The Attitude Era featured many standout talents creating legendary reputations in the wrestling industry. WWE had an embarrassment of riches in the main event picture as everyone pushed to the top typically hit home runs. The Attitude Era can be criticized today as various storyline weaknesses led to potential negative aspects of the time. However, there were still some must-see matches that came together during the popular era of wrestling.

We will break down the overall best bouts from the Attitude Era. Most featured upper card names using their star power and fan interest to make everything matter more. They treated us to outstanding matches that are still beloved today after all this time. Find out just which of your favorites from late 1997 to early 2002 had the longest-lasting legacy. These are the top ten matches of the Attitude Era.

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10 Steve Austin vs The Undertaker (Summerslam 1998)

The build to the Steve Austin vs Undertaker showdown at Summerslam 1998 was peak Attitude Era. WWE went with the rare face vs face dynamic between the two most popular wrestlers in the company at that specific time.

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Austin and Undertaker lived up to the expectations rocking Madison Square Garden with a tremendous main event. At one point, Undertaker even did a leg drop to Austin through the commentary table for the first time. Austin eventually prevailed to retain the WWE Championship.

9 Triple H vs Chris Jericho (Fully Loaded 2000)

Chris Jericho’s rivalry with Triple H presented one of the most underrated feuds of the Attitude Era. Stephanie McMahon was often the target of Jericho with Triple H eventually defending his wife against the face with a loud mouth.

Triple H and Jericho had their best match at the Fully Loaded 2000 event in a Last Man Standing match. Both guys brought the intensity leading to a wild fight. Triple H pulled out the victory as the bigger name, but Jericho proved he could hang with the main eventers.

8 Steve Austin vs Dude Love (Over the Edge 1998)

The first major feud for Steve Austin after winning the WWE Championship would see him face Mick Foley with the Dude Love persona. Mr. McMahon’s heel character sided with Foley due to wanting to get the title off Austin by any means.

Austin and Foley had their best match main eventing the Over the Edge 1998 PPV. The Falls Count Anywhere match would see McMahon as the guest referee refusing to count for Austin. Stone Cold’s solution was using an unconscious McMahon’s hand to count the pin to retain the title.

7 The Undertaker vs Mankind (King of the Ring 1998)

Mick Foley became a star in WWE for life after taking some of the sickest bumps in wrestling history on this night. The Undertaker faced off against Foley in his Mankind persona to continue their iconic rivalry inside of the Hell in a Cell structure.

Fans were in awe when Undertaker tossed Foley off the top of the cage through the commentary tables. It was followed up with a chokeslam from the top of the cell into the ring. Foley took a beating on this night, but many fans developed respect and a fandom for him out of it.

6 Triple H vs The Rock (Summerslam 1998)

Triple H and The Rock had similar career paths in the early stages of their WWE careers. Both wrestlers were looking to become main eventers at the level of Steve Austin in the first half of 1998. Summerslam would see them face off in an outstanding ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship.

The Rock was the leader of the Nation of Domination with Triple H representing the D-Generation X faction. Their chemistry was on point this night with one of the most brutal and least graceful ladder matches in WWE history. Fans loved every second of it especially when Triple H won the title.

5 Triple H vs Cactus Jack (Royal Rumble 2000)

Another huge star-making performance for Triple H in Madison Square Garden established him as a legitimate top main event act. Triple H faced off with Mick Foley as Cactus Jack in a Street Fight for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2000.

The violent match featured chairs, barbed wire, thumbtacks, and many other weapons. Triple H delivered one of the best outings of his career with Foley also making him look like a million bucks. Many wondered why this match didn’t main event WrestleMania 16 instead of the lackluster fatal four-way.

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4 Edge and Christian vs The Hardy Boyz vs The Dudley Boyz (WrestleMania 17)

The success of the TLC match would see Edge and Christian, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz find magic together. All three teams were on the same page whenever they were able to use tables, ladders, and chairs as their weapons of choice.

WrestleMania 17 was their best of the TLC matches. Other acquaintances like Lita, Spike Dudley and Rhyno joined the match to add to the appeal. The dazzling moves and violence saw the three teams top their prior efforts with Edge and Christian winning again.

3 Triple H vs Steve Austin (No Way Out 2001)

Triple H and Steve Austin’s heated rivalry would culminate at No Way Out 2001 in the best 3 Stages of Hell match in WWE history. The three falls of a traditional match, Street Fight and Cage match all featured classic work by the two legends.

Fans were captivated by the end of the match with both men hitting each other with weapons at the same time, but Triple H luckily falling on top of Austin for the pin. The win was a huge one for Triple H moving forward especially since it came in a classic match that was voted the best of 2001 by WWE fans.

2 Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker (In Your House 18: Badd Blood 1997)

The debut of the Hell in a Cell match created a perfect storm for everyone involved. Shawn Michaels faced The Undertaker inside of the massive cage structure unlike any other cage in wrestling history. The match itself was a classic with both men putting out outstanding performances.

Michaels was viewed as being at the top of his game to make this such a special match. Kane would have his debut in WWE attacking his brother Undertaker after ripping off the cell door. Michaels scored the pin to steal the win in a must-see match.

1 Steve Austin vs The Rock (WrestleMania 17)

The emotion and excitement in the air for Steve Austin vs The Rock at WrestleMania 17 summed up the Attitude Era. Fans were treated to witnessing the two biggest stars of the era facing off in the main event of a special show that is still viewed as the best WrestleMania of all time.

Rock and Austin traded blows just building the anticipation the entire match. Viewers loved every second of it until Vince McMahon shocked the world by helping Austin win. The surprise of the moment made it even more surreal at the time. This match showcased everything that made the Attitude Era special.

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