The number one reason No Way Out 2001 is the greatest February PPV ever is the Three Stages of Hell match between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Triple H. It took them nearly a year and a half to get to that point, with twists, turns and debilitating injuries keeping them from enjoying that one defining match but on that February night in New Orleans, they brought their epic rivalry to a conclusion in 45-minutes, and three falls, of violent chaos. In the first fall of the epic encounter, Austin beat his opponent at his own game, a straight wrestling match designed to prove that Triple H was the superior wrestler. The Game returned the favor, though, putting The Texas Rattlesnake down in a Street Fight. With the match knotted at one fall apiece, a steel cage lowered and the combatants brought their issues to an end without interference and with nowhere to run or hide. And, to the surprise of many, Triple H picked up the decisive victory. Not only had the all-time greats delivered a classic match, they had swerved everyone who was absolutely certain Austin would emerge victorious. Countless critical praises of the contest, a few Match of the Year victories and a heaping amount of five-star ratings later has earned Austin vs. HHH its place in history as one of the greatest WWE bouts ever.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
