WWE 2K14's '30 Years of WrestleMania' Match Reveals, Pt. 4: Ruthless Aggression

On the fourth day of WWE 2K14's reveal of the matches for the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode, we head into the Ruthless Aggression era. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's popularity continued, but The Rock saw his star explode during this era.

The Brahma Bull went from being known as an up-and-coming Superstar to the most charismatic figure in the WWE. He and Austin continued their memorable feud, but they aren't the only stars that shined from the era. The Rock's stardom would ultimately lead to him chasing and capturing Hollywood dreams, but other constants like Triple H and Randy Orton made sure the WWE didn't skip a beat.

This section is loaded with classic matches beginning with two legendary clashes from WrestleMania XVIII. Let's look at the fourth leg of the list.

WrestleMania 18: The Rock vs. Hollywood Hogan

When:

March 17, 2002

Where:

SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Why It's Included:

The Rock and Hogan in the same match is truly a once in a lifetime event...I think. With both men still floating around the business in some capacity, you never know what could happen.

Besides featuring two icons, the match also featured some nice in-ring action and drama. Hogan appearing in his Hollywood attire only makes it all the more cool to relive. The aftermath of the match also featured Hogan being attacked by the New World Order (NWO), but the Rock came to his aid.

That's a lot of superstars in one place at one time.

WrestleMania 18: Chris Jericho vs. Triple H

When:

March 17, 2002

Where:

SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Why It's Included:

When a man uses his finishing move on his future spouse (in sports entertainment, of course) the match is memorable. Undisputed WWE champion Chris Jericho had Stephanie McMahon on his side against Triple H for this one, but it wouldn't matter.

Jericho targeted Triple H's injured left thigh, but the Game endured.

Both Jericho and Stephanie would feel the sting of the Pedigree, and The Game would become the champion. This match helped to make WrestleMania 18 one of the most memorable Showcase of the Immortals ever.

WrestleMania 19: Shawn Michaels "HBK" vs. Chris Jericho

When:

March 30, 2003

Where:

Safeco Field in Seattle, Wash.

Why It's Included:

Even though no titles were on the line, this battle of legends is noteworthy because it pitted two stars with similar charisma and in-ring abilities.

The match featured a wide variety of spectacular moves, reversals and drama. Simply controlling two exciting characters like Y2J and HBK is a fun proposition. HBK would come out victorious, but wouldn't look like the winner at the end of the match.

Jericho didn't take the loss in stride. He was supposed to be showing HBK respect; instead he gave Michaels a low blow and left him writhing in pain in the ring. This was quite the memorable finish.

WrestleMania 19: The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

When:

March 30, 2003

Where:

Safeco Field in Seattle, Wash.

Why It's Included:

The Rock finally got over the hump against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. In a match that saw Rock work the leg of the Rattlesnake throughout, Austin put up his usual valiant effort.

This match didn't just feature move thievery, though. The Rock took things to the next level. He mocked Austin's taunts and even donned his signature vest. It was yet another clash of titans with loads of memorable moments and imagery.

WrestleMania 20: John Cena vs. The Big Show

When:

March 14, 2004

Where:

Madison Square Garden in New York

Why It's Included:

This match marked the first of three tours with the U.S. championship for John Cena. Word Life Cena came to the ring in a Patrick Ewing jersey to the delight of the MSG crowd and clowned the Big Show.

Both men had their moments, but ultimately Cena landed a big right hand powered by a foreign object. That set up the FU (now known as the Attitude Adjustment) and Cena took the gold.

These were the good ole days when Cena was still loved by the fans.

WrestleMania 20: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar

When:

March 14, 2004

Where:

Madison Square Garden in New York

Why It's Included:

The most imposing powerhouses of their era met in one of the most anticipated meetings in WWE history. If their presence wasn't enough, throw in the fact that Steve Austin was the special guest referee.

Goldberg defeated Lesnar via the jackhammer, and Austin gave Lesnar a stunner as a parting gift.

Love them or hate them, Goldberg and Lesnar are two of the coolest characters to control in the game.

WrestleMania 21: John "Bradshaw" Layfield vs. John Cena

When:

April 3, 2005

Where:

Staples Center in Los Angeles

Why It's Included:

John Cena is an 11-time world WWE champion. In this match against JBL, Cena won the first of those titles. That event makes the match special enough for inclusion. Cena has his critics and haters, but it is hard not to recognize his astounding accomplishments.

This was a heck of a match and it is hugely important in Cena's rise to icon status.

WrestleMania 22: Edge w/Lita vs. Mick Foley

When:

April 2, 2006

Where:

Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.

Why It's Included:

Mick Foley would be bested by Edge in this match, but the Rated R Superstar needed help from his dangerous female companion, Lita. It was a hardcore affair and the two men and Lita made sure it lived up to its name.

There was the use of a barbed wire baseball bat and the infamous flaming table. Edge's spear to Foley through the fiery table is one of the most memorable and dangerous acts in WrestleMania history.

WrestleMania 23: Batista vs. Undertaker

When:

April 1, 2007

Where:

Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.

Why It's Included:

The Undertaker's streak continued after enduring all sorts of punishment from Batista. The latter came in as the World Heavyweight champion and did his best to stay that way. If you counted the offensive maneuvers in this match, Batista would have had the edge. But Undertaker held sway over the most important part of the match: the end.

He dethroned Batista in a long and eventful battle. This marked the first time a Superstar won both the World Heavyweight title and the WWE title at two different WrestleManias.

WrestleMania 23: John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels

When:

April 1, 2007

Where:

Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.

Why It's Included:

John Cena came in as the WWE champion, but Shawn Michaels would make holding on to the title difficult. Cena and Michaels pulled off so many dangerous moves in this match, both of their insurance premiums had to rise afterwards. 

This daring battle ended with Cena retaining his title by making HBK tap out to the STFU (now known as the STF). Both men made several attempts to land their finishers, but a load of reversals kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final bell.

WrestleMania 24: HBK vs. Ric Flair

When:

March 30, 2008

Where:

Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Why It's Included:

With Flair's career on the line, Shawn Michaels reluctantly took on one of his boyhood idols and sent the Nature Boy packing for good...sort of. This dramatic match led to Flair's retirement and the memorable scene with the two-time Hall of Famer on his knees weeping in the middle of the ring.

Flair has made a number of appearances with the WWE since, but never in an official match. This is one of the most memorable farewells in WWE history.

WrestleMania 24: Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Triple H

When:

March 30, 2008

Where:

Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Why It's Included:

There was star power a plenty in this match. Randy Orton defended his WWE title, but John Cena and Triple H each had their chances to claim the crown. Three future Hall of Famers battled to a climactic ending.

A series of reversals between Cena and Triple H ended with the Game landing the Pedigree on Cena. As Triple H went for the pin, Orton punted him and covered Cena for the exciting win. Seeing this play out on the video game will be amazing.

Looking Ahead to Friday

There are only 13 matches left to unveil. On Friday, we will know every match in the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode. In the event you missed the first three days of reveals, you can click the appropriate links below.

Monday: Hulkamania Runs Wild

Tuesday: New Generation

Wednesday: The Attitude Era

Follow me for musings on sports video games, WWE, MMA, boxing and NBA.

Follow @BMaziqueFPBR