For many, the Attitude Era remains the peak of WWE’s popularity and quality.
Undoubtedly it was the breeding ground and launchpad of many a future household name, too, with perhaps no other bigger export from the period than Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The Texas Rattlesnake came into his own after winning King of the Ring and soared through the Attitude Era as arguably it’s most prominent name, his brash persona and style perfectly summing up the societal feel of the time.
Other notable names include The Rock, who developed into the cocky and charismatic character he’s now renowned for during the era, while Triple H, Ken Shamrock, The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, Kane and Shawn Michaels all enjoyed stardom during the period.
One of the established great debates amongst wrestling fans always been just when exactly did the Attitude Era start?
Many point the finger at Austin’s incredible WrestleMania battle with Bret Hart in 1997, while others are sure it all began months later at November’s Survivor Series when Vince McMahon took the WWE title from Hart in one of the most controversial finishes to a wrestling match ever.
Another candidate comes in Austin’s 1998 WWE Championship win over Michaels at WrestleMania, with the aid of Mike Tyson, given it set the megastar off on his upward trajectory.
But if there’s always firm conjecture over how a favoured period in wrestling began, there has also surfaced a new date on how the Attitude Era came to an end.
It was succeeded what’s now known as the Ruthless Aggression Era – the period that gave rise to John Cena, Rey Mysterio and other top stars – but once more there is plenty to be said on when one transitioned into the other.
A recent clip surfaced on X of the conclusion of Austin’s WrestleMania 17 match with Rock in 2001, a bout he won with the help Vince McMahon who, to that point, had been his arch nemesis.
Austin aligned with McMahon and turned heel – wrestling’s term for villainy – for the first time in years, in an attempt to freshen up his character and career.
In hindsight, some have insisted they never wanted to see such a thing, one fan crediting the shocking scene as the final nail in the coffin of the Attitude Era.
“This was the end of the Attitude Era,” declared the post. “No one wanted to see a heel Stone Cold shaking hands with Mr. McMahon.”
Another back that up, saying: “The dumbest decision for WWE at that time,” while a third chimed in: “The worst booking decision to ever happen to Stone Cold.”
Not all fans shared that view, though. One countered: “I thought this was amazing to be honest,” while another perspective read: “I know I’m in the minority here, but I actually liked the heel turn. It was a refreshing take for Austin’s character.”
A further reply stated: “In WWE’s defense you couldn’t drag the Austin vs VKM forever, this was a nice twist.”
Did Stone Cold Steve Austin kick off the Attitude Era? Did his heel turn spell its demise? Those points are likely to be debates for many more years, though what’s undisputed is star power during the period that saw him win multiple WWE titles and battle against some of the company’s biggest names.
