The Fingerpoke of Doom: A Turning Point in the Monday Night Wars
The Monday Night Wars, a ferocious ratings battle between WCW’s Nitro and WWE’s Raw, reached a pivotal moment on January 4, 1999, with the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom” incident.
The Build-Up
Anticipation was high for the rematch between WCW World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg and Kevin Nash. However, Raw stole the thunder by announcing Mick Foley’s victory over The Rock for the WWF World Championship. This significant underdog triumph drew attention away from Nitro’s main event.
Nitro’s Blunders
Instead of capitalizing on the Goldberg-Nash rivalry, Nitro showcased a bizarre angle that undermined the match’s credibility. Commentator Tony Schiavone mocked Raw’s victory, alienating viewers who were curious about Foley’s win.
The Fingerpoke
When the Goldberg-Nash match finally commenced, it lasted a mere 90 seconds. To the astonishment of fans, Hogan poked Nash in the chest, causing him to collapse and lose the title in an absurd finish.
Raw’s Triumph
Raw reveled in Foley’s victory, while Nitro’s Fingerpoke elicited a chorus of negative reactions. Despite briefly winning the ratings overrun, Nitro lost the overall battle that night.
The Aftermath
The Fingerpoke of Doom shattered WCW’s momentum. The audience felt cheated, and ratings spiraled downward. WCW’s creative decline became apparent, and Raw emerged as the dominant force in the Monday Night Wars.
Key Points
- The Monday Night Wars featured intense competition between WCW and WWE.
- Raw’s Mick Foley victory announcement stole Nitro’s thunder.
- Nitro’s bizarre storylines and Schiavone’s mockery alienated viewers.
- The Fingerpoke of Doom was a humiliating and infuriating finish.
- Raw’s celebrations of Foley’s victory contrasted with Nitro’s failures.
- The Fingerpoke marked a turning point in the Monday Night Wars, leading to WCW’s decline.
The Fingerpoke of Doom remains a cautionary tale of creative mismanagement and the consequences of alienating an audience. It played a significant role in the shifting landscape of the Monday Night Wars, ultimately cementing WWE’s dominance over WCW.
also read:What was the turning point in the Monday Night Wars?