WWE: Ranking The Different Eras Of D-Generation X

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3. The Original Era

The WWE was undergoing a major product transformation by the latter part of 1997 and was trying to keep up with WCW in the TV ratings as well.  The Attitude Era would get going around this time, as did a group of degenerates that would change the course of WWE history forever.

Shawn Michaels and Triple H would become on-screen allies in 1997 and they would turn that partnership into D-Generation X alongside Chyna and Rick Rude.  Michaels and Triple H would go on a tear of degenerate pranks and jokes to create must-see TV the likes of which the WWE had never seen before.

DX feuded with The Hart Foundation for a while before HBK defeated Bret Hart at Survivor Series 1997 for the WWE Championship via the Montreal Screwjob.  The group even got its own pay-per-view in December of 1997 with D-Generation X: In Your House.  The jokes, comedy, and butting heads with authority continued into 1998 while Michaels reigned as WWE Champion and Triple H as European Champion.

However, a back injury to HBK at Royal Rumble 1998 would go on to ultimately cost Michaels four years of his career.  He was able to compete in one final match at WrestleMania 14 when he dropped the WWE Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin off the heels of a largely-successful angle with Mike Tyson in the midst of it all.  The following night on Raw, the DX fans came to know was drastically changed with Michaels out of the picture via injury.

Most will live and die by the original era of DX, and while it was undeniably great, it doesn’t quite reach the top of this list.