WWE’s The Attitude Era was a relatively short-lived time in the company’s rich history, but it’s probably the era that has played the most crucial part in shaping the current wrestling landscape.
Confined between 1997 to 2001, the era was defined by bold characters, intense rivalries, and unforgettable matches. The legendary moments from it are fondly remembered by fans to this day and many wrestlers credit events of the time for their decision to pursue a career in sports entertainment.
It’s never a bad time to revisit the era whether you’re a new fan or a wrestling veteran. Here is a list of best Attitude Era matches I think you should definitely check out if you got time:
Mankind Vs The Rock: WWE Halftime Heat (1999)
In 1999, The Rock and Mankind clashed in a rare Empty Arena Match during “Halftime Heat.” The lack of fans created a unique atmosphere as it took place during the Super Bowl. The two wrestlers brawled throughout the arena and used every space to deliver a chaotic and entertaining fight.
One standout moment came when Mankind pinned The Rock using a forklift and won the WWE Championship. While not for everyone, this match remains a memorable highlight of the Attitude Era.
Steve Austin Vs Kurt Angle: WWE SummerSlam (2001)
Stone Cold Steve Austin defended the WWE Championship against Kurt Angle in an intense 23-minute battle. This Summerslam match was fast-paced and brutal. Both men gave everything they had in the ring.
The in-ring action was outstanding and the crowd went electric. Angle won by disqualification with a finish fans usually disliked back then. It worked in this instance and added fuel to the match’s drama.
Edge & Christian Vs The Hardy Boyz: WWE No Mercy (1999)
The first-ever tag team ladder match in WWE featured The Hardy Boyz and Edge & Christian. This event changed tag team wrestling forever. The match was supposed to be about winning Terri Runnels as a manager but it became legendary for its innovation.
Both teams pushed the limits of what tag team wrestling could be despite being a part of the Terri Invitational Tournament. It set the stage for future classics! This match set a new standard in the late ’90s and early 2000s wrestling scene.
The Undertaker Vs Mankind: WWE King of the Ring (1998)
The third-ever Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mankind is unforgettable for its jaw-dropping moments. Mick Foley being thrown off the Cell into the announce table remains one of WWE’s wildest stunts.
Yet, his fall through the cage onto the ring mat was even more painful. Beyond these iconic spots, the match itself was incredible. Both men aimed to surpass the original Cell match. They delivered a brutal spectacle that remains unmatched in WWE history.
The Dudley Boyz Vs Christian & Edge Vs The Hardy Boyz: WWE WrestleMania 17 (2001)
The TLC match featuring Edge & Christian, The Dudley Boyz, and The Hardy Boyz stole the show at WrestleMania 17. This match raised the bar even higher even after already delivering iconic bouts at WrestleMania 2000 and SummerSlam 2000.
The chaos and destruction from all six men remain unmatched. The events cemented their status as the top WWE tag teams. The risks they took in this match still resonate today and prove just how far they were willing to go for greatness.
Steve Austin Vs The Rock: WWE WrestleMania 17 (2001)
Steve Austin vs. The Rock at WrestleMania 17 is one of the Attitude Era’s greatest matches. Stone Cold’s shocking heel turn by shaking hands with Vince McMahon marked the end of the Era.
Austin and The Rock—two of the late ’90s/early 2000s biggest stars—delivered a dream match. It was billed as the biggest match in WrestleMania history. Their second ‘Mania clash remains an all-time classic. It made WrestleMania 17 the best making the main event a perfect capstone to wrestling’s most iconic era.
Cactus Jack Vs Triple H: WWE No Way Out (2000)
Triple H vs. Cactus Jack surpassed the Undertaker vs. Mankind’s Hell in a Cell match in terms of storytelling and stakes. This bout followed their brutal Royal Rumble street fight with Mick Foley’s career on the line.
Cactus fought to fulfil his dream of headlining WrestleMania as WWE Champion. Triple H ultimately won and gave Foley a memorable send-off. Fans cherish this as his true Attitude Era retirement match and marked the end of an iconic career. Foley returned for WrestleMania later.
Triple H Vs Steve Austin: WWE No Way Out (2001)
At No Way Out 2001, Steve Austin faced Triple H in a Three Stages of Hell match. The bout featured a standard match, a street fight, and a steel cage match. Triple H emerged victorious, a surprising decision at the time despite Austin’s Royal Rumble win and upcoming WrestleMania showdown.
This match set up Austin’s next big rival The Rock leaving for Hollywood. It showcases the Attitude Era’s essence despite being a standalone event. It marked a strange booking choice and the end of the Era.
The Undertaker Vs Steve Austin: WWE SummerSlam (1998)
At SummerSlam 1998, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin defended his WWE Championship against The Undertaker in a highly anticipated match. The tension around The Undertaker’s brother Kane added intrigue. Ultimately, The Phenom faced Austin alone.
Austin battled through and retained his title despite suffering a concussion early in the match. It was still a memorable clash that drew massive attention and concluded months of compelling storytelling. The match remains a standout moment in WWE history for the fans worldwide.
Trish Stratus Vs Stephanie McMahon: WWE No Way Out (2001)
The rivalry between Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus brought soap opera drama to WWE. Their singles match exceeded expectations and displayed surprising skill and intensity. The bout featured high spots and late interference by William Regal and made it one of the era’s hidden gems.
The crowd’s reaction to a near-fall and Stephanie’s win due to Regal’s actions highlighted the match’s booking perfection. It proved both McMahon and Stratus’s talents, too.
Get Ready For Some WWE Nostalgia!
The Attitude Era delivered unforgettable moments with these legendary matches. Groundbreaking tag team clashes and high-octane rivalries thrilled the fans. Each bout showcased why this period is remembered as WWE’s greatest.
Time to taste the nostalgia! Watch these matches with your buddies and relive the good old days!
