10 Wrestling Storylines That Were Much Darker Than You Think
7. Austin Vs. McMahon
Everybody loved the Austin Vs. McMahon programme.
Even if you weren't a blue collar worker in America, Austin's cause was relatable. Even if you were a generally well-behaved kid at school, and didn't feel the need to rebel against your parents, he was the most entertaining act you'd ever seen. It was probably fun to live vicariously through him, but you didn't even have to do that to "get" him in your formative years.
He swore, he was funny - the first day in which he carried out his COO duties remains the best comedy skit WWE ever filmed - and his matches were broad, frenzied brawls that didn't demand much in the way of concentration. He worked his matches in a way that unified the audience. The intensity, fire and catharsis were palpable no matter which stage you were at in your wrestling "education".
The thing is, the story had an unhappy ending.
Yes, Austin stunning McMahon endured as a running gag late into their onscreen careers, but they were mostly nostalgic skits that unfolded outside of the storytelling canon. The real ending?
Capitalism wins. Austin sold his soul to the devil, manipulated into betraying his principles for a cursed reward.