The Monday Night Wars: A Tale of Two Shows, the Turning Point
The legendary Monday Night Wars, a captivating rivalry between WWE Raw and WCW Nitro, reached its apex in 1998. WCW had held an ironclad grip on ratings for 22 months until WWE Raw’s game-changing victory on April 13, 1998.
The Contenders
WWE Monday Night Raw: A dynamic force showcasing iconic stars like Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, and Mick Foley, known for its gritty storylines and explosive matches.
WCW Monday Nitro: Boasting a star-studded roster, including Goldberg, Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Ric Flair, WCW emphasized grandiose spectacles and outlandish storylines.
Key Moments Leading to January 4, 1999
The rivalry heated up with several pivotal events:
- April 13, 1998: Raw snaps WCW’s 22-month ratings dominance.
- December 28, 1998: Goldberg dethrones Hulk Hogan to become WCW World Heavyweight Champion at Starrcade.
- January 4, 1999: Mick Foley wins the WWF Championship on Raw, a highly anticipated triumph for fans.
Nitro’s Main Event: Goldberg vs. Nash II
Nitro’s main event, pitting Goldberg against Kevin Nash, promised fireworks, but things took a bizarre turn:
- Goldberg’s Arrest: Goldberg was apprehended on phony charges, leaving the match in disarray.
- Schiavone’s Insolence: Announcer Tony Schiavone mocked Foley’s impending title win on Raw, prompting a mass exodus of viewers.
- The Fingerpoke of Doom: Goldberg’s absence led to Hogan filling in, who defeated Nash with a single “fingerpoke,” a calamitous booking decision.
Raw’s Main Event: Mankind’s Crowning Glory
Raw delivered a heartwarming climax:
- Foley’s Victory: Mick Foley, a beloved fan favorite, defeated The Rock to claim the WWF Championship.
- Emotional Triumph: Foley’s triumph evoked an outpouring of fan support, making it a poignant moment in wrestling history.
The Aftermath
The events of January 4, 1999, proved pivotal:
- Ratings Battle: Raw emerged victorious, outperforming Nitro with a 5.7 to 5.0 margin.
- WCW’s Decline: “The Fingerpoke of Doom” further eroded WCW’s credibility, accelerating its downfall.
- WWE’s Dominance: Raw continued its ratings dominance, solidifying WWE’s supremacy in professional wrestling.
Conclusion
The Monday Night Wars’ turning point was a tale of two shows: Raw delivered a satisfying moment that resonated with fans, while Nitro’s mishandlings led to a downward spiral. January 4, 1999, marked the beginning of WWE’s unwavering reign and the inevitable demise of WCW, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of wrestling history.