WWE: Top 25 Stone Cold Steve Austin Moments

18. "Both Men Need To Win...And Neither Man Can Afford To Lose."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQG8N-SriWA Perhaps one of, if not the greatest rivalries ever in the WWE's legacy in-ring was between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. With both men standing tall as icons, legends in the business, and two of the most recognisable and memorable superstars in sports entertainment, their rivalry spanned the better half of five years. With dozens of conflicts throughout their careers and many profound, powerful moments, none come quite as close to the definition of classic like their second encounter at Wrestlemania XVII in Houston, Texas on April 1st, 2001. After losing the WWF Championship to Austin at Wrestlemania XV, The Rock looked to defend his title once again at Wrestlemania XVII after he defeated Kurt Angle at No Way Out 2001, becoming the first ever six-time WWF Champion. With Steve Austin winning the 2001 Royal Rumble, he threw in the voucher to fight against The Rock at Wrestlemania and once again become champion. On the road to Wrestlemania, the characteristics between both men sharpened and soon they found themselves at each other's throats. From instances involving Austin's wife Debra being put in harm's way (thanks to managing The Rock on part of Vince McMahon's doing) to The Rock getting payback any chance he could get during Austin's matches, the anticipation building up to their epic Wrestlemania match was off the chart. The atmosphere surrounding the ring during their second confrontation was incredible, resulting in both men competing in a No Disqualification match (which was decided at the start of the match) and taking their battle in and out of the ring, utilising anything from stairs, chairs, announcer tables, the championship belt, and inevitably opening each other up in a slew of their own blood. With the match itself going well over half an hour, and Stone Cold eventually winning, it was decided right then and there as one of the premiere Wrestlemania main events in recent memory. The implications of Austin's victory are glazed in controversy, and quite possibly the most shocking wrestling moment to cap off the Attitude Era. And that would be...