WWE had never found themselves in a worse situation than in the mid-90s. The Monday Night Wars was raging on and the Vince McMahon-owned promotion was losing badly. For 83 weeks, WCW’s flagship program Nitro beat WWE’s Raw in TV ratings.
No matter what Vince McMahon tried, they couldn’t get ahead in the ratings war. The continuous defeat kept everyone in WWE from talents to executives on their toes. Despite having larger-than-life stars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker, they couldn’t get a decisive victory against their arch-rivals.
This all changed with one match when Mankind beat The Rock for the WWF title at a Raw episode in January 1999. The title change not only gave birth to a new star but it also changed WWE’s fortune. It started the slow demise of the Ted Turner-owned WCW and made Vince McMahon the king of the sports entertainment world.
Join us as we take a special look at the one match that changed wrestling forever.
The Context: Raw vs. WCW in the Monday Night Wars
During the late 1990s, WWE Raw and WCW Monday Nitro were locked in a fierce battle known as the Monday Night Wars. The two top wrestling promotions went head-to-head every Monday, fighting for viewers. At its peak, WCW was winning. Nitro consistently beat Raw in the ratings and left WWE in second place—a position Vince McMahon was not used to.
The competition was intense with financial stakes high. WWE had to bring its best storytelling and wrestling each week to keep up. Today, WWE dominates without any major rival. But, the late 1990s saw Raw fighting for survival. The pressure from WCW forced WWE to create compelling stories, develop new stars, and deliver high-energy matches.
It was in this context that Mick Foley’s championship win took place. It was a time when every match and every show was crucial in the battle for dominance in the wrestling world.
Mankind vs. The Rock: The Match That Changed Everything
On January 4, 1999, Mankind faced The Rock in a No Disqualification match for the WWE Championship. The battle took place amid the heated Monday Night Wars. It added even more intensity to the contest.
Both men brawled through the crowd. Mankind even delivered commentary mid-match.
Chaos erupted as factions like D-Generation X and The Corporation clashed ringside. In the final moments, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin stormed in and leveled up The Rock with a chair helping Mankind score the win.
This match not only crowned a new champion but also helped WWE take a decisive lead over WCW.
Stone Cold’s Impact: A Pop Like No Other
When “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s glass-shattering entrance music hit, the crowd erupted in a way rarely seen in WWE history. His arrival in the Mankind vs. The Rock match was crucial. Austin’s interference helped Mankind win. The reaction proved his unmatched popularity.
Austin’s presence elevated the drama. It turned an already intense moment into an unforgettable one and sealed WWE’s lead in the Monday Night Wars.
The Narrative Power of Attitude Era Raw vs. New Era Raw
The Attitude Era Raw thrived on intense and emotional storytelling. Mankind’s struggle for the title and Austin’s rebellious acts created memorable narratives that thrilled the fans.
In contrast, New Era Raw often focuses on high-quality in-ring action but lacks the same emotional depth. The storylines today are polished but often fail to resonate as strongly with audiences.
The Attitude Era’s raw and gritty narratives were driven by urgency and competition. These narratives made them more impactful. The storytelling from that time still stands out by creating moments that continue to be celebrated and remembered.
The Downfall of WCW: A Turning Point
WCW’s downfall was marked by poor decisions and management issues. The infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom” and internal conflicts weakened its position. WWE’s decisive victory in the Monday Night Wars was a critical blow.
As WWE gained dominance, WCW struggled to keep up. It led to its eventual sale. The loss of WCW left WWE without significant competition. It altered the landscape of professional wrestling.
This turning point not only shifted the balance of power but also ended the intense rivalry that had driven both promotions to their peak.
The End of the Monday Night Wars and WWE’s Legacy
The end of the Monday Night Wars marked a new era for professional wrestling. With WCW’s decline, WWE emerged as the undisputed leader. It literally reshaped this segment of the entertainment industry.
Mick Foley’s championship win highlighted dramatic storylines and unforgettable moments. It became a symbol of WWE’s triumph. This period demonstrated the power of compelling narratives and character-driven storytelling.
WWE’s legacy from this era remains influential. It reminded fans and wrestlers alike of the days when passion and competition fueled the best in sports entertainment.
