The two biggest names of the Attitude Era were inarguably Steve Austin and The Rock, a pair who had previously met in the main event of WrestleMania 15 (and the following month's Backlash PPV). Despite their shared "top dog" status, the pair had danced around one another for the next couple of years - thanks in part to a lengthy injury lay-off for the Rattlesnake. Their eventual rematch was one of the most highly anticipated in WWE history, especially as - unlike the clear face/heel dynamic of their first encounter - both were insanely popular babyfaces. The build was simple, with Stone Cold desperate to regain the WWF Championship after returning from injury, and Rock eager to keep himself on top, having enjoyed a period of great success with Austin on the sidelines. The match, set in Austin's home state of Texas, saw Rock transformed into a de facto heel as the fans rooted shamelessly for their boy. The bout was an instant classic as both men tore into one another, the intensity levels of such a wild brawl remaining high throughout. Eventually, in one of the most shocking moments in WWE history, Vince McMahon came down to help Austin to victory, an unthinkable alliance sealed by a post match handshake. The swerve turned the WWE landscape upside down, and is widely believed to have brought the beloved Attitude Era to a definitive end.
