There was something broadly sweet about Mankind's desperation to make it into the WrestleMania main event any way he could (and it did at least provide a narrative thread to his controversial return the following year), but more impressive was Mick Foley's ardent effort to get The Big Show following a ropey first month with the organisation.
Despite his imposing size and equally massive reputation thanks to nearly four years in WCW, Paul Wight had spent his first thirty days getting bantered off by The Rock and beaten by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Kicking the f*ck out of Mick Foley - as it did for many - almost turned things around.
Foreshadowing the rest of his career, the contest concluded with him slapping gaffer Vince McMahon after getting himself disqualified by hurtling backwards into a pile of steel chairs with 'Mrs Foley's Baby Boy' on his back. A turn here was greeted with joy and surprise rather than an almighty groan.
Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett
