10 Most Surreal WWE Matches Ever

5. The Undertaker Vs. Mankind - King Of The Ring 1998

Toxic Turtles II
WWE.com

The WWF had already implemented a more violent approach prior to June 1998 in their march towards the Attitude Era: Steve Austin popularised the crazed arena-wide brawl; the blood ban had been lifted; the Spanish announce table was now firmly a wrestler-sized crash pad; chairs were as plentiful in the ring as they were in the stands...

This was something else. The Undertaker threw Mankind from the top of the Cell, a fall that incurred several horrendously painful-sounding injuries - and then through it, a fall that almost incurred death, given how close the leg of one such chair was in proximity to Foley's skull. This was suicidal backyard wrestling performed on the grandest and most glamorous stage, essentially. Mankind kept getting back up, and back up, after suffering the sickest bumps ever performed in the mainstream. It was like taking in a blockbuster sequel the very second before you left your cinema seat.

This remains the most harrowing, violent and disturbing match Mick Foley ever wrestled - and this is a man who has dealt with exploding barbed wire boards and timed bombs.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!