5 Huge 'What If' moments of the Attitude Era 

The Attitude Era is often seen by fans as the pinnacle of WWE if not all of Professional Wrestling. Lasting from 1997-2001, its edgy, in-your-face style, mass of superstars and shocking moments, it's hard to argue that it truly was a fantastic time to be a fan.

Austin. Rock. Mankind. Kane. Undertaker. Triple H. Hardyz. Jericho. All these stars got their best runs during that time and fans can now look back fondly at the late 90s and early 2000s.

But there are plenty of what if moments from this time period. Moments that would've shocked the wrestling world for years to come. Here are 5 of the biggest What If moments of arguably, the most successful era in professional wrestling.

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What if Chyna had become WWF Champion?

In the summer of 1999, there was controversy surrounding the WWF Championship. At the Fully Loaded pay-per-view in July, Triple H defeated The Rock in a Strap Match to become the number one contender at Summerslam.

However, a lot happened in the two months between the PPVs, with the contendership going to the Rock, Mankind and most notably, Chyna. The ninth wonder was the first woman to be the number-one contender for the gold, and although she never received that title match, she still made history.

But what if Chyna had won the title from Stone Cold at Summerslam?

Being the first female World champion would've been a shocking moment for sure. I can't see her reign lasting too long, as asides from Chyna, WWF's treatment of women at the time was not great. Still, it would've made for an interesting story, and some big headlines for the company, at a time when the WWF were bursting onto mainstream media.

What if Triple H hadn't faced the Undertaker at WrestleMania X-Seven?

2001 was not the best year for Triple H. After failing to recapture the WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble, the Game would also fail to defeat the Undertaker at WrestleMania, have a brief stint as Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion, before tearing his quad in June, and being sidelined for the rest of the year.

But did you know there was a different plan for WrestleMania?

The original plan was for a Boxing match to take place at the show of shows, between Triple H and former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson. However, when this came to nothing, the plan was changed to the Deadman.

NFL Quarterback Ray Lewis was also considered as an opponent for the Game, as well as Shawn Michaels, who returned the next year in an Unsanctioned match at Summerslam.

The other huge moment of 2001 for Triple H was, of course, his injury. Apparently, if he had never got injured, Triple H would've turned face and feuded with Austin for the title. In addition, Chris Jericho had said how the plan was for a Jericho-Austin feud, and HHH taking on Chris Benoit for the Intercontinental title.

What if Brian Pillman had not died the night of the Bad Blood PPV?

Brian Pillman is regarded by many as one of the most underrated stars of the Attitude Era. His brash, unhinged outbursts left many fans wondering what was a character and what was the man.

Tragically, Pillman died the day of the In Your House: Bad Blood event, of a previously undiagnosed heart defect, which had claimed his father years prior. His death shook the wrestling world, especially his closest friends in the Hart Foundation.

However, had he not had died, Pillman would have continued his feud with Goldust and Marlena, the latter of which he had won the services of. According to reports, in a match where the two would've fought for Marlena again, the future Terri Runnels would have turned on her husband, and would truly align herself with the Loose Cannon.

What if the main event of WrestleMania 15 was different?

WrestleMania 15 is something of a mixed pay per view. Despite a historic main event, the first of three WrestleMania bouts between The Rock and Steve Austin, the pay per view fell flat, with an awkward Hell In A Cell match between the Undertaker and the Big Boss Man.

But the original main event was quite different from what the WWF fans got.

Originally, the main event was going to be a triple threat match, pitting WWF Champion The Rock, against 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, and Mankind. However, Shawn Michaels did not agree with the idea, arguing that the main event of a WrestleMania should be a singles match. Foley conceded and was relegated to a guest-referee role in the match, a role he won by beating the Big Show Paul Wight earlier that night.

Funnily enough, Shawn had not wanted Foley out. Instead, he wanted Austin out, which would have left the main event to the Rock n' Sock connection.

Also, how ironic that Michaels did not like the idea of the main event Triple threat match at Mania, yet he competed in one 5 years later at WrestleMania 20.

What if Vince Russo had never left the WWF?

Vince Russo is one of the most controversial figures in wrestling. To some, he's a creative mastermind, responsible for some excellent moments in wrestling, and helping build the characters of countless stars. To others, he is the worst thing in wrestling, directly responsible for killing WCW, and crippling IMPACT Wrestling.

In late 1999, Russo left the WWF, jumping ship to WCW. When he left, the WWF were left to pull his stories together and continue moving forward. According to Russo himself, if he had not left, the plan was for Test (who Russo was a known advocate for) to turn heel, and join D-Generation X. Test would then ditch Stephanie McMahon at the altar.

What we got instead was Triple H marrying her in a Vegas chapel, before later marrying her in real-life. The Game has since become a major figurehead in the company, though it does make you wonder, what would have happened if he and Stephanie hadn't been put in a story together in the first place?