Stone Cold Steve Austin, born Steven James Anderson on December 18, 1964, is a legendary professional wrestler who became one of the biggest icons in the history of the industry.
Stone Cold Steve Austin, born Steven James Anderson on December 18, 1964, is a legendary professional wrestler who became one of the biggest icons in the history of the industry.
Stone Cold is known for his rebellious attitude, intense charisma, and unparalleled popularity, Austin played a crucial role in the WWE (then known as the WWF) during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Read also: Top 5 matches of Ric Flair
Stone Cold Steve Austin is widely known for his rebellious personality and his relentless pursuit of what he called “the Austin 3:16 lifestyle.” Narrowing down his top 10 moments from this era is a challenging task, but here are some of the most memorable moments of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in WWE.
One of the defining moments of Austin’s career occurred at the King of the Ring pay-per-view in 1996. After winning the tournament, Austin delivered his now-famous “Austin 3:16” promo, launching his catchphrase and solidifying himself as a fan favorite
At WrestleMania 13, Austin faced Bret “The Hitman” Hart in a brutal submission match. Despite losing the match, Austin showcased his resilience by refusing to submit even when trapped in Hart’s Sharpshooter. This match elevated Austin’s status and laid the foundation for his rebellious character.
In 1998, at WrestleMania 14, Austin faced Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship. With Mike Tyson as the special guest referee, Austin defeated Michaels to capture his first WWE Championship, solidifying his place as the face of the company.
In September 1998, Austin’s feud with McMahon reached new heights when Austin bought a Zamboni and drove it to the ring, assaulting McMahon and The Rock in the process. This unique and unexpected moment became an instant classic and added to Austin’s aura of unpredictability.
In 2001, Austin was appointed as the Co-General Manager of WWE, alongside Ric Flair. This role allowed Austin to showcase his comedic timing and continue his entertaining antics. His interactions with fellow wrestlers, authority figures, and hilarious segments added a new dimension to his character.
During the Invasion angle in 2001, which saw WCW and ECW talents invade WWE, Austin played a huge role. Despite being initially aligned with the WCW/ECW faction, he ultimately turned on them, solidifying his loyalty to WWE and the fans. This betrayal added a surprising twist to the storyline.
At WrestleMania X-Seven, Austin shocked the world by aligning himself with his longtime nemesis Vince McMahon, turning heel in the process. This unexpected alliance led to one of the most memorable and controversial moments in WWE history, as Austin joined forces with McMahon to defeat The Rock for the WWE Championship.
Austin was forced to take a long break due to his neck injury. His return at the 2000 Backlash pay-per-view was met with thunderous applause from the crowd. Austin’s comeback not only rejuvenated his character but also reminded fans of his enduring popularity.
The match was filled with high-impact fighting, near falls, and dramatic moments that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, The Rock emerged victorious, securing the win over Austin in what would be their final WrestleMania encounter. This match marked a significant moment in Austin’s career, as it signaled the end of an era for “Stone Cold” in terms of competing on wrestling’s grandest stage. It remains a memorable and cherished moment in the history of WrestleMania and in the legacies of both Austin and The Rock.
One of the most iconic feuds in WWE history was between Austin and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Austin’s rebellious character clashed with McMahon’s authoritative personality, leading to numerous memorable moments, including Austin’s famous beer truck attack on McMahon and his defiant defiance against the boss.
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