5 Best Wrestling Matches of 2001

#4 Triple H vs. Steve Austin – 3 Stages of Hell – No Way Out 2001

The first contest was the ‘wrestling match’, and we got to see some great things not normally seen from HHH or Austin. Both were known for brawling and weapons attacks, respectively, so it was a welcome sight to see them targeting each other’s various body parts and using ring psychology. This was one of the longest matches of the entire Attitude Era, going almost forty minutes. Yet it was a great opportunity for fans to see just what Austin & Triple H could do if time wasn’t a factor in a wrestling match.

Triple H’s arms got attacked so much by Austin during the first part of the match that it played into the second half perfectly. As Triple H prepared to Pedigree Austin through the announce table, he winced for a second because his arm was in pain.

That split-second move gave Austin enough time to reverse the Pedigree and back body drop Triple H into the announcer’s table. That is perfect ring psychology and a shining example of smart storytelling in a match.

But there was more than ring psychology here; this was, at its core, a brutal war between two men that hated each other, and it showed in their willingness to go the extra mile to hurt each other. From suplexes onto the steel entrance ramp, to countless chair shots from Austin onto HHH’s entire body, to the barbed wire 2x4 making its triumphant return, this match was a bloody mess. It showed just how much hatred there really was between these superstars, which made everything they did more captivating.

This match proved that you don’t need dangerous spots and crazy dives to tell a great story. All you need is an action that makes sense to the story and the crowd eats it up.