6. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin Vs. The Rock (WrestleMania 19)
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin is a massive name in the wrestling world, serving as the face of WWE during the Attitude Era, the period when the company was at the peak of its popularity. However, Austin’s career didn’t last as long as one might expect.
During a match against Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997, he suffered a severe neck injury that became a significant turning point in his career, forcing him to change his wrestling style from a technician to that of a brawler.
He continued wrestling full-time until 2002, when he walked out of WWE following creative disagreements, before returning in early 2003. Upon his return, he resumed his rivalry with The Rock, his greatest rival and the other face of the Attitude Era. The two legends faced off at WrestleMania 19, marking their third encounter on the Showcase of the Immortals.
After an entertaining and memorable match, The Rock would emerge victorious. The Rattlesnake was forced to retire after this bout at the age of just 38 due to his injuries. Despite the retirement being forced, it was actually a fitting end for Austin’s career, going out against his greatest rival at wrestling’s biggest stage.
Austin returned for a one-off match against Kevin Owens, 19 years later, at WrestleMania 38. It was a really entertaining match, though, and thus, no one complained about it, and fans were happy to see Austin wrestle one more time, even if it was just a one-night affair.
