The Rock Vs. Steve Austin | Wrestling Timelines

December 8, 1997 - Rocky Becomes The Rock

The Rock Steve Austin Mr McMahon
WWE

As if to illustrate that Austin and the Rock are fated to become career rivals, iron sharpens iron almost as soon as they interact. The Rock, possessed by that creative demon in Austin’s presence, debuts his third-person schtick in this very moment. He has referred to himself as the Rock on a few occasions, but it’s different this time. It becomes a comedic instrument.

McMahon, company owner, is fictionalising himself as an evil, control-hungry overlord onscreen. He dresses down Austin for driving into the arena at In Your House, claiming that there will be “consequences” for endangering the crowd. Austin mocks this; McMahon nonetheless demands that he wrestles the Rock again. Austin refuses, and asks McMahon if he’s prepared to fire him.

“The Rock thinks you should fire him,” the Rocks interjects. In contrast to November 10, Austin is caught out. He laughs at this superb ad-lib, and the sound is echoed throughout the arena.

Austin forfeits the title; Vince and the Rock gladly accept the terms. It’s an inelegant way of protecting Austin, but it doesn’t fail.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!