WWE: 5 Forgotten WrestleMania Classics Worth Watching

Credit: WWE.com

#3 – Steve Austin vs The Rock III – WrestleMania XIX

Why it’s Underrated: Rock and Austin’s previous encounter at Wrestlemania X-7 was likely the greatest main event in WWE history. Talk about impossible expectations.

Why it Shouldn’t Be: The third and final bout between these two was extremely entertaining and historically significant.

As Stone Cold Steve Austin walked to the ring inside Safeco Field at Wrestlemania XIX, Jim Ross was faced with a difficult task. Knowing it would be Austin’s last match, he wanted to give his longtime friend a fitting tribute. The problem, however, was that he was specifically told he could not mention Austin’s impending retirement. Incredibly, JR balances things perfectly, and his commentary is matched only in intensity by the Texas Rattlesnake as he takes that final walk.

The fact this was Austin’s last match is itself enough to make this match one of the most important in WrestleMania history. But there’s much more to enjoy beyond historical significance. For nearly twenty minutes the Rock and Austin held the Seattle crowd in the palm of their hands. And rather than run through their greatest hits, the two megastars added a new layer of storytelling to their feud.

The Rock allowed his newfound “Hollywood Heel” persona to shine through, mockingly wearing Austin’s jacket and delivering the Stone Cold Stunner. Austin, to his credit, took more punishment than perhaps at any time since becoming the industry’s top man, culminating with putting over the Rock clean in the middle of the ring.

No swerves, no interference, no nonsense. Just three devastating Rock Bottoms. It was an amazing end to an amazing rivalry.