WWE Capitol Punishment 2011: The 5 Biggest Backstage Politicians in Wrestling

With WWE debuting its new, politically themed Capitol Punishment pay-per-view this weekend, an otherwise random concept for a pay-per-view is actually quite fitting for the dog-eat-dog world of professional wrestling that WWE presides over. 

It's no coincidence that some of the biggest stars in wrestling history also happen to be some of the most calculating and cunning politicians skilled in the art of getting what they want. 

Pro wrestlers are independent contractors by nature.  Watching one's own back is mandatory and politicking is the chief skill required to maximize the shelf life of a career that requires the capturing of lightning in a bottle for success.  

Backstage politicians are portrayed in a negative light in most pro wrestling circles, and rightfully so.  Such tactics are selfish, conniving and over time have proven to be detrimental to the welfare of a promotion. 

Yet one cannot deny the bountiful returns and ultimate star power that many of the most notorious backstage politicians have reaped as a result of their own lucrative lip services.  

For more WWE Capitol Punishment info, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for the latest prediction, news and analysis.

5. Kevin Nash

Kevin Nash was at the helm of WCW's epic collapse at the turn of the new millennium.  A former WWE and WCW World Champion, Nash wheeled and dealed his way into power when the company was most vulnerable and, unfortunately, managed to help book it right into the ground. 

Nash reportedly used his political influence to be the man who ended Goldberg's momentous winning streak, which helped keep the company afloat, and Nash would eventually be reduced to a helpless observer as WCW would imminently fold in 2001. 

Nash learned his political savvy from the best, as he was part of the infamous Kliq backstage stable, alongside WWE stalwarts Shawn Michaels and Triple H.  Together, this group was said to have had significant influence on Vince McMahon's booking decisions.  Nash would go on to leave WWE to team with Hulk Hogan and co. to rule WCW, and the wrestling industry alike, for about a year. 

4. Vince Russo

The fact that TNA lead creative writer Vince Russo still has a job in the pro wrestling business is a testament to his dexterity in charm, wit and manipulation. 

Having demonstrated the ability to effectively drive a multi-million dollar wrestling promotion into the ground, after his notorious one-track booking style helped put WCW out of business, Russo was still able to land a job with TNA wrestling as a creative writer—a distinction that he still holds to this day. 

Russo, whose booking style is always subject to criticism, has been the subject of urban legends suggesting that his former employer Vince McMahon sent him to TNA to ruin the company through the same lackluster creative ideas that have come to define him. 

3. Shawn Michaels

You don't become a multi-time world champion in the larger than life world of WWE, at Shawn Michaels' size, without some political stroke to boot. 

As the leader of the Kliq, an influential group of midcard to main event wrestlers who were allegedly in Vince McMahon's ear during major booking decisions, Michaels was able to ascend to the top of the WWE through backstage politicking that matched his immense talent. 

HBK's backstage tactics provide an argument in favor of the backstage politic, as the world would likely have been devoid of Michaels' Hall of Fame career had he not been able to talk his way to the top. 

2. Triple H

Triple H has all but perfected the art of a backstage politician.  As one of the more detested backstage politics in recent memory during his days as an active wrestler, Triple H has since put himself in prime position to one day take over the WWE with wife Stephanie McMahon. 

Triple H is widely considered to be overrated despite a Hall of Fame career that has spawned 13 world championship reigns.  It's worth mentioning that he managed to usurp the coveted ability to have complete creative control over how his character is booked. 

While Triple H's legacy will be ripe with as many stories pertaining to his career out of the ring as his career inside of the ring, one has to admire how he has amassed hierarchical supremacy in a business that ends tragically for many of its top stars.  

1. Hulk Hogan

This goes without saying.  It's not without coincidence that the greatest WWE superstar of all time also happens to be the biggest politician. 

Known for telling tall tales, lip service and keeping others down in favor of his own personal gain, Hulk Hogan has enjoyed a nice, long career in a wrestling spotlight that tends to burn out rather quickly for many. 

Hogan is currently employed with TNA, where he uses his political influence to remain an active participant in a host of TNA storylines. 

Nobody can ever take away from what Hulk Hogan gave to the pro wrestling business as he enjoyed perhaps the most successful wrestling career of all time.  However, many will question what he has given back to the business as a result of his signature political know-how.