The feud between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Triple H leading into No Way Out 2001 had intensified to the point that the only way to convincingly conclude it was to introduce a match type unlike any ever seen before. Using the Best 2-Out-of-3 Falls format as its foundation, WWE Creative booked a Three Stages of Hell match, giving each fall a gimmick bout of sorts. The hated rivals produced a five-star classic, full of stories. Austin out-wrestled Triple H, one-upping the Cerebral Assassin from the get-go. The Game would respond beating Austin in the Street Fight round. With each Superstar having bested the other in a fall designed specifically for their opponent, all eyes turned to the steel cage that engulfed the ring. Inside the punishing structure, The Game blasted Austin with a sledgehammer and scored the unexpected pinfall victory. It was the best match of the night and, arguably, all of 2001.
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.
