12 Definitive WWE Attitude Era Matches

1. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Rock - WrestleMania X-Seven

There is no better example of a match the encapsulates everything that was the Attitude Era than the April 2001 match between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock. The main event of WrestleMania X-Seven, the bout was not only the second time that the two industry icons clashed in the marquee match of wrestling's grandest extravaganza, it was also the culmination of the era as fans had known it. The result of an anti-authority, rebellious culture investing itself in characters that echoed their sentiments, they watched as Austin's desperation to be champion resulted in an alliance with hated rival, the owner of WWE, Vince McMahon. Before that shocking conclusion, though, the competitors took fans on a wild ride, using weapons as part of the No Disqualification stipulation to beat the ever-living hell out of each other. Both Superstars bloodied, they kicked out of finishers, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats the entire way. Rock, in one of his gustiest performances to date, overcame countless Stunners and steel chair shots, even a Million Dollar Dream, to stay in the match. The arrival of McMahon, though, and the shocking twist of a finish brought the match to a close in favor of Austin. The image of the Texas Rattlesnake shaking the hand of the egocentric, billionaire owner of the company brought their story full circle and wrapped up the most influential period in wrestling history.