10 WWE Backlash Matches That Should Have Happened At WrestleMania

7. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin Vs. The Rock - 1999

Edge Randy Orton
WWE.com

Back to WrestleMania XV again...

In the last entry you read about the mind-boggling storyline that led to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin Vs. The Rock in the main event. This was the first in a trilogy of matches between the two at the Showcase of the Immortals and it's by far their worst encounter. You can ask Austin and he'll tell you the same.

Distracted by issues in his personal life, "Stone Cold" forgot to bring his ring vest and had to walk out in a t-shirt. Things were more convoluted than ever, from Vince McMahon declaring himself the Special Guest Referee, to Commissioner Shawn Michaels sending him packing, to Mankind, Mike Chioda, and Earl Hebner all donning the black and white throughout the match. Austin 3:16 walked out with the belt, but time has been cruel to this contest.

Time hasn't been cruel to their rematch at Backlash. There was still referee nonsense, this time involving Shane McMahon, but these two legends with unquestionable chemistry seemed far more comfortable on their second go. Rocky showed his natural charisma by hijacking commentary and stealing a camera to tease his opponent with; Austin showed why the fans adored him with his brawling style and absolute loathing of the McMahon family.

Everything just clicked, like they'd fine-tuned their 'Mania bout into a far more enjoyable contest. Perhaps they needed to go through the first match to realise what they could do together. Imagine "Stone Cold" being handed the Smoking Skull belt by an irate Vinny Mac at the Granddaddy instead of at Backlash; there's an image to send the crowd home with.

You were so close, WWE...

Contributor

When I'm not trying my hardest to visit all 50 U.S. states, I'm listening to music from the 80s, watching TV from the 90s, and reminiscing about growing up in the 00s. I'm currently living in Melbourne, Australia so WWE premium live events are on Sunday afternoons for me; the absolute dream.