Feud: Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart

On a path to collision

An old-school Hart never understood the politics game in WWE and thus always got screwed

Shawn Michaels grew even more arrogant and erratic as he tasted success. The bright young star gained notoriety as a backstage influence, on his way towards singles glory. He formed the Kliq, a group of degenerates (pun intended) taking over backstage.

Meanwhile, Bret had established his credentials as the main event talent, soaring high on his ability and ethics. He was already wary of Michaels, having faced him in the first ever un-televised WWE ladder match that, apparently, he had introduced to the company.

Bret would lose his status once Hogan returned to the fold, proving to himself that Vince McMahon never truly believed in him. This bitterness ate into Hart, especially during his second rise at the top when contemporary Michaels would have McMahon's favour. Wrestlemania IX wouldn't be the last time Vince's backstage politics screwed Bret.