Triple H was positioned as the new top heel in WWE in late 1999, so he needed a huge feud to really elevate him to that next level. WWE decided like Mick Foley was the right guy for it because he was a former multi-time WWE Champion that had great matches with Hunter going back to 1997. It seemed like a smart move. What was great about the feud is that they turned it into a very violent and intense battle with Foley going to the Cactus Jack gimmick for it. Their match at the 2000 Royal Rumble is one of the best WWE Title matches ever thanks to all the weapons they used as well as the blood by both guys. It was very physical. What it did was put over Triple H as a true top guy because he was able to withstand the beating of a Hardcore Legend like Foley and come out on top. Their rematch at No Way Out 2000 was also great although the Rumble match was the better of the two. This time it was a Hell in a Cell match with Jack putting his career on the line. It was obvious that Hunter was going to win, but it didn't hurt the outcome at all. Things should have ended there, but Foley was a part of WrestleMania 2000 also before retiring as a full time in-ring performer. It was a feud that followed that formula of using an established main eventer to make somebody else look like a star. That rivalry with Mick Foley did so much for Triple H while also making the fans believe that Triple H really was worthy of his spot.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
