5 WWE Attitude Era stars you didn't know are still wrestling

The World's Most Dangerous Man Ken Shamrock recently returned to the ring after years away
The World's Most Dangerous Man Ken Shamrock recently returned to the ring after years away

The Attitude Era is hailed by many fans as the greatest period of wrestling. Depending on how you look at it, the era lasted from November 1997 (the debut of the Mr. McMahon character) to April 2001 with WrestleMania 17.

During those three and a half years, the company reached a level of mainstream popularity never seen before, as new stars who would later become icons of the industry got their first big breaks. The period saw the rise of names like 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, The Rock, Kane and Triple H all win their first world titles, and though it's been nearly 20 years since the Attitude Era ceased, there are still remnants of this Golden period today.

Here are five WWE Attitude Era stars you (probably) didn't know are still wrestling to this day.


#5: D'Lo Brown

Brown was the very first man to hold the European and Intercontinental titles at the same time
Brown was the very first man to hold the European and Intercontinental titles at the same time

A staple of the mid-card, D'Lo Brown is perhaps best remembered for his time with the Nation of Domination, often playing second fiddle to bigger stars like Farooq and The Rock. When not a part of the group, Brown would enjoy singles success, becoming the first man to capture the 'EuroContinental' title: holding both the European and Intercontinental gold at the same time.

After the Attitude Era, Brown stayed with WWE until 2003, and returned briefly in 2008, displaying the same athleticism he showcased a decade ago.

More recently, Brown has been working closely with Impact Wrestling, recently being hired by the company as a producer. Despite this role, Brown continues to take bookings on the independent scene, as he continues to prove that age (he's 46) is just a number.

#4: X-Pac

The 1-2-3 Kid returned to the WWF as X-Pac on the Monday Night RAW after WrestleMania 14
The 1-2-3 Kid returned to the WWF as X-Pac on the Monday Night RAW after WrestleMania 14

When Shawn Michaels retired from the ring after WrestleMania 14, there was a change in the air for D-Generation X. With Triple H now in charge, the decision was made to bring back Sean Waltman, the 1-2-3 Kid who had been long-time friends with both The Game and HBK. Now known as X-Pac, Waltman had an impressive return to WWE, winning various titles, being a part of some major feuds and eventually leading a faction of his own alongside Justin Credible and Albert: the X-Factor.

In 2019, X-Pac is still taking bookings on the indie scene and continues to impress fans both young and old. One of his most recent matches featured him teaming with Jushin “Thunder” Liger and The Hurricane at a WrestleCon show, two nights before his Hall of Fame induction.

#3: Taka Michinoku

The Master of the Michinoku Driver can be found in New Japan Pro Wrestling nowadays
The Master of the Michinoku Driver can be found in New Japan Pro Wrestling nowadays

Fans of the Attitude Era may remember Taka Michinoku best for his time as part of the Japanese stable Kaientai, but there is so much more to this Superstar than feuding with Val Venis and saying "indeed".

Before joining the faction, Taka would make history by becoming the first-ever WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, the company's answer to the WCW's Cruiserweight division. If you've got the time, check out Taka's WWF Title match on the April 10th, 2000 edition of RAW, it's a fantastic match!

Since leaving WWE, The Master of the Michinoku Driver is still working today, appearing in New Japan as part of the Suzuki-Gun faction. Not only working as a manager for the likes of Zack Sabre Jr., Michinoku still wrestles with regular appearances in NJPW along with other promotions internationally that bring him in.

#2: Hardcore Holly

Hardcore Holly would be a big part in the return of ECW in 2006, before leaving three years later.
Hardcore Holly would be a big part in the return of ECW in 2006, before leaving three years later.

Hardcore Holly may never have held the WWE title, but when it comes to lengthy careers, few can match the Alabama Superstar. Holly was working with WWE as Thurman 'Sparky' Plugg before the Attitude Era, before getting his Hardcore persona in the late '90s, and would continue with WWE after the Attitude Era, eventually leaving in 2009 after a 15-year stint.

Today, Holly is continuing to hone his craft in the ring, and still makes a living by wrestling. Holly's schedule has seen the former Hardcore and Tag Team Champion wrestle all over the world, including the U.S., the UK and Germany. Regardless of where he goes, Holly is always a huge star and prominently featured on the card, thanks to his incredible WWE career, especially during the Attitude Era.

#1: Ken Shamrock

Shamrock's UFC past made him a dangerous man in the ring.
Shamrock's UFC past made him a dangerous man in the ring.

The World's Most Dangerous Man, Ken Shamrock, did a lot during his time in WWE. Even before coming to the company, Shamrock was a big deal, an established legend of UFC, and his presence at WrestleMania 13 in the Bret Hart-Steve Austin I-Quit match would be a precursor to Mike Tyson the next year.

Once in the WWF, Shamrock would win the Intercontinental title and would also hold the WWF Tag Team titles with the Big Boss Man, also winning the King of the Ring tournament in 1998, defeating The Rock in the finals. There was a long break away from the ring for Shamrock, but he returned to wrestling back in 2018 after nine years without a match.

Shamrock now takes bookings, with some of his recent matches coming in promotions like Battle Championship Wrestling, wXw and McAloon Productions

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