The Authority (professional wrestling)

The Authority was a villainous stable and storyline in WWE, primarily active from 2013 to 2016, though with periodic revivals and appearances afterward. The group was led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, often referred to as "The Authority" or "The McMahon-Helmsley Faction" (a throwback to a previous storyline involving the couple).

The storyline revolved around Triple H and Stephanie McMahon using their positions of power within WWE (Triple H as Chief Operating Officer and Stephanie McMahon as Chief Brand Officer) to manipulate matches, champion reigns, and overall talent opportunities to suit their own agenda. Their motivation was typically portrayed as seeking absolute control, pushing their chosen stars to the top, and punishing those who defied them or did not fit their vision for the company.

Key characteristics of The Authority included:

• Abuse of Power: The Authority routinely used their authority to book matches unfairly, change rules mid-match, interfere in bouts, and generally create an environment of favoritism and intimidation.

• Chosen Ones: The Authority would select certain wrestlers they deemed worthy of being their "chosen ones," providing them with preferential treatment, championship opportunities, and protection from consequences for their actions. Notable examples include Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, and Kane.

• Antagonism towards Top Babyfaces: The Authority often feuded with the top babyface wrestlers on the roster, creating compelling storylines based on the underdog standing up to corporate power. Wrestlers like John Cena, Daniel Bryan, and Roman Reigns served as frequent adversaries.

• Stable Membership: The Authority often included various enforcers and allies who carried out their bidding, providing assistance in matches and enforcing their will. These members changed over time, adding layers to the storyline and allowing for internal conflicts and betrayals. Prominent members besides Triple H and Stephanie McMahon included Kane (as Director of Operations), Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Big Show, and Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury (as "J&J Security").

• Evolution and Dissolution: The Authority storyline evolved throughout its run, with changes in membership, shifts in power dynamics, and periods of disbandment and reformation. While Triple H and Stephanie McMahon remained the central figures, the storyline was constantly tweaked to maintain audience interest.

The Authority storyline was a prominent feature of WWE programming for several years, generating significant heat and contributing to the success of several top stars. Its portrayal of corporate power and its impact on individual wrestlers resonated with audiences and provided a framework for numerous compelling storylines.