Top 15 Times WWE Superstars Clashed In Real-Life Rivalries

The Heat Is Real

15) Torrie Wilson and Sable

Torrie Wilson and Sable’s feud was mostly an on-screen storyline, highlighted by a bikini contest at Judgment Day. Wilson later admitted she felt uncomfortable with some of the content, including an idea from Vince McMahon for her to use body paint like Sable—she pushed for rhinestones instead. Despite the provocative angle, Wilson stressed there was no personal animosity and viewed it simply as part of the business. Looking back, she’s called some moments “cringeworthy,” but sees the experience as part of her growth and career in WWE.

14) Jim Cornette and Vince Russo

Jim Cornette’s long-running feud with Vince Russo stems from Cornette’s belief that Russo doesn’t understand wrestling tradition and damages the business with shock-focused, illogical storytelling. Russo has argued the feud is mostly one-sided and tied to differences in philosophy. Things escalated in 2017 when Russo filed a restraining order against Cornette, which Cornette mocked publicly. Their rivalry has even been covered in mainstream media, including Dark Side of the Ring, cementing it as one of wrestling’s most notorious real-life grudges.

13) JBL and Blue Meanie

The real tension between JBL and Blue Meanie began after Meanie called JBL a bully in a shoot interview. At ECW One Night Stand 2005, things boiled over when JBL confronted him and threw real punches, busting Meanie open. Stevie Richards later blasted JBL with a legit chair shot, though WWE framed it as storyline, and Meanie was reportedly paid extra for the incident. Over time, the two turned the situation into a “work,” eventually reconciling. Today, they’re on good terms, have appeared on each other’s podcasts, and Meanie has even praised JBL’s charity work, showing their feud ultimately became mutual respect.

12) Melina and Candice Michelle

The tension between Melina and Candice Michelle stemmed from their very different paths into wrestling—Melina worked through the traditional training system and reportedly resented Candice’s easier entry, leading to real friction and uncertainty in the ring. Candice later spoke publicly about Melina being difficult to work with, which caused a recent confrontation at a convention. However, the two talked it out, Candice clarified she was referring to the past, and Melina apologized for overreacting. The once-tense rivalry ultimately turned into mutual respect, with Candice saying Melina’s challenge pushed her to become better.

11) Chris Jericho and Goldberg

Chris Jericho and Goldberg’s real-life tension began in WCW, where Jericho felt underused and tried to spark a feud by publicly calling out Goldberg. Goldberg refused, believing the match wouldn’t benefit him Golldberg reportedly saw Jericho as a lower-tier opponent during their time in WCW. Their issues resurfaced in WWE in 2003 after Goldberg allegedly criticized Jericho’s selling. When Y2J heard about it, he confronted Goldberg backstage, and a scuffle broke out—Goldberg grabbed at Jericho, who then locked him in a front-face hold until others separated them. Despite the fight, Jericho extended a handshake afterward, and the two eventually settled their differences.

10) Ric Flair and Scott Steiner

Ric Flair and Scott Steiner’s tension dates back to the late 1990s, when a volatile locker room scene in WCW reportedly saw Steiner explode over a production cue and even threaten Flair, leading to him being physically restrained. Flair viewed it as a case of tempers flaring during a chaotic time in WCW. Though the incident created real animosity, both men have since moved on. Flair has said he’s spoken with Steiner in recent years and noted he’s mellowed, with the two now on much better terms.

9) Randy Orton and Mr. Kennedy

There was real backstage heat between Randy Orton and Mr. Kennedy in 2009 after Anderson botched a belly-to-back suplex during a match, dropping Orton dangerously on his neck and causing a stinger. Orton was furious, and the mistake shattered the trust that’s crucial between wrestlers. The incident played a major role in Anderson’s WWE release soon after, and he later admitted the blame was on him and understood why the company let him go.

8) Mr. T and Roddy Piper

Roddy Piper took issue with Mr. T’s involvement in wrestling, feeling that a celebrity outsider was disrespecting the business he spent his life building. Their tension blended real animosity with storyline conflict, and Piper even confronted Mr. T off-camera, expressing his frustration. While Mr. T later claimed the feud was mostly hype for their matches, Piper’s feelings at the time were genuine. A rumor that Hulk Hogan physically stepped in was later debunked, though stories surrounding their rivalry remain part of wrestling lore.

7) Batista and Booker T

Batista and Booker T’s real-life fight in 2006 reportedly began after Batista made a comment during a SummerSlam commercial shoot that Booker took as disrespect toward the SmackDown roster. Backstage tension over Batista’s behavior around women also added fuel. The confrontation turned physical behind closed doors, with Booker seemingly getting the early advantage before it was broken up and briefly restarting—during which Sharmell kicked Batista and Batista landed a punch. Reports vary on who “won,” but the fight was intense. Despite the incident, both men later reconciled, with Booker saying they eventually became good friends.

6) Ric Flair and Mick Foley

Ric Flair and Mick Foley’s real-life tension began when Flair called Foley a “glorified stuntman” in response to comments Foley had made about him. The insults sparked genuine heat that later became a WWE storyline. Their issues peaked backstage in Huntsville, Alabama, when Foley approached Flair to sign his book for charity. Flair, frustrated after years of being asked about Foley’s remarks and feeling the gesture was insincere, got angry and punched Foley when he refused to shake his hand. The scuffle was quickly broken up, and though it later fueled their on-screen feud, the two eventually reconciled and moved past the incident.

5) Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan built the legendary "Hulkamania" era together, combining McMahon’s promotional vision with Hogan’s star power. Their relationship had ups and downs—McMahon looked to evolve the company while Hogan pursued Hollywood, eventually leaving for WCW in 1994, though he still maintained respect for the former WWE CEO. Their bond faced another major test in 2015 after Hogan’s scandal, with McMahon calling his comments “unforgivable,” yet later defending Hogan and paying tribute after his passing. Despite decades of partnership and reconciliation, McMahon still expressed disappointment at not being included in WWE’s tribute to Hogan, showing their relationship remained complex to the end.

4) Edge and Matt Hardy

Matt Hardy and Lita were longtime partners, but while Matt was out with an injury, Lita began a relationship with Edge—who was also Matt’s friend. When the affair became public after Matt shared it online, WWE fired him, sparking massive fan backlash against Edge and Lita. The reaction was so intense that WWE rehired Matt and turned the real-life scandal into a heated storyline feud that blurred reality and fiction. The situation remains one of wrestling’s most infamous real-life dramas, still remembered and referenced by fans today.

3) Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett began as close friends, with Jarrett bringing Angle to TNA and welcoming him into his family. Their relationship collapsed when Jarrett became romantically involved with Karen Angle while she was still married to Kurt, turning personal betrayal into real backstage tension. The drama was later woven into TNA storylines, blurring reality and fiction as both men felt wronged—Jarrett believing Angle tried to diminish his role in TNA, and Angle feeling Jarrett held him back. Though the feud became deeply personal, they have since said their relationship has improved, even if it remains complicated.

2) Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior

Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior shared real-life tension in the late ’80s and early ’90s, fueled by their battle for WWE’s top spot and clashing personalities. Their rivalry went beyond the ring, especially after Warrior delivered a “shoot” promo taking direct shots at Hogan. Though they later teamed up at SummerSlam 1991, the underlying animosity remained clear, showing that t

1) Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart

Tension between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels had been building for months, fueled by real-life disagreements and their intense on-screen rivalry. Things escalated after Michaels made a personal comment involving Sunny, which Hart felt crossed a professional line. The situation boiled over in June 1997 backstage before a RAW event in Hartford, where the two got into a physical fight—witnesses even say Hart pulled out a chunk of Michaels’ hair. From that point on, their working relationship became nearly impossible, and this real-life hostility played a major role in the controversial finish of the 1997 Survivor Series.