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D-Generation X were staples of the Attitude Era. In fact, in the eyes of many fans, they represented what the Attitude Era was all about, better than any other group or individual. It is hard to argue with that as well.
They were part of some of the most memorable moments from the Attitude Era, and while the WWE does have a habit of showcasing them as having been more important than they really were, at the end of the day, they were WWE's answer to the NWO.
The group would end up disbanding in 2000 and unfortunately, most of the members would go on to have underwhelming careers after that. Triple H would go on to become one of the top names in the industry though, and Shawn Michaels would also make an in-ring return in 2002. The WWE decided to have the duo reunite in 2006 to reform DX, but by that point in time, it was too cringey to be a real success.
RELATED: 10 Cringey DX Moments We Completely Forgot About
The Origins Of D-Generation X
Triple H and Michaels were friends behind the scenes already and part of the infamous backstage group known as 'The Kliq'. The two would be brought together on screen as D-Generation X alongside Chyna and Rick Rude back in late 1997.
While Rude would soon leave the WWE for WCW, the trio would stay together as one of the featured acts in the company. It was the perfect combination in many ways.
Michaels was the main event star and leader of the group. Triple H was the rising talent, who WWE had hopes of turning into a top star one day and as a result, his association with the World Champion helped him. Chyna was the special attraction of the group. While never a great worker, her size and looked meant that she was able to establish herself as a top star, albeit for a short period of time.
The original version of the group would come to an end after WrestleMania 14, as Michaels was ejected for losing the WWE Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin. In reality, he was struggling with injuries and wouldn't wrestle again for the next four years. Triple H assumed the leadership role after that, and it helped elevate him to becoming one of the top stars in wrestling.
D-Generation X Reunited In 2006 But It Was Not A Massive Success
Michaels and Triple H would ultimately reunite with each other and reformed DX in 2006 once again. Very few things in wrestling sell as well as nostalgia, and it is safe to say that the fans were reunited to see the two back together.
As the novelty of seeing them back together wore off though, it was pretty clear that this version of DX was nowhere as good or as over as their original iteration.
WWE did not help them with their booking. Their feud with The Spirit Squad was nothing to write home about, produced several cringe-worthy moments and DX's complete dominance ultimately hurt their opponents. Their rivalry with Vince and Shane McMahon produced some memorable moments, but ultimately, it seemed a bit too silly, and DX trying to be their 1997 selves more than anything else.
DX would then get embroiled in a pretty good rivalry with Rated-RKO, but that would be cut short by Triple H's injury.
Shawn Michaels Continued With D-Generation X Gimmick Without Triple H
Triple H would suffer an injury in early 2007 which put him on the sidelines for quite some time. For some reason though, Michaels would continue using the DX music and coming to the ring in their attire despite not having Triple H by his side and working as a singles performer.
This continued for months despite it not making sense. Ultimately, he would revert to his solo act by late April of that year, finally bringing an end to this version of DX.
Michaels and Triple H would reunite multiple times later on, and those produced some more cringe moments as well, including Hornswoggle joining the group at one point of time as their official mascot.
RELATED: 10 Great DX Moments Fans Forgot About
By 2006 Time Had Passed The D-Generation X Gimmick By
DX was perfect for the Attitude Era. The late 1990s was a period of time when their crash comedy gimmick and anti-authority attitude managed to capture the imagination of the audience.
The situation had changed a lot by 2006 when Michaels and Triple H reunited. WWE's product had evolved into a more kid-friendly and there was no real demand for a gimmick like DX either.
On the other hand, Michaels and Triple H no longer fit the gimmicks themselves. Michaels was 41 years of age, Triple H was 37. They were both genuine legends already and not the talents trying to shake up the wrestling landscape and make their marks that they were a decade back.
Ultimately, it felt like they were trying to play their old roles instead of being them, and naturally, it did not resonate with the fans.
