10 Wrestlers That Made Fans Change The Channel
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin (2001)
The story had to conclude - as most stories do - with an actual ending. In this case, it was the climax of an era and gradual demise of Stone Cold Steve Austin's incredible aura.
Oddly enough considering who helped him reach the top of the mountain in the first place, there was a certain Bret Hart quality to Austin's 2001 heel stint. Some of it was really f*cking good, but nowhere near enough people were watching to justify it.
Hardcores were rewarded with dynamic performances in the ring as well as a cavalcade of wholly unique and refreshing comedic performances. But the casuals were sent packing, satisfied enough with WrestleMania X7 and catching The Rock in films instead that they didn't even want to browse what 'The Rattlesnake' was selling, let alone buy it.
The Raw after Austin's heel turn generated a strong 5.7 rating against a 4.8 exactly 364 days later, and the year-on-year pattern was relatively consistent. His body and mind were in no fit state to continue either - the golden goose was cooked and WWE had failed to ready another to continue the feast.
WWE Quiz: How Well Do You REALLY Know Stone Cold Steve Austin?
