The world of professional wrestling has seen its fair share of intense and brutal matches, but few can compare to the infamous “I Quit” match between The Rock and Mankind at the 1999 Royal Rumble.
The match, which saw The Rock emerge victorious and claim the WWE Championship, was marked by a series of ruthless chair shots to the head, leaving Mankind battered and bruised. However, according to Hall of Famer Jim Ross, such a brutal attack will never be seen again on television.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Ross reflected on the match, stating that the chair shots were unnecessary and would not be allowed in today’s wrestling terrain. With the emphasis on concussion protocol and wrestler safety, Ross believes that such a dangerous stunt would be impossible to recreate.
“The one that stands out more than anything is the one that I would never do again, and that’s all those chair shots,” Ross said. “The Rumble one was a little drastic to me because you can’t, it’s just hard to can’t not protect somebody with those chair shots to the head.”
Ross’s sentiments are echoed by many in the wrestling community, who recognize the importance of prioritizing wrestler safety above all else.
Despite the animosity between The Rock and Mankind during their feud, the two eventually put aside their differences and formed a successful tag team, known as the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection.
This partnership led to some of the highest-rated WWE programs in history, including the iconic “This Is Your Life” segment, which drew an astonishing 8.4 rating.
The Rock and Mankind’s on-again, off-again partnership continued over the years, with the two teaming up once again in 2004 to take on Evolution at WrestleMania XX. While their rivalry may have been marked by brutality and intensity, it ultimately paved the way for some of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
The Rock’s infamous chair shots at the 1999 Royal Rumble will forever be etched in the memories of wrestling fans around the world. While such a brutal attack may never be seen again, its impact on the world of professional wrestling cannot be overstated. As we look back on this iconic moment in WWE history, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing wrestler safety and well-being above all else.
