The Rock Vs. Steve Austin | Wrestling Timelines

December 15, 1997 - The Attitude Era Is Here

Vince Explains Attitude Era
WWE.com

In an address that would come to be known as the introduction of the Attitude Era - but is promoted as ‘The Cure For The Common Show’ - Vince McMahon tells the audience that the WWF is changing, opening the gates to non-stop controversy and a new, warped tone. Americana is dead, and D-Generation X tells its grave to suck them off. McMahon, telling you that the days of “good guys versus bad guys” have also perished, believes that you are “quite frankly tired of having your intelligence insulted”.

The change has been coming; Vince just formalises it.

On the same show, Austin, infamously throws Rock’s Intercontinental title into a river. It’s another fun and creative angle, effective in solidifying Austin’s rebellious persona and literally washing away the iffy effect of the prior week.

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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!