1. Steve Austin vs Vince McMahon
No wrestling storyline has tapped into the attitude of its key demographic more than 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin vs Vince McMahon. Eager to make the most of a young, predominantly male audience, the WWF played upon blue-collar America's sense of dissatisfaction. They reasoned that everybody has had a hatable boss or teacher at one stage or another, and made Austin the ultimate hero in this regard. It was immediately effective. Vince also played is role to perfection, embracing the 'Evil Boss' character birthed by the 1997 Montreal Screwjob and taking it to new levels with Austin's help. The pair's feud defined the Attitude Era, and was a key factor in propelling the WWF ahead of WCW in the Monday night ratings war. It made Austin one of the most beloved figures in wrestling history, arguably behind only Hulk Hogan in terms of popularity and influence, and helped make a household name out of the promotion. Defining Moment: There are many to choose from - the beer bath, the cement truck, the hospital bed ambush - but the most influential moment of this timeless feud was the first ever Stunner delivered to Vince. Although sold horribly by McMahon, it broke new ground, and kicked one of the most important rivalries in the history of the business into overdrive.