11 WWE Rivalries That Defined The 2000s

4. Steve Austin Vs. The Rock

Really, what is even left to say about this rivalry? The Texas Rattlesnake and The Brahma Bull had a superb series of matches in 1999 before Rock turned heel and Austin went down with a serious neck injury. When he returned in late 2000, The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment was well and truly established as the biggest star in the company.

Simply put, that ring wasn't big enough for the both of them, and Austin and Rock were set to see who was the top dog in the WrestleMania X-Seven top-liner. Although WWE briefly tried to dress up the storyline with the 'Debra-as-Rock's-manager' angle, the fact was that the feud didn't need the distractions. This was two guys who wanted to be WWF Champion and couldn't afford to lose.

The match was an absolute classic, combining great ring work, high drama and a rabid crowd. Austin famously turned sort-of heel at the end of it by aligning himself with nemesis Mr. McMahon, ensuring that he and The Rock would collide once again in the future once Rock's Hollywood commitments were taken care of.

They had a couple more matches in 01 (including something of a forgotten classic at Rebellion) and resurrected their dispute in 2003, with Rock now a full-on movie star and a heel. It was a great twist on the dynamic and led to another sensational match at WrestleMania XIX.

It would be the Bionic Redneck's last, as his lingering neck issues forced him to retire immediately afterwards. Really, though, is there a better way to go out than wrestling your greatest opponent at the biggest show of the year?