The rise of The Shield to main event status with a win over Evolution at Extreme Rules was one of the biggest stories of the first-half of 2014. When they defeated the trio again at Payback in June, many wondered who could ever stop the surging faction. The answer, as is the case with so many great groups throughout wrestling history, was themselves. In a moment that shocked fans, Seth Rollins betrayed Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose just 24 hours after the destruction of Evolution and joined Triple H in The Authority. From that moment on, Rollins, Reigns and Ambrose began a journey that would lead to all three main eventing pay-per-views in 2014 and rising to the top of the card. Reigns became the unstoppable juggernaut who only was sidelined after a very real, emergency surgery determined it necessary. He will be the biggest star of the bunch and the man to lead WWE into the next decade. Ambrose, the Lunatic Fringe, became the most entertaining of the batch and the antihero that fans have so longed for. Rollins evolved into the opportunistic villain who aligns himself with whomever necessary to ensure success. Not unlike former heavyweight champion, and fellow Money in the Bank winner, Edge. All three enjoyed tremendous success as singles competitors and look to be cornerstones of WWE's youth movement as it prepares for a future without John Cena, Kane, Big Show and some of the other mainstays from the past 15 years.
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.
