http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAA68jN7p1Y The Rock had suffered a very mixed 1999. At the start of the year he had been battling for the Championship with Mankind, before losing the belt to Austin at WrestleMania XV. As the year progressed he became a fan favourite, despite losing numerous Championship opportunities, and by Armageddon 99 he was out of the title picture. Stone Cold had been written off at Survivor Series 99, meaning that the WWF was without a top face star. Undertaker was also out at the time and Mankind was heading towards retirement. Rock was chosen as his successor. The Rock was joint favourite going into the Royal Rumble match, along with Big Show. They were the final two left and in the end Rock managed just to hold on long enough to win the bout and secure a match at WrestleMania 2000. Although the rivalry with Big Show and Mankinds feud with Triple H would lead to an elimination fatal four way at the biggest show of the year, the Royal Rumble win was a clear sign that The Rock was now the WWFs premier star and that 2000 would be his year.