Ranking Every Triple H Vs Mick Foley WWE Pay-Per-View Match - From Worst To Best

A year removed from when he was actually scheduled to win it, Triple H became King of the Ring by virtue of a scintillating victory over Mankind to cap off an otherwise abysmal tournament.

Triple H's transformation from blueblood to b*stard in 1997 was more nuanced than he often gets credit for, with Helmsley incorporating a wicked edge into the previously one dimensional character, and Chyna's fearsome presence at ringside complimenting the upgraded package exponentially.

The rivalry with Foley was perhaps the most crucial ingredient though, and their hard-hitting June finale set the table for months of aggression hitherto unseen from the former aristocrat.

Foley similarly utilised the match - and tournament in general - to solidify the babyface turn born out of his exceptional sit-down interviews with Jim Ross shortly before the show.

Only a year earlier, the prospect of Mankind's tortured portrayal being considered remotely sympathetic was a pipe dream, but surviving (and often thriving in) wars with The Undertaker led to the company harnessing a new respect the fanbase gained for the once-cartoonish monster.

Failing with his formulaic attempts to put Mankind away, Triple H resorted to ultra-violence and dirty tactics, relying on Chyna to aid him in their battle on the arena floor, which included Foley taking a sickening bump into the guardrail, a Pedigree through the announce table and one final grim tumble from the apron to the concrete. Mankind's last ditch kickout from all that expressed his incredible will, but a second Pedigreed sealed the deal for the new 'King'.