10 Most Emotional WWE SummerSlam Moments

7. Mankind Becomes Champion (1999)

Mankind Jesse Ventura
WWE.com

Mick Foley's first two WWF Title reigns must be special to him, but neither took place on a major pay-per-view. Both happened in January 1999, one on Raw and the other as part of a special 'Halftime Heat' broadcast that aired during the Super Bowl. Winning the big one at SummerSlam was a whole other level.

As Mick (under the mask of Mankind) had his hand raised by special referee Jesse Ventura following a Triple Threat also involving Triple H and Steve Austin, the fans went absolutely wild. This win was Mankind's biggest to date, because it took place on one of the traditional 'Big 4' pay-per-views of the year.

A beloved figure by wrestling fans already due to literally spilling blood, sweat and tears for the business he loved as Cactus Jack, Foley had become even more iconic as Mankind. SummerSlam 1999 was a milestone moment in the man's career, and one that marked his biggest title win on pay-per-view.

Advertisement
Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.