10 Most Anticipated Wrestling Rematches Ever
1. Steve Austin Vs. The Rock (WWE WrestleMania X-Seven)
Steve Austin and The Rock’s second WrestleMania match was a career-best effort from both men, and calling it the most anticipated rematch of all-time doesn’t really do it justice either. This is, simply put, one of the most important matches in wrestling history, and the build was magnificent.
While The Rock was still a corporate heel during their first match, he and Austin were the sport’s two biggest babyfaces by ‘Mania X-Seven. Their combined popularity was unparalleled, and with Austin winning the the 2001 Royal Rumble and Rocky becoming WWE Champion at No Way Out, the match was booked.
The story was incredibly straightforward, and incredibly effective. Stone Cold’s career had been ravaged by injury, and he knew he was on borrowed time. He’d returned to WWE with the purpose of becoming WWE Champion again, but The Rock stood in his way. “I have to beat you, Rock”, Austin famously said in the lead up to the event, and the stakes had never been higher.
The fact that the event took place in Austin’s native Texas only amplified the anticipation. The People’s Champion had risen to astonishing new heights in Stone Cold’s absence, but the fans were firmly in Austin’s corner. With a vociferous partisan crowd behind him, Austin entered the Houston Astrodome to one of the loudest ovations you’ll ever hear, and while the hype seemed insurmountable, Rock and Austin somehow lived up to it.
The finish saw Vince McMahon come down to the ring and unbelievably aid his long-time rival to victory, and while Austin’s heel turn would ultimately fall flat, it was a mind-blowing swerve that nobody saw coming.