8 Times WWE Tried (And Failed) To Recreate Their Past Success
3. The DX Reunion Tour Is Rather Poor
Ah, nothing like easy targets.
D-Generation X were Attitude era stalwarts, winning multiple championships as a stable and creating a bevy of iconic moments from the time period. In addition, their edgy theme song, catchphrases, and aesthetic made for some very healthy merch sales. So it’s no wonder that in 2006, original members Triple H and Shawn Michaels would try to recreate the magic of that run with a reunion. However... well, just look:
Now, it’s true, the original incarnation of DX was that of a bunch of obnoxious twits goofing around, making bad jokes, and doing poor imitations of people they didn’t like. However, there are important things to keep in mind when comparing the two versions.
In the Attitude Era, DX started as a heel stable, and the goal was to make Shawn Michaels and his buddies seem so obnoxious, you’re just begging for them to get their asses kicked. When they transitioned into a face stable led by Triple H, their youth made them charming enough to give off the vibe of a gang of mischievous pranksters. Plus, in the Attitude era, spouting sex jokes and waving your privates around was enough to make you a good guy.
Nearly ten years later, it was just groan-inducing to see two dads in their late 30s and early 40s stumble around and perform juvenile comedy bits all while being the babyfaces. Except, that didn’t really work either, because Shawn Michaels and Triple H, two of the most influential backstage personalities, one of whom is married to the boss’ daughter, feuding with said boss does not give off a “rebel vs. establishment” vibe. It just feels like Hunter, Shawn, and Vince coping with a three-way midlife crisis by sticking their faces in other people’s butts and dumping poo on Vince.
Funny enough, as maligned as their subsequent 2009 reunion was, that version of DX was arguably more tolerable than the 2006 incarnation. At least then, Hunter and Shawn became a self-parody, winking at the audience that could see they were only back together again to sell merch. Plus, there was the bizarrely delightful alliance with Hornswoggle which led to the almost-surreal “Little People’s Court” segment, which was frankly way more entertaining than any of the 2006 run.