History Of WWE's Attitude Era In 10 Matches
Austin vs. McMahon inside a Steel Cage really sums up the era of Attitude...
Determining the actual starting point for the 'Attitude Era' can be difficult. WWE themselves cite the November 9, 1997 edition of Monday Night Raw as the beginning, mainly because this is when they started using the familiar 'scratch' style logo on programming. Others believe it began well over a year before that at the 1996 King Of The Ring.
One thing's for sure; Vince McMahon knew he had to do something dramatically different in order to wage war with a red-hot WCW. For the purposes of presenting a clearer picture of McMahon's new vision, that fateful night when Steve Austin was crowned 'King' will be used as the starting point.
The 'Attitude Era' was by far WWE's most lucrative period, both creatively and commercially. Ideas were flowing through the promotion with ease, and money was entering company coffers in similarly rapid fashion.
These matches are some of the most important from that particular era, one which is still fondly remembered today by wrestling fans lucky enough to have lived through it.
Those who didn't do so have a keen sense of fascination, and here's part of the reason why...
10. Jake Roberts Vs. Steve Austin (King Of The Ring 1996)
It's strange to think that a character from the glory days of 'Hulkamania Era' WWF would play a role in the beginning of a new one. Admittedly, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts was only there to add doubt to the idea of crowning Steve Austin the new King Of The Ring.
Initially, Triple H had been the one poised to win the tournament, but he was removed from the equation following the 'Curtain Call' incident at Madison Square Garden. After breaking kayfabe, Triple H would now have to wait as 1996 was going to be Austin's year. His match with Roberts actually wasn't the most memorable aspect of proceedings, but rather it was his promo afterwards.
Using foul language and pushing the boundaries on WWF television like never before, Austin cussed out Jake's religious views and coined the 'Austin 3:16' catchphrase that would go on to make him and his employers millions.
Even though the company would continue on with their sugar-coated branding, complete with yellow WWF logo, it was clear that Austin's words marked a change in mindset for the organisation. Going forward, things would be much less cartoon-like than before.