The Rock Vs. Steve Austin | Wrestling Timelines

January 19, 1998 - Tyson and Austin

Austin Tyson Fu
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Before Mr. McMahon can reveal Mike Tyson’s role at WrestleMania XIV, Austin interrupts. Austin is on incendiary form now. There’s a new bass to his voice. He tells Tyson that he respects his accomplishments in boxing - “but Jesus Christ, son, when you step into this ring, you’re messing with Stone Cold Steve Austin - and that’s something you don’t do!”

The line reading of “Jesus Christ, son” is more intimidating than a lesser wrestler’s graphic, screaming threat. Austin is a supernova, and he wants a piece of Mike Tyson’s ass.

The infamous shoving match ensues. Tyson goes on to join D-Generation X, the WWF’s answer to the nWo, before endorsing Austin at the end of WrestleMania.

McMahon is apoplectic, but internally, is delighted. This is box office. This is the moment in which momentum is no longer the apt word.

We are on the verge of the mainstream crossover. The WWF is weeks away from exploding into a second boom period. Teenage boys and bros in their twenties are about to get super-served a lot of blood, swearing and breasts.

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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!