10 'Passing The Torch' Wrestling Matches

3. Shawn Michaels Vs. Steve Austin (WrestleMania XIV)

Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Mike Tyson
WWE.com

At WrestleMania XIV, WWE made the decision to send Steve Austin's star into the stratosphere with a win over D-Generation X (and The Kliq) leader Shawn Michaels. This, not helped by a career-threatening back injury, ended Michaels' stronghold on Vince McMahon and ushered in a new star the boss could pin his hopes to.

There have been many, many stories about that night since.

Contrasting reports from Michaels, Austin, Bruce Prichard and others have debated whether or not The Undertaker coerced Shawn into doing the job. Other tales have told of HBK's bravery as he gutted out one more performance to put Austin over. Whatever the case, it worked out well for everyone in the end.

A star of the 'New Generation', who had embraced the new 'Attitude' with DX, gave way to a character fans wanted on top. It was very much out with the old and in with the new in March 1998, and Austin launched down a lucrative path towards Hall Of Fame status thanks to beating Michaels.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.