8. Vince McMahon Betrays The Rock - WrestleMania 2000
WrestleMania 2000 was a show headlined by a huge Fatal Four-Way match for the WWE Championship. The Rock, Big Show, Mick Foley and Triple H battled with the most prestigious prize in the industry at stake and each Superstar would have a McMahon family member in their corner. Of most importance was Vince McMahon, who supported wrestling's most electrifying man in his quest to regain the heavyweight title. He watched as The Rock battled his three opponents and came close to leaving Anaheim with the WWE title on several occasions. He would never allow that to happen because, as it turned out, he had played the Great One all along. He had a plan to ensure that his family left WrestleMania 2000 together, stronger than ever and that plan included assisting Triple H in retaining his title by betraying The Rock. McMahon blasted Rock with a steel chair, then watched as Triple H pinned him to win the main event of the biggest show of the year. For the first time, a heel entered the big show as champion and left the same way. It infuriated fans, who had hoped to see the People's Champion emerge from the contest with the heavyweight title. In the process, it made McMahon as hated as he had ever been. With daughter Stephanie and son Shane, they ruled over WWE with an iron fist but were eventually forced to watch as The Rock overcame their reign of terror and regained the championship.
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.
