4. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Rock - WrestleMania XIX
The actual match between Steve Austin and The Rock at WrestleMania XIX was exercise in attitude as two legendary figures from wrestling's greatest boom period displayed considerable piss and vinegar while taunting and pummeling each other one last time at the Showcase of the Immortals. But it was the closing moments of the bout and the eventual revelation that Austin had just wrestled his final match that helped elevate the match both in wrestling lore and on this list. As The Great One planted the Texas Rattlesnake with the third Rock Bottom of the match and pinned him for the victory, fans in Seattle could not help but be surprised by the outcome. After all, Austin had bested his most fierce rival in every other WrestleMania match they had competed in. It was clear that something was happening in the moments right after the bout, as Rock hovered above Austin, not-so-quietly telling him something. He shoved the official away in the process, ensuring that only him and his foe would hear the words exchanged. An emotional Rock took his leave, allowing Austin to have the stage to himself one final time. Stone Cold limped up the ramp, flipped the bird and walked through the curtain, leaving fans uncertain about the future of wrestling's toughest S.O.B. To date, he has not wrestled another match.
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.
The actual match between Steve Austin and The Rock at WrestleMania XIX was exercise in attitude as two legendary figures from wrestling's greatest boom period displayed considerable piss and vinegar while taunting and pummeling each other one last time at the Showcase of the Immortals. But it was the closing moments of the bout and the eventual revelation that Austin had just wrestled his final match that helped elevate the match both in wrestling lore and on this list. As The Great One planted the Texas Rattlesnake with the third Rock Bottom of the match and pinned him for the victory, fans in Seattle could not help but be surprised by the outcome. After all, Austin had bested his most fierce rival in every other WrestleMania match they had competed in. It was clear that something was happening in the moments right after the bout, as Rock hovered above Austin, not-so-quietly telling him something. He shoved the official away in the process, ensuring that only him and his foe would hear the words exchanged. An emotional Rock took his leave, allowing Austin to have the stage to himself one final time. Stone Cold limped up the ramp, flipped the bird and walked through the curtain, leaving fans uncertain about the future of wrestling's toughest S.O.B. To date, he has not wrestled another match.