It was the most successful rivalry of the last 25 years. It turned a company from the brink of bankruptcy to a global phenomenon and turned both men into major, mainstream stars. It was Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon. At Wrestlemania X-7, Steve Austin challenged The Rock for the world title in Austin's home state of Texas. The Astrodome was filled with its largest crowd ever and they were rabid for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin had won the 2001 Royal Rumble, setting the stage for a second match with the Rock at WrestleMania. The peak of the WWF's power would take place at WrestleMania X-7. Austin's rivalry with McMahon had not been at the forefront of storylines but everyone knew it was there. No matter what, Austin hated McMahon and McMahon hated Austin, which made the finish to the match all the more head-scratching. At the end of a classic match, McMahon came down to the ring and gave Steve Austin a chair, allowing Austin to pummel the Rock numerous times and claim the victory along with his fifth WWF championship. In a move that would change wrestling history, Steve Austin then shook hands with Vince McMahon, turning heel and giving fans an ending that absolutely none of them wanted to see. Instead of a celebration of success, WrestleMania X-7 was the end of the Attitude Era. Austin's heel turn was a major flop and the upcoming Invasion angle would only cement that further.
