Key Takeaways:
- The best WWE rivalries of the 2000s showcased intense performances and storytelling.
- Iconic rivalries like Stone Cold vs. The Rock and Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels defined the era.
- Attitude Era legends and emerging talents delivered electrifying matches and promos.
- These rivalries left a lasting impact on professional wrestling and continue to be celebrated by fans.
Are you ready to step into the ring and dive into the heart-pounding world of WWE rivalries? The 2000s were a golden era filled with explosive showdowns, electrifying storylines, and unforgettable clashes between some of the greatest superstars of all time.
From the intense battles between Triple H and The Rock to the epic clashes of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon, this article will take you on a thrilling journey through the best WWE rivalries of the 2000s.
Lace up your boots, because this is one blog post you won’t want to miss!
| Rivalry | Years | Matches | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock | 1997-2003 | Multiple | Rock & Austin WrestleMania matches |
| John Cena vs. Randy Orton | 2004-2017 | Multiple | Championship matches |
| Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels | 2002-2004 | Multiple | Unsanctioned Street Fight at SummerSlam 2002 |
| Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. Dudley Boyz | 2000-2002 | Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches | Triangle Ladder Match at WrestleMania 2000 |
| Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio | 2005-2006 | Multiple | Latin Heat storyline |
Triple H vs. The Rock
Triple H and The Rock’s rivalry in the 2000s was intense and marked by memorable matches and moments.
It had a significant impact on the careers of both wrestlers.
Background and buildup to the rivalry
Triple H and The Rock had one of the most intense rivalries in WWE during the 2000s. Both wrestlers were at the peak of their careers and were considered two of the biggest stars in the industry.
The rivalry began when Triple H turned on The Rock, attacking him and aligning himself with Vince McMahon’s Corporation stable.
The buildup to their matches involved personal insults, physical altercations, and intense promos, creating a heated atmosphere whenever they faced each other in the ring. The rivalry showcased their undeniable charisma and in-ring abilities, making it one of the most memorable rivalries of the 2000s.
Key matches and moments
Let’s talk about some key matches and moments from the Triple H vs.
The Rock rivalry in the 2000s.
One of the standout matches was their encounter at WrestleMania 17 in 2001.
It was an intense battle for the WWE Championship, with both superstars giving it their all.
Another memorable moment was their “Iron Man” match on an episode of Monday Night Raw, which showcased their incredible stamina and resilience.
And who can forget their unforgettable Last Man Standing match at Fully Loaded 2000?
It was a brutal and grueling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats.
These matches and moments truly defined the rivalry and added to the rich history of WWE.
Impact on the careers of Triple H and The Rock
The rivalry between Triple H and The Rock had a significant impact on their respective careers. It elevated both wrestlers to new heights of popularity and made them main event attractions.
The intense battles and memorable moments they created together helped solidify their positions as two of the biggest stars of the 2000s.
Their rivalry showcased their in-ring abilities and charisma, catapulting them to legendary status within the WWE. The feud also provided opportunities for them to showcase their acting skills outside of wrestling, with both Triple H and The Rock going on to successful careers in Hollywood.
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs.
Vince McMahon was a legendary WWE rivalry that shaped the “attitude era” with its iconic moments and storylines.
Establishing the rivalry
To establish a rivalry in WWE, you need two contrasting characters or factions with strong motivations.
These can be built through promos, backstage segments, and matches.
It’s important to create a compelling storyline that engages fans and creates anticipation for their confrontations.
The rivalry should have a clear beginning and escalate gradually, with each encounter ratcheting up the tension and animosity.
By focusing on the characters’ strengths, weaknesses, and conflicting goals, you can create a compelling rivalry that captivates the audience.
Iconic moments and storylines
Iconic moments and storylines are what make WWE rivalries memorable.
Think about The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “This Is Your Life” segment, which was hilarious and had the crowd roaring with laughter.
Another classic moment was when Shawn Michaels superkicked Hulk Hogan and Hogan sold it in an over-the-top fashion.
Then there was John Cena and Edge’s intense rivalry over the WWE Championship, with Edge turning on Cena and cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to win the title.
These moments and storylines are what keep us hooked on WWE.
Influence on the “attitude era” of WWE
The “attitude era” of WWE was heavily influenced by several key factors.
One major influence was the emergence of edgier storylines and characters, which added a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the shows.
The rivalry between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon played a significant role in shaping this era.
Austin’s rebellious persona, along with McMahon’s villainous role, created a compelling dynamic that resonated with audiences.
This rivalry pushed boundaries and introduced a mix of reality and fiction that captivated fans and brought a new level of intensity to the WWE product.
Additionally, the “attitude era” was characterized by memorable moments like Austin’s “Stone Cold Stunner” and McMahon’s outrageous antics, which further fueled the popularity of this era.
Overall, the influence of the Austin vs.
McMahon rivalry and its impact on the “attitude era” cannot be overstated.
Undertaker vs. Kane
Undertaker vs. Kane: A legendary WWE rivalry that captivated fans in the 2000s.
Origins of the rivalry
Origins of the rivalry: The rivalry between Undertaker and Kane began in 1997 when Kane debuted as Undertaker’s long-lost brother.
Kane believed that Undertaker had caused their childhood house to catch fire, leading to their parents’ deaths.
As the years went on, their rivalry intensified, with both wrestlers trying to prove their dominance over the other.
Their storylines often involved intense matches, including several bouts at WrestleMania.
The origins of their rivalry rooted in family history have made it one of the most memorable and compelling storylines in WWE history.
Feuds and matches throughout the 2000s
Feuds and matches during the 2000s in WWE were intense and unforgettable. Superstars like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin brought their rivalry from the 90s into the new decade, with epic battles for the WWE Championship.
Triple H and Shawn Michaels’ long-standing feud culminated in a series of brutal matches, including the unforgettable Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood 2004.
John Cena and Eddie Guerrero had an incredible feud over the WWE Championship in 2003, showcasing their talents and capturing the attention of fans worldwide. The 2000s were a thrilling time for WWE feuds and matches, with many unforgettable moments that still resonate with fans today.
Legacy and impact on both wrestlers’ careers
Both Undertaker and Kane had a monumental impact on the wrestling industry and each other’s careers.
Their iconic rivalry shaped their legacies and solidified their positions as two of the most influential wrestlers of the 2000s.
The intense battles between the Brothers of Destruction captivated audiences and showcased their exceptional in-ring abilities.
This rivalry not only elevated their individual star power but also contributed significantly to the success of WWE during that era.
The lasting legacy of Undertaker vs.
Kane will forever be remembered as one of the greatest WWE rivalries in history.
John Cena vs. Edge
John Cena and Edge had an intense rivalry characterized by memorable encounters and matches. Their characters also underwent significant evolution throughout their feud.
Development of the feud
The feud between John Cena and Edge in the 2000s had a complex and intriguing development.
It started with Edge winning the Money in the Bank contract, which he later used to cash in on John Cena and become the WWE Champion.
This betrayal sparked a heated rivalry, with both superstars exchanging title wins and engaging in intense matches.
The feud reached its peak with a TLC match at Unforgiven 2006, where Cena successfully defended his title against Edge in a brutal battle.
The development of this feud kept fans on the edge of their seats, as it evolved into one of the most memorable rivalries of that era.
Memorable encounters and matches
Memorable encounters and matches are an integral part of WWE rivalries in the 2000s.
Some of the most unforgettable moments include The Rock vs.
Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIX, Shawn Michaels vs.
The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 and 26, and Triple H vs.
Batista at WrestleMania 21.
These matches showcased intense athleticism, compelling storytelling, and left fans on the edge of their seats.
The rivalries between these superstars created moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Evolution of their characters during the rivalry
During their rivalry, both John Cena and Edge underwent significant character development. Cena transitioned from a cocky, hip-hop inspired persona to a more patriotic and honorable figure.
He became a role model for fans, embodying the never-give-up spirit.
Meanwhile, Edge evolved from a charismatic, cunning heel to a more intense and sinister character. He embraced his dark side, using his cunning and ruthlessness to win at all costs.
Their character evolution added depth and excitement to their matches, creating a captivating storyline that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
Get ready for an epic showdown between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho, two of the biggest stars in WWE during the 2000s.
Notable matches and moments
Notable matches and moments in the Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho rivalry include their match at WrestleMania XIX, where Jericho tried to end Michaels’ career, and Michaels’ incredible comeback.
Another memorable moment is their “highlight reel” segment on Raw, leading to a physical confrontation.
Their match at No Mercy 2008, which was a ladder match for the World Heavyweight Championship, is also highly regarded. These matches and moments showcased the intense and personal rivalry between Michaels and Jericho.
Influence on both wrestlers’ legacies
The intense rivalry between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho had a significant impact on both wrestlers’ legacies.
It elevated their status in the WWE and showcased their exceptional in-ring abilities.
The compelling storylines and memorable matches helped solidify their positions as two of the greatest performers of their time.
The influence of this rivalry can still be seen today, as both wrestlers are revered and their classic encounters are remembered as some of the best in WWE history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great WWE rivalry?
A great WWE rivalry is characterized by intense competition, compelling storylines, and captivating in-ring performances. The wrestlers involved should have strong chemistry and be able to engage the audience with their charisma and mic skills.
The feud should have a clear purpose and build momentum, leading to highly anticipated matches.
The rivalry should also stand the test of time, leaving a lasting impact on both the wrestlers and the fans. So, it’s all about the perfect combination of athleticism, storytelling, and a dash of unpredictability that makes a WWE rivalry truly great.
Are rivalries scripted or genuine?
Rivalries in WWE are a mix of scripted and genuine elements.
While the outcomes and storylines are pre-determined, the performers involved often bring their own charisma and personal conflicts into the ring.
This creates an authentic sense of rivalry that resonates with the audience.
The wrestlers may also have real-life animosity or competitive drive, adding an extra layer of intensity to their performances.
So, while the storylines may be scripted, the emotions and rivalries themselves can be very genuine.
Which rivalry had the biggest impact on WWE in the 2000s?
The rivalry between Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin had the biggest impact on WWE in the 2000s. Their intense matches and charismatic personas captivated audiences and helped bring WWE into the mainstream.
Their rivalries elevated the overall quality of WWE programming and drew in record-breaking viewership numbers.
The Rock vs. Stone Cold showdowns became iconic moments in WWE history and showcased the power of compelling storytelling in professional wrestling.
With their larger-than-life personalities, The Rock and Stone Cold revolutionized the industry and left a lasting impact on WWE.
Final Verdict
The WWE rivalries of the 2000s were epic battles that defined an era of professional wrestling.
From Triple H vs.
The Rock to Stone Cold Steve Austin vs.
Vince McMahon, these rivalries captivated fans with their intense storylines, memorable matches, and lasting impact on the careers of the wrestlers involved.
From the Undertaker vs.
Kane to John Cena vs.
Edge, these rivalries showcased the evolution of characters and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the ring.
The Shawn Michaels vs.
Chris Jericho rivalry provided us with unforgettable moments and added to the legacies of both performers.
These rivalries demonstrated what makes a great WWE feud: compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and the ability to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
While rivalries in WWE are scripted, the passion and dedication of the wrestlers often make them feel genuine.
Of all the rivalries discussed, the Austin vs.
McMahon feud had the biggest impact on WWE in the 2000s, solidifying the “attitude era” and forever changing the landscape of professional wrestling.
Whether scripted or not, these rivalries kept fans on the edge of their seats and left an indelible mark on the world of WWE.
