Introduction: The Final Chapter of an Era
The first half of 2001 was one of the most unforgettable and dramatic times in the history of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). It was a time of major changes, with exciting matches, surprising twists, and emotional moments. The wrestling world saw Stone Cold Steve Austin turn into a villain, shocking everyone by joining forces with long-time enemy Vince McMahon. In another major development, WCW and ECW were closed down, which opened the door for new rivalries and storylines that fans had never imagined.
Although the WWF name was still used during this time, a major change was coming: in May 2002, it would be rebranded as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) after a legal issue with the World Wildlife Fund. But before that transformation, the early months of 2001 gave fans some of the most iconic matches and rivalries in pro wrestling history.
🗓️ January – Royal Rumble: McMahon’s Plan Unfolds 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Royal Rumble Match
- WWF Championship: Kurt Angle vs. Triple H
- Intercontinental Championship (Ladder Match): Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The year kicked off with the thrilling Royal Rumble event. Stone Cold Steve Austin won the Royal Rumble match for a record-breaking third time by outlasting superstars like Kane, The Rock, and The Undertaker. This victory earned him a spot in the main event at WrestleMania.
Kurt Angle successfully defended the WWF Championship against Triple H, with help from Vince McMahon, hinting at future plans of manipulation and control. Meanwhile, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit clashed in a dangerous ladder match that amazed the audience. Their high-risk moves and competitive energy stole the show.
🗓️ February – No Way Out: Friendships Turned Fights ⛓️
🔥 Key Matches:
- WWF Championship: The Rock vs. Kurt Angle
- Three Stages of Hell: Triple H vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
- Stephanie McMahon vs. Trish Stratus
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The Rock captured the WWF Championship from Kurt Angle, setting up a massive WrestleMania showdown with Steve Austin. But one of the night’s most brutal battles was the Three Stages of Hell match, a three-part war between Triple H and Austin. Each stage had its own rules: a regular match, a no-holds-barred street fight, and finally a steel cage. It showed how intense and personal their feud had become.
Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus fought in a heated match, blending personal drama and competition in the women’s division.
🗓️ March – The Road to WrestleMania Heats Up 🛣️
🔥 Key Segments:
- Tensions rise between Steve Austin and The Rock
- Shane McMahon shocks the world by “buying” WCW
- The Undertaker sets his sights on Triple H
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The rivalry between Stone Cold and The Rock intensified, with explosive promos and brawls leading up to WrestleMania. Fans could feel that something major was going to happen.
Then came a stunning announcement: Shane McMahon claimed to have purchased WCW, sparking the beginning of a massive family feud with his father Vince.
Meanwhile, The Undertaker challenged Triple H, wanting to prove he still ruled the WWF ring.
🗓️ April – WrestleMania X-Seven: A Historic Night 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- WWF Championship: The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
- The Undertaker vs. Triple H
- Vince McMahon vs. Shane McMahon (Street Fight)
- TLC Match: Edge & Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz
- Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
WrestleMania X-Seven is often considered the greatest WrestleMania of all time. The main event delivered a shocking twist—Stone Cold teamed with Vince McMahon and defeated The Rock, turning his back on the fans.
The Undertaker kept his WrestleMania streak alive by beating Triple H in a physical match.
The TLC match for the tag team titles delivered jaw-dropping action. Ladders, tables, and chairs were used in incredible ways. Edge & Christian came out on top, but all three teams left their mark.
Shane McMahon beat his father Vince in a wild street fight, continuing the intense family drama. Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit put on a classic, full of wrestling skill and respect.
🗓️ May – Backlash: Dominance and Destruction 💥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Steve Austin & Triple H vs. The Undertaker & Kane (All Titles on the Line)
- Chris Jericho vs. William Regal (Duchess of Queensbury Rules)
- Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit (30-Minute Ultimate Submission Match)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
After WrestleMania, Austin and Triple H formed a dangerous alliance, calling themselves the “Two-Man Power Trip.” At Backlash, they beat The Undertaker and Kane, holding all the major WWF titles together.
Jericho and Regal’s match was filled with surprises, thanks to silly and confusing “Duchess of Queensbury” rules.
Angle and Benoit battled for 30 minutes in a submission-only match, proving how technical and tough they both were.
🗓️ June – King of the Ring: A New Era Rises 📈
🔥 Key Matches:
- King of the Ring Final: Edge vs. Kurt Angle
- WWF Championship: Austin vs. Jericho vs. Benoit
- Shane McMahon vs. Kurt Angle (Street Fight)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Edge won the King of the Ring tournament, showing he was ready to become a main-event star on his own.
Steve Austin defended his WWF title in a tough triple threat against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit.
But it was Shane McMahon vs. Kurt Angle that stole the show. Shane took brutal punishment, being suplexed through glass panels in one of the most unforgettable street fights in WWF history.
🧾 Recap: First Half of 2001 in Review
From shocking betrayals to thrilling action, the first half of 2001 gave fans moments they’ll never forget:
- 🏆 Stone Cold turned heel and joined Vince McMahon
- 💥 Shane McMahon “bought” WCW, starting a new war
- 👑 Edge rose to stardom by winning King of the Ring
- ⚔️ Austin and Triple H ruled the WWF as the Two-Man Power Trip
- 🌟 New stars like Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, and Chris Benoit proved they belonged at the top
With WCW and ECW closing, new faces were ready to enter WWF. Fans were left wondering what would happen next—who would rise, who would fall, and what surprises were still to come?
