WrestleMania 12 Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart vs. WrestleMania 17 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock

Attribute	WrestleMania 12 Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart	WrestleMania 17 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock
Event	WrestleMania 12	WrestleMania 17
Match Type	Iron Man Match	No Disqualification Match
Participants	Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart	Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock
Winner	Shawn Michaels	Stone Cold Steve Austin
Duration	1 hour	30 minutes

Background

WrestleMania 12 took place on March 31, 1996, at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The main event featured Shawn Michaels challenging Bret Hart for the WWE Championship in a 60-minute Iron Man match. On the other hand, WrestleMania 17 occurred on April 1, 2001, at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas. The main event of this show was Stone Cold Steve Austin facing off against The Rock for the WWE Championship.

In-Ring Action

Both matches were highly anticipated and delivered in terms of in-ring action. The WrestleMania 12 Iron Man match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart showcased technical wrestling at its finest. The two superstars put on a clinic with their back-and-forth exchanges and near falls. In contrast, the WrestleMania 17 match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock was more of a brawl. The two rivals traded heavy blows and high-impact moves throughout the match, creating a more intense and physical encounter.

Drama and Storytelling

While both matches had their fair share of drama and storytelling, they approached it in different ways. The WrestleMania 12 main event had a slow build, with Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart trying to outsmart each other and conserve their energy for the full 60 minutes. The tension escalated as the clock ticked down, leading to a dramatic overtime period where Michaels finally secured the victory. On the other hand, the WrestleMania 17 main event had a more chaotic and unpredictable feel to it. The rivalry between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock was intense, and the match reflected that with constant twists and turns in the story. The shocking ending, where Austin aligned himself with Vince McMahon, added another layer of drama to the match.

Legacy and Impact

Both WrestleMania 12 and WrestleMania 17 are considered iconic events in WWE history, largely due to the main event matches. Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart at WrestleMania 12 is often praised for its technical excellence and the emotional journey of Michaels finally winning the WWE Championship. The match solidified Michaels as one of the top stars in WWE history and set the stage for his legendary career. Similarly, Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock at WrestleMania 17 is remembered for its intensity and the clash of two of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era. The match elevated both Austin and The Rock to new heights of popularity and solidified their legacies as two of the greatest WWE superstars of all time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both WrestleMania 12 Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart and WrestleMania 17 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock are classic main event matches that have stood the test of time. While they differ in terms of in-ring style, storytelling, and impact, both matches are remembered fondly by wrestling fans for their memorable moments and contributions to WWE history.