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The best way to connect with the WWE Universe is through a microphone. Promos allow the audience to better understand a Superstar's character and motivations, making them an integral part of pro-wrestling.
The genre's history is full of incredible promos that are often remembered as fondly as the greatest matches. To this day, lapsed fans will fondly reminisce about Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes and other legends who could entertain them on the microphone.
Here are five promos that changed WWE forever:
#5. Paul Heyman's promos helped make Brock Lesnar a WWE legend
Following his departure from WWE in 2004, Brock Lesnar found incredible success as an MMA fighter, winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship in only his fourth professional bout. Lesnar set a number of pay-per-view records during his UFC career and established himself as one of the most lucrative draws.
When he finally returned to WWE in 2012, the pro-wrestling fanbase welcomed him as a conquering hero. However, The Beast Incarnate lost some luster after failing to defeat John Cena and Triple H in two high-profile matches.
Since he was seen as a diminished commodity, Lesnar's victory against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30 was one of the biggest upsets in WWE history. Lesnar and Paul Heyman needed to capitalize on this incredible moment in the next episode of RAW.
Heyman stepped up to the plate and delivered a promo perfectly crafted for the night after the WrestleMania crowd. The raucous fans in attendance were thoroughly entertained by the New York native's well-prepared references, which included a jab at WWE's maligned announcement team.
By the time Heyman finished, he had won over a large section of the audience. "The one in 21-1" promo effectively marked the beginning of Brock Lesnar's run as an unstoppable force in WWE.
#4. The Rock gives The Nation of Domination gifts
From the moment The Rock signed a WWE contract, higher-ups were convinced that he was going to become their biggest star. However, it took the Great One a few years to find his footing in the WWE.
The Rock initially debuted as Rocky Maivia, a babyface flaunting his heritage. Despite winning the Intercontinental Championship, he was rejected by fans who were accustomed to seeing edgier characters.
After recovering from a knee injury in 1997, The Rock returned as a heel and joined The Nation of Domination. The Great One's personality instantly came to the fore as he tore down his opponents and interviewers during his promos. The Rock was so entertaining that the audience gravitated towards him.
Although he was the breakout star of The Nation of Domination, The Rock only took over as leader of the stable when he ousted Faarooq after WrestleMania 14. The seeds of this coup were sown over time and included a hilarious segment where The Rock gave his stablemates gifts, displaying all the attributes that made him one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
#3. CM Punk airs his grievances with WWE
CM Punk landed a WWE title shot against John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011 in his hometown of Chicago, just as his contract was about to expire. Frustrated by the creative process, Punk cut a scathing promo in the lead-up to the match, echoing the frustrations of a fanbase that was being fed a mediocre product.
Now fondly remembered as the "Pipebomb," this promo made Punk the darling of pro-wrestling fans and a folk hero in Chicago. The Straight Edge Superstar didn't disappoint between the ropes either as he defeated Cena and left with the WWE Championship. The classic match received 5 stars from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Wrestlers around the world try to search for their version of the "Pipebomb" promo. In an era where great talkers are at a premium, this promo proves that one moment of magic can change a wrestler's career trajectory.
#2. Austin 3:16
Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of the biggest box-office attractions in WWE history and a primary reason for the success of the Attitude Era.
However, if it wasn't for a fortunate turn of events, his career might never have taken off. Triple H was initially scheduled to win the 1996 King of the Ring, but those plans were put on hold after The Connecticut Blueblood was punished for his part in the Curtain Call incident.
Austin cut the legendary 'Austin 3:16' promo after he defeated Jake Roberts in the finals of the 1996 King of the Ring tournament. The moment kickstarted his ascent to stardom and turned WWE around. The 'Austin 3:16' shirts remain the best-selling merchandise in WWE history.
#1. WWE buys WCW
On March 26, 2001, WWE delivered one of the most iconic episodes of RAW. Even though this was the go-home show for WrestleMania 17 with a number of compelling feuds, the episode is remembered for the purchase of WCW, which was announced earlier in the day.
Vince McMahon appeared on a simulcast that was seen on RAW and Nitro to declare he had struck a deal to acquire WCW. He proclaimed that he would officially sign the paperwork at WrestleMania and teased the audience by naming Hulk Hogan, Sting, Goldberg and a number of other big WCW stars.
At the end of the simulcast, Shane McMahon appeared on Nitro in Panama City Beach and said that he had swooped in to purchase WCW at the last minute. This was a surreal moment for anyone who had followed pro-wrestling during the Attitude Era and represented the consolidation of the industry.
