Steve Austin, also known as Stone Cold, is a name that echoes among wrestling enthusiasts worldwide. The Texas Rattlesnake’s tenure in WWE is marked by memorable instances that significantly influenced professional wrestling’s realm. Below are 10 of the most legendary moments from Stone Cold’s remarkable career in WWE.
- The Birth of “Austin 3:16” (King of the Ring 1996) After winning the King of the Ring tournament, Austin delivered a promo that would change his career forever. Coined the “Austin 3:16” speech, it marked the beginning of Austin’s rise to superstardom and spawned one of the best-selling t-shirts in WWE history.
- The Austin-McMahon Rivalry Begins (Raw Is War, 1997) One of the greatest rivalries in WWE history started when Austin stunned WWE Chairman Vince McMahon for the first time. This act of defiance against authority was a defining moment in the Attitude Era.
- WrestleMania 13 Submission Match Against Bret Hart In a match that’s often cited as one of the greatest in WrestleMania history, Austin refused to submit to Bret Hart’s Sharpshooter, eventually passing out from the pain and blood loss. This double turn, with Hart becoming the heel and Austin the face, was masterfully executed and pivotal to Austin’s career.
- Austin Wins His First WWE Championship (WrestleMania XIV) Austin captured his first WWE Championship by defeating Shawn Michaels with Mike Tyson serving as the special enforcer. This victory solidified his place as the top star in the company.
- Driving the Beer Truck (Raw Is War, 1999) In an act of rebellion, Austin drove a beer truck to the ring and hosed down The Rock and the McMahon family with beer, creating one of the most memorable and entertaining moments in Raw history.
- The Highway to Hell (SummerSlam 1998) Austin’s feud with The Undertaker culminated in a dramatic match at SummerSlam 1998, billed as the “Highway to Hell.” Austin retained the WWE Championship in a hard-fought battle that added to his legacy.
- The Rock vs. Stone Cold at WrestleMania XV The first of three epic WrestleMania encounters between Austin and The Rock saw Austin victorious, capturing the WWE Championship in a match that solidified their rivalry as one of the greatest ever.
- Austin Turns Heel at WrestleMania X-Seven In a shocking twist, Austin aligned with his arch-nemesis Vince McMahon to defeat The Rock for the WWE Championship, turning heel in his home state of Texas. This controversial moment is still debated by fans today.
- Austin Walks Out on WWE (2002) In a move that stunned the wrestling world, Austin walked out on WWE due to creative differences, temporarily retiring from in-ring competition. This event was a major talking point and marked a significant moment in his career.
- Hall of Fame Induction (2009) Austin’s illustrious career was celebrated with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame by Vince McMahon. This honor recognized his contributions to the industry and his status as one of the greatest superstars of all time.
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s impact on WWE is immeasurable. His brash, anti-authority persona, unforgettable catchphrases, and ability to captivate audiences have left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. These iconic moments are just a snapshot of the legacy that Austin has left behind, a legacy that continues to influence the industry to this day.
