5 memorable WWE rivalries of 2021

Over the years, WWE has seen some memorable rivalries, keeping fans invested. One that immediately springs to mind is the epic feud between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Their rivalry continued for two years as they battled at consecutive WrestleMania events between 2009 and 2010.

Their contest at WrestleMania 25 was praise-worthy. A year later, the two again went head-to-head in a Streak vs. Career Match at WrestleMania 26, which was one for the ages. The Phenom overcame a resilient effort by The Showstopper as the streak stood tall over the career.

In a similar vein, fans have witnessed some epic rivalries in 2021. Some centered around Championship Gold, whereas others became personal. In this article, we look at five memorable WWE rivalries of 2021.

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#5. WWE Rivalry: RK-Bro vs. AJ Styles & Omos

In 2021, WWE Universe witnessed the unlikely duo of Randy Orton and Riddle from RK-Bro.

Much to fans' delight, RK-Bro soared in the RAW tag team division, earning decisive victories over The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander) and Elias & Jaxson Ryker. They then challenged AJ Styles & Omos at SummerSlam 2021 for the RAW Tag Team Championship.

The Viper and The Original Bro dethroned Styles & Omos to become the new RAW Tag Team Champions, which set the rivalry between these teams in motion.

The Phenomenal One and The Seven-Foot Giant looked to regain their titles at Crown Jewel 2021 but were unsuccessful.

Randy Orton and AJ Styles also had some classic singles contests during this time, which made this rivalry even more memorable.

#4. WWE Rivalry: Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch

In 2021, the rivalry between Bianca Belair, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch was one of WWE's big talking points.

The EST of WWE won the Royal Rumble Match earlier this year and went on to headline WrestleMania 37 by challenging The Boss for the SmackDown Women's Championship. Bianca beat Banks to win her first title in WWE.

The rivalry began to gather steam as Sasha laid down the challenge to regain her title from Bianca at SummerSlam 2021. What happened next took everyone by surprise. Instead of Sasha Banks, who could not compete, a returning Becky Lynch showed up at SummerSlam to challenge the champion.

Belair lost the match in no time as The Man ascended to championship glory. With this turn of events, Lynch added herself to the ongoing rivalry between Banks and Belair.

At Extreme Rules 2021, Becky and Bianca went head-to-head for the championship, when the latter defeated Lynch by disqualification due to interference by a returning Sasha Banks but could not regain the title.

The intense animosity between the three ladies culminated at Crown Jewel 2021 in a Triple Threat Match for the title. Becky overcame Sasha and Bianca to retain her title.

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#3. WWE Rivalry: Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley

The rivalry between Goldberg and Bobby Lashley was a personal one.

Goldberg challenged then WWE Champion Bobby Lashley to a title match at SummerSlam 2021, injuring his knee during the bout. The All-Mighty continued to dish out punishment on a battered Goldberg as Gage, the latter's son, tried to help. Lashley locked Gage in The Hurt Lock, which irked Goldberg, making this rivalry personal.

At Crown Jewel 2021, the WWE Hall of Famer avenged his son's beat down in a No Holds Barred Match against Lashley, where he decimated the former WWE Champion. Goldberg finally settled the score as the feud came to a befitting end.

#2. WWE Rivalry: Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar

The ongoing rivalry between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar has been one of the best this year in WWE.

The Beast Incarnate made his comeback at SummerSlam 2021 confronting The Tribal Chief after his victory over John Cena. The two continued to have heated verbal confrontations over the next few weeks.

At Crown Jewel 2021, Lesnar faced Reigns for the Universal Championship but lost the match due to interference from The Usos. On the following episode of SmackDown, an angry Lesnar was suspended after attacking several WWE officials, including Adam Pearce.

His suspension was subsequently revoked, and Brock returned to SmackDown on December 3. He decimated Sami Zayn, who was the #1 contender for the Universal Championship, having won The Black Friday Battle Royal. This allowed The Tribal Chief to pick up an easy win over a weakened Zayn to retain his title.

Lesnar and Reigns will now clash at the upcoming WWE Day 1 pay-per-view for the Universal Title, which makes this rivalry even more engaging.

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#1. WWE Rivalry: Edge vs. Seth Rollins

The rivalry between Edge and Seth Rollins was one of the high points for WWE this year.

The feud began at Money in the Bank 2021 when Rollins interfered in Edge's match against Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship, costing him the title.

Over the next few weeks, the rivalry gathered steam as Edge challenged Rollins to a match at SummerSlam 2021, which the former won. Rollins had his revenge on the September 10 episode of SmackDown, beating the Hall of Famer with a lethal Curb Stomp.

Their rivalry finally culminated in a devastating Hell in a Cell Match at Crown Jewel 2021. Edge emerged victorious in this third battle as he used Seth's maneuver, The Curb Stomp, on The Visionary, slamming his head onto a steel chair.

The battle trilogy between these wrestlers was undoubtedly a treat for the fans.