Batista
The Evolution tree did wonders for whoever stepped under it. Randy Orton was the first to break out, but the story of Batista’s rise to the World Championship was perfect booking. When he moved out from under the shadow of Triple H, he started on a path to become one of the most important champions of the Ruthless Aggression Era. He dominated the main event scene, capturing 4 World Championships and becoming the face of SmackDown. There, he had memorable world title feuds against The Undertaker, Edge, JBL, and Booker T.
The Animal wasn’t a lone wolf during the Ruthless Aggression Era. He teamed with Ric Flair, Rey Mysterio, and John Cena to win tag team gold. Batista’s talent for accumulating championships made him a star of the Ruthless Aggression.
Trish Stratus
Trish Stratus’s impact on the Ruthless Aggression cannot be understated. In a time when the women’s division wasn’t taken seriously, she worked her butt off to bring more eyes to the product. Trish Stratus made women’s wrestling popular, and she was rewarded with an iconic run of championships.
Stratus had seven reigns with the WWE Women’s Championship and was at the forefront of that title’s resurgence. One of her reigns totaled 448 days, setting a record that stands to this day. If there was an important Women’s Championship match during the Ruthless Aggression Era, you can rest assured that Trish Stratus was a part of it.
