3. Hunter's Influence And Michaels Returns
Shawn Michaels had quit wrestling in 1998 with a back injury. In reality, he could have returned within 9 months of that surgery. Shawn was depressed with wrestling and working through other issues, he just didn't want to come back. After finding God, and with Hunter on top in the WWE, Shawn decided it was time to come back. The guys who had been around in Michaels peak days were worried the manipulative back stabber was back. Refreshingly, within a few months it was apparent that HBK was not the same man. He was laid back, easy going and willing to put talent over. Hunter was a different story. Secure in his position thanks to his relationship with Stephanie and Vince, Triple H became ruthless. He used his creative influence to crush both Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam in 2002. In the case of Van Dam it was a shocking abuse of power. Van Dam was clearly positioned to do well as he broke through to the WWE main event scene - but Hunter slammed the door firmly shut. From December 2002 to September 2003, Triple H had a run of terror as World Champion. He put himself over Booker T at Mania and spent the summer working with best friend Kevin Nash. The Kliq was back in charge. Hunter and Nash were the main event, and Michaels was stealing the show on the undercard. Nash was soon gone again due to injury, but Hunter and Shawn would rule Monday Night Raw for the rest of the decade. Guys who managed to get over, such as Cena, Batista and Orton, only did so because they were Hunter's projects. Meanwhile Triple H advanced in his creative power. He booked himself multiple world title reigns and featured DX prominently following a 2006 TV reunion. Shawn and Hunter were the main event once again. The Kliq ruled the industry.