Austin was so over that even as a heel, the crowd still cheered him. The Rock got booed as a face. Does this prove that connection beats booking? 👇
This video breaks down the fascinating contrast between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock during the early 2000s. Austin turned heel at WrestleMania X-Seven, but the audience refused to boo him, especially in his home state of Texas. Meanwhile, The Rock, positioned as the top babyface, found himself on the receiving end of boos, partly due to fan frustration over his Hollywood departure and partly because the crowd that night belonged to Austin.
The difference is simple: Austin's connection with the audience transcended the face/heel alignment. Fans did not care what the script said. They cheered for him because they loved him. The Rock's boos were a different signal, one he later turned into the brilliant "Hollywood Rock" persona. But in that moment, the contrast was undeniable.
What do you think? Was Austin simply untouchable, or did WWE mishandle The Rock's booking during that period?
#StoneCold #TheRock #WWE #AttitudeEra #WrestlingHistory
