Date: August 30, 1998
Venue: Madison Square Garden – New York City, NY
Attendance: 21,588
Tagline: “Highway to Hell”
Main Event: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker for the WWF Championship
As part of our BackSportsPage SummerSlam Review Series, we take a deep dive into one of the most iconic events of the Attitude Era—SummerSlam 1998. Set in the electric atmosphere of Madison Square Garden, this pay-per-view perfectly encapsulated the chaos, star power, and rising momentum of a red-hot World Wrestling Federation.
Main Evwnt: Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker – WWF Championship
By the summer of ’98, WWF’s momentum was undeniable, and at its core were two titans—Steve Austin, the anti-hero champion of the people, and The Undertaker, the stoic enigma whose intentions were under heavy scrutiny. Were he and Kane working together? Would he actually fight Austin straight-up?
The “Highway to Hell” delivered a gritty, dramatic battle between two of the era’s biggest icons. In the early minutes, Austin suffered a real-life concussion after a miscommunication led to a head-to-head collision—but he powered through, which only heightened the intensity.
This was not a flashy main event—it was a war. Undertaker showcased rare agility, diving over the top rope onto Austin, and both men dished out heavy punishment. In the end, a perfectly timed Stunner sealed the victory for Austin, who retained his title in a definitive moment of Attitude Era dominance.
Grade: ★★★★½
Legacy: Austin solidified his grip as the guy, while The Undertaker exited the ring with dignity, planting the seeds for deeper character work in the months to come.
What to Watch:
Triple H vs. The Rock – Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Easily one of the best ladder matches in WWF history. Triple H and The Rock, leaders of D-Generation X and The Nation of Domination respectively, clashed in a match that defined the future of the company. The crowd was rabid, the action deliberate and hard-hitting, and both men used the ladder not just as a prop, but as a storytelling tool.
Chyna’s interference gave Triple H the edge, but this was a star-making night for both.
Grade: ★★★★¾
Why It Matters: This was the night both men graduated from the midcard to the main event pipeline.
Edge & Sable vs. Marc Mero & Jacqueline
The mystery partner reveal of Edge—making his first major WWF in-ring appearance—created a buzz that built as the match progressed. Sable’s popularity was off the charts, and Edge brought a flash of something new. While not a classic, the crowd ate it up.
Grade: ★★★
Historical Note: Edge’s first big spotlight moment, beginning a Hall of Fame career.
Ken Shamrock vs. Owen Hart – Lion’s Den Match
Held in the adjacent MSG Theater, this was a unique, MMA-style match designed around Shamrock’s UFC background. The Lion’s Den concept gave the feud a strong payoff, with Owen proving once again how versatile and underappreciated he was.
Grade: ★★★
Cool Factor: Different vibe, good intensity, and smart placement on the card.
D’Lo Brown vs. Val Venis – European Championship
A solid opener with an Attitude twist. D’Lo’s chest protector gimmick was fully over, and Val Venis brought charisma and crowd energy. The DQ finish left more on the table for the feud.
Grade: ★★¾
Underrated Note: These types of midcard feuds helped fill out a roster that was developing real depth.
What to Skip:
Kaientai vs. The Oddities
ICP’s entrance for The Oddities was one of the few high points. The match, however, dragged and lacked chemistry. Fun for a live crowd but doesn’t hold up on replay.
Grade: ★½
Skip Tip: Watch the entrance, move on.
New Age Outlaws vs. Mankind – WWF Tag Team Championship
With Kane absent, Mankind was left to get dismantled in what was more of an angle than a match. The Outlaws won the titles, and Foley took a beating post-match that would build toward the return of Cactus Jack.
Grade: ★★
Angle Over Action: Not great for workrate, but storyline-important.
Aftermath:
- Austin’s Era Continues: With another major win under his belt, Austin continued his war against Vince McMahon and anyone who got in his way. This event confirmed his spot as the undisputed face of the company.
- Undertaker & Kane Unite: The tease of alliance became reality, as the Brothers of Destruction became part of the larger storyline involving McMahon’s growing influence.
- Rock & Triple H Break Out: After this event, The Rock was rapidly becoming a fan favorite—even as a heel—and Triple H proved he could carry a major match. Their feud would continue, culminating in both ascending to future WrestleMania main events.
- Edge’s Debut Pays Off: The debut was a signal that the next wave of talent was already here.
Final Verdict:
As the BackSportsPage SummerSlam Review Series continues, SummerSlam 1998 stands out as a near-perfect encapsulation of everything the Attitude Era did well—major stakes, larger-than-life characters, and violent, gritty action with real consequences.
While the card had a few throwaways, the top-end matches and storyline progression were elite. The main event between Austin and Undertaker is a classic brawl, and the ladder match between Rock and Triple H became a blueprint for future stars to follow.
OVERALL RATING: 8.5/10
Where It Ranks: Top-tier SummerSlam. Not perfect, but unforgettable.
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