10 Times WWE Found It Hard To Say Goodbye

Many fans call back to the days of Stone Cold Steve Austin going head-to-head with the chairman of WWE, Vince McMahon. It began as fans started to accept 'The Genetic Jackhammer' as not just the commentator but also as the man who called the shots backstage. Soon, he got in the way of one rising 'Rattlesnake,' and the moment the boss received a Stunner went down in history.

Authority storylines weren't a WWE innovation, but the Austin-McMahon era worked out so well, WWE couldn't help but rehash the deal time and time again.

In between, a few authority angles have helped out a performer. Although fans were sick of The Authority's reign at the time, the extra resistance placed upon Daniel Bryan made his victory at WrestleMania 30 that much sweeter.

However, the story device has been done to death and rendered near meaningless. Underhanded bosses holding back babyfaces has become a stale act, and it often comes off as more of a nuisance than a compelling story arc.

Some authority figures weren't even needed, such as John Laurinaitis, who did little aid an already-over John Cena at the time. Nevertheless, even with the outcry of fans, WWE can't let go of authority figures. While there was a slight breather beforehand, even in 2020, authority has returned in the form of Adam Pearce.