The Austin era began TWO decades ago

[mcstoklasa]

Damn I feel old. I know some may say it officially began at Mania in 1998 but this time in 1997, TWENTY YEARS AGO, Austin was the biggest star, or rapidly becoming the biggest star, in the wrestling world.

I actually missed 97, and most of 98 at the time before I got back into wrestling thanks to Austin when I was about ten years old. It was the best time. Then before I knew it Austin disappeared for a year with injury in 99. I kept up with the show waiting for him to come back and basically all of my fondest Austin memories that I saw live were from his 2000-2001 face run return- Returnung at unforgiven, Beating up Rikishi, Hell in a cell at Armageddon, dropping HHH from a crane, rumble 2001 etc.

What a time to be a wrestling fan. I can't believe it all started two decades ago. Although at the same time it does feel like a long time ago now.

[Fade]

The reason I became a wrestling fan. Great, great time. I know Cenas busted his ass and others have made strides but no ones gonna fill Austins shoes for me. Ever.

[ToyfareMark]

My favorite periods of Austin were late 96 until around Summerslam 97 when he got hurt, and his heel turn in 2001. I could not STAND 98/99 beer bukkake Austin. I know I'm in the minority on that, but thats just how I felt about it.

[Bo Rida]

The 90s are still 10 years ago to me dammit!

[Deleted]

It's pretty crazy how short his run was and yet there's a reason Austin, Hogan, and Rock are in their own league. When I watch the old stuff from '96/'97 on the Network, it's so easy to see how he became so huge. The guy oozed charisma.

[mcstoklasa]

Sept 4, 2017 12:10:37 GMT -5 ToyfareMark said:

My favorite periods of Austin were late 96 until around Summerslam 97 when he got hurt, and his heel turn in 2001. I could not STAND 98/99 beer bukkake Austin. I know I'm in the minority on that, but thats just how I felt about it.

Someone hold me back

[mcstoklasa]

Sept 4, 2017 13:50:55 GMT -5 @dax said:

It's pretty crazy how short his run was and yet there's a reason Austin, Hogan, and Rock are in their own league. When I watch the old stuff from '96/'97 on the Network, it's so easy to see how he became so huge. The guy oozed charisma.

Basically if Austin would have debuted in 2010.. He would have been the biggest star by 2012, and would have retired this year. He was in WWE for like seven years. Three on top altogether? Reigns has been "on top" probably longer than Austin