Ranking Every “I Quit” Match in WWE History
2. The Rock vs. Mankind: Royal Rumble 1999
When it comes to "I Quit" matches, there isn't a match that's more memorable than the one between The Rock and Mankind from Royal Rumble 1999, for better or for worse.
In the months leading up to WrestleMania 15, Rock and Mankind played hot potato with the WWE Championship and met in an "I Quit" match at the Rumble. The match concept was still relatively new around this time, and after the boring bouts involving Bret Hart, Bob Backlund, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock, fans didn't have lofty expectations for this particular contest.
Typically, Rock and Mankind didn't fail to deliver a great match, but this encounter will be remembered for being extra iconic. As Mankind had always been a likeable and sympathetic character, the beating he took at the hands of Rock was too uncomfortable to watch.
The relentless chair shots to the skull of the alter-ego of Mick Foley seemed to be never-ending. They enhanced the intensity of the match, sure, but they also made the viewer cringe and squirm in their seat. With his hands tied behind his back, he had no choice but to give in to Rocky.
It was one of the most brutal bouts in WWE history, and it truly epitomized what "I Quit" matches are all about.