The History Of WWE's New Generation Era In 10 Matches

2. Steve Austin Vs. Jake 'The Snake' Roberts (King Of The Ring 1996)

It's only at the King Of The Ring 1996 that things really started to get more colourful though, and it's unbelievable to imagine that it wasn't even in the initial plans. It was Hunter Hearst Helmsley who was supposed to be crowned 'King' at the pay-per-view, but breaking kayfabe to celebrate with outgoing pals Razor Ramon and Diesel (along with Shawn Michaels) on a house show put paid to that.

Replacing the future Triple H, management picked Steve Austin. Handed the drab 'Ringmaster' character upon his arrival the year before, Austin was now known as 'Stone Cold', and he'd grab the proverbial brass ring in stirring fashion.

It isn't really Austin's King Of The Ring Final against Jake Roberts that remains memorable, but his promo afterwards. Using abrasive language and coming across like an antihero, Stone Cold captured everyone's collective imagination with his victory speech.

Things in the WWF didn't change instantly though, and Austin's career took a while to really take off. However, his rise can be directly charted back to the King Of The Ring 1996, as can the foundations for what would later become known as the 'Attitude Era'.