8 Times The Rock's Wrestling Skills Eclipsed His Promo Abilities

8. The Rock Vs. 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - WrestleMania XIX

Despite an overnight hospital stay for Steve Austin and tremendous pressure on Rock coming off a miserable match against Hulk Hogan at No Way Out, wrestling's most electrifying superstar exploded into Seattle's SafeCo Field for WrestleMania XIX with an extraordinary match against his greatest rival.

A master of crowd psychology - a vital piece of the in-ring puzzle that is often overlooked by those seeking high spots - Rock manipulated the audience by mocking Austin, taunting him with his own ring vest and trash talking the fans.

The trading of finishers and well-timed near-falls increased drama, leaving fans guessing as to whom would emerge victoriously. It was the precise timing that had become a staple of Rock's in-ring game that helped elevate the match that otherwise no better or worse than their other non-WrestleMania matches from an action standpoint,.

Rock won the match, but his victory was secondary to the outstanding performance he turned in during what amounted to Austin's retirement bout.