2. The Rock vs. Triple H (WWE Backlash 2000)
Following the chaotic Fatal 4-Way at WrestleMania, where Vince McMahon infamously betrayed The Rock to help Triple H retain the WWF Championship, the stage was set for a massive one-on-one rematch. This led directly to their iconic singles clash at WWE Backlash, with the rivalry reaching a fever pitch.
Fans widely viewed this as the “true” main event that should have headlined WrestleMania. The match was highly competitive from start to finish, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the entire contest.
The match featured Shane McMahon as the special guest referee, with the Corporate Ministry constantly interfering, keeping the bout in chaos. Suddenly, the iconic sound of shattering glass erupted as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin made his long-awaited return after five months away, laying waste to everyone in the ring with a steel chair.
In the final sequence, Linda McMahon marched to the ring with the previously fired Earl Hebner, who made the official count after The Rock hit a massive Rock Bottom on Triple H to become the new champion. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a perfect soundtrack to the chaos that had unfolded from the opening bell to the satisfying conclusion.
