At SummerSlam 1998, The Rock and Triple H broke out of the midcard, proving themselves as more than just entertaining stars destined to make names for themselves a level below Steve Austin and Undertaker. Some 15 months later, they were the biggest stars in the industry, the top babyface and heel in the industry, respectively. Coming off of a disappointing WrestleMania 2000 main event that saw Vince McMahon betray The Great One and align himself with The Game, a singles bout between the two was booked for the Backlash pay-per-view. With stories involving the McMahon family drama and referee Earl Hebner, not to mention the intense hatred that existed between the wrestlers themselves, that bout was a master class in bringing different elements and subplots together to create a classic wrestling match that takes the audience on a roller coaster ride. Add to all of that the first appearance from "Stone Cold" Steve Austin following his neck fusion and the result was one of the hottest, most intense and exciting matches of that era. The Rock finally overcame the overwhelming obstacles put in place by the manipulative and despicable McMahons and captured the heavyweight championship that had eluded him for the previous 12 months.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
