The Rock's All-Time Best Matches

Includes date, city, arena, Wrestling Observer Newsletter star rating, and Cagematch.net score.

Cagematch scores can change over time; these are accurate as of publication.

#1 Steve Austin vs. The Rock (No DQ match)

City/Arena: Houston, Texas — Astrodome
Date: April 1, 2001

WON: ★★★★½ • Cagematch: 9.36

An era-ending main event where intensity, drama, and ruthless escalation peak in a shocking finish.

#2 Booker T, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Shane McMahon & Steve Austin vs.
Chris Jericho, Kane, The Big Show, The Rock & The Undertaker

City/Arena: Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Coliseum
Date: November 18, 2001

WON: ★★★★½ • Cagematch: 8.79

High-stakes Alliance vs. WWF elimination war loaded with star power and momentum swings.

#3 Kurt Angle vs. The Rock vs. The Undertaker

City/Arena: Detroit, Michigan — Joe Louis Arena
Date: July 21, 2002

WON: ★★★★½ • Cagematch: 8.79

A crisp, fast-moving triple threat full of inventive counters, seamless transitions, and big-match urgency.

#4 2001 Royal Rumble match

City/Arena: New Orleans, Louisiana — New Orleans Arena
Date: January 21, 2001

WON: ★★★¼ • Cagematch: 8.66

An action-dense Rumble with memorable spots, surprise cameos, and a satisfying narrative throughline.

#5 Hell in a Cell: Kurt Angle vs. Rikishi vs. Steve Austin vs.
The Rock vs. The Undertaker vs. Triple H

City/Arena: Birmingham, Alabama — Jefferson Civic Center
Date: December 10, 2000

WON: ★★★★½ • Cagematch: 8.65

A chaotic, brutal multi-man HIAC spectacle with character-driven beats and unforgettable visuals.

#6 The Rock vs. Triple H (Iron Man match)

City/Arena: Louisville, Kentucky — Freedom Hall
Date: May 21, 2000

WON: ★★★★ • Cagematch: 8.62

Sixty-minute drama with evolving strategy, mounting fatigue, and decisive momentum swings.

#7 Hollywood Hogan vs. The Rock

City/Arena: Toronto, Ontario, Canada — SkyDome
Date: March 17, 2002

WON: ★★★ • Cagematch: 8.58

A masterclass in spectacle and crowd psychology, turning simple exchanges into seismic moments.

#8 Steve Austin vs. The Rock

City/Arena: Seattle, Washington — Safeco Field
Date: March 30, 2003

WON: ★★★★ • Cagematch: 8.43

Their final chapter: nostalgia-soaked brawling with veteran timing and payoff-rich callbacks.

#9 Chris Jericho vs. The Rock

City/Arena: St. Louis, Missouri — Savvis Center
Date: October 21, 2001

WON: ★★★★½ • Cagematch: 8.42

A sharp, energetic title bout with slick counters and crisp pacing that elevates both men.

#10 Mankind vs. The Rock (Empty Arena match)

City/Arena: Tucson, Arizona — Tucson Convention Center
Date: January 26, 1999

WON: N/A • Cagematch: 8.41

Inventive, chaotic, and dangerous; a TV-era landmark blending humor and hardcore ingenuity.