10 Most Poisonous Backstage Influences In WWE History

2. The Kliq

Collectively known as 'The Kliq', Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman ruled the roost in the WWF of the mid-1990's. Triple H did become involved, but his influence was limited around this time, because he wasn't exactly a major star in the promotion (more on that later). The group's members may claim that they were merely looking out for one another, but they did sometimes have a negative impact on the careers of others. Bam Bam Bigelow was outspoken about the influence of The Kliq, which didn't endear him to the members. Bigelow felt that they were deliberately manipulating Vince McMahon to get what they wanted, which is hard to argue with. Bret Hart has also spoken candidly about the tyrannical nature of the group, who seemingly only really wanted to work with one another. The likes of Shane Douglas and Jeff Jarrett had to work extra hard in order to gain notoriety, because they weren't deemed a good fit for titles in the WWF by The Kliq. This influence with Vince McMahon continued even once Nash and Hall had left the promotion to join WCW. Michaels - and later Triple H - had the boss's ear. During the rise of Rocky Maivia, Bret Hart claims he had to go to bat for the future Hollywood star, because Shawn and Hunter were badmouthing him to Vince.