5 Most Critically Acclaimed WWE Betrayals In Recent Memory

There's no denying that beautiful friendships and bonds form an integral part of quality storytelling in the WWE. Without them, it is particularly difficult for the fans to invest in narratives that are told every single week.

These friendships and moments of brotherhood have been substantial in making upcoming sensations into main-event superstars. Whether it was Triple H's friendship with Shawn Michaels, or Punk's friendship with Paul Heyman, each of them got the fans invested through their emotional connection.

Such moments of brilliance have often occurred and have brought more relevance to the product by engaging the WWE Universe with their craft and characterization.

Since we'll be throwing more spotlight on the incidents that took place in recent memory, feuds between the Evolution, D-Generation X, NWO, and Austin-Vince McMahon have not been included.

Here are the 5 most critically acclaimed WWE betrayals in recent memory.

#5 Becky Lynch destroys Charlotte at WWE SummerSlam 2018

Since we're mostly concerned with the events that transpired in recent memory, Becky Lynch's attack on Charlotte after their encounter at SummerSlam remains a memorable one.

Judging by how female performers are booked on the main roster, these two competitors from the blue brand have taken storytelling to a whole new level.

The Relentless 'Lass Kicker' has ascended to become one of the most popular performers in the entire WWE today, and she has done it by completely destroying her best friend.

Considering how sensational Becky's push has been, the fans cannot help but cheer for her and are already comparing her character to Stone Cold Steve Austin.

There's no denying that betrayals in the women's division have happened before, but Charlotte's return took the spotlight away from Becky, and that led to the culmination of a beautiful friendship with a blockbuster rivalry.

#4 Daniel Bryan makes an important decision regarding the Wyatt Family

Going back to 2014 when Daniel Bryan was the most popular figure in the entire WWE and was locked in an extremely intriguing feud with Bray Wyatt.

The Eater of Worlds was making a huge impact on the main roster with the Wyatt Family, and while he continued to invite his followers to fall down to the deceit of reality, Bryan's inclusion in the faction made headlines.

Both the superstars clashed in one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time at the Royal Rumble 2014. While Bray Wyatt won the match, Bryan took the world by storm two weeks before on Monday Night Raw where he refused to walk the same path as the Demented Cult Leader.

What followed his reluctance was possibly one of the most critically appreciated moments in WWE history, when the Beard destroyed the Eater of Worlds inside a steel cage and was followed by a chorus of Yes chants that was heard all over the world.

While the coalition between the two was short, but its impact was substantial in turning Daniel Bryan into one of the most widely loved superstars in the company.

There's no denying that Daniel Bryan was destined to be part of one of the greatest stories in WWE but Bray Wyatt's insanity definitely coerced the former to a different pedestal.

#3 Kevin Owens spoils the Festival of Friendship and annihilates Chris Jericho

One of the most critically acclaimed segments in recent memory came in 2017 on Monday Night Raw when Kevin Owens finally took his frustrations out on Chris Jericho.

The popular segment celebrating the festival of friendship delighted the fans through its comic flair followed by an unforgiving betrayal by the hands of the Prizefighter.

Since Y2J played a substantial role in coercing Owens to face Goldberg, the former Universal Champion pulled off a shocking move and annihilated his own best friend.

Considering that K.O. also dismantled Sami Zayn during his days in NXT, this shocking annihilation became more acclaimed and talked about.

Both the superstars were ruling Monday Night Raw for the better part of 2016, and with Jericho playing his best character till date, Owens' attack became more substantial in coercing an intriguing between the two at WrestleMania 33.

#2 Tommaso Ciampa takes out Johnny Gargano in heartless betrayal

There's no denying that Tommaso Ciampa's feud with Johnny Gargano has turned out to become one of the greatest stories ever told inside the squared circle.

Both the superstars share a chemistry that is too infectious and the fans are always invested on what might transpire next between the two. Since this animosity has reached another level, the talented faction broke after losing to the Authors of Pain with the Black Heart showing no mercy on his best friend.

Ciampa took Gargano to another stratosphere of annihilation and ascended to the top of the mountain as one of the most heartless heels of this generation.

While all credit goes to the performers, Triple H's contribution in the feud has taken it to a whole new level and that is why it remains one of the most critically acclaimed rivalries and betrayals in the history of WWE.

#1 The Architect sells out to the Authority and betrays The Shield

While the repercussions of all those previously mentioned betrayals were immense, none of them were as shocking and intriguing as this one.

The Evolution's feud with The Shield catapulted the latter faction on a pedestal, with the aim of getting all three superstars over in the business. Considering that Roman Reigns was always tipped to become the face of the company, it was Seth Rollins who betrayed the Hounds of Justice and sold his soul to the Authority.

In what was a pretty incredible move, all the three superstars went to different directions and became three of the biggest superstars in the WWE today.

These three individuals continued to be associated with each other throughout, but that chair shot altered the entire complexion of the business and led to one of the greatest betrayals in WWE history.

What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.

Edited by Raunak J