Two guys walk back into a bar, neither holding a beverage of choice but amped up to chat about men and women in spandex on their latest recording in episode 29 of the Pro Wrestling Post Podcast.
But in the bar, the focus turned to the second part of their discussion of Factions, with an emphasis on groups in the WWF. So, while they could have shared how Nia Jax’s Women’s Championship reign has been the best thing since sliced bread…they didn’t.
In the latest edition of the podcast, our resident Commonwealth connection explored several memorable factions that took over the WWF in the 1990s. This edition covers everything from the most memorable to the rare and often forgettable.
Who did they cover, and what did they mean to all involved? Were they ones that could work today, or did they make the most sense for their time alone?
Pro Wrestling Post Podcast – Episode 29
The Ministry of Darkness / Corporate Ministry
Mark Blake and Marc Madison shared their thoughts on a group that helped showcase the Dead Man as a truly evil man. With The Undertaker injured during the Ministry of Darkness’ rise, he would lead a group that involved several serviceable talents.
As our hosts discussed the group, the duo recalled including a young Edge and Christian, a more experienced Gangrel as The Brood, and another notable tag team and mid-card singles competitors.
But including the Acolytes consisting of Farooq and Bradshaw and the former Phineous I. Godwin, now under the name Mideon and Mabel, who would now become Viscera, would help to complete this dark group.
Our hosts discuss some of the faction’s most infamous moments, from the hanging of the Big Boss Man to the dark wedding and tying to the cross of Stephanie McMahon; this group was certainly a menace.
But what would make this group take an unexpected turn would be their ‘union’. As it would be revealed who the Higher Power was, it would be their aligning with the Corporation that would make our hosts scratch their heads.
The Corporation included Test, Shane McMahon, Triple H, Big Boss Man, The Big Show, Ken Shamrock, Kane, and Chyna, ultimately creating a supergroup on paper. The problem was what appeared on paper didn’t ultimately unfold.
Was this a group that became super bloated, not unlike that of the nWo in WCW, or was it the best of both worlds? Tune into this episode to find out our hosts thoughts on this group.
Pro Wrestling Post Podcast – Episode 29
Degeneration X
In this particular episode, while the focus was on an array of different factions, one buzz-worthy group had two distinct incarnations in the 1990s. During their earlier feud with the Hart Foundation, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chyna, and Ravishing Rick Rude broke it down.
This earlier incarnation of the group was described as rude, crass, and immature. Fans cheered them on for all those reasons. This group fit the era, from card games where they would strip to wearing face visors with windshield wipers.
But after Rick Rude left the company amidst the Montreal Screwjob and Shawn Michaels suffered an injury in 1998, Triple H needed to regroup, and he would turn to his friends. X-Pac, ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James, and ‘Bad A**’ Billy Gunn would form the new DX.
The new Degeneration X would have their share of feuds, but their feud with the Nation of Domination stood out most notably during the late 1990s.
From their parody of the NOD to the rivalry that elevated both The Rock and Triple H, this was a feud that helped all involved.
Fans witnessed the New Age Outlaws become multi-time tag team champions, X-Pac become a European Champion, D’Lo Brown become a European Champion, and The Godfather earn the Intercontinental Championship.
Blake and Madison discuss their thoughts about Degeneration X and their singles feuds. They also discuss the group’s ascent to the top.
The co-hosts also discuss their mindset of what this faction meant for all involved and how it helped all involved during the 90s.
Pro Wrestling Post Podcast – Episode 29
The Hart Foundation
As part of the hosts’ discussion, another faction would be as much tied to family as it is about their success.
From Bret Hart coming between his brother Owen and brother-in-law Davey Boy Smith to welcoming back his brother-in-law Jim Niedhart to embracing Brian Pillman and his ties to the Hart’s, the Hart Foundation was a prominent faction during the 1990s.
What did our hosts think of this version of the Hart Foundation in comparison to the tag team that excelled in the 1980s?
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