Speaking of DX, I expect
this promo to be uncensored on the Network.
How did that clip even get out? I remember downloading it on Kazaa in 2000.
Yes, it is. While people continue to debate it, attitude era was WM 13- WM 17. 1997 was the best year WWE ever had.
Lots of possible launch points:
1. Austin 3:16 promo at KOTR 1996 ("Birth" of the Stone Cold Steve Austin character)
2. Wrestlemania 13 (Greatest match of all time, double turn, Austin is now over as fuck and the fan favorite)
3. Montreal Screwjob (Mr. McMahon character is born, Bret is gone, opening the main event spot for Austin)
4.
Vince speech on Raw December 1997
5. Wrestlamania 14 (Austin wins the title, is now officially "the guy", Austin vs. McMahon feud begins on Raw shortly after)
Hard to say, but I think the KOTR 1996 is too early (Raw overall was still cartoonish in 1996). If I had to choose a single point, I'd probably say Screwjob, or a couple of months earlier. The change of direction Vince talked about in that video above was clearly in place during Summer 1997 with Austin's character, DX,
Bret loses his shit/Canada vs. USA angle, etc.
It definitely ended with Mania 17 and the... Invasion.
Melter said Austin never drew as much after he went heel. Things looking up for
d-bry!
People clearly didn't want to see him as a heel back in 2001, just like Bryan today. At least, from what I understand, it was Austin who wanted to turn heel because he felt his character was getting stale. I find it hard to believe Bryan is vying for a spot with the fucking mid-card wyatt family.