Stone Cold Steve Austin stands as arguably the most influential figure in professional wrestling history. After working mid-card in WCW and a short stint in ECW, he truly rose to superstardom in WWE during the Attitude Era, becoming the face of the company from 1996 to 2003. During this time, Austin captured six WWE Championships and triumphed in three Royal Rumble events.
Known for his exceptional in-ring skills, Austin had to alter his wrestling style following a severe neck injury in 1997. Despite this setback, his charisma propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport. His most notable rivalries are often measured by the chemistry they shared in the ring.
Austin’s WWE tenure spanned from 1995 to 2003, during which he won multiple titles including King of the Ring (1996), three Royal Rumbles (1997, 1998, 2001), four World Tag Team Championships (partnered with Shawn Michaels, Dude Love, Undertaker, and Triple H), two Intercontinental Championships, and six WWE Championships.
Among his finest rivalries:
– Kane: Their feud peaked during 1998 where Kane ended Austin’s initial WWE Championship reign, though Austin reclaimed the title shortly after. Their battles notably occurred around the King of the Ring 1998 and on RAW.
– The Undertaker: Austin and Undertaker clashed numerous times from 1997 to 2002, headlining major events including SummerSlam 1998. While their chemistry was strong, some matches lacked the expected magic, according to WWE legend Jim Ross.
– Savio Vega: Austin’s first WWE rival, with their feud highlighted at WrestleMania 12 and during several 1996 events, marking Austin’s WrestleMania debut.
– Shawn Michaels: From 1997 to 1998, they shared the World Tag Team Titles and fought memorable matches including King of the Ring 1997 and WrestleMania 14, where Austin won his first WWE Championship from Michaels.
– Kurt Angle: They had a compelling rivalry in 2001 over the WWE Championship, featuring iconic bouts like SummerSlam and Vengeance 2001, delivering strong in-ring performances and entertaining segments.
– Mick Foley (as Dude Love): Their chaotic feud in 1998 was full of intense and humorous moments, with Austin retaining his WWE Championship despite Foley’s efforts.
– Vince McMahon: Their legendary feud from 1997 to 2001 defined the Attitude Era, with weekly highlights on WWE TV and culminating in a surprising alliance at WrestleMania 17.
– Triple H: Bitter rivals from 1999 to 2001, their heated confrontations included brutal matches and backstage attacks, before eventually forming a dominant tag team called The Two-Man Power Trip.
– The Rock: Their epic rivalry from 1997 to 2003 featured main event matches at three different WrestleManias (15, 17, and 19), with Austin winning initially and The Rock claiming victory in their final encounter.
– Bret Hart: Their iconic feud between 1996 and 1997 involved numerous classic encounters, including the legendary double turn at WrestleMania 13. Though Austin never pinned or submitted Hart, their matches remain some of wrestling’s greatest.
Fan Take: Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rivalries not only shaped the WWE’s Attitude Era but also elevated professional wrestling to mainstream prominence, making these historic matchups essential viewing for fans. His battles with legendary opponents set storytelling and performance standards that continue to influence the sport today.
