10 Best Stone Cold Steve Austin WWE Moments

Mike Tyson’s 1997 suspension from boxing proved a major financial gain for Vince McMahon. WWE was still receiving weekly beatings in the ratings courtesy of WCW in early 1998. Stone Cold Steve Austin had become professional wrestling’s hottest prospect in 1997. To acquire some much needed mainstream attention, however, Austin had to throw down with the Baddest Man on the Planet.

Tyson debuted for WWE on the RAW after Royal Rumble 1998 where he was welcomed politely by McMahon. Tyson’s segment was interrupted by a furious Austin who refused Tyson’s offer of a handshake. Austin launched into a tirade against the former heavyweight champ, telling him, “I could beat you any day of the week, twice on Sunday.”

After throwing up both middle fingers in Tyson’s face, Austin was shoved and a ferocious brawl broke out between the 2. Several officials along with Tyson’s entourage stepped in to separate the 2. The angle helped WWE finally start closing the ratings gap with WCW. Tyson’s involvement lead to coverage throughout the mainstream media as the road to WrestleMania caught fire.

The storyline with Mike Tyson brought fresh eyes to Stone Cold Steve Austin, setting him apart from the old guard still headlining WCW at the time. WrestleMania XIV was a major financial success and Austin’s main event run became one of the greatest ever.