5 promos that changed WWE forever

#2. Austin 3:16

Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of the biggest box-office attractions in WWE history and a primary reason for the success of the Attitude Era.

However, if it wasn't for a fortunate turn of events, his career might never have taken off. Triple H was initially scheduled to win the 1996 King of the Ring, but those plans were put on hold after The Connecticut Blueblood was punished for his part in the Curtain Call incident.

Austin cut the legendary 'Austin 3:16' promo after he defeated Jake Roberts in the finals of the 1996 King of the Ring tournament. The moment kickstarted his ascent to stardom and turned WWE around. The 'Austin 3:16' shirts remain the best-selling merchandise in WWE history.

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#1. WWE buys WCW

On March 26, 2001, WWE delivered one of the most iconic episodes of RAW. Even though this was the go-home show for WrestleMania 17 with a number of compelling feuds, the episode is remembered for the purchase of WCW, which was announced earlier in the day.

Vince McMahon appeared on a simulcast that was seen on RAW and Nitro to declare he had struck a deal to acquire WCW. He proclaimed that he would officially sign the paperwork at WrestleMania and teased the audience by naming Hulk Hogan, Sting, Goldberg and a number of other big WCW stars.

At the end of the simulcast, Shane McMahon appeared on Nitro in Panama City Beach and said that he had swooped in to purchase WCW at the last minute. This was a surreal moment for anyone who had followed pro-wrestling during the Attitude Era and represented the consolidation of the industry.