100 Greatest WWE Matches Of All Time (Ranked)
23. Steve Austin vs. Dude Love (Over The Edge 1998)
Some fans reckon this stormer of a match would've been even better had Mick Foley gone under his Mankind or Cactus Jack gimmicks. That's arguable, but Mick's goofier Dude Love character fit the story told on WWF TV. He wanted to impress vile boss Vince McMahon by getting his teeth done, wearing a fancy blazer and generally trying to show he could be a corporate champ who was nothing like outlaw rebel Steve Austin.
Austin and Foley had an inspired warm up match at Unforgiven in April before going hell for leather at Over The Edge in May. McMahon stacked the deck against 'Stone Cold' by installing himself as special guest referee, as well as stooges Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco in other important roles. The Undertaker showed up to even the numbers, and his chokeslams on both goons worked a treat later on.
Jim Ross was at his all-time best on commentary here. His impassioned cries of, "Look out! Look out!" as 'Taker went to town on Patterson and Brisco live long in the memory. So, mind you, does JR calling Austin "the toughest son of a bitch I ever saw to overcome this" during the 'Rattlesnake's' celebration.
The 'Attitude Era' style drama was mesmerising to witness. This should definitely go down as the best defence from Austin's first WWF Title reign between March-June 1998. Foley had shown himself to be a sterling opponent for the fed's top stars yet again, and he had simply breathtaking chemistry with Steve that peaked at Over The Edge.
"There goes Brisco now. Here comes Brisco now!". Timeless.