The Rock Vs. Steve Austin | Wrestling Timelines

January 4, 1999 - The Biggest Pop In Wrestling History

Mankind WWE
WWE.com

The Rock is programmed with Mankind again as Austin’s rivalry with McMahon orbits the ring.

Four hours deep into a mammoth Raw taping, Austin, still incensed with Vince’s Corporate instrument, brains Rock with an unprotected chair shot to gift Foley the WWF title. Austin’s entrance is unforgettable. When the glass shatters, it’s closer to a religious experience than a pop.

This remains the loudest sustained babyface reaction in wrestling history: it sounds and looks like a last-minute winner has been scored in the biggest game of the season.

Foley is very over, and his growing army of fans are jubilant about his win, but the teased idea of the Rock Vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania is seismic.

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Contributor
Contributor

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!