10 Best World Title Celebrations In WWE History

Stone Cold Steve Austin’s heel turn at WrestleMania X-Seven remains a divisive moment among WWE fans. Many believe it seriously hurt the business, as Austin was the biggest star in the sport, and WWE had just put the final nail in WCW’s coffin. Business had taken a downturn, ratings were declining, and PPV numbers were falling: Austin’s turn was a response to that, but the company struggled to recapture their lost audience and Austin’s character never rebounded.

Despite his best efforts, nobody wanted to boo Stone Cold. Still, his WMX7 match against The Rock remains an all-time classic, and its closing moments capped one of the most celebrated shows in wrestling history.

After a long, gruelling competitive rivalry, the two biggest stars in the business entered the Houston AstroDome for a no disqualification match. They brawled inside the ring and out, with both men busting each other open quickly, and after about 25 minutes, Vince McMahon coyly made his way to the ring.

Just as The Rock looked to put Austin away with the People’s Elbow, McMahon pulled Rock away. Austin took control, and despite kicking-out of a Stone Cold Stunner, the champion couldn’t endure the oncoming steel chair onslaught. Austin beat the tar out of Rock, pinned him from the belt, and celebrated with his new ally, Vince McMahon.

Once considered his greatest nemesis, Austin’s allegiance with Vince was truly shocking. As an antagonist, Mr. McMahon had been instrumental in legitimising the Stone Cold character, and the two had engaged in a violent, bloody feud spanning several years.

To see Austin shaking hands and sharing beers with the chairman was sickening, and their celebration goes down as one of WrestleMania’s most ominous, foreboding moments.