#FiftyMatches - The Rock Goes Hollywood

July 21, 2002

The Undertaker v. The Rock v. Kurt Angle

WWE Undisputed Championship

Vengeance 2002

"The most awesome triple threat match I've ever seen in my life!" -Jim Ross

On April 19, 2002 the first movie to feature The Rock in a starring role arrived in theaters.

And the people came.

#FiftyMatches: The End Of The Invasion

Team WWF (The Rock, Chris Jericho, Undertaker, Kane, Big Show) v. The Alliance ("Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, Shane McMahon)

"Winner Takes All"

Survivor Series 2001
November 18, 2001

"The stakes have never been higher in the history of this business." -Jim Ross

On Friday, March 23, 2001, the unthinkable occurred. The World Wrestling Federation purchased World Championship Wrestling. It was the end of a decades-long, and deeply personal, rivalry.

Three days later, on Monday, March 26, 2001, the purchase was revealed to the world. It was perhaps the most mind-blowing moment in the history of professional wrestling.

#FiftyMatches: The Summer Of Austin And Angle

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin v. Kurt Angle

WWF Championship

SummerSlam 2001
August 19, 2001

"Austin must be thinking, 'What in the hell must I do to beat this man?'" -Jim Ross

For all its faults, The Invasion story line did do some good. Perhaps no one benefited more from it than Kurt Angle. After injury put Triple H out of action, it was Angle who was chosen to fill the opening as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's partner in crime. In the summer of 2001, Kurt Angle's star was on the rise like never before in the World Wrestling Federation. Before it was over, his position as a career main event performer would be secure.

#FiftyMatches: Kurt Angle, Pro Wrestling Prodigy

Kurt Angle v. Shane McMahon

Street Fight

WWF King of the Ring 2001
June 24, 2001

"Have you ever seen an athlete quite like Kurt Angle?" 

-Paul Heyman

In 1996, Kurt Angle was already recognized as one of the best amateur wrestlers in the world. He had won a gold medal at the 1995 World Championships. However, despite an amateur career that also included a Pennsylvania State Wrestling Championship as a senior in high school, two NCAA Division I Championships and four national championships, he was just another face in the crowd to most Americans. That all changed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

#FiftyMatches: "Stone Cold" Is Back

Triple H v. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

2 Out Of 3 Falls

No Way Out 2001
February 25, 2001

"These guys are literally going to destroy each other"  -Jerry "The King" Lawler

Writing about the World Wrestling Federation in the year 2000, one storyline keeps popping up over and over again - The rise of Triple H.

In January 2000, he was an unproven champion still searching for a signature win. As the months passed, he earned the respect of fans. He held his own against The Rock, and dominated Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle. 2000 was the most successful year of Triple H's career, and he was in the perfect position for the biggest opportunity of his life inside the ring.