10 Amazing (But Forgotten) WWE Pre-Show Matches You Need To See
5. Stone Cold Steve Austin Vs Yokozuna (SummerSlam 1996)
Short but perfectly formed, the match between the future industry icon and the former WWE Champion puts a bullet in the ludicrous revisionist history the company routinely trots out about charting Steve Austin's rise, but does provide an intriguing retrospective showcase for the 1996 King Of The Ring.
Less of an actual match and more an opportunity for Austin to cut a scathing promo on Todd Pettingill and make a mockery of the sumo giant. From entrance to exit, Stone Cold was a magnificent d*ckhead, shouting obscenities at audience members, officials and anybody else forced to share his air.
Announced at 660lbs and looking every bit of it, Yoko was long past his athletic peak, so much so that many consider the demeaning finish as a motivational punishment for the mammoth star. After Austin jumped his larger opponent, leathering him with punches and a double bird, Yoko stole back momentum with a samoan drop and Hogan-flattening legdrop that left his opponent prone for the Banzai Drop.
Sadly, neither 'Rattlesnake' nor ring would sustain the move. The ropes simply couldn't support his weight, causing him to collapse backwards into the waiting roll-up of the resourceful Austin.