The History Of WWE's New Generation Era In 10 Matches

Even though Vince McMahon had tested out a new direction at the Survivor Series in 1992, Hulk Hogan would be back in the mix come WrestleMania IX. Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart had produced a sterling match to headline Survivor Series, but the WWF were desperately clinging on to the era of 'Hulkamania'.

1993 would bring about great change. Hogan departed following his loss to Yokozuna at King Of The Ring, and suddenly the company started crowing about a 'New Generation'. That marketing ploy would really ramp up in 1994, but foundations were put in place the year prior.

The entire 'New Generation' concept was eventually another excuse to stick it to WCW, especially when former WWF stars like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage began plying their trade there in 1994. At first though, it simply marked the end of Hulk's iron grip on the WWF, an era that had been wildly successful from the mid-1980s onwards.

Definitely an adjustment period, the years following Hogan and before the advent of 'Attitude' in the promotion were difficult.

Let's follow the timeline from Hulk's departure, right up until McMahon started looking for something a little more edgy...

Bret Hart must have been scratching his head in the summer months of 1993. As WWF Heavyweight Champion, he represented something completely different to Hulk Hogan. Smaller, yet more athletic and robust inside the ring, Hart was a breath of fresh air for those who had tired of the big man formula.

Seeking the chance to recreate that Hogan magic, Vince McMahon cast Lex Luger as his new 'American Hero' and had him gun after heel champion Yokozuna. Before SummerSlam 1993, a cross-country bus tour (the Lex Express) attempted to build support for the All-American babyface.

Although reeking of the same booking that Hogan had experienced, Luger was part of the 'New Generation' of WWF stars. Come SummerSlam, he would be undermined by some confusing decision-making. Instead of toppling the heel menace and leaving as champ, Lex won by count out in the main event.

The fact he failed to claim the title didn't stop the babyface locker room from celebrating with Luger as though he had conquered evil. Soon, McMahon would be looking at things a different way.