10 WWE Storylines That Were Based On Real Life

4. Y2J Wants To Be His Hero HBK

A young Chris Jericho grew up idolising Shawn Michaels to the point he patterned his entire look, ring style and behaviour after the 'Heartbreak Kid'. During his early years as a wrestler, Y2J lifted countless spots from Shawn's matches and developed his own cocksure personality because of Michaels' influence.

Jericho always wanted a feud with Shawn, and by 2003 he'd get his wish.

Once Michaels returned from injury in 2002, Jericho began laying out his own plans for a "Student vs. Mentor" rivalry that'd peak at WrestleMania XIX. The story was simple: Y2J, as the young lion, would challenge HBK's claims that he was the best ever. From there, an irate Shawn would agree to put him in his place on WWE's biggest stage.

At 'Mania, a jealous Jericho embraced his hero after losing but booted him in the balls post-hug. The same thread of bitterness from a wannabe reared its head again for a reprise of the pair's feud in 2008. It was a winning story, partly because it had elements of real life to pin it down.