10 Most Heated Matches In WWE History
4. The Rock Vs. Steve Austin - WWF WrestleMania X-Seven
Eras in wrestling, as a star-driven industry, are often judged the talent at their absolute forefront. The WWF's Golden Era was represented by Hulk Hogan - the musclebound, grappling equivalent of the Reagan's Eighties Action Hero. Stretching back further, Bruno Sammartino was the consummate working class hero - the idol of the hard-working Italian communities of New York City.
This undisputed classic - rightly remembered as the absolute apex of the Attitude Era - was so vociferously received because it was a clash of the only era spearheaded by two megastars of truly equal footing. And, unlike Rock Vs. Hogan one year later, it was a frenetic, content-heavy masterpiece - an undulating mesh of harsh violence and high drama.
The atmosphere was enhanced even further by the match's unpredictability. WrestleMania practically guaranteed a conclusive finish - fans reasoned that the hijinks typical of the era would be constrained on the night. And so, it was impossible to pick a winner. The Rock's impending Hollywood excursion was no secret - but an Austin heel turn was telegraphed, with some conviction, on WWF television. But how could he turn heel in Texas?
He did so by aligning with Vince McMahon, and smashing the ever-loving sh*t out of The Rock with a steel chair. The ploy didn't work - Austin was so popular that he was turn-proof - but this remains the loudest night of the company's loudest era.