“Stone Cold” Steve Austin never played by the rules, and that’s why the Royal Rumble was the perfect match for him.

Even though Austin got thrown out of the 1997 Rumble, he won it anyway.

That was the first of three Rumble wins for Austin, a record that still stands today.

Austin was a heel in 1997, but the fans were starting to realize that he was something special.

He made it to the end of the Rumble, along with Bret Hart, Vader, The Undertaker, and Fake Diesel. Yes, there was a fake Diesel and a fake Razor Ramon in this match.

MAJOR SHENANIGANS

Bret threw Austin out, but the referee didn’t see it because he was breaking up a fight between Mankind and Terry Funk. Austin slid back into the ring.

Hart eliminated Diesel while Austin tossed Vader and Undertaker. Hart thought he won, but Austin pitched him out to win the Rumble.

Austin tied Hulk Hogan’s record with 10 eliminations. However, World Wrestling Federation President Gorilla Monsoon took Austin’s title shot away.

At Wrestlemania 13, Hart beat Austin, while Undertaker beat Psycho Sid for the WWF title.

AUSTIN WINS AGAIN IN 1998

Austin won the Rumble in more straightforward fashion in 1998. He drew No. 24 and tossed out seven guys, including The Rock for the win.

“Stone Cold” went on to WrestleMania XIV to win the WWF title from Shawn Michaels. This was the match with Mike Tyson as special referee outside the ring.

Austin’s rise to the top ushered in an unprecedented wave of popularity for the WWF and even for rival World Championship Wrestling.

Every Monday night, about 9 million fans would be tuned into to professional wrestling.