End Of An Era

By Aaron Williams
“The beautiful thing is that we can (dominate the Federation as individuals) while still being the Edge & Christian Dynasty, and that's something that very few tag teams can say and do.”Edge (World Wrestling Federation Magazine, August 2001
DESPITE reports to the contrary, there are plenty of people who are applauding Christian's betrayal of his brother Edge. These misguided blowhards (case in point, see the opposite page) seem to believe that Christian didn̓t betray Edge, but rather, his actions helped them both by liberating each from the other.
According to such logic, the brothers' close professional relationship kept both from fulfilling their individual potential, i.e. they were more concerned with each other's success than their own.
A quick look at history shows that nothing could be further from the truth. Together, Edge & Christian won the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team titles seven times—more than any other tag team in history.
They also achieved a great deal of individual success during this same time period. Edge twice won the Intercontinental Championship and also won the 2001 King of the Ring tournament, while Christian enjoyed a Light Heavyweight Championship reign.
The argument that working as a tandem hampered their individual pursuits simply doesn't hold water. Truth be told, their partnership actually helped them succeed in individual competition. As everyone knows, there is nothing more valuable in the Federation than having a trusted ally with whom to consult, strategize, or if need be, physically prevent others from interfering in matches. Both Edge & Christian had that in each other, helping themselves immeasurably. Today, they no longer have each other and, most probably, will suffer the consequences. To be sure, they will align themselves with other Superstars, but who knows how fruitful those relationships will be. Certainly neither brother will be as trusting of these Superstars as they were of each other.
Unfortunately, Christian's turn on Edge also signals a new era in sports-entertainment. While it's true that associations in this business have always been tenuous propositions and rarely have lasted the test of time, there were always a few partnerships in which loyal fans could believe. These partnerships, especially familial ones, gave hope to those who believe that victory and championships are won by those who not only demonstrate superior athletic talent, but by those who embody such qualities as honor and integrity.
Christian's actions have changed everything—not only for the millions who considered themselves part of the E&C Dynasty, but for all sports-entertainment fans. His actions, along with the Alliance invasion, ensure that the business has now entered the “Era of Instability,” where no one should trust in anyone.
Mark my words, Christian was just the first of many. In short order, we may see many familiar partnerships disappear. Will the Hardyz, Dudleyz, Hollys and even the APA be together come WrestleMania X-8? I seriously doubt it.
In a few months, both the Alliance and Federation landscapes will be markedly changed. Those Superstars you cheer now, you may soon hate, and vice versa. Eventually though, some individual or some group of Superstars will restore stability to the Federation and the industry.
The questions are: Who might these heroes be, and when might they appear?

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