In the world of professional wrestling, factions have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of the top promotions over the last several decades. These alliances, consisting of teams of wrestlers, have led to some of the most memorable storylines. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest groups to ever step foot in the squared circle.
The Shield: Debuting in 2012 in the WWE, The Shield, composed of Dean Ambrose (now known as AEW’s Jon Moxley), Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns, made an immediate impact. Entering through the crowd, they disrupted matches, asserted their dominance, and employed tactical teamwork. Most notably was the three man powerbomb. The Shield have all gone on to be world champions. Roman Reigns as the longest running world champion of the modern era, Seth as the first of the new World Heavyweight Champions in 2023, and Moxley as the man to win the AEW more than anyone else.
The Hart Foundation
Initially a tag team of Bret Hart and his brother inlaw Jim Neidhart, with their manager who whilst no relation was Jimmy Hart, they were seen as one of the all time great teams. In the 1990s there was a falling out between Bret and youngest brother Owen who had joined the WWE as the partner of Jim in the New Foundation. Eventually, the other brother in law of Bret and Owen, The British Bulldog would align himself with Owen, but then things took an unexpected twist. Despite Owen and Bulldog being a heel team, when they started to fall out Bret had enough and saw the complete reconciliation of the family to form the faction version of the Hart Foundation. They were joined by non relative Brian Pillman and proved to be one of the most entertaining acts in the WWE throughout 1997. The genius of their storyline was that they were anti-American, and so whilst they were heels in the US, they remained babyfaces in Canada, the UK and almost everywhere else in the world outside the United States.
Evolution
Evolution represented a perfect blend of experience, power, and cunning. Formed in the early 2000s, this faction consisted of Triple H, Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista. Much like The Shield, the group were all world champions. Ric Flair as the 16 time champion, Triple H as the leader and Batista and Orton who would go on to become world champions. Evolution showcased the mentorship of Flair, the dominance of Triple H, and the emergence of future main-event stars in Orton and Batista. Eventually Orton would be ousted from the group and later on Batista would end up at odds with Helmsley as well. There would be a short lived Evolution reunion which would lead to the infamous Bluetista moment.
Bullet Club
The all dominating Bullet Club has long been the biggest thing to come from New Japan Pro Wrestling, and although some will say it has passed its heyday, it still continues to evolve. Of the factions on this list, the Bullet Club has perhaps had the biggest impact across promotions as not only has the group dominated in New Japan, but also dominated in AEW and Impact Wrestling. With past leaders including Finn Balor, Kenny Omega, AJ Styles and Jay White, it’s a group that has featured some of the most talented wrestlers of all time.
The Bloodline
The Bloodline have lead to some of the best storytelling in the modern era of WWE, and at the time of writing, we’re far from finished the story. Something that legitimises this faction more than most others on this list is that they are a real faction, and by that I mean they are family. Roman Reigns finally became the big dog in the yard after years of mixed fan reaction, and the Usos came into their own as one of the all time great tag teams as well. Add to this Solo, and the lengthy run they had with Sami Zayn as the outsider wanting in and it has become of the best factions ever. Oh and having the best manager possible in Paul Heyman has helped it no end.
D-Generation X
One of the most iconic factions in wrestling history, D-Generation X, emerged during the late 1990s in the WWE. Led by “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels with Triple H, and Chyna, the group would expand to include Rick Rude, and later X-Pac, and the New Age Outlaws. DX pushed boundaries with their rebellious and edgy personas. Known for their humorous antics, controversial storylines, and rebellious nature, DX revolutionized the wrestling industry and if you’re not down with that, I got two words for ya!..
The Four Horsemen
Originating in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1980s, The Four Horsemen is synonymous with dominance and style. They are also the faction from which all others would get an initial template. Comprised of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and Barry Windham, the group would later have new members such as Lex Luger, Jeff Jarrett, Dean Malenko, Steve McMichael and Chris Benoit. This faction exuded confidence, class, suave personas, in-ring excellence, and powerful promos which made them a force to be reckoned with.
nWo (New World Order)
The nWo burst onto the scene in the mid-1990s in WCW and forever changed the wrestling landscape. From the moment Scott Hall returned to WCW and convinced the world he had been sent by the WWF to take down WCW fans were hooked. Kevin Nash would join him, and the tease of a third man lead to the famous Bash at the Beach moment where Hulk Hogan turned heel and formed the now. With Hollywood Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash at the helm, the nWo blurred the lines between good and evil, sparking an era of anti-establishment rebellion. Their invasion storyline and rebellious attitude captured the imagination of fans worldwide, leading to one of the most memorable storylines in wrestling history. The group expanded to include so many more wrestlers and eventually have spin off groups like the nWo Wolfpac, and parody groups like the bWo.
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