WWE, once governed by strict guidelines regarding romantic relationships among its superstars, has witnessed a shift in policies over time. Initially, the company discouraged personal entanglements from intertwining with on-screen narratives.
However, as the wrestling landscape evolved, some couples chose to blend their real-life relationships with their scripted personas, while others opted for privacy.
In a surprising turn of events, former WWE Superstars CJ Perry (Lana) and Miro (Rusev) recently disclosed their separation, despite their current association with AEW.
Their union, forged through the world of wrestling, began in 2016, and the news of their split left fans in disbelief due to the apparent closeness they shared.
This dissolution is not the first to send shockwaves through the wrestling community. Reflecting on history, we explore three WWE couples whose breakups left fans bewildered.
#3. “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth
Randy Savage, a WWE luminary, made his debut in 1985, a pivotal era for the company’s growth. His introduction also marked the beginning of his on-screen partnership with Elizabeth Hulette, famously known as Miss Elizabeth.
The duo, who had tied the knot in 1984, became a prominent force in WWE.
Savage’s transition from the Continental Wrestling Association to WWE saw the need for a manager, and he promptly enlisted Miss Elizabeth.
Their on-screen dynamic, featuring a jealous and possessive Savage, captivated audiences. The duo’s on-screen wedding at SummerSlam 1991 remains a memorable part of pop culture.
In 1992, the wrestling world was stunned when the couple publicly announced their divorce, revealing the disparity between their on-screen romance and real-life relationship.
#2. Chyna and Triple H
The late 1990s witnessed the rise of one of WWE’s most influential couples – Triple H and Chyna. Beyond their on-screen partnership, Chyna’s remarkable physique and in-ring skills set her apart, making her the first woman to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
As part of D-Generation X, the power couple wreaked havoc, dominating their opponents with synchronized in-ring moves. However, controversies surrounded their personal relationship, with rumors linking Stephanie McMahon to their eventual breakup.
#1. Matt Hardy and Lita
In the mid to late 1990s, the wrestling world was captivated by the real-life romance between Matt Hardy and Lita.
Their on-screen presence as part of the Hardy Boyz tag team, combined with Lita’s unique association, garnered immense popularity among WWE fans.
However, nearly six years into their relationship, the couple faced a tumultuous period. Real-life events, including injuries and alleged infidelity, led to their breakup. Lita’s involvement with Edge during Hardy’s recovery from a knee injury fueled fan outrage.
WWE capitalized on the real-life drama, incorporating it into a storyline that birthed the infamous Edge and Matt Hardy rivalry in 2005.
Fans, deeply invested in the couple’s on-screen and off-screen journey, struggled to accept the disintegration of a partnership they believed was unbreakable.
These instances serve as reminders that, despite the scripted nature of professional wrestling, the personal lives of WWE superstars can become intertwined with their on-screen personas, creating both captivating storylines and heart-wrenching real-life dramas.