WrestleMania 17: The Definitive Answer to Who Won The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

Nov 5, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 21 views

WrestleMania 17: The Definitive Answer to Who Won The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

WrestleMania 17, often hailed as the greatest WrestleMania of all time, culminated in a main event that etched itself into the annals of professional wrestling history: a highly anticipated clash between two titans, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Fans around the globe were on the edge of their seats, eager to discover who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 in this epic encounter. This article delves deep into the specifics of that fateful night, recounting the build-up, the match itself, and the shocking turn of events that solidified its legendary status. The atmosphere in the Astrodome was electric, a palpable tension built around the fact that one of wrestling’s most iconic rivalries would finally reach its zenith with the WWE Championship on the line. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the personal animosity between the two superstars was undeniable, making this a true main event in every sense of the word. Every move, every counter, and every near fall was met with a thunderous roar from the record-breaking crowd, understanding they were witnessing something truly special. The narrative going into this match was not just about a title; it was about supremacy, legacy, and the very soul of the ‘Attitude Era’ itself.

The Road to WrestleMania 17: A Clash of Icons

The build-up to the main event at WrestleMania 17 between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin was nothing short of monumental. Both men were at the absolute peak of their careers, representing the very essence of the ‘Attitude Era.’ Stone Cold Steve Austin, the rebellious beer-swilling Texan, had battled back from career-threatening neck injuries, returning to reclaim his spot at the top. His journey was one of defiance against authority, primarily Vince McMahon, and an unwavering connection with the WWE Universe. Meanwhile, The Rock, the charismatic ‘People’s Champion,’ had transitioned from a cocky corporate heel to one of the most beloved and entertaining babyfaces in wrestling history. His rapid ascent, his signature catchphrases, and his unparalleled charisma made him a global phenomenon.

Their paths intertwined multiple times before, but this specific WrestleMania 17 encounter was different. Austin had won the 2001 Royal Rumble, earning his shot at the WWE Championship, which The Rock held after defeating Kurt Angle at No Way Out. The narrative was meticulously crafted, painting a picture of two undisputed alpha males vying for ultimate supremacy. The promos leading up to the match were legendary, with both men delivering some of the most memorable speeches of their careers. Austin, with his intense, no-nonsense demeanor, contrasted perfectly with The Rock’s smooth, confident swagger. The storyline delved into the idea of who was truly ‘the man’ in WWE, a question that only a direct confrontation at the grandest stage of them all could answer. The tension was further amplified by the fact that the event was taking place in Austin’s home state of Texas, adding another layer of emotional investment for the fans. This wasn’t just another title match; it was a collision of eras, a battle for bragging rights, and a defining moment for both of these larger-than-life characters. The entire wrestling world held its breath, speculating who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 would be, recognizing the historic weight of the impending battle.

Setting the Stage: WrestleMania X-Seven in Houston

WrestleMania X-Seven, held on April 1, 2001, at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, was a spectacle unlike any other. The sheer magnitude of the event cannot be overstated. With a staggering attendance of 67,925 fans, it broke records and generated unprecedented revenue for the time. This was a company at its zenith, riding the crest of the ‘Attitude Era’ wave, and every match on the card delivered. From the incredible TLC II match between The Dudley Boyz, The Hardy Boyz, and Edge & Christian, to the memorable Gimmick Battle Royal, the show was stacked with compelling narratives and athletic displays. However, all eyes were firmly fixed on the main event, the colossal battle that would determine who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17.

The atmosphere inside the Astrodome was absolutely electrifying. Fans were roaring, chanting, and passionately divided between their loyalties to The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The anticipation for their championship clash reached a fever pitch as the show progressed, building to an almost unbearable level of excitement. The setting itself, a massive stadium filled with a sea of humanity, underscored the significance of the encounter. This wasn’t just a wrestling match; it was a cultural event, a defining moment for an era. The entrances alone were iconic, with Stone Cold driving to the ring in a custom four-wheeler and The Rock soaking in the adoration of the crowd. Every element of the presentation amplified the gravity of the occasion, ensuring that this main event would be remembered for decades to come. The stage was perfectly set for two icons to create a moment that would forever be synonymous with the phrase, “who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17?” The answer, as the world would soon discover, would be etched in controversy and unforgettable drama.

The Match Itself: A War of Attrition

When The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin finally locked horns at WrestleMania 17, it was an absolute war. From the moment the bell rang, both men unleashed a barrage of their signature offenses, trading blows, submissions, and near-falls that had the capacity crowd on its feet. The intensity was palpable, reflecting the deep-seated rivalry and the championship stakes. The initial minutes saw a furious exchange, with neither man willing to give an inch. Austin, ever the brawler, went straight for The Rock, while The Rock used his speed and athleticism to counter. The referee, Earl Hebner, struggled to maintain order as the action spilled outside the ring almost immediately. They fought through the crowd, up the entrance ramp, and back to the ring, showcasing the desperation and hatred driving them.

Back in the squared circle, the pace didn’t let up. Stone Cold delivered multiple Stunners, but The Rock miraculously kicked out, frustrating Austin and shocking the audience. Similarly, The Rock landed several Rock Bottoms, only for Austin to power out at the last second, further intensifying the suspense. The match was a masterclass in storytelling through action, with each move and counter building the narrative of two indestructible forces colliding. As the match wore on, the brutality escalated. Both men were visibly exhausted, yet they continued to dig deep, fueled by their desire to win and the thunderous support – and division – of the crowd. The referee was inadvertently knocked out, a classic wrestling trope that usually signals external interference, and this time was no exception. This pivotal moment opened the door for the most shocking twist in WrestleMania history, definitively answering the question of who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 in a way no one could have predicted. The near-falls were legendary, the crowd gasping with every two-count, believing the match was over multiple times. The sheer athleticism and resilience displayed by both superstars cemented this as a truly unforgettable contest, regardless of the controversial ending that was about to unfold.

The Unforgettable Turn: Austin’s Heel Shock

The climax of The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 remains one of the most talked-about moments in wrestling history. With the referee incapacitated, a familiar and infamous figure made his way down to the ring: none other than Mr. McMahon. The Chairman of the WWE, who had been Stone Cold’s arch-nemesis for years, handed Austin a steel chair. The entire arena, and indeed the wrestling world, collectively held its breath, struggling to comprehend what was unfolding. Stone Cold Steve Austin, the ultimate anti-hero, the man who had built his career on defying McMahon, used the chair to brutally assault The Rock. Multiple chair shots rained down on The People’s Champion, a sight that sent shockwaves through the Astrodome.

After softening The Rock with the steel chair, Austin delivered a final, devastating Stone Cold Stunner. With McMahon revived and back in action, he counted the decisive three-count, awarding the WWE Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin. The reaction was a mixture of disbelief, outrage, and utter shock. The beloved ‘Texas Rattlesnake’ had turned heel in his home state, aligning with the very man he had sworn to destroy. The sight of McMahon and Austin shaking hands, then sharing beers and toasting over The Rock’s fallen body, was an iconic and deeply unsettling image. This heel turn fundamentally altered the landscape of the WWE and profoundly answered the question of who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 with an asterisk of controversy that persists to this day. The implications were immediate and far-reaching, setting the stage for a new, darker chapter in Austin’s career and leaving fans grappling with the betrayal. It was a creative gamble that, while shocking, certainly ensured the match’s place in wrestling lore.

Aftermath and Legacy: The Impact of a Single Night

The outcome of who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 sent ripples throughout the wrestling world, creating an immediate and lasting impact on both competitors’ careers and the WWE product as a whole. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s heel turn was a monumental gamble. While initially met with strong reactions, it proved to be a challenging period for his character. Fans struggled to accept their rebellious hero as a villain, especially when aligned with Vince McMahon. This new, more aggressive, and cynical Austin alienated a segment of his loyal fanbase, although he delivered some incredibly entertaining, albeit controversial, segments. His partnership with McMahon, dubbed ‘The Power Trip,’ produced compelling television but ultimately struggled to recapture the magic of his anti-establishment run.

For The Rock, this loss marked a temporary dip in his main event status, but his career trajectory remained upwards. He would soon transition into Hollywood, becoming a global movie star, though he returned to WWE for significant runs, including future WrestleMania matches against Austin. The legacy of WrestleMania 17 itself was cemented as one of the greatest events ever, largely due to this main event. The controversial finish sparked endless debate, cementing its place in wrestling folklore. It proved that even at the peak of the ‘Attitude Era,’ WWE was willing to take bold, unexpected risks. While the answer to who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 is clearly Austin, the manner in which he won forever changed perceptions and opened up new creative avenues, for better or worse. The match is consistently ranked among the greatest of all time, not just for the in-ring action, but for the dramatic storytelling and the sheer audacity of its conclusion. It represented a turning point, a moment where the lines between hero and villain blurred in an unprecedented way, forcing fans to question everything they thought they knew about their beloved ‘Texas Rattlesnake’.

Revisiting the Controversy: Why the Turn?

Decades later, the decision behind Stone Cold Steve Austin’s heel turn at WrestleMania 17 continues to be a subject of intense discussion and speculation among wrestling fans and pundits. On one hand, creative teams often argue that even the most popular characters can benefit from a refresh, preventing stagnation. Austin had been the top babyface for three years, and perhaps there was a belief that his character had reached its natural peak as an anti-authority figure. A heel turn offered a fresh narrative direction, allowing Austin to explore a different side of his personality and create new dynamics with the roster. The idea was to generate significant heat, shocking the audience and revitalizing storylines.

However, the execution, especially taking place in Austin’s home state of Texas and against The Rock, arguably the second biggest babyface at the time, was seen by many as deeply problematic. The turn required the audience to boo their beloved hero, a hero they had cheered through thick and thin. Many fans struggled to switch their allegiance, leading to a period where Austin received a mixed reaction, blurring the lines between heel and face. Some argue that the turn came too late, or that the partnership with McMahon felt forced given their history. Others contend that the booking following the turn failed to capitalize on its shock value effectively. Regardless of the differing opinions, the turn remains one of the most audacious creative decisions in wrestling history, a moment that definitively shaped the answer to who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 and, more importantly, how it was won. It was a gamble that ultimately had mixed results, but its impact on the narrative and the fans’ perception of wrestling storytelling is undeniable. The debate over whether it was a stroke of genius or a misstep continues to this day, a testament to its enduring legacy.

The Enduring Appeal: A Match for the Ages

Beyond the controversial finish and the immediate aftermath, The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 remains a definitive benchmark in professional wrestling. It is a match that transcends its era and continues to resonate with fans, new and old, reinforcing why it’s consistently ranked among the greatest main events of all time. The sheer star power involved, the undeniable chemistry between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the emotional investment of the audience created an atmosphere that few matches have ever replicated. The in-ring psychology, the pacing, and the relentless action were all masterfully executed, showcasing both men’s incredible talent and ability to tell a story through their physicality.

The match serves as a perfect encapsulation of the ‘Attitude Era’ – daring, unpredictable, and packed with drama. Even if the answer to who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 is forever linked to controversy, the quality of the wrestling and the storytelling leading up to that moment cannot be denied. It was a true main event, a clash of titans that delivered on its immense promise of an unforgettable spectacle. The legacy of this match is not just in its winner, but in its ability to provoke discussion, generate genuine emotion, and stand the test of time as a pivotal moment in sports entertainment history. It’s a match that new generations discover and older fans revisit with fond, albeit complex, memories, always finding new layers of appreciation for the masterful performances and the audacious creative choices that defined it. The iconic image of Austin and McMahon celebrating over The Rock’s prone body is burned into the collective memory of wrestling fans, a testament to the match’s lasting power and its status as a truly legendary encounter.

Conclusion: A Night Etched in History

In conclusion, the question of who won The Rock vs Stone Cold WrestleMania 17 is unequivocally answered: Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated The Rock to win the WWE Championship. However, the victory came with a seismic shift in character, as Austin shockingly aligned himself with Vince McMahon, turning heel in front of a stunned home-state crowd. This main event was more than just a championship match; it was a historic, dramatic, and controversial encounter that encapsulated the very essence of the ‘Attitude Era’. It remains a crucial chapter in the careers of two legendary superstars and a cornerstone of WrestleMania’s illustrious history, forever remembered for its intensity, its unforgettable twist, and its enduring impact on the world of professional wrestling.