10 Best Wrestling Stables Ever

Stables in wrestling have been an integral storytelling cog from their heyday of the 80s, through some weird gang warfare in the 90s, to present day and the likes of New Japan’s massively successful faction heavy roster.

In an ideal world, the perfect stable arguably consists of a main eventer, a mid-carder, and a tag team. But this rule plays fast and loose, and any combination of three or more wrestlers makes for a damn good faction.

We all have our favourite stables, for good reasons and bad, and there have been far more brilliant stables than crap ones.

But how do you pick the best? You have to consider longevity, success, legacy, and influence, amongst other traits.

So naturally, before we start, there are some honourable mentions to get through first:

The Corporation, Bullet Club, Los Ingobernables, The Main Event Mafia, Age of the Fall, The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, The Elite, The New Day, The Dudleys, The Undisputed Era, The Nation of Domination.

And breathe...

10. The Heenan Family

At times a close knit unit, at others a loose collective under the watchful eye of Bobby The Brain Heenan, The Heenan Family ran roughshod over the AWA and WWE in the 70s, 80s and early 90s and featured a who’s who of the industry; Andre the Giant, Ravishing Rick Rude, The Brainbusters, Ric Flair, Stan Hansen, Nick Bockwinkel, and Mr. Perfect were all members of The Family at some point of its existence.

The Family and notably Heenan himself were heels that you prayed would get their come-uppance, but time and time again they’d use some sneaky trick or underhand tactic to walk away unscathed.

Starting out in the AWA, The Family reached new heights when Heenan joined the WWE in the mid 80s, his new family first focusing their attention on Andre the Giant, and soon Hulk Hogan, with Heenan being a thorn in the Hulkster’s side for the best part of two decades.

Despite Bobby Heenan stepping away from the ringside area and focusing on commentary in the early 90s, his work with Flair and Perfect in 1992 was sublime, turning his schtick from ruthless tactician, to smarmy sports agent, a bit like a proto Paul Heyman.

Because hey, the WWE wasn’t fair to Flair.

10. The Heenan Family

At times a close knit unit, at others a loose collective under the watchful eye of Bobby The Brain Heenan, The Heenan Family ran roughshod over the AWA and WWE in the 70s, 80s and early 90s and featured a who’s who of the industry; Andre the Giant, Ravishing Rick Rude, The Brainbusters, Ric Flair, Stan Hansen, Nick Bockwinkel, and Mr. Perfect were all members of The Family at some point of its existence.

The Family and notably Heenan himself were heels that you prayed would get their come-uppance, but time and time again they’d use some sneaky trick or underhand tactic to walk away unscathed.

Starting out in the AWA, The Family reached new heights when Heenan joined the WWE in the mid 80s, his new family first focusing their attention on Andre the Giant, and soon Hulk Hogan, with Heenan being a thorn in the Hulkster’s side for the best part of two decades.

Despite Bobby Heenan stepping away from the ringside area and focusing on commentary in the early 90s, his work with Flair and Perfect in 1992 was sublime, turning his schtick from ruthless tactician, to smarmy sports agent, a bit like a proto Paul Heyman.

Because hey, the WWE wasn’t fair to Flair.

9. The Hart Foundation

The best wrestling personas are the real life personalities of the wrestlers involved dialled up to 11, and there is probably no better example of this than when Bret Hart was at his miserable moaning best as leader of the villainous Hart Foundation.

After years as the white meat babyface of the WWE, Hart snapped during his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and soon reformed The Hart Foundation with brother Owen, brothers in law Jim Neidhart and Davey Boy Smith, and loose cannon Brian Pillman.

This new Hart Foundation - no not that one - was aggressive, vicious, and as fiercely pro-Canadian as they were anti-American, a trait that saw them hailed as kings in Canada and Europe, and despised in the States.

The group’s battles with Austin and D-Generation X laid the foundations for the Attitude Era, and the Hart Foundation headlined In Your House: Canadian Stampede has gone down in wrestling folklore as one of the best ever.

The Foundation was successful in ring, holding every available title in the WWE, as well as a couple of Slammys for Owen. The Hart Foundation allowed Bret and Owen to do the best character work of their careers, and if it wasn’t for Pillman’s untimely death - never mind the Montreal Screwjob - who knows what else they would have achieved.

9. The Hart Foundation

The best wrestling personas are the real life personalities of the wrestlers involved dialled up to 11, and there is probably no better example of this than when Bret Hart was at his miserable moaning best as leader of the villainous Hart Foundation.

After years as the white meat babyface of the WWE, Hart snapped during his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and soon reformed The Hart Foundation with brother Owen, brothers in law Jim Neidhart and Davey Boy Smith, and loose cannon Brian Pillman.

This new Hart Foundation - no not that one - was aggressive, vicious, and as fiercely pro-Canadian as they were anti-American, a trait that saw them hailed as kings in Canada and Europe, and despised in the States.

The group’s battles with Austin and D-Generation X laid the foundations for the Attitude Era, and the Hart Foundation headlined In Your House: Canadian Stampede has gone down in wrestling folklore as one of the best ever.

The Foundation was successful in ring, holding every available title in the WWE, as well as a couple of Slammys for Owen. The Hart Foundation allowed Bret and Owen to do the best character work of their careers, and if it wasn’t for Pillman’s untimely death - never mind the Montreal Screwjob - who knows what else they would have achieved.

8. The Dangerous Alliance

WWE.com

Long before he was the aggressive, blood and guts obsessed ECW head honcho, or the smarmy advocate for Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman was Paul E. Dangerously, arrogant yuppie and leader of the Dangerous Alliance.

One of the most dominant forces in early WCW. The Dangerous Alliance had arguably one of the strongest lineups in wrestling history; Rick Rude, Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton, Larry Zbyszko, Steve Austin, and Madusq, with Michael Hayes acting as counsel.

I mean, bloody hell. Pretty much ever single member went on to be a WWE Hall of Famer, aside from Heyman and Bobby Eaton, but those honours are long overdue.

Despite some ropey booking, The Dangerous Alliance went on to have notable feuds with Sting, Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham, Dustin Rhodes, and Nikita Koloff, with the two groups War Games match in 1992 easily the best the stipulation has ever produced.

When Heyman eventually jumped ship from WCW and got involved with Eastern Championship Wrestling, he soon formed a new version of the alliance which featured the likes of Jimmy Snuka and Shane Douglas.

Despite not reaching the heights they should have reached, The Dangerous Alliance was one of the most impressive groups in history.

7. The Shield

Starting life as CM Punk’s hired goons, The Shield soon broke off and became one of the most popular acts in WWE.

The trio of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose had it all going for them; well defined roles, a cool look, cool entrance, and a cool theme.

What made The Shield unique was the fact that to the vast majority of the audience they were unknowns. Sure Punk was the catalyst to bring them in, but the trio were new to those who didn’t watch NXT or follow the indies, and got over with their work and persona rather than getting the rub from an established talent.

While WWE have rewritten history to make The Shield seem like more of a genre busting force than they probably were, you can’t argue with their credentials.

With every single member going on to hold World Championship gold, The Shield are a shoe in for the most successful group in history, and to my knowledge, only one or two other stables can say that every member has been a world champion.

7. The Shield

Starting life as CM Punk’s hired goons, The Shield soon broke off and became one of the most popular acts in WWE.

The trio of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose had it all going for them; well defined roles, a cool look, cool entrance, and a cool theme.

What made The Shield unique was the fact that to the vast majority of the audience they were unknowns. Sure Punk was the catalyst to bring them in, but the trio were new to those who didn’t watch NXT or follow the indies, and got over with their work and persona rather than getting the rub from an established talent.

While WWE have rewritten history to make The Shield seem like more of a genre busting force than they probably were, you can’t argue with their credentials.

With every single member going on to hold World Championship gold, The Shield are a shoe in for the most successful group in history, and to my knowledge, only one or two other stables can say that every member has been a world champion.

6. CHAOS

The foundation piece of New Japan’s strong faction scene, CHAOS is arguably the most important group to hit New Japan since nWo Japan in the 90s.

Born when company Ace Shinsuke Nakamura and Toru Yano went “nah mate” and turned on their GBH team-mate Togi Makabe, Chaos soon became the top heels in the company, unwittingly planting the seeds for New Japan’s international success.

Before long their numbers grew, and CHAOS became fan favourites through their war with the foreign menace of Bullet Club. In 2016 Nakamura left for the WWE, and Kazuchika Okada took his place as leader. Talk about landing on your feet, that’s like losing a fiver and finding a tenner.

Whether led by the charismatic Nakamura or under the leadership of Okada, CHAOS has been wildly successful, with a combined 46 championship reigns, and a dozen tournament wins for the group since its formation in 2009.

Whilst Bullet Club are cooler, LIJ more close knit and fun, and Suzuki-gun more vicious, CHAOS stands above the others due to their stability and longevity as a group, and their perfect blend of character, success, and in-ring talent.

6. CHAOS

The foundation piece of New Japan’s strong faction scene, CHAOS is arguably the most important group to hit New Japan since nWo Japan in the 90s.

Born when company Ace Shinsuke Nakamura and Toru Yano went “nah mate” and turned on their GBH team-mate Togi Makabe, Chaos soon became the top heels in the company, unwittingly planting the seeds for New Japan’s international success.

Before long their numbers grew, and CHAOS became fan favourites through their war with the foreign menace of Bullet Club. In 2016 Nakamura left for the WWE, and Kazuchika Okada took his place as leader. Talk about landing on your feet, that’s like losing a fiver and finding a tenner.

Whether led by the charismatic Nakamura or under the leadership of Okada, CHAOS has been wildly successful, with a combined 46 championship reigns, and a dozen tournament wins for the group since its formation in 2009.

Whilst Bullet Club are cooler, LIJ more close knit and fun, and Suzuki-gun more vicious, CHAOS stands above the others due to their stability and longevity as a group, and their perfect blend of character, success, and in-ring talent.

5. Evolution

Evolution is a mystery, so said Lemmy and, to a lesser extent, Charles Darwin.

What wasn’t a mystery was the success of WWE’s Evolution.

Ruthless, calculating, and bedecked in some really sharp suits, they were the premier force on Raw in the mid 2000s.

Comprising of main eventer Triple H, greatest of all time and part-time mentor Ric Flair, domineering powerhouse Batista, and up-and-coming third generation hotshot Randy Orton, Evolution was quite simply the progression of the business in one group.

While elements of their gimmick were basically Triple H living out his fantasy of being in The Four Horsemen, Evolution was still extremely successful, both in terms of being absolutely detestable in the ring, and by successfully shaping Batista and Orton into main event talents, with the group holding all the gold at one point in their run.

Even though Evolution happened in the thick of Triple H’s REIGN OF TERRORRRRR, it was almost worth it when Batista eventually battered him for the title at WrestleMania 21. Almost.

Reformations have done little to dilute the group’s heat drawing abilities, especially during the Authority vs Daniel Bryan feud, with a loose incarnation of Evolution serving as the three final bosses in Bryan’s quest for glory at WrestleMania 30, before their unforgettable feud with The Shield to sign-off their second run.

5. Evolution

Evolution is a mystery, so said Lemmy and, to a lesser extent, Charles Darwin.

What wasn’t a mystery was the success of WWE’s Evolution.

Ruthless, calculating, and bedecked in some really sharp suits, they were the premier force on Raw in the mid 2000s.

Comprising of main eventer Triple H, greatest of all time and part-time mentor Ric Flair, domineering powerhouse Batista, and up-and-coming third generation hotshot Randy Orton, Evolution was quite simply the progression of the business in one group.

While elements of their gimmick were basically Triple H living out his fantasy of being in The Four Horsemen, Evolution was still extremely successful, both in terms of being absolutely detestable in the ring, and by successfully shaping Batista and Orton into main event talents, with the group holding all the gold at one point in their run.

Even though Evolution happened in the thick of Triple H’s REIGN OF TERRORRRRR, it was almost worth it when Batista eventually battered him for the title at WrestleMania 21. Almost.

Reformations have done little to dilute the group’s heat drawing abilities, especially during the Authority vs Daniel Bryan feud, with a loose incarnation of Evolution serving as the three final bosses in Bryan’s quest for glory at WrestleMania 30, before their unforgettable feud with The Shield to sign-off their second run.

4. The Fabulous Freebirds

Michael ‘P.S.’ Hayes, Terry ‘Bam Bam’ Gordy, Buddy ‘Jack’ Roberts, and Jimmy ‘Jam’ Garvin were one of the most hated, and at times, most beloved acts in 80s wrestling.

Mixing Southern pride with a hard drinking rock and roll attitude, The Freebirds were one of the main draws of Fritz von Erich’s WCCW, engaging in a legendary blood feud with the legendary Von Erich family.

The premise of the feud was simple; The Freebirds were everything The Von Erichs weren’t, and when you threw in the Georgia versus Texas narrative then it was off to the races for everyone involved.

The Freebirds were also innovators, pure and simple. The Freebird rule innovated by the group is still practiced today, with The Undisputed era and The New Day both having enacted it in recent history.

It’s also debated as to whether The Freebirds were the first wrestling act to have their own theme music, and even though the image of Michael Hayes moonwalking and singing Bad Street USA bedecked in the confederate flag has aged as well as room temperature milk, it helped make The Freebirds one of the most over acts of the day, and the group were rightly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.

4. The Fabulous Freebirds

Michael ‘P.S.’ Hayes, Terry ‘Bam Bam’ Gordy, Buddy ‘Jack’ Roberts, and Jimmy ‘Jam’ Garvin were one of the most hated, and at times, most beloved acts in 80s wrestling.

Mixing Southern pride with a hard drinking rock and roll attitude, The Freebirds were one of the main draws of Fritz von Erich’s WCCW, engaging in a legendary blood feud with the legendary Von Erich family.

The premise of the feud was simple; The Freebirds were everything The Von Erichs weren’t, and when you threw in the Georgia versus Texas narrative then it was off to the races for everyone involved.

The Freebirds were also innovators, pure and simple. The Freebird rule innovated by the group is still practiced today, with The Undisputed era and The New Day both having enacted it in recent history.

It’s also debated as to whether The Freebirds were the first wrestling act to have their own theme music, and even though the image of Michael Hayes moonwalking and singing Bad Street USA bedecked in the confederate flag has aged as well as room temperature milk, it helped make The Freebirds one of the most over acts of the day, and the group were rightly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.

3. D-Generation X

Arguably, nothing showcased WWE’s shift from New Generation into the Attitude Era better than D-Generation X.

Where once you had 'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels, and 'The Connecticut Blue Blood' Hunter Hearst Helmsley sneering at the crowd, they were now chopping their crotches and making overt penis jokes, much to the chagrin of parents of impressionable children the world over.

D-X were cocky, brash, and controversial, and even though they did their best work as heels, there wasn’t a fan of the WWE who didn’t want to be a member.

When Michaels retired, Triple H was ready to take his place as leader and cement his position as a main eventer, while the additions of X Pac and The New Age Outlaws kept the group fresh. And let’s not forget bodyguard Chyna, the Ninth Wonder of the World who became one of the Attitude Era’s biggest stars.

Although Triple H and HBK’s D-X legacy/merchandise run of the late 2000s was pretty poor, they proved that they were still a major draw, even if they were becoming a parody of themselves.

And if you ain’t down with that they’ve got two words for ya!

3. D-Generation X

Arguably, nothing showcased WWE’s shift from New Generation into the Attitude Era better than D-Generation X.

Where once you had 'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels, and 'The Connecticut Blue Blood' Hunter Hearst Helmsley sneering at the crowd, they were now chopping their crotches and making overt penis jokes, much to the chagrin of parents of impressionable children the world over.

D-X were cocky, brash, and controversial, and even though they did their best work as heels, there wasn’t a fan of the WWE who didn’t want to be a member.

When Michaels retired, Triple H was ready to take his place as leader and cement his position as a main eventer, while the additions of X Pac and The New Age Outlaws kept the group fresh. And let’s not forget bodyguard Chyna, the Ninth Wonder of the World who became one of the Attitude Era’s biggest stars.

Although Triple H and HBK’s D-X legacy/merchandise run of the late 2000s was pretty poor, they proved that they were still a major draw, even if they were becoming a parody of themselves.

And if you ain’t down with that they’ve got two words for ya!

2. The New World Order

Arguably the hottest angle in pro wrestling history, the formation of the nWo changed everything. There was the blurring of kayfabe and reality, the true kick off point for the Monday Night Wars, and oh yeah, the biggest babyface in history turning heel and becoming a massive baddie.

We all know the story of ‘the third man’, but what about the other big hits of the nWo?

The revelation of Eric Bischoff as the brains of the operation was McMahon vs Austin at a time when Vince was still yelling “UNBELIEVABLE” on commentary. The feud with Sting was incredible and led to WCW’s greatest success. Even nWo Japan did well, with Masa Chono’s group selling out New Japan shows all over the Orient.

But for all its success the nWo soon became a crutch for WCW, and multiple attempts to keep the group fresh and interesting backfired spectacularly.

The nWo’s numbers grew to ridiculous proportions, and their ‘cool heel’ schtick unwittingly changed the industry for the worse.

But even today their legacy is felt positively, through groups such as Bullet Club and Undisputed Era, and for the fact that the classic nWo logo tee still sells like hot cakes.

Because when you’re nWo, you’re nWo 4 life.

2. The New World Order

Arguably the hottest angle in pro wrestling history, the formation of the nWo changed everything. There was the blurring of kayfabe and reality, the true kick off point for the Monday Night Wars, and oh yeah, the biggest babyface in history turning heel and becoming a massive baddie.

We all know the story of ‘the third man’, but what about the other big hits of the nWo?

The revelation of Eric Bischoff as the brains of the operation was McMahon vs Austin at a time when Vince was still yelling “UNBELIEVABLE” on commentary. The feud with Sting was incredible and led to WCW’s greatest success. Even nWo Japan did well, with Masa Chono’s group selling out New Japan shows all over the Orient.

But for all its success the nWo soon became a crutch for WCW, and multiple attempts to keep the group fresh and interesting backfired spectacularly.

The nWo’s numbers grew to ridiculous proportions, and their ‘cool heel’ schtick unwittingly changed the industry for the worse.

But even today their legacy is felt positively, through groups such as Bullet Club and Undisputed Era, and for the fact that the classic nWo logo tee still sells like hot cakes.

Because when you’re nWo, you’re nWo 4 life.

1. The Four Horsemen

Stylin’, profilin’ etc etc, The Four Horsemen are the measuring stick for any group, over 35 years after their formation.

Coming together in Jim Crockett Promotions, the group of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and mouth piece James J. Dillon became the most hated heels in the industry, and a genuine box office success.

People loved to hate The Horsemen, as the Rolex wearing Flair and company routinely beat the absolute piss out of whoever they wanted. They broke Dusty Rhodes’ ankle, Ricky Morton’s nose, and Nikita Koloff’s neck on a path of destruction and glory throughout the NWA.

Various incarnations have had their share of success, whether the original Four battling Dusty and co, the incarnation with Barry Windham and Sid that routinely made Sting’s life hell, or the 90s incarnation featuring the technical prowess of Chris Benoit and the insanity of Brian Pillman, The Horsemen was the gift that kept on giving.

The Horsemen’s influence cannot be measured, as they have inspired pretty much every group in wrestling in some shape or form, explicitly in the cases of Evolution and Fortune.

Will any wrestling group ever be able to outdo The Horsemen? I wouldn’t put your money on it.

1. The Four Horsemen

Stylin’, profilin’ etc etc, The Four Horsemen are the measuring stick for any group, over 35 years after their formation.

Coming together in Jim Crockett Promotions, the group of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and mouth piece James J. Dillon became the most hated heels in the industry, and a genuine box office success.

People loved to hate The Horsemen, as the Rolex wearing Flair and company routinely beat the absolute piss out of whoever they wanted. They broke Dusty Rhodes’ ankle, Ricky Morton’s nose, and Nikita Koloff’s neck on a path of destruction and glory throughout the NWA.

Various incarnations have had their share of success, whether the original Four battling Dusty and co, the incarnation with Barry Windham and Sid that routinely made Sting’s life hell, or the 90s incarnation featuring the technical prowess of Chris Benoit and the insanity of Brian Pillman, The Horsemen was the gift that kept on giving.

The Horsemen’s influence cannot be measured, as they have inspired pretty much every group in wrestling in some shape or form, explicitly in the cases of Evolution and Fortune.

Will any wrestling group ever be able to outdo The Horsemen? I wouldn’t put your money on it.