The WWE is known for its electrifying rivalries, jaw-dropping matches, and memorable storylines. Among the most memorable moments are those betrayals that leave fans stunned and forever change the dynamics of WWE tag team divisions. Tag teams are built on trust, but what happens when that trust is shattered? When a partner turns on their teammate, the WWE universe is left reeling, and the consequences often ripple across the company. These betrayals don’t just affect the two individuals involved but also the fans who have invested emotionally in their bond.
Here are four of the most unforgettable tag team betrayals in WWE history that still have fans talking.
1. Shawn Michaels Turns on Marty Jannetty – The Formation of D-Generation X
Shawn Michaels Turns on Marty Jannetty (Image via Getty)One of the most famous betrayals occurred on January 11, 1992, during the height of the Rockers’ popularity. Shawn Michaels, once considered Marty Jannetty’s best friend and partner, decided to end their tag team partnership in the most brutal way. Michaels threw Jannetty through the window of Brutus Beefcake’s barbershop, turning his back on their friendship.
This moment not only dissolved the Rockers but also set the stage for Michaels’ meteoric rise as a solo star. It also led to the formation of D-Generation X, where Michaels would become one of the most influential figures in WWE history. The betrayal has become a defining moment in WWE history, and the image of Jannetty stumbling through the window remains iconic.
2. Edge Spear’s Christian – The End of One of WWE’s Best Teams
Edge and Christian were one of the most popular and successful tag teams of the late 90s and early 2000s, winning multiple tag titles and becoming fan favorites. However, their brotherly bond was put to the ultimate test at the 2001 WWE Survivor Series.
In a match for the tag team championships, Edge and Christian were competing against the Dudley Boyz and the Hardy Boyz in a Triple Threat Tag Team Ladder Match. Christian had helped Edge win several tag team titles, but the ultimate betrayal came when Edge speared Christian after a heated exchange. This act signaled the end of their tag team partnership and set both men on individual paths to success. Edge would go on to become one of WWE’s most decorated champions, while Christian eventually found his own success in WWE and TNA.
3. The Rock Turns on Mankind – The Birth of the Corporation
The Rock Turns on Mankind (Image via Getty)The Rock and Mankind were an unlikely but successful tag team in the late 1990s, often teaming up to entertain audiences with their contrasting personalities. They even captured the WWF Tag Team Championships together. However, their relationship quickly soured when The Rock aligned himself with Vince McMahon’s Corporation.
At the 1998 Survivor Series, Mankind was forced to face The Rock for the WWF Championship. During the match, The Rock, who had previously been Mankind’s tag partner, viciously attacked him, making it clear that he was now part of McMahon’s stable. The betrayal was a pivotal moment in both men’s careers, as The Rock’s heel turn solidified his place as a top villain in the company, and Mankind’s eventual rise to prominence continued his path toward becoming one of WWE’s most beloved legends.
4. Bret Hart Turns on The British Bulldog – The First Step Toward the Montreal Screwjob
Bret Hart and The British Bulldog were once one of the most cohesive tag teams in WWE, often battling together and against some of the toughest opponents. Their bond appeared unbreakable until the 1992 SummerSlam, where Bret Hart turned on his longtime friend, The British Bulldog.
In a turn of events, after losing a match, Bret Hart attacked Bulldog during an emotional segment on WWE programming. This betrayal was significant not only because of the emotional intensity but because it was the precursor to one of the biggest controversies in WWE history: the Montreal Screwjob. The tension between Hart and Bulldog fueled personal animosities that played a major role in setting up many of the WWE’s most intense rivalries.
Final Thoughts
Betrayals in WWE tag teams have always been a fan-favorite storyline, as they break the bonds of friendship, often leading to memorable matches, rivalries, and career transformations. These moments not only shifted the trajectory of these superstars but also contributed to some of the most defining periods in WWE’s history. Whether it was Shawn Michaels’s iconic betrayal of Marty Jannetty or Edge’s ruthless separation from Christian, these unforgettable moments have left their mark on WWE fans and continue to resonate today.