The backstage scene in the WWE is something that has been a fodder for controversy the most. Whether it is the hierarchy, the ranks in which a superstar stands or they say they have in making an influence in the outcome of a match or another performer’s future is quite well- known. In the 80s or 90s, this strata of the WWE wasn’t as known as it is now.
But the ones which did get public attained an attribute of huge importance, whether it was Randy Savage and Vince McMahon falling out or the animosity between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart or the infamous falling out between Vince McMahon and Bret Hart. But there are few wrestlers who’ve be revered and loved backstage unanimously. Here are those 5 most loved wrestlers backstage-
#1 Kane
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Kane, simply put by his peers, is the easiest guy to work with. He is the go-to guy for matches to ensure that the performer, his opponent, will be protected and won’t get hurt. Professional wrestling is a business where the performers do irrevocably put their bodies on the line. Injuries are a part and parcel and working through most of them is imminent. It is also a business where, in the ring, despite your equation with a particular superstar, you have to protect each other.
Kane has never been embroiled in a controversy, neither has he always been a main event guy but in this day and age, his contribution to the business is a rarity. He keeps putting over talent on a continuous basis and ensures that the opponent walks out without a scratch.
#2 Undertaker
It is quite a known fact that Undertaker and Triple H were the leaders on Smackdown and Raw locker rooms respectively. He’s Vince McMahon’s favourite superstar. All of this is a testament to how much of a big deal he was for the higher-ups. He has been on the top of the hierarchy and nobody’s spoken ill of him. That can be equated with his influence backstage and answers why nobody would want to get on his bad side.
But despite the fact that he’s one of the most revered superstars backstage, not just because you’re scared of him but because of his work ethic and loyalty to the business and the longevity of his characters. The Deadman character could have been a fail but he embraced and it and made it iconic. His relationship with Vince is purely based on respect and to get that is maybe every superstar’s dream.
#3 Stone Cold Steve Austin
Like Undertaker, Steve Austin was on top of the hierarchy. He was the face of the most profitable era in WWE history. So, won’t it would be dangerous to say anything bad about The Rattlesnake? But no. Steve Austin has always been vocal and wants performers in this business to take initiative and be ambitious and piss off a lot of people. Despite his standing, Stone Cold Steve Austin, as self- confessed, has pissed off a lot off people. And those people aren’t his peers or rather wrestlers. Those are people who may have been at the helm of power or the ones running the business. Because as far as the realm of performers go, there haven’t been many voices out there who’ve criticised his stint in the WWE. Even when he refused to put over Brock Lesnar, the two have been friends and Austin’s been honest and humble enough to admit that he made a wrong decision.
He’s even questioned Vince about stringent backstage politics which prevents performers from taking initiative and doing or saying anything which might get on the bad side of somebody backstage. Moreover, Steve Austin is pretty much an anti-authority figure as he was on- screen
His skill in the ring, on the mic and his knowledge and passion for professional wrestling and most importantly his badassery has gained him many a fan not just in the audience but backstage amongst his peers.
#4 Eddie Guerrero
Eddie Guerrero had an arduous journey up the top of the WWE. Despite his tremendous talent, he had to bear the long road. He was once called a vanilla midget by this years’ Hall of Famer Kevin Nash. What many people may not remember is that Eddie Guerrero was a born-again Christian. His spirituality is a result of years of addiction. He was even released by the WWE in 2001 for a drunk driving incident.
He tried to get rid of his ‘demons’ and returned back to the WWE and he was always there for his peers as a spiritual guide. The lessons he learnt were instrumental in creating a positive energy backstage. He went ahead and became a marquee guy for the WWE soon after. His death was a rude shock to many and his legacy is indelible. His backstage reputation and popularity was enough for the WWE to help out his family through the hard times.
He still remains one of the most fondly remembered superstars.
#5 Owen Hart
Owen Hart was arguably one of the greatest wrestlers in the WWE. His untimely death will always be a haunting example of how dangerous things can get. But the tribute that followed this showed how respected and loved he was by his peers. Owen Hart was reputed for his sense of humor, for his tendency to pull off pranks. he was adored by his colleagues who were often subject to one or more of his pranks. They were harmless and they performed their purpose well- of being funny. Whether it was putting Vince McMahon’s briefcase on a ceiling fan or using a napkin to beat Edge or his prank calls or putting coke in somebody’s pants, Hart was famous for making people laugh. He wasn’t just a friend to many, he was like a brother.
Vince McMahon talks about WWE like it’s all about having fun while making fun. Owen Hart was a living example of that theory.
His death was a rude shock and a huge loss to the WWE.