Ric Flair won the WWE Championship in a memorable Royal Rumble. Hulk Hogan phased out as the "New Generation" era prioritised in-ring talent with stars like Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Diesel, Razor Ramon, and The Undertaker.
WrestleMania 17, the Attitude Era's peak, features Stone Cold's crucial heel turn with Vince McMahon, while injuries to Triple H and Chris Benoit impacted Austin's storylines. The Invasion angle missed a huge opportunity, leading to the end of the company's boom.
WWE won the Monday Night Wars, but Vince Russo's chaotic booking led to constant swerves and title changes. He left for WCW. Highlights: Mick Foley's first WWE title win, Stone Cold vs. The Rock Part I, Triple H's rise, and Chris Jericho's arrival as Y2J. Vince McMahon's "higher power" reveal made little sense.
In the late '80s wrestling boom, Hulk Hogan defeated Randy Savage for the WWE Title at WrestleMania. The Ultimate Warrior rose as a promising new star, winning the Intercontinental Championship at Summerslam and becoming Hogan's potential successor.
In 2002, WWE had a transitional year with memorable moments like Triple H's return, Hogan vs. Rock at WrestleMania, and Lesnar becoming WWE Champion. Cena, Orton, and Batista debuted, and the brand split began with Bischoff as Raw GM. A wild year!
John Cena's rise to superstardom, winning his first WWE Title at WrestleMania 21. Batista also became a World Champion at the same event. Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels had an epic feud, and Eddie Guerrero's passing marked a somber end to the year.
In 1997, WWE's Attitude Era began with the Montreal Screwjob and Hart vs. Michaels feud. WrestleMania 13 catapulted Stone Cold to fame. D-Generation X, The Rock, Kane, and McMahon-Austin rivalry debuted, revolutionizing wrestling.
In 1998, WWE excelled, beating WCW in ratings. Austin won his first Royal Rumble, Michaels retired at WrestleMania 14 passing the torch, Rock won the WWE Title, Triple H led DX, and the McMahon-Austin feud escalated. Epic!
WWE's best year, Stone Cold's neck surgery, "Whodunnit" mystery with Triple H, epic feuds with Foley and The Rock. Undertaker's return, Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit debut. WrestleMania disappointment.