10 Twisted Times WWE Rewarded A Wrestler For Being A D*ck
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin (2002)
Stone Cold Steve Austin had taken quite e-f*cking-nough thanks very much following a nothing match with Scott Hall at WrestleMania X8.
'The Rattlesnake' had rejected a match with Hulk Hogan at the 'Show Of Shows' because of a long-held beef with 'The Hulkster' dating back to their WCW days as well a a lingering suspicion about how it would go on such a big stage. He was proved right in that regard too, though perhaps at his expense - The Rock's clash with Hogan was instantly iconic, going so well that effectively removed Austin from the conversation altogether.
A bad year had reached its apex, and Stone Cold subsequently walked away from it. In doing so, he caused chaos.
WWE's Raw/SmackDown brand split was ready for launch following the event, but the intention of having both Austin and Rock as the pillars of either side was smashed to pieces by Austin's sudden exit. The company were in such dire need of his star aura that when he did return (albeit briefly), the red carpet was rolled out for him - he was a "free agent" with show gaffers Ric Flair and Vince McMahon bending over backwards to secure his singiuture.