10 Most Heartbreaking Wrestling Manager Betrayals

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

Renowned philosopher George Santayana is credited with imparting that wisdom upon the world, urging people to learn from their mistakes. It’s a life lesson that Brock Lesnar hopefully takes to heart because there seems to be growing tension between him and his advocate.

In the weeks leading up to Great Balls of Fire, Paul Heyman commended Samoa Joe on his physical prowess and relentless brutality, two traits that would serve him well against The Beast. During the pay-per-view match, Heyman was visibly concerned as Joe took Lesnar to his limit, almost forcing the champion into submission. The next night Heyman vowed that The Destroyer would never get another shot against his client.

History has shown that when Heyman is worried about his client, fearing that he has finally met his match, the evil genius abandons his man and sides with the next big thing. Heyman isn’t the only one – it’s natural for wrestling managers to betray their clients.

Their greed consumes them, compelling them to shatter loyalty in their never-ending quest for more money and fame.

Demolition had been running roughshod over the WWE tag team division during its peak, turning back the challenges of fan favorites like the British Bulldogs and the Hart Foundation. Their badass gear and overall dominance had won over many fans, but there was one thing holding them back from becoming uber-popular – their manager Mr. Fuji. Meanwhile, a monstrous force entered WWE: Warlord and Barbarian, collectively known as the Powers of Pain.

During a traditional elimination match at Survivor Series 1988, Mr. Fuji betrayed his team, yanking Smash out of the ring (“by accident”) for a countout. Incensed, Demolition beat down Fuji to massive cheers from the crowd. After they left the ring, the Powers of Pain helped Fuji up and brought him to their corner, signifying a new alliance. The Devious One later revealed his motivations:

Demolition returned to clear them out as Fuji later revealed his motivations: Demolition had grown too big for their britches since becoming Tag Team Champions while the Powers of Pain would be obedient to their master.