Although dramatic storylines and bitter rivalries are hallmarks of professional wrestling, the intensity of the sport sometimes seeps into everyday life. Some wrestlers have real rivalries behind the scenes that go beyond the planned feuds. Below are 20 professional wrestlers who are bitterly opposed to each other in real life.

20 professional wrestlers who have a serious bone to pick with each other

Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels

The rivalry between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels is one of the most notorious in the annals of real wrestling. Hart left WWE after their backstage feud culminated during the “Montreal Screwjob” at Survivor Series 1997, where Michaels was part of a controversial finale. Years passed and their animosity remained despite their public reconciliation.

Edge vs Matt Hardy

The rivalry between Edge and Matt Hardy was not just for show. Tensions began when Edge had an affair with Hardy’s real-life girlfriend Lita, which led to a very personal and heated feud both on-screen and in their personal lives. Although they worked together professionally afterward, their relationship was never the same.

CM Punk vs Ryback

CM Punk has been very vocal about his dislike for Ryback, accusing him of being reckless in the ring and causing him injuries. Punk has mentioned in interviews that working with Ryback was one of the worst experiences of his wrestling career, which led to ongoing animosity between the two.

Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns

While Brock Lesnar and Roman rule have headlined numerous WrestleManias together, but reports suggest that Lesnar was not a fan of Reigns being touted as the top star. Although they have never publicly criticized each other, the tension between them has been noticed by insiders.

Sasha Banks vs Alexa Bliss

Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss had a strained relationship. Banks reportedly disliked Bliss’s wrestling style and questioned her dedication to the business. Their problems were evident both in and out of the ring, leading to a frosty relationship.

Chris Jericho vs. Goldberg

The real rivalry between Goldberg and Chris Jericho began during their time in WCW. Goldberg made Jericho feel humiliated when he refused to work with him on a program. Years later, rumors of a backstage altercation in WWE reignited the tension.

AJ Styles vs. Paul Heyman

The main reason for the strained relationship between AJ Styles and Paul Heyman is Styles’ perception that Heyman was involved in the firing of his buddies Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows from the WWE. There is tension in their relationship because Styles has made it clear that he does not trust Heyman.

John Cena vs The Rock

The Rock and John Cena had a well-known rivalry in the movies, but it was also fueled by friction in real life. The Rock left the WWE for Hollywood, and Cena was harshly critical of him for abandoning the company. Their rivalry was based on genuine animosity, although they recently reconciled.

Triple H vs Chyna

Chyna and Triple H had a brief relationship, but their relationship hit the rocks when Triple H began dating Stephanie McMahon. Triple H was accused of publicly cheating on Chyna, and their relationship never fully recovered.

The Bella Twins against Maria Kanellis

The Bella Twins have had a long-standing rivalry with Maria Kanellis, who claims the twins are preventing her from advancing in WWE. They criticize each other on social media and in interviews, and it’s clear they don’t see eye to eye.