The wrestling staff of Back Sports Page have carefully selected what they believe to be the top 41 matches in WrestleMania history. Presented in chronological order, this series will detail the backstory, match review, and aftermath of each match, along with how the outcomes shaped the careers of those involved.
Backstory
Back in the Attitude Era, The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin defined the WWF. It made the organization money hand over fist. Who didn’t love a brash Texas redneck taking down Mr. McMahon and his squeaky clean superstar, Dwayne Johnson? Without the two megastars, professional wrestling doesn’t take off and stay in the mainstream.
So why not have one more Wrestlemania match between the two legends? The first time saw Austin “stun” the Corporate Champion. The second time saw him turn heel and form an “alliance.” No longer was the WWF (Now WWE because of the World Wildlife Fund) in their “Attitude Era.” Now, it was about “Ruthless Aggression” and these ageless superstars were passing the torch.
Of course, this escalated after The Rock didn’t take kindly to Austin being the Superstar of the Decade. Why, it should be Dwayne Johnson! It doesn’t matter what the critics think! They should know their roles and shut their mouths. But there was also a World Heavyweight Championship shot and The Rock could pick his opponent. While he chose… The Hurricane, it didn’t work out as The Hurricane won. Now, it’s time to take your anger out on an old rival.
Match Review
This was a match where The Rock was determined to win regardless of the outcome. Austin performing the Rock Bottom on Dwayne? It doesn’t matter what you think, Steve. A Stone Cold Stunner? Shine it up real nice and stick it straight up, jabroni. It might’ve taken three Rock Bottoms, The People’s Elbow, and a Sharpshooter to bring his hated adversary down. But he did it.
It also took working on Austin’s leg throughout the match. That included applying that Sharpshooter and holding it, which left the Texas Rattlesnake worn down. Still, the match was a masterclass in giving the fans what they want. The Wrestlemania attendees saw both superstars use their opponent’s finishers among the sea of finishers. It also saw The Rock constantly taunt Austin during the match. It even showed a frustrated side of Steve Austin, something not seen before. Overall, the match was a love letter to “Attitude Era” fans while adding new elements to the rivalry. It was the perfect sendoff for fans who loved WWF superstars of old going to extreme lengths to entertain.
Aftermath
- The Rock would go on to have a successful Hollywood career, making his presence felt in the Fast & Furious franchise. He also earned the distinction of being Hollywood’s highest-paid actor with his films grossing over $3.5 billion in North America. Not only that, but his movies have also grossed $12.5 billion worldwide. The Rock has also made his return to the WWE, wrestling in Wrestlemania 40 with Roman Reigns. He also had two classic Wrestlemania matches with John Cena, splitting the series with Cena.
- Stone Cold Steve Austin served time as the RAW general manager. The Texas Rattlesnake was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 in Houston, Texas. He did have another match at Wrestlemania 38 against Kevin Owens. Currently, he hosts The Steve Austin Show and Broken Skull Sessions, two wildly successful podcasts.
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