinning legends of the industry just four short years ago. It's safe to say that the Nexus will be remembered with mixed reviews when it pertains to pure success, though the impact they left is undeniable.

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9) The Dangerous Alliance

Key Members: Paul E. Dangerously (manager), Rick Rude, Arn Anderson, "Stunning" Steve Austin, Madusa, Larry Zbyszko, Bobby Eaton
Theme: "The Dangerous Alliance"

A Brief History: WCW's version of The Dangerous Alliance was actually a reincarnation of the Paul E. Dangerously-led AWA faction comprised of Adrian Adonis and the Midnight Express. WCW resurrected the group at Halloween Havoc 1991, when Zbyszko and Anderson would assault Barry Windham in the parking lot, crushing his hand in the car door in the process. Later that night, the unidentified WCW Halloween Phantom (yes, that was a thing) was revealed to be "Ravishing" Rick Rude, working under the authority of Paul E. Dangerously. On the following edition of Monday Night World Championship Wrestling (the predecessor of Monday Night Nitro), Dangerously would formally announce Zbyszko, Anderson, Then-WCW Television Champion, Steve Austin, and the man he defeated for the title, Bobby Eaton, as newly inducted members of the Dangerous Alliance, rounding out a quite formidable line-up.

The Dangerous Alliance would proceed to dominate the WCW roster for a six month period, concurrently holding the Television Championship (Steve Austin), the Tag Team Championships (Zbyszko and Anderson), and the United States Championship (Rick Rude). They posed a viable threat to the top babyfaces during an era where babyfaces were always, without question, expected to prevail, targeting and conquering the likes of Sting, Nikolai Volkoff, Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham, and Dusty Rhodes. The various feuds would combine to culminate in arguably the greatest WarGames match of all time, pitting the five aforementioned babyfaces against the the Dangerous Alliance at the 1992 edition of WrestleWar, won by "Sting's Squadron" after Zbyszko's attempt to attack Sting with the displaced turnbuckle backfired, instead hitting Eaton and leaving him vulnerable to a deciding armbar submission.

What Made Them Great: The Dangerous Alliance had the air of a disciplined group who believed in their leader with absolute certainty. Though they didn't feature a true main-event talent -- Rick Rude settled in the tier right below the established main event superstars -- they were able to use a combination of cohesiveness, aggression, and underhanded tactics to convince audience's that not only were they on par with superstars like Sting, but they may even be superior. Additionally, the pure talent that this collection possessed may be unmatched by any other faction in history, with Rude and Austin headlining a group that could hold their own with any stable before or since.

Why They Are Ranked #9: Their participation in the WarGames match opposite Sting's Squadron undoubtedly boosts their resume, giving the alliance a marquee moment that will keep them in the minds of fans for the foreseeable future. The talent this collection of men boasts is undeniable, as well. However, the direction and purpose that Paul E. Dangerously, who is arguably the greatest manager of all time, provided this group is what really set them apart from the competition. Nevertheless, like most storylines contrived by the incompetent WCW creative team, the group was unable to truly reach their full potential as a faction. Arn Anderson mirrored that opinion in an interview with RF Radio, stating that while the group was an "impressive gathering of talent", they were not as memorable as they could have been due to the bookers failure to effectively promote stars.

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8) The Hart Foundation

Key Members: Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, The British Bulldog, Jim Neidhart
Theme: "Hart Attack"

A Brief History: Beginning as a tag team comprised of Canadian-born Wrestlers Jim "The Anvil" Heidhart and Bret Hart, The original Hart Foundation found significant success as a duo, achieving a ten month reign as tag team champions after their defeat of the British Bulldogs for the championships. However, after going their separate ways in pursuit of singles success, The Hart Foundation was reinvented by Bret Hart after his infamous submission match with Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania XIII, where Hart and Austin flawlessly executed the rare "double turn." Now trekking into heel territory for the first time since 1988, Hart assembled a group of Anti-American superstars to aid him in his contemptible affairs, recruiting former partner Jim Neidhart, brother Owen Hart, step brother The British Bulldog, and Brian Pullman. The group would only leave a brief, albeit powerful mark, however, as unfortunate circumstances prevented this group from reaching its full potential; Brian Pillman's passing in October of 1997 followed by Bret Hart's departure following the Montreal Screwjob a month later derailed the momentum the stable had accumulated, regrettably putting an end to the greatest foreign faction the WWE has ever created.

What Made Them Great: Aside from the Winter Olympics season, the United States of American and Canada have a very strong relationship with one another, sharing nearly identical cultures, sporting interests, and language. However, The Hart Foundation were so exceptional as an anti-American heel stable that they were able to generate a strange, rare "Anti-Canadian" movement within the WWE. During their brief run together in the WWE, the Hart Foundation dominated the championship scene, with a separate member of the stable claiming each championship during their eight month run. Bret Hart conquered the main-event scene, capturing the WWF Championship from the Undertaker at the annual Summerslam event; Owen Hart gained both the Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships -- along with Jim Neidhart -- during his time with the Hart Foundation, while The British Bulldog defeated stablemate Owen Hart in a tournament final for the European Championship.

Aside from their championship dominance, the Hart Foundation played the roles of antagonists for the Newsletter Feud of the Year, opposite of Stone Cold Steve Austin. The stable deserves credit for helping both Austin and Shawn Michaels graduate from rising stars into super-stardom, providing WWE with a solid foundation to build on.

Why They Are Ranked #8: The Hart Foundation used their limited time to create a remarkable legacy. The storylines they contributed to created enthralling television. Their phenomenal capabilities as heels allowed them to generate heat toward a nation that Americans genuinely consider a friend as well. However, it is difficult to rank them higher due to the brevity of their run, though it should be noted that extenuating circumstances prevented them from building on their outstanding resume.

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7) Ministry of Darkness

Key Members: The Undertaker, The Acolytes (Farooq and Bradshaw), The Brood (Edge, Christian, and Gangrel), Viscera, Mideon, Paul Bearer.
Theme: "Ministry"/"The Brood"

A Brief History: Following a loss to Stone Cold Steve Austin at In Your House: Rock Bottom, The Undertaker went on a brief, one-month hiatus. Upon his return, however, the Undertaker introduced a more stoically prophetic version of himself, successfully recruiting the Acolytes to join his cause while rechristening Dennis Knight and Mabel as Mideon and Viscera, respectively, following the abductions of each. The addition of the Brood, a group that portrayed satanic vampires, soon followed, allowing the historically unconquerable Undertaker an army at his disposal.

The Ministry of Darkness immediately made their intentions clear, aiming to seize control of the WWF from underneath Vince McMahon. Using satanic rituals, such as the sacrifice of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the abduction of Stephanie McMahon, as a method of intimidation, The Ministry weakened McMahon's resolve, illustrating Vince McMahon as a helpless and vulnerable target. McMahon would proceed to attempt and curb the Ministry's momentum by booking The Undertaker in a variety of trying contests against his henchman, including the second ever inferno match against his brother Kane and the egregious Hell In A Cell match against the Big Bossman at Wrestlemania XV.Neither attempt prevailed, however, as The Undertaker would easily dispose of Kane before proceeding to hang the Big Bossman from the rafters, subsequently providing one of the most infamous images in WWE history.

Unfortunately, as the Ministry continued to compile momentum and unforgettable moments, their power came to an abrupt halt, as it was revealed that the "higher power" that The Undertaker continually alluded to was, in fact, Vince McMahon. This development directly contributed to a nonsensical, overbooked storyline that disenchanted viewers rather than adding intrigue.

What Made Them Great: The WWE took the most frightening character they ever developed and provided him with an army of brainwashed, like-minded acolytes. The group's dark mystique and controversial acts provided for must watch television, shocking the viewers with the lengths they were willing to go to communicate their message. The Ministry of Darkness was essentially an extension of The Undertaker himself, who appropriately introduced us to an even more captivating version of himself. Combine that with the increased exposure of the Brood (and their epic theme) and you have an equation for success.

Why They Are Ranked #7: As enthralling as the idea of the Ministry of Darkness was, they were unable to reach their full potential and the birth of the "Corporate Ministry" derailed their momentum. Nevertheless, the four month stretch they were given to run roughshod over the WWE was captivating. The group also featured five surefire future Hall of Famers -- Undertaker, Edge, Christian, Farooq, and Bradshaw -- as well as a darkhouse sixth candidate, Mabel, with five of those men playing their complementary roles to perfection.

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6) The Shield

Key Members: Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns
Theme: "Special Op"

A Brief History: Under the disguise of unassuming security guards, The Shield debuted at Survivor Series 2012, costing Ryback his opportunity at obtaining WWE Championship gold after putting him through the Spanish announce table. Following Survivor Series, the Shield would immediately announce themselves as a force to be reckoned with, incapacitating legends and champions alike in their unwavering pursuit of what they defined as rectifying "injustice." However, apart from their attention grabbing gimmick, the Shield were able to rely on their in-ring capabilities for support, putting on a Match of the Year candidate in their debut contest against Kane, Daniel Bryan, and Ryback. Aside from a disqualification defeat against John Cena, Kane, and Daniel Bryan, the Shield embarked on a seven-month undefeated streak as a unit before Daniel Bryan was able to submit Seth Rollins on the June 14th edition of Raw, finally bringing an end to their unblemished record.

The Shield were also able to obtain championship gold in May of 2013, when all three members of the group would emerge victorious in their championship bouts -- Dean Ambrose stripping Kofi Kingston of the U.S. Championship while the team of Reigns and Rollins would dethrone Team Hell No for the tag team titles. However, despite each member's possession of championship gold, the Shield's feuds continued to center around the group as a unit; Ambrose's U.S. Title become a prop of sorts while, apart from their captivating feud with the Rhodes Brothers, Reigns and Rollins tenure as tag champions was largely forgettable.

Nevertheless, even after losing all of their championships, the Shield rebounded better than ever, a testament to just how talented the trio was. Rather than refocus their attention on championship gold, the group set out determined to prove their worth as the greatest faction of all time. This led to enthralling feuds against the likes of Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, The Wyatt Family, and the newly reformed Evolution.

The break-up of the Shield came at what seemed like an inopportune time, as the Shield were riding a massive wave of momentum following consecutive pay-per-view defeats of Evolution, including a clean sweep of the group at the 2013 Payback pay-per-view. In the most shocking development of 2014, Seth Rollins, widely considered the neutral man of the unit, turned heel by first attacking an unsuspecting Roman Reigns with a steel chair before turning his aggression on a flabbergasted Dean Ambrose, aligning himself with the Triple H-led Authority.

What Made Them Great: Reigns, Rollins, and Ambrose mastered the anatomy of the six-man tag team match, utilizing the perfect blend of intensity, speed, and false finishes. The Shield saved an uncountable amount of stumbling television shows, and even took their success to headlining pay-per-views in six-man tag matches, an accomplishment that hadn't been consistently seen since the "In Your House" pay-per-view days. Additionally, following their break-up, each member of the Shield immediately received a substantial push, with each man headlining a pay-per-view as a singles competitor within four months of their disintegration. Five years from now, we may look back on the Shield as a faction that may have not only saved a stagnant product from sinking, but also as a project that successfully gave the WWE a reliable foundation to build upon.

Why They Are Ranked #6: The Shield thrived as a faction, excelling as a cohesive unit out to destroy whomever they believed committed an injustice. As fairly unknown rookies, Rollins, Reigns, and Ambrose conquered some of the most heralded names ever to come through the WWF/E, establishing themselves as a serious threat from the offset. However, what made them even greater is that their momentum was never quashed in their one-and-a-half years together. Each member of the Shield was progressively portrayed as stronger as time went on, leading to authoritative defeats of Hall of Fame units such as the New Age Outlaws and a clean sweep of Evolution. However, though future success was teased, their lack of individual accolades during their time together holds them back from leapfrogging the groups ahead of them.

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5) Evolution

Key Members: Triple H, Randy Orton, Batista, Ric Flair
Theme: "Line In The Sand"

A Brief History: The idea of Evolution came to fruition when Ric Flair interfered on Triple H's behalf during his World Heavyweight Championship defense against Rob Van Dam at Unforgiven 2002. They were soon joined by two up-and-coming superstars in Batista -- who was recently drafted over from the Smackdown brand -- and Randy Orton, who participated in an attack of Scott Steiner to earn his place within the group.

Evolution would go on to dominate the Raw roster during their time together. The group would peak at Armageddon 2003, when all four members of Evolution would each obtain every championship exclusive to the Raw brand -- Triple H would capture the World Heavyweight Championship from Goldberg in a triple threat match also involving Kane, Randy Orton would pin Rob Van Dam for the Intercontinental Championship while Batista and Ric Flair would triumph over The Dudley Boys for the Tag Team Championships. However, success alone was not what made the group memorable. The group exuded arrogance and swagger, commuting in limosines and private jets, dining at the finest of restaurants, and surrounding themselves with the most beautiful of women. They were good and they knew it.

As with all factions, however, the alliance had to come to its inevitable end. Randy Orton, who's stock was rapidly rising within the company, became the youngest World Champion in WWE history when he defeated Chris Benoit at Summerslam. Considering Benoit was the man who dethroned Triple H of the same championship, a sort of envy began to contaminate the friendship between Orton and Triple H, who felt his leadership was being threatened by the new up-and-coming star. In one of the most memorable images in WWE history, Triple H used a thumbs down gesture to indicate to Batista to drop a celebrating Randy Orton to the mat, consequently severing the ties between Orton and Evolution. Batista would also leave the group after an unsuccessful bid orchestrated by Triple H that was intended to coerce the 2005 Royal Rumble winner, Batista, into challenging Smackdown's champion, JBL, at Wrestlemania rather than challenge for Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship.

What Made Them Great: As compelling as their on-screen roles were, the real contribution of Evolution was the way the group organized the future for the WWE. At the time of their alignment with Ric Flair and Triple H, Randy Orton was a green character who was sorely lacking the 'it' factor so heavily required for a talent to succeed, while Batista was simply a glorified bodyguard for Reverend D-Von. The association with two legends of the industry, however, gave both superstars the proverbial rub, propelling them from relatively unknown to main-event talents knocking on the door of superstardom. However, it would be impossible to discount the level of entertainment Evolution brought to our television screens week in and week out, considering you had four of the greatest heels of all time working with one another. We should also not overlook how paramount the 2014 reincarnation of Evolution was in masking a tedious WWE product, participating in a feud of the year candidate opposite the Shield during a time when the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was off of television due to a Daniel Bryan injury.

Why They Are Ranked #5: While it's impossible to discount their temporary dominance of Monday Night Raw, Evolution was not as dominant as some other factions on this list; The quartet was, at times, prone to defeat. Nevertheless, the group achieved a wealth of success and accolades, achieving the rare achievement of championship monopoly within a promotion. Additionally, out of every faction on this list, Evolution easily provided the most long-term benefits to the company that housed them, providing WWE with two future main-event superstars, as well as spearheading the WWE's flapship show while their alliance remained. Without Evolution, who knows if Orton and Batista would ascend to Wrestlemania main event status. The idea behind Evolution worked better than anyone behind the scenes could have envisioned, providing the WWE a solid foundation for them to build their future atop.

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4) The Corporation

Key Members: Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, The Rock, Big Bossman, Triple H, The Big Show, Shawn Michaels, Ken Shamrock, Test, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco, Sgt. Slaughter, Kane, Chyna, Mean Street Posse (Joey Abs, Pete Gas, Rodney)
Theme: "No Chance In Hell"

A Brief History: The Corporation began as a concept for WWF Chairman, Vince McMahon, to combat his chief rival, Stone Cold Steve Austin, with an assortment of comical stooges and a personal bodyguard. However, the group only realized its maturation once they successfully recruited The Rock, who was riding his wave of momentum to rapidly ascend up the pecking order, to join their ranks. The members of the stable were constantly in flux, as the group was essentially a who's-who of company men jockeying for position within the company. However, unlike most stables that experience high turnover, The Corporation actually benefited the careers of everyone associated, either propelling them to new heights or re-energizing stagnating characters.

Rivaling rebellious characters such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind and the members of D-Generation X, The Corporation used their numbers advantage and authority to manipulate outcomes in their favor, even gifting The Rock his first WWF Championship in a blatant re-enactment of the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1998. Ken Shamrock and The Big Boss Man achieved the rare accomplishment of concurrently holding two championships within the company, as the duo would gain the Tag Team Titles while simultaneously holding the Intercontinental and Hardcore Championships, respectively. Shane McMahon would even emerge victorious over X-Pac in his pursuit of the European Championship, following a shocking double-cross by Triple H. Even Test was featured in the most prominent storyline of his career as the (kayfabe) fiance of Stephanie McMahon, engaging in a heated feud against The Game after Triple H intoxicated and married Stephanie against her will. However, all of these achievement and accolades were complementary narratives to the 1998 an 1999 Feud of The Year between Vince McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Eventually, the stable's numbers began to dwindle as a number of the original members either took legitimate breaks from WWE television or moved on to newer storylines. This served as a catalyst for the aforementioned ill-conceived Corporate Ministry, which served as a second wind for the Corporation while simultaneously acting as a death knell for the Ministry of Darkness.

What Made Them Great: The Corporation was led by perhaps the greatest heel of all time in Vince McMahon, while contemporaneously acting as a launching pad for the careers of both rising and established superstars alike. Thirteen potential Hall of Famers were associated with the group as well, twelve of them as complementary characters. The Corporation was the stable that helped cement the Attitude Era as arguably the greatest era in professional wrestling, providing what seemed like an impregnable obstacle to unruly fan favorites such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, and Triple H. Also, the affluent, overseeing power that the Corporation possessed served as an excellent heat magnet that forced audiences to become invested in the product.

Why They Are Ranked #4: The influence attributed to the Corporation in correlation to the Attitude Era's success is undeniable. This stable's accomplishements had a chain effect as well, seeing that without Vince McMahon and his alliance of heels, Stone Cold Steve Austin may never have emerged as the megastar he would eventually develop into. With that said, without Austin's materialization into the greatest superstar in WWE history, the WWE may not have prevailed in the Monday Night Wars, leaving the door wide open for history to have been completely rewritten. However, it is hard to rank the Corporation any higher than number four due to the phenomenal legacies left behind by the following factions.

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3) nWo

Key Members: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash

Theme: "Rockhouse"

A Brief History: On the May 27th edition of Monday Night Nitro, Scott Hall (who had wrestled his last match with the WWF under the Razor Ramon persona a mere week prior) appeared on WCW television, delivering his now infamous "You want a war?" promo. After confronting Eric Bischoff and demanding that Ted Turner select three of his top superstars to participate in a six-man tag team match, Scott Hall claimed that he had a daunting surprise for WCW personnel, which was eventually revealed to be a new found alliance with former WWF Champion Diesel, who was now competing under his real name, Kevin Nash. The angle was strongly insinuated to be an invasion angle, though Nash's and Hall's affiliation with WWF were never directly alluded to. After WCW responded to Hall's challenge by selecting Randy Savage, Sting, and Lux Lugar as their representatives, Hall revealed that he and Nash had a mystery partner lined up, whose identity they refused to disclose.

The match was schedule for Bash at the Beach 1996, being advertised as a "hostile takeover match." Peculiarly, the Outsiders, as they referred to themselves, came out for the match as a two-man tag team, their mystery partner nowhere to be seen. Nevertheless, the odds were quickly evened, as shortly following the beginning of the match, Lugar was injured and removed from the arena on a stretcher, causing Bobby Heenan to plead for a member of the WCW roster to take his place. Out came Hulk Hogan, who had not been seen on WCW televison for a few months, causing the Outsiders to flea from the ring. However, just as WCW fans began to believe a hero had arrived, Hogan executed three Leg Drops onto a prone Randy Savage, concretely revealing himself as both a traitor and the third member of the nWo, prompting fans to litter the ring with debris and cast away beverages.

The nWo immediately began to leave its fingerprints all over WCW, creating an edgier side to the promotion. From their signature spray painting to their complete engulfing of the WCW roster, the entire program was based around the nWo and their domination. At one point in time, it seemed as though every performer other than Sting and Lex Lugar was affiliated with the nWo. The group also monopolized nearly every male-based title WCW had to offer, compiling an astonishing thirty separate championship reigns, including eight World Heavyweight Championship reigns. Several lesser reincarnations of the group followed the disbandment of the original nWo, ranging from rival factions (nWo Wolfpac) to sectors in foreign promotions (New Japan Pro Wrestling) to underwhelming reunions (nWo Elite). However, every reinvention of the original nWo felt like a poor attempt to cash in on name recognition, rather than a true equivalent faction.

What Made Them Great: The commencing of the nWo featured the indisputable greatest heel turn of all time. Hulk Hogan had settled into what many perceived as a perma-face role, exploiting his "Real American" persona until fans finally began to find themselves disenchanted by his presence. However, once he aligned with Outsiders, not only did he completely reinvigorate his career, he provided WCW with a foundation to potentially overtake the WWF and their stranglehold on the business. Additionally, for a couple of years, nearly everything positive aspect of WCW programming could be attributed to the dominance of the nWo, including the re-branding of Sting as the dark, brooding character he is remembered for today.

Why They Are Ranked #3: The greatness of the nWo alone warrants them a high ranking; the way they revolutionized the industry deserves praise and acclaim. The storylines centering around the nWo were so great, in fact, that it took the careers of former Wrestlemania main-event talents and made them even more legendary. However, for as influential as the nWo was, no other faction caused more damage to the promotion they worked for. From the infamous Fingerpoke of Doom to unbridled backstage politics commissioned by the founding members of the nWo, many directly attribute the downfall of WCW to this faction. Additionally, had the original nWo stayed exclusive rather than operating as a revolving door for seemingly anyone and everyone who wished to join and depart at their discretion (nWo midcarders even had a separate theme from their main event counterparts), the nWo may have obtained an even loftier legacy. Unfortunately, Bischoff and Hogan were unable to identify the fact that every faction has both a limit and a shelf life, which led to the nWo both overstaying their welcome and expanding beyond credibility. However, being able to take their glaring faults into consideration and still grant them a number three ranking is a testament to how great they were at their peak.

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2) The Four Horsemen

Key Members: Ric Flair, Ole Anderson, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, Lex Lugar, J.J Dillion (manager)
Theme: "Four Horsemen"

A Brief History: The Four Horsemen were the longest active stable of all time, running consistently from their initial NWA run of 1986 all the way until the dying days of the WCW. During their existence, the Horsemen experienced an uncountable amount on reincarnations, with everyone from Sting to Steve McMichael aligning themselves with the iconic faction. Nevertheless, no matter who represented the Four Horsemen moniker, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson always remained constants within the group.

The Horsemen made their initial mark in the NWA, causing devastating injuries to top stars the likes of Dusty Rhodes (broken ankle and hand), Nikolai Koloff (injured neck) and Ricky Morton (broken nose). During their time within the NWA, the group laid claim to most of the available titles, often reminding audiences of the luxurious lifestyle that accompanies being a affluent champion.

Eventually, Lex Lugar would replace Ole Anderson within the group after the remaining three Horsemen questioned Ole's dedication to their cause. This incarnation of the group participated in a series of WarGames, which were, at the time, considered the most brutal type of match stipulation available for disposal. Lugar would soon be kicked out of the group in favor of Barry Windham, whose induction into the group kicked off arguably the greatest incarnation of this faction in terms of in-ring ability. It was during this period that the group owned every available championship within WCW -- Flair holding the World Heavyweight Championship, Arn and Tully obtaining the the Tag Team Championships and Windham claiming the United States Championship.

The Horsemen would eventually reinvent themselves as heel stable aiming to end Hulkamania. Compared to other stables with the similar ambitions, the Horsemen had a remarkable amount of success, with Flair making it a habit to recapture the World Heavyweight Championship from under Hogan's nose. However, once Hogan aligned himself with the nWo, the Horsemen became a face stable by default, operating under the objective of curbing the stranglehold the nWo had on the entire WCW roster.

What Made Them Great: The Four Horsemen innovated the concept of an arrogant heel stable, claiming to actually live the life they portrayed on television; the original incarnation genuinely utilized jets and limos for their commutes between towns. The group was also led by arguably the greatest heel of all time in Ric Flair, with his stablemates providing the perfect complements to his array of strengths. The longevity of the group is additional proof of the drawing power they retained throughout their respective tenure.

Also, who can forget their awesome, four-fingered taunt?

Why They Are Ranked #2: The Horsemen are ranked ahead of the nWo due to the predominately positive imprint they left wherever they went. They were the first faction to monopolize a major association's championship scene, and laid the blueprint for future great factions such as Evolution. Picking between the Four Horsemen and the #1 faction was a case of nitpicking minor deficiencies. However, the legacy of the Horseman was marginally tarnished thanks in part to the vice-like grip held by nWo members Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan, which provoked the decimation of the group during their later years. This group also experienced a few too many unsuccessful reincarnations to seize the #1 ranking on this list, which considering the length of their tenure should be deemed an inevitable repercussion. Regardless, the Four Horsemen's contributions toward the industry are much too evident to consider ranking them any lower.

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1) D-Generation X

Key Members: Triple H, Shawn Michaels, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, X-Pac, Chyna
Theme: "Break It Down"

A Brief History: The original concept of D-Generation X came to fruition on the August 11th, 1997 edition of Raw is War, when Chyna, Triple H, and Rick Rude -- who was briefly portrayed as Shawn Michaels bodyguard -- interfered on Shawn Michaels behalf during his encounter with Mankind. Shortly thereafter, the group would introduce it's crude and sophomoric humor to WWF television, helping them gain a rapid fanbase along the way.

Their first feud, as well as their first taste of success while together, came against The British Bulldog and the Hart Foundation. In the main event of WWF One Night Only, the group aided Michaels' quest in becoming the first ever WWF grand slam champion, helping him secure the European Championship from the British Bulldog following a series of outside interferences and a Figure Four Leg Lock. The Hart Foundation-DX feud would later conclude after Michaels dethroned WWF Champion Bret Hart following the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, causing the real-life departures of three of the four remaining Foundation members (Brian Pillman's tragic death barely preceded their exits.) Holding two major championships within the WWF while simultaneously ousting the established Hart Foundation helped solidify D-Generation X as the top stable within the WWF.

After gifting his European Championship to Triple H, Shawn Michaels would successfully defend his WWF Championship up until Wrestlemania XIV, where he would drop the title to Stone Cold Steve Austin following outside interference from special guest referee, Mike Tyson. The loss caused a dramatic transformation in the make-up of the group, as Triple H would immediately oust Michaels from the group, claiming he "dropped the ball", giving Michaels a storyline exit that would allow him a four-year hiatus to rehabilitate real-life back injuries. With Michaels gone and Triple H assuming leadership, Triple H quickly began recruiting new members to D-Generation X -- in came X-Pac, who had recently been released from WCW, and the New Age Outlaws. DX continued to pad their historic resume as a faction, obtaining every male-based championship WWF had to offer, as well as participating in feuds opposite other legendary stables such as The Nation of Domination and The Corporation.

After disbanding in early 2000, the group name was recycled for a number of reunions, most notably the tag-team run between Triple H and Shawn Michaels in 2009, which saw the duo twice capture the WWE Tag Team Championship.

What Made Them Great: D-Generation X was able to take the edginess that was earlier introduced by the nWo and not only adequately replicate it, but exponentially expand upon it. DX is also credited, along with Stone Cold Steve Austin, with providing WWF a permanent advantage over WCW in the crucial years of the Monday Night Wars. Their crude and sophomoric humor accounted for some of the greatest non-wrestling segments in the history of the industry, including their parody of The Nation of Domination and their shocking attempt to invade WCW Monday Night Nitro. The group's reputation is also bolstered by the fact that it featured two of the greatest performers in wrestling history in Triple H and Shawn Michaels, whose greatness are not only recognized by accomplishments, but also in-ring capabilities. Add the aforementioned strengths of DX to the fact that the group was rounded out by arguably the greatest and most entertaining tag team of all time in the New Age Outlaws, as well as the most dominant woman in wrestling history (outside of perhaps Sara Del Rey), and you have all the makings of a legendary group. Let's also not forget that the group introduced some of the greatest catchphrases, entrances, themes, and taunts to ever appear of WWF television.

Why They Are Ranked #1: D-Generation X's greatest competition for the #1 ranking were the nWo and the Four Horseman. However, DX upends nWo due to the fact that though the nWo was boosted by their claim to most shocking heel turn of all time, DX provided the WWF with long-lasting benefits rather than contributing to its demise. D-Generation X also provided more iconic moments than the Four Horseman. Though all the aforementioned factions revolutionized the industry in differing manners, DX was able to seize the torch from its predecessors and use it to launch the business to new heights, causing wrestling to become cool and catchy during its initial run in the late 1990s.

Which faction do you believe is the greatest of all time? Feel like I missed something? Feel free to voice your opinion in the comment section below -- healthy debate is always welcome! And if you enjoyed the discussion, please recommend and share this post! Follow me on twitter @Mattrago98.

Also feel free to check out some of my other recent articles:
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The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Cageside Seats readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cageside Seats editors or staff.