10 Best Wrestling PPV Cliffhanger Endings

9. "You're Fired!" (Judgment Day: In Your House)

Jon Moxley Cliffhanger
WWE

Vince McMahon has "fired" so many wrestlers that listing each one would be a laborious task, though Judgment Day: In Your House (1998) provided a glimpse of the trigger happy P45 machine the Chairman would eventually become.

Steve Austin wasn't wrestling that night. Instead, he was a special referee in Kane and The Undertaker's WWE Championship clash, and much of the show revolved around 'Stone Cold' wandering backstage, claiming McMahon didn't have the balls to deliver on a promise to fire him. Said main event then ended in a no contest when Austin counted a double pinfall after nailing 'Taker with a Stunner and chairshot while Kane was already done, declaring himself the winner.

Sat in a secret box behind the video screen, the Chairman was p*ssed. Trash rained down from the bleachers as McMahon told the crowd to take pictures of Austin, as this would be the last time they'd see him in a WWE ring, before barking the first proper "YOU'RE FIRED!" of his televised career.

The night closed with a textbook Austin beer bash in the ring. Shane McMahon rehired him soon after, and the legendary feud continued.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.