Every now and then, a great faction comes along that changes professional wrestling as you know it. For decades it’s been one of the strongest and most exciting ways to get a group of people over with fans, teaming them up and letting them run roughshod over the division. But before we get ahead of ourselves it’s important to define exactly what a faction in wrestling is. A faction is any group of people who team up and work together to achieve a common goal, be it global domination, overthrowing power structures or simply getting themselves over.
It’s a system that has spawned many legendary groups and has even at times unwittingly changed the landscape of the sport. Who could forget the Four Horsemen? Originally consisting of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson and Tully Blanchard, the faction is remembered as arguably the greatest and most enduring team in wrestling history, living on in many incarnations. In the 90s, the nWo and D-Generation X would pick up the ball, becoming two of the most popular groups of the modern era and playing an instrumental role in wrestling’s edgier presentation. It’s a tradition that’s even continued into today, Evolution, The Shield and The Four Horsewomen of NXT examples of great modern factions.
However, that doesn’t mean the powers that be are done putting groups together that could one day join those factions in the lexicon. The WWE is always on the lookout for the next great faction and if they had it their way, they’d probably put together a couple of the following. This list hypothesizes some of the “dream factions,” that the WWE would probably love to put together one day, examining eight that Vince McMahon would love to form and eight that Triple H would.
16 16. Vince: Broken Universe
Members: Broken Matt Hardy, Brother Nero (Jeff) and Reby Sky
This wonderful entry is more a faction Vince McMahon would love to re-form inside of the WWE than an original offering but with anticipation for it so intense, it’s hard not to include on the list. One of the greatest re-inventions in modern wrestling has been that of Matt and Jeff Hardy. Known for so long as the iconic Team Extreme from their early WWE run, when the high-flying brothers made their way to TNA, they decided to switch up their act and so, the Broken Universe was born. Made up of Broken Matt Hardy, Brother Nero (Jeff) and Matt’s wife Reby Sky, the Broken Hardyz were like a campy B-movie version of the Wyatt Family and quickly became one of the company’s top acts.
When they returned to the WWE at WrestleMania 33, many hoped they’d be bringing the Broken Universe with them however, legal issues with TNA seem to have put those plans on hold. However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. In fact, Matt is currently in the perfect position to debut his broken character. With his brother currently out on injury, Matt has found himself lost in the shuffle on the WWE roster. The fan favorite superstar could cut a promo on Monday Night Raw saying that ever since his brother left, he’s been feeling a bit broken, unleashing the wild-haired, crazy-eyed character fans have been cheering for all along.
15 15. Triple H: The New Evolution
Members: Triple H, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins and Bobby Roode
When rumors began circulating in 2003 that Ric Flair would be re-forming his classic Four Horsemen stable in the WWE, fans quickly lost their collective minds. And while what they would end up getting was the Four Horsemen-like faction, Evolution, the group still cemented themselves as one of the most dominant factions of the Ruthless Aggression Era. It’s also a time when Triple H experienced some of his greatest career success so the NXT head would likely jump at the chance to re-form said group for the New Era.
For this iteration however, Triple H would take on the Ric Flair-like role as mentor, christening original Evolution member Randy Orton as the group’s new defacto leader. The rest of the group would be filled out by new additions Seth Rollins and Bobby Roode, with Rollins taking on the role of the young upstart and Roode playing the Batista-like enforcer.
14 14. Vince: The Powerhouses
Members: Braun Strowman, Big Cass, Elias
It’s common knowledge by now that McMahon has a well-documented appreciation for larger than life wrestlers. The WWE boss has given many a push to superstars who fit the bill of being big, tall and monstrous so why not put together a faction made up entirely of the WWE’s reigning behemoths? Braun Strowman, the WWE’s current golden powerhouse has lost a bit of his luster since being dominated by Brock Lesnar at No Mercy.
However, were he teamed up with fellow Big and Tall enthusiasts Big Cass and Elias, the three could run roughshod over the division, leaving a trail of decimated bodies in their wake. The group’s presence would add a unique wrinkle to Strowman’s program with Lesnar, demolishing anyone who qualifies for a title opportunity until the monster among men can get the rematch he deserves. The partnership could also greatly elevate Cass and Elias who would benefit from Strowman’s unwavering fan support.
13 13. Triple H: NXT TakeOver
Members: Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe
Three of NXT’s greatest success stories have been that of Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe and yet none of them have seemed to really take off since making their roster debuts, either held back by injuries or bad booking. It’s a fact that Triple H is likely invested in given that the success of his NXT superstars on the grand stage is a direct reflection on him and his brand.
It’s a problem The Game could remedy by putting the three together to form some sort of NXT super group, likely shepherded by himself. The beauty of the group is that they would work well together equally as babyfaces or heels, Triple H anointing them the “Future of the WWE” and demanding that they get their due while they embark on a quest to capture all of the major singles belts on the main roster to prove to the WWE Universe how overlooked they’ve been.
12 12. Vince: The Un-Americans 2.0
Members: Rusev, Lana, Jinder Mahal, The Singh Brothers
One of the WWE’s most tried and true staples is that of the despicable foreign heel. Ever since the golden days of the sports entertainment giant, anti-American heels have been the ultimate villains of the sport, usually in direct opposition to All-American good guys like Hulk Hogan and John Cena who squash the nefarious baddies just in time tell kids to eat their vitamins. It’s a storytelling device that McMahon is a clear fan of considering how regularly he employs it, having two major Anti-American heels currently on the roster so when Jinder Mahal eventually loses his WWE Championship, why not have him and the Singh Brothers team up with Rusev and Lana to form the next incarnation of the Un-Americans?
The newly formed group could lament the lack of opportunity for non-American talent in the WWE, setting their sights on the United States Championship to bring some culture to America. Expect plenty of Anti-American propaganda and uncomfortable, vaguely racist promos abound!
11 11. Triple H: The Female Evolution
Members: Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair, Paige, Nia Jax
One thing that has been severely lacking from the WWE since its creation is a truly great female faction. While the Four Horsewomen of NXT are typically considered just that, given that they technically never worked together as a team, it’s a bit of a stretch to call them such. However, with the women’s revolution in full force, it’s certainly possible we’ll see one soon and here’s one way it could happen. Instead of putting together the new generation of Evolution, perhaps Triple H could focus on bringing to light a female version of the stable.
He’d first need a veteran of the women’s division who can invoke the respect that Ric Flair brings. While Stephanie McMahon might be the natural choice given her marital status, a better fit might be a returning Trish Stratus. Stepping back into the company in a non-competitive role, Stratus could scout out Charlotte Flair to be her Triple H much in the way she scouted Test and Albert in her WWE debut. In the role of duplicitous young up-and-comer ala Randy Orton, Stratus could bring Paige back into the fold and draft Nia Jax as their resident muscle. Together, they’d have a strangle hold on the Women’s Championship as well as the division as a whole, requiring a team of equally good guys to challenge them. Sasha Banks, Bayley and Becky Lynch to the rescue?
10 10. Vince: The UFC Invasion
Members: Ronda Rousey, Conor McGregor, Brock Lesnar
Ever since the UFC rose to prominence, McMahon has tried to find a way to crossover its biggest stars with the sports entertainment giant. For years he’s tried to get the company’s top draw, Ronda Rousey to sign on the dotted line with the WWE and now rumors suggest he’s trying to lure Conor McGregor over for an appearance as well. Seeing as WrestleMania is the time of year when the company typically likes to bring a little star power to the division, what better way to shake things up than to stage an all out UFC Invasion to test once and for all who’s tougher in the ring: Professional wrestlers or Mixed Martial Artists?
If McMahon really wanted to make a splash, he could employ Rousey and McGregor to team up with current Universal Champion Brock Lesnar to form a super-team of UFC stars. However, a more likely option would be employing the Four Horsewomen of MMA for a showdown with their WWE counterparts.
9 9. Triple H: The Work Horses
Members: Cesaro, Sheamus, Apollo Crews, Shelton Benjamin
While the WWE is typically a company that thrives on colorful characters with big fanbases and quotable catchphrases tailor-made for merchandising, this focus tends to overlook less flashy but perhaps more athletically talented performers. Sure performers like Cesaro, Sheamus, Apollo Crews and Shelton Benjamin might not be the shiniest superstars on the roster right now, but their talent and ability to consistently put on amazing matches is unmatched.
Triple H knows this, so perhaps instead of trying to get these performers over in lukewarm tag teams, putting together a stable of reliable work horses would be a better use of their talent. The wrestlers could put over their no frills, substance over style approach by attacking flashier more gimmick-minded stars like Enzo Amore and The New Day to prove that their colorful merchandise and fan favorite one-liners can’t save them in a showdown with real wrestlers.
8 8. Vince: The Divas
Members: Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Lana, Mandy Rose
While the women of the WWE have mostly evolved past the days of bra and panties matches and bikini contests, one noted supporter of the WWE Diva days was McMahon himself. In fact, it’s been rumored that the WWE CEO is very interested in bringing back the modelesque-type performers, having already tried to rebrand some of the current women on multiple occasions. McMahon’s first attempt at a Diva makeover was that of Emma’s transformation into Emmalina. However, the Australian grappler was said to have been so unhappy with the transition, it was dropped before it even began, next looking to Lana to fill the void until her wrestling career proved dead on arrival. However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
If McMahon is serious about bringing back the WWE Diva, he should look no further than the last true Diva on the roster, Nikki Bella who could make her triumphant return by making a bold statement. Brie is looking to return soon as well, so she could join. Bella could announce that the women’s revolution is over, vowing that she’ll be the one to bring it to an end before recruiting Lana and NXT superstar Mandy Rose to join her cause, forming a group known as “The Divas.” Together, the three could promise the WWE Universe that they’ll “Make Women Divas Again.” The beauty of the group is that it could be used as satire, much in the way Right To Censor was, skewering the men who complain that the women of the WWE are no longer objects for their desire.
7 7. Triple H: SHE-ILD
Members: Shayna Baszler, Toni Storm, Bianca Belair
One of hottest properties on the WWE Network this summer was the Mae Young Classic, an all-women’s tournament that introduced a wealth of exciting new talent to WWE audiences, many of which have since been signed by the promotion. One way to capitalize on this good press would be to form a faction of these ladies, Shield-style and have them invade the main roster.
Referring to themselves as the SHE-ILD, the women would make their presence known by running in on a match from the crowd, announcing that they weren’t going to wait for their call up. Instead, they’re calling themselves up and making their own destiny. Mae Young Classic runner-up Shayna Baszler would take nicely to the Roman Reigns-like leadership role while tournament stand-out Bianca Belair could be a worthy successor to Seth Rollin’s young and hungry upstart. While not yet signed, fan favorite Toni Storm would also make the perfect Dean Ambrose-like wildcard.
6 6. Vince: The Corporation
Members: The Miz, Samoa Joe, Alexa Bliss, Cesaro, Sheamus, Brock Lesnar
If you were a fan of the Attitude Era, then chances are, you remember The Corporation. For two years, the faction, lead by the McMahon Family themselves, ensured that the rest of the WWE roster were trapped under the soles of their shoes, feuding with the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, D-Generation X and The Undertaker. It was a highly successful angle that saw some of the McMahon family’s most memorable moments and given their affinity for storylines with authority figures, a resurgence of The Corporation, doesn’t feel so far off.
Filling the faction with members from each division, Shane and Stephanie McMahon could ensure dominance and control over all of the WWE. The Miz, Samoa Joe, Alexa Bliss and Cesaro and Shaemus would all fit naturally within the stable. And while John Cena probably makes the most sense as The Rock’s successor, becoming the new Corporate Champion, the likelihood of him being turned heel at this stage in his career is slim. However, Brock Lesnar could be a worthy replacement, adding a unique wrinkle to his heel persona.
5 5. Triple H: BFFs 2.0
Members; Sasha Banks, Peyton Royce, Billy Kay
It’s no secret that Triple H has a soft spot for Sasha Banks. After all, the four-time women’s champion has proven to be one of NXT’s greatest success stories, entering the NXT landscape as arguably the BFFs’ (Summer Rae and Charlotte Flair) third-wheel before transforming into the Legit Boss and a major power player at the forefront of the Women’s Revolution. However, if there’s one thing The Boss has been lacking, it’s someone to boss around.
Banks, who’s been in dire need of a heel turn for almost a year now, could mark her new heel status with two new minions to do her bidding. Those minions? NXT call-ups Peyton Royce and Billy Kay, branding themselves as the BFFs 2.0. The Aussie bad girls would prove invaluable in ensuring that Banks’ next title reign doesn’t turn out like her last four, helping her maintain a stranglehold on the WWE gold until their inevitable turn on her, introducing the WWE Universe to the Iconic Duo fans know and love.
4 4. Vince: Oh Canada
Members; Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Bobby Roode, Chris Jericho
The WWE has a long history with Canadian talent. From Bret Hart and the Hart Foundation to Rowdy Roddy Piper to Trish Stratus, many of the company’s biggest stars have hailed from the Great White North. And seeing as the company seems so determined in keeping the Anti-American heel a staple of WWE programming, not to mention the fact that practically a third of their current roster call Canada home, now seems like the perfect time to form a new Canadian heel stable.
This one practically writes itself. Kevin Owens’ time as United States Champion was a prime example of the work he could do as leader of an Anti-American faction, smugly referring to himself as the “New Face of America” and speaking in his native French tongue to incense American viewers. Pair him up with Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn and a freshly heel-turned Bobby Roode and you’ve got a team even more glorious than the original Un-Americans.
3 3. Triple H: The New Faces of 205 Live
Members: Enzo Amore, Brian Kendrick, Noam Dar, Akira Towawa
It’s no secret that the Cruiserweight Division has struggled to get off the ground. Almost a year after their introduction onto the main roster and the division has no more direction now than it did then, with few performers standing out as notable successes. The stories are half-baked and the characters consist of thin, barely recognizable gimmicks. In fact, even WWE staff are said to refer to their show, 205 Live as “205 Leave” due to the audience’s propensity to not stick around for it. It’s clear that few performers on the roster are working as single stars so why not pair a bunch of them together to get them over?
A heel faction dominating 205 Live could be just the thing to add some stakes to the division. And with Enzo Amore serving as the cruiserweight’s current top heel, putting some muscle behind him could be a mutually beneficial experience, justifying his continued winning streak while using his name recognition and popularity to get over some new stars. Brian Kendrick, Noam Dar and a heel-turning Akira Towawa could help stack the deck in Amore’s favor in his battle against against Kalisto.
2 2. Vince: Vince’s Four Horsemen
Members: John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns
It isn’t hard to see who McMahon’s favorite superstars are. They’re generally the ones getting the biggest push and making him the most money. However, what if Mr. McMahon’s golden children were all put together in their own stable? It’s well known that the WWE boss has a longstanding admiration for Ric Flair, so it’d make sense that he’d want to put together his own answer to the Four Horsemen.
And if McMahon was doing the picking, it’s safe to say that team would include John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. Seeing as most of these superstars are part-timers (or soon-to-be part-timers) anyway, this could be the best way to make an impact with the limited time they’re on TV. Plus, the WWE has never seen all of its top stars band together to form an Avengers-like super stable before so the fallout would be exciting to see.
1 1. Triple H: The Bullet Club
Members: Finn Balor, AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows
This one’s a no brainer. If you’re looking for the most popular stable in professional wrestling today, look no further than The Bullet Club. The faction which originated in New Japan Pro-Wrestling isn’t just a dominant force in wrestling but a movement amongst fans. So of course the WWE would want to bring that attention into their ring. However, perhaps what makes the idea of a Club reunion even more enticing is that they wouldn’t even need current members Kenny Omega or The Young Bucks to do it.
The WWE roster already features many former star members of the Club, including original founder Finn Balor as well as AJ Styles, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Throw them together and voila, you’ve got the newest chapter of the Bullet Club. The storyline also writes itself, the Club having already tried to invade a WWE show earlier this year. The four could enter the ring, revealing Bullet Club t-shirts before announcing there doesn’t need to be a Bullet Club invasion because it’s already happened. Boom.