WWE WrestleMania XIX (19)

The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIX on March 30th, 2003, marked the final chapter in one of wrestling’s most iconic rivalries. Austin returned as the fan-favorite anti-hero, while The Rock had embraced his role as a smug, Hollywood heel. There were no special stipulations for the match, but the emotional stakes were high as Austin had never lost to Rock at WrestleMania.

From the bell, Rock targeted Austin’s injured left knee, slamming him on the announce table, stomping it repeatedly, wrapping it around the ring post, and applying a Sharpshooter. At one point outside the ring, The Rock puts on Austin’s vest, mocking him in a blatant show of disrespect.

Austin is able to fight back with his classic brawling offense, hitting a Lou Thesz press, mudhole stomps, and an elbow drop for a two-count.

As both men regrouped, The Rock nailed a flying clothesline and turned to play to the crowd, soaking in a mix of cheers and boos. When he shifts his attention back to the match, the Texas Rattlesnake is there waiting and delivers a Rock Bottom, but it only amounts to a two-count.

Austin then went for a Stunner, but The Rock countered it by catching his boot and hitting a Stunner of his own. He covered Austin, but again only got a near fall.

After both slowly get back to their feet again, The Rock pummels Austin with his signature “People’s Punches” but right before he delivers the final blow, Austin ducks underneath and drops him with a Stunner. Austin immediately goes for a pin, but The Rock kicks out again after another two-count.

Tensions grew when Austin shoved the referee out of frustration, and The Rock capitalized on the referee not looking with a low blow. This allowed him to set up his trademark People’s Elbow, but Austin rolled out at the last second. Austin then attempts a quick Stunner, but The Rock blocks it and pushes him against the ropes to set up a spinebuster.

Throwing away Austin’s vest, The Rock is finally able to land The People’s Elbow and attempts another pin, but Austin kicks out once more, refusing to stay down.

The Rock, full of momentum and energy, waits for Austin to get to his feet. As soon as he turns around, Austin is hit with a Rock Bottom. When the pin attempt fails, Rock stands over him, stalking and waiting for his next opening.

Despite using what little energy he has left to resist, Austin can’t stop Rock from hitting a second Rock Bottom.

When that pin also comes up short, Rock has had enough. He steps back and waits for Austin to rise one last time before delivering a third consecutive Rock Bottom to finally shut down Steve Austin and pin him for the win.

With that win, The Rock finally overcame his WrestleMania hoodoo against Austin, and Austin bowed out of active competition. The confrontation tied off their long arc and marked a symbolic handoff.

Though many fans view their WrestleMania X7 bout as their finest match, WrestleMania XIX remains meaningful with the emotional blow-off, the drama of Austin’s final battle, and the symbolic passing from one legend to another.