5 underrated Stone Cold Steve Austin matches

2) Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship (WWE SummerSlam 2001)

Stone Cold Steve Austin's much-maligned heel turn at WrestleMania 17 is probably the most criticized moment of the legend's career. Aligning with arch-rival Vince McMahon was such a departure for the character that he and the company never fully recovered. However, Austin had some of his best matches this time.

At SummerSlam 2001, Stone Cold defended the WWE Championship against Kurt Angle. This was a different role for the latter, who spent most of his career as a heel, but he was a determined hero in this bout. The fans in attendance could feel Angle's passion and rallied behind him.

Austin couldn't keep the challenger down and had to cause a disqualification to walk out with the gold. Angle's bloody face was still fighting Stone Cold after the bell endeared more than ever.

Throughout this contest, Austin was an excellent heel, cheating when he didn't need to and getting the fans behind Angle. It was an all-around masterful performance from everyone despite a non-finish.

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1) Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship (WWE Backlash 1999)

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock is easily one of the greatest rivalries in WWE history. They are universally recognized as two of the most famous professional wrestlers alive and were the two biggest superstars during the most profitable and successful period in the company's history.

When many fans think of their legendary feud, they bring up their unmatched WrestleMania trilogy. Austin and The Rock headlined WrestleMania 15 and 17 with the WWE Championship on the line and then finally ended their rivalry at WrestleMania 19. However, they clashed on several other occasions, including Backlash 1999.

After Austin beat The Rock for the WWE Title at WrestleMania 15, the Corporation reintroduced his signature Smoking Skull belt and handed it to The Great One. They also appointed Shane McMahon as the referee for this main event. With that motivation, Stone Cold came out with extra fire. This was another crazy brawl that went all over the ringside and the entrance.

The battle reached the commentary table with the People's Champion holding the camera and talking trash to his opponent. Austin famously flipped off the camera before delivering Stone Cold Stunner on the commentary table. When the action finally got back in the ring, Vince McMahon neutralized Shane from favoring The Rock.

Austin hit the Stone Cold Stunner to defeat The Rock and retain the WWE Championship. This is one of these iconic rivals' best matches together. This Attitude Era-style brawl was fun, high-impact, and exciting. That's why this Backlash 1999 match with The Rock is the most underrated Stone Cold Steve Austin match.