5. Owen 3:16 – SummerSlam 1997
Not really sure if this is one of the ‘greatest’ moments, but it’s one of the most important. Owen Hart faced ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in SummerSlam 1997 for the Intercontinental Championship.
Austin was red-hot at this point and was obvious he was in line to become the top guy, which is completely understood as he was an incredible talent. To fill his time before WrestleMania season, Austin feuded with Owen Hart and the Hart Foundation, for pretty much the entirety of 1997. Since the Harts were arguably the most hated heels in WWF, Austin’ stock was rising as a babyface. To add intrigue to the match, if Owen won, Austin would have to kiss his ass. During the match, a move occurred which has since been considered as one of the scariest and unfortunate botches in history. Owen went for a variation of a tombstone piledriver, and managed to spike Austin’s head on the mat, paralyzing him for about 60 seconds.
Owen, taunting the crowd, gave Austin the time he needed to quickly role up Owen for the three count to become the new Intercontinental Champion. Austin would continue to have neck problems throughout the years, causing him to take a year of absence in 1999-2000 and caused him to retire in 2003.
Austin never really forgave Owen for what had happened that day, due to the fact that apparently Owen never apologized. Either way, without this, Austin may never have stunned Mr. McMahon, beginning one of the greatest rivalry in history.
