Stone Cold Steve Austin was (and remains) possibly the greatest of all time.
You can dispute that if you'd like. Personally, I'm partial to Shawn Michaels as the greatest all-around talent in the history of professional wrestling. He was the best worker in the ring (when he wanted to be), could make anyone look like a million bucks and his mic work, while questionable in his younger days, was almost flawless when he grew into his character.
He never quite reached the popularity of Austin, though, who sold more merchandise during his prime than anyone. The Attitude Era to this day is mostly defined by Stone Cold and his feud with Vince McMahon that put WWE over the top.
He had a lot of other incredible moments throughout his career, as well. Thankfully, WWE is in the process of another "List This!" special focusing on "Stunning" Stone Cold Tactics. I'm a little behind, as they've already released five of the top 10, but there's no reason we can't play catch up.
After the jump are videos of the list so far, counted down from 10 to five:
10. Stone Cold helps Vince McMahon defeat Triple H for the WWE title. Watching this back makes me long for the days when the live crowds actually, truly cared for what they were watching. It's never been as difficult to get a legitimate reaction out of fans as it is today. Which is part of why CM Punk's win in Chicago over John Cena at "Money in the Bank" this year was so special. And to think, that happened almost every week during this time period.
9. Stone Cold ties up Scott Hall and ambushes Kevin Nash and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan in the WWE incarnation of the then completely watered down nWo.
8. Stone Cold forces Vince McMahon to sign the contract for a match against Bret Hart at WrestleMania 26.
7. Stone Cold wins the WWE title from Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14 with the help of a patented Mike Tyson quick count. Notable for "HBK" wrestling and having an incredible match despite his almost completely shattered back. Also because many reports stated that he initially refused to drop the strap to Austin before some backstage convincing.
6. Stone Cold lifts a car into the air with a fork lift and drops it down onto the hood upside down with Triple H in the car. In "The Game's" next appearance, he didn't even wear a neck brace. He essentially no-selled death. And they wonder why we pro wrestling fans can be so jaded.
5. Stone Cold deliberately loses a match to rid himself of Ted DiBiase. "The Million Dollar Man" was headed for the seemingly greener pastures of WCW and Austin was on the verge of becoming the biggest star in the history of the business.
So concludes the list ... for now.