>>10969640Yeah, say what you will about Hogan, but the guy was a fucking master at the old politicking. 2002 was a bad year for the Rattlesnake, his body was breaking down and he was creative (headed by Vince's daughter) was fucking shit. The booking in 2001 was also shite, but at least Austin still had some control. In 2002 though? Not as much. When he did leave in 2002, I remember the Rock burying him was one of the ones which did legit hurt Austin, though he never why the Rock said what he said and knew the Rock didn't mean it.
>>10969548Austin took the Rock under his wing and very much protected him. Dwyane has talked about this a lot, but WM15, people (Shawn and Cunter) were trying to change. Austin basically told all of them to shut the fuck up and get the fuck out. He was wrestling Rock and that was the end of it. In 98 and 99, if Austin wanted something, Austin got it. By the way, how much do you think Paul was raging when Austin and Rock leave WWE, only to come back and immediately get higher billing them him, despite him being the champion? If ever there was a reminder that Austin and Rock were on another level... Fun fact, Vince wanted Austin vs Rock III to be the main event - loser leaves town deal. But Austin and Rock, based as always, said it should be Brock and Kurt. Austin wanted to bow out quietly and he wanted the Rock to be the one to do the honours. There will never, ever be another Austin and Rock. Bros to the fucking end.
