#2 Eight-time WWE Champion The Rock
The Rock was always marked for success in WWE. A third generational wrestler with unbelievable charisma, he was destined to be one of the biggest stars in the business. The Hollywood star debuted as Rocky Maivia, a babyface without a discernible personality.
The professional wrestling audience, whose sensibilities had been altered by The nWo and ECW, completely rejected this character. The Rock was eventually forced to turn heel and join The Nation of Domination. He quickly found his footing on the microphone and became one of the most interesting characters in WWE.
This was the foundation that led to him breaking out as a massive star.
#1 Six-time WWE Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin
Stone Cold Steve Austin worked his way up the ladder as a heel. But he was so edgy and entertaining that the fans soon fell in love with him. By 1997, it was evident that he would take over as the top star in WWE. Austin walked into his WrestleMania 13 match with Bret Hart as the clear heel.
The two legends put on a titanic tussle that ended with The Texas Rattlesnake passing out in a sharpshooter. The image of a bloody Austin writhing in pain remains iconic to this day, embodying his grit and determination. After the match, Hart continued to attack him. This moment cemented Austin's turn into the company's hottest anti-hero and helped usher in the era of The Texas Rattlesnake.