The King of the Ring 1999, held on June 27, 1999, at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina, showcased a series of chaotic matches that left fans divided. With an attendance of 19,761, the event highlighted the unique and often bizarre atmosphere of the Attitude Era in professional wrestling. The main event featured a handicap ladder match for control of the company, but the undercard was filled with questionable match finishes and excessive interference.
The opening video package set the tone by emphasizing the animosity between Vince McMahon and Steve Austin, framing their conflict as central to the evening’s events. The tournament structure was laid out, featuring notable competitors such as Billy Gunn, Ken Shamrock, and Kane.
Quarterfinal Matches Highlight Confusion and Chaos
The quarterfinal matches began with Hardcore Holly facing X-Pac. Holly’s aggressive tactics included using a chair, leading to a disqualification in just over three minutes, resulting in a lackluster opener that drew a D+ rating. This match set a troubling precedent for the night, where interference and shortcuts overshadowed in-ring action.
Next, Big Show faced Kane in a bout that featured multiple illegal moves and another referee bump. The match ended with a chair shot from Holly, advancing Kane with a rating of F, further frustrating the audience.
The third quarterfinal saw Billy Gunn take on Ken Shamrock. Despite Shamrock’s visible injuries, he fought valiantly. However, the match concluded with a referee stoppage, rating a C-, and reflecting the ongoing theme of questionable outcomes.
Finally, Road Dogg battled Chyna, with interference from Triple H. This match also ended with a convoluted finish, rating D+, as the use of outside elements detracted from the participants’ skills.
Tag Team Action and Championship Controversies
The show featured a tag team match between the Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian for a future tag title shot. This match was a breath of fresh air, showcasing high-energy spots and teamwork, earning a solid B- rating. Despite its short duration of under five minutes, the contest was engaging and highlighted the performers’ abilities.
As the night progressed, Vince McMahon announced that the anticipated handicap ladder match would proceed despite earlier predictions. This match would see Shane McMahon join his father against Steve Austin, creating a storyline fraught with tension and unpredictability.
The main event, a ladder match for control of the company, featured chaotic elements typical of the era. Austin fought valiantly but ultimately, it was Shane who pulled down the briefcase after a series of high-impact moments. The match concluded with a rating of B-, but many felt the excessive interference diminished its significance.
The aftermath of the event saw Austin regain his championship status shortly after, diminishing the stakes set during the ladder match. While the event had its moments of excitement, the overreliance on interference and convoluted storylines left many fans dissatisfied.
In conclusion, the King of the Ring 1999 can be seen as a reflection of its time—filled with eccentricities and moments of intrigue but ultimately falling short of delivering a coherent wrestling showcase. The emphasis on drama over athleticism raised questions about the direction of the product and its appeal to wrestling purists.
