Rivalries are the backbone of any sport. They create match-ups and stories fans want to see and will continue to pay for well past the expiration date of a particular pairing. It is the raw emotion, the intense hatred and the quality of the action between the ropes that keeps the audience coming back for more. World Wrestling Entertainment history is dotted with some of the greatest rivalries, feuds and vendettas in the history of the industry. Some were born in the ashes of heartbreaking splits, others the result of a torrid love triangle and still others the product of a good, old-fashioned wrestling angle. Whatever the case may be, they have contributed to the success of Vince McMahon's company for 50 years. Industry icons such as Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Steve Austin, The Rock and John Cena have been integral parts of some of the greatest rivalries of the last five decades, taking fans on emotional roller coaster rides and leaving them with matches, moments and promos they can look back fondly on for years to come. They endure because of the performances of those involved and the reactions, both positive and negative, that they elicited from audiences across the globe. The perfect rivalry is a match made in heaven between the bookers, the wrestlers and the fans. With the recent program between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose earning rave reviews and the rivalry between Cena and Brock Lesnar raging on, perhaps earning a spot on a future countdown, take a trip back down memory lane and relive the 10 greatest rivalries in WWE history. Why? Because Stone Cold said so.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
