10 Times Great Wrestling Was Ruined By Bad Writing
9. Triple H Vs. The Rock (WWE Over The Edge 1999)
Owen Hart’s tragic fall means that Over The Edge 1999 is rightly remembered as one of the most disastrous nights in pro wrestling history. Vince McMahon ended up making the regretful decision to continue on after the incident, and while the wrestling obviously pales in comparison to Hart’s passing, this lacklustre card was at least headlined by a couple of solid matches.
The Rock faced Triple H in the penultimate match, and while not quite as enthralling as some of their later battles, it was still strong. Triple H took on a ruthless, methodical wrestling style, isolating The Rock’s injured arm throughout, and even going so far as to shatter his plaster cast across the announce table. They told a great story, but things took a sharp left turn when Triple H tried to get a chair involved.
The referee pulled the weapon away from him, and Triple H lost his mind. For some reason, The Cerebral Assassin full-on punched the official in the face, costing him the match by disqualification, and denying the fans what should have been an outstanding contest.
They’d go on to have longer, more significant battles over the next few years, but the DQ was nonsensical. It painted Triple H as a mindless dummy after using his smarts to control much of the match.