WWE refers to the professionalism of the wrestlers both on-screen and off-camera with the phrase “best of business.” In earlier wrestling times, talents would frequently object to the plans because they thought the organisation didn’t know what was best for their long-term planning. There have been quite a few notable individuals who have made their own requests and demands in opposition to the best for business concept.
On the other hand, some wrestlers were renowned for always acting honourably by working to advance others’ interests. We will examine these examples to see exactly what transpired to develop these reputations. Find out which of your faves loved to make decisions for themselves and which professionals were. These five WWE legends always acted in the company’s best interests, along with five others.
Didn’t care: Brock Lesnar
According to recent allegations from wrestling insider Dave Meltzer, Brock Lesnar rarely pays attention to Vince McMahon, and their relationship is averse. Lesnar selects the guys he wants to compete against and the ones he wants to eliminate.
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The contentious Smackdown bout in which Brock defeated Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship in just 10 seconds effectively destroyed Kingston’s chances of winning the main event. Lesnar didn’t give a damn because he makes all the decisions and thinks he’s the best for business.
Didn’t care: Goldberg
Goldberg was able to atone for his WWE missteps when he returned to WWE in 2016. Goldberg’s 173-0 undefeated streak in WCW remains his best run, and it helped him establish himself as a legendary figure in the sport. Goldberg was so dominant that he routinely defeated his opponents in brief contests.
However, because to his humorous persona and diminutive physique, Chris Jericho was one wrestler with whom Goldberg refused to collaborate. Goldberg faced even more criticism during his time in WWE from 2003 to 2004, as he rejected several of the organization’s suggestions for longer-lasting feuds.
Didn’t care: Triple H
Due to his position in helping to manage WWE behind the scenes, Triple H is currently attempting to recruit as many new stars as he can. This wasn’t always the case because Triple H once had a bad reputation for not putting people over when it was appropriate.
Rob Van Dam, Booker T, and Scott Steiner, among other wrestlers, all had various degrees of strong momentum vanish after being sacrificed in defeats to Triple H. Triple H has come under fire from viewers, commentators, and wrestlers alike for monopolising the championship picture in the early 2000s despite infrequently defeating rivals.
Didn’t care: Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan’s career included many instances where he disobeyed his employers’ wishes. When Hogan joined WWE as a significant celebrity in the 1980s, he gained a great deal of authority over the wrestling business. Hogan was able to pick and choose who he collaborated with thanks to his celebrity power.
WCW even went one step further by including a clause regarding creative autonomy in his contract. At various points in his career, Hogan declined to endorse people like Bret Hart, Randy Orton, and Shawn Michaels. Hogan was well-known for elevating himself above the political process.
Didn’t care: Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels’ tenure in the 1990s would lead to his status as one of the most divisive figures in wrestling history. When Vince McMahon instructed him to lose or make other wrestlers look powerful, Michaels was infamous for refusing to perform the task.
Some of the most well-known examples of this included George Michaels “losing his smile” to defeat Davey Boy Smith instead of Bret Hart, and Bret Hart changing the outcome after promising a cancer patient he would win as planned. Fortunately, when Michaels rejoined WWE after his retirement in the 2000s, his reputation improved.