5 Pairs Of Wrestlers From WWE's Ruthless Aggression Era That Were Close Backstage (& 5 That Hated Each Other)

In WWE's Ruthless Aggression Era there were many phenomenal wrestlers on the roster, such as Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Edge Batista, The Undertaker, among others. So, it's no wonder it's been an era full of incredible matches and memorable storylines.

However, having so many megastars in the company at the same time was not easy, as several of them hated each other behind the scenes, due to their ego, or other reasons. Although there were also wrestlers who got along quite well. So, without further ado, let's take a look at five pairs of wrestlers from WWE's Ruthless Aggression Era who were close backstage, and five that hated each other.

10 Were Close Backstage: Kurt Angle & Brock Lesnar

Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar had a legitimate wrestling match once, just to see who was the better wrestler. Angle was the winner, but that didn't affect their friendship at all, on the contrary, after that they earned each other's respect. Angle says Lesnar is not a social guy you can call and ask how the family is doing, but they were still close backstage during the Ruthless Aggression Era.

9 Hated Each Other: The Blue Meanie & JBL

The Blue Meanie is a forgotten wrestler, and if some fans remember him, perhaps it's because of his infamous real-life fight against JBL. They hated each other, JBL abused the Blue Meanie backstage, so the latter publicized JBL's despicable attitude. Then, at One Night Stand 2005, a furious JBL brutally attacked the Blue Meanie during a multi-man brawl, legitimately busting him open. This was one of the most embarrassing altercations in WWE history.

8 Were Close Backstage: Triple H & Shawn Michaels

There's no need to talk much about the friendship between Triple H and Shawn Michaels, as fans know it well. We are talking about one of the strongest friendships in WWE history, both on screen and behind the scenes.

They shared many moments together as wrestlers and now both work from the office, always with the goal of growing WWE and entertaining the fans. Anyone would love to have a friendship like the one between Heartbreak Kid and The Game.

7 Hated Each Other: Booker T & Batista

Booker T and Batista are currently at peace, but during the Ruthless Aggression Era they hated each other. Booker T admitted that he couldn't stand Batista's arrogant attitude, and one day he didn't tolerate the Animal's disrespect, and they had a legitimate fight. It was a tough brawl that lasted a few minutes and both men got hurt. According to those who witnessed that infamous event, Booker T won the fight by split decision.

6 Were Close Backstage: Trish Stratus & Lita

Trish Stratus and Lita became friends in the Ruthless Aggression Era, and to this day they remain close friends, which makes it clear that their friendship was for real. On screen, they had one of the greatest women's rivalries in the history of wrestling, but backstage they were very close, always supporting each other through thick and thin. A pair of friends paved the way for future generations of women's wrestling, who knew?

5 Hated Each Other: Melina & Candice Michelle

The hatred that existed between Melina and Candice Michelle was never a secret, but a couple of years ago on The Wrestling Inc. Podcast, Michelle reaffirmed that she and Melina hated each other. "We hated each other. We were legit going to go into a real fight at a house show," Michelle said.

She said Melina always hated her because she saw her as the Hollywood girl who was lucky and got a contract, while Melina had to work very hard to make it to WWE.

4 Were Close Backstage: Edge & Christian

Edge and Christian formed one of the best tag teams in wrestling history. They were amazing together, had great chemistry and could do things that most tag teams couldn't. Backstage, they were even closer than they were on TV. They hit it off from day one and became close friends. Today, Edge and Christian are still best friends, even though their careers took different paths.

3 Hated Each Other: Edge & Matt Hardy

You probably already know this story. Matt Hardy was dating Lita, but Edge intervened in the relationship. Lita had an affair with Edge and eventually left Hardy. Obviously, Hardy was furious and hated them both. So, to avoid toxicity in the locker room, WWE released Hardy. Lose the girl and lose the job, that sucks, doesn't it? Somehow, Vince McMahon brought Hardy back and turned this infamous love triangle into a memorable on-screen rivalry.

2 Were Close Backstage: John Cena & Randy Orton

John Cena and Randy Orton were bitter rivals for virtually the entire Ruthless Aggression Era. They had several matches, competing not only for titles, but to determine who was the better superstar and the face of the WWE.

However, backstage they got along quite well, they were close. They grew up as wrestlers together and shared many moments, developing a friendship that prevails today.

1 Hated Each Other: Chris Jericho & Triple H

Chris Jericho and Triple H respect each other today, but during the Ruthless Aggression Era they hated each other. On The Rich Eisen Show, Chris Jericho admitted that he had issues with Triple H. It seems that even Jericho doesn't know why they hated each other, as there was never a specific reason, but they just couldn't stand each other. Still, they had several amazing matches, and Jericho believes that the real-life animosity between them was what made the matches special.