Professional wrestling thrives on great rivalries — the kind that make fans invest emotionally, tune in weekly, and talk for years. WWE has produced some of the most legendary feuds in wrestling history, but not every storyline lives up to its potential. Sometimes, bad storytelling choices, inconsistent booking, and forced narratives can completely derail a feud that had everything going for it. These are rivalries that could have been remembered as classics but instead left fans frustrated and disappointed. Here are four WWE feuds ruined by poor storytelling, turning potential gold into missed opportunities.
1. Triple H vs. Booker T (WrestleMania XIX)
Triple H vs. Booker T (Image via Getty)Few rivalries have left a worse taste in fans’ mouths than Triple H vs. Booker T leading up to WrestleMania XIX. The buildup was marred by unnecessary and offensive promos that hinted at real-life racial undertones, making the story uncomfortable rather than compelling. Fans were fully behind Booker T, a beloved underdog, and everything pointed to him overcoming Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Instead, the match ended with Triple H winning cleanly — after a single Pedigree, followed by a painfully long pause before the pin. This completely killed Booker T’s momentum and undermined weeks of buildup. What should have been a triumphant moment for Booker became a glaring example of how bad creative decisions can ruin a feud’s payoff.
2. Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt (Hell in a Cell 2019)
When Seth Rollins, as Universal Champion, clashed with Bray Wyatt’s “Fiend” character, fans expected a dark and thrilling storyline. Wyatt had reinvented himself, and anticipation was sky-high for a unique feud. Unfortunately, WWE’s decision to book them in a Hell in a Cell match with a confusing, nonsensical finish left audiences furious.
Instead of a definitive conclusion, the match was stopped due to “referee stoppage” in a match designed to have no disqualifications. This went against everything the Cell represents and made Rollins look weak while damaging Wyatt’s mystique. Fans booed loudly, and the feud never recovered from that disastrous night. A storyline with incredible potential was left in ruins due to poor booking choices.
3. AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (2018 Feud)
AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (image via Getty)Fans dreamed of AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in WWE, especially after their unforgettable match at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Japan. When the two finally faced off for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34, excitement was through the roof. However, the match didn’t meet expectations, and the real problem began afterward.
Instead of focusing on a wrestling masterclass, WWE turned Nakamura’s heel and overused a low-blow gimmick in nearly every match and promo. The rivalry devolved into a repetitive joke, with countless matches ending in disqualification or no-contest. What should have been a dream feud between two of the world’s best wrestlers was reduced to cheap antics and tired storytelling, disappointing fans who expected greatness.
4. Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (WrestleMania 34 & Beyond)
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar was built as an epic showdown for the Universal Championship, but WWE’s storytelling missteps dragged it down. Fans were already growing tired of seeing Lesnar as a part-time champion, and Reigns was struggling to get crowd support as the forced babyface.
Instead of adjusting to audience reactions, WWE kept pushing Reigns as the hero, ignoring boos and negative responses. Their WrestleMania 34 match was met with chants of frustration, and the ending — with Lesnar retaining — confused many. Later rematches suffered from the same issues: awkward pacing, repetitive encounters, and a disconnect with the fans. What could have been a rivalry defining an era became a symbol of WWE’s refusal to listen to its audience.
WWE has the talent and resources to create unforgettable feuds, but as these rivalries show, bad storytelling can sink even the best matchups. Fans don’t forget when potential is wasted — and these feuds remain examples of how crucial good writing and thoughtful booking are to wrestling’s success.