The King of the Ring 1999, held on June 27, 1999, at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina, delivered a chaotic series of matches, culminating in a controversial ladder match that determined control of the company. With an attendance of 19,761 fans, the event epitomized the unpredictable nature of the Attitude Era in professional wrestling.
The night opened with a video package focusing on the ongoing feud between Vince McMahon and Steve Austin. In a unique twist, Austin was portrayed as the CEO of the company, setting the stage for a handicap ladder match where the stakes were incredibly high. The tournament featured notable competitors, including Billy Gunn, Ken Shamrock, Big Show, Kane, Road Dogg, Chyna, Hardcore Holly, and X-Pac.
Quarterfinal Matches Highlight Chaos
The quarterfinal matches kicked off with a bout between Hardcore Holly and X-Pac. Holly’s aggressive style led to an early disqualification when he used a chair, resulting in a disappointing match rating of D+. The match did little to set a positive tone for the evening, as Holly’s actions overshadowed any technical skill displayed.
Next, the contest between Big Show and Kane failed to impress, with a rating of F. The match was marred by multiple referee bumps and excessive chaos, including a chair shot that allowed Kane to secure the victory. Fans were left questioning the booking decisions behind such a lackluster performance.
In another quarterfinal clash, Billy Gunn faced Ken Shamrock, who entered the match with visible injuries. Despite Shamrock’s efforts, the referee stopped the match due to his condition, leaving Gunn to advance with a rating of C-. The persistent theme of interference and injury plagued the tournament, diminishing the competitive spirit.
The final quarterfinal match featured Road Dogg against Chyna, with Triple H at ringside. This match also suffered from interference and ended with a controversial finish, garnering a rating of D+. The chaotic nature of the matches left fans frustrated and eager for a more cohesive narrative.
Semifinal Rounds and Ladder Match Mayhem
As the semifinals commenced, Billy Gunn faced Kane once more, with Gunn securing a win through yet another chair shot. This match, rated D+, continued the trend of disjointed storytelling that plagued the event.
The other semifinal saw X-Pac defeat Road Dogg cleanly with an X-Factor, a refreshing change in a night filled with interference, earning the match a rating of C. Despite the lack of drama, this bout provided viewers with a brief respite from the chaos.
The main event pitted Vince McMahon and his partner against Steve Austin in a ladder match for control of the company. The match featured several dramatic moments, including Austin’s high-energy assault on McMahon and the chaotic environment of the ladder setup. Ultimately, Shane McMahon climbed the ladder to secure victory, pulling down the briefcase, which concluded the match at 17:13, receiving a rating of B-.
The chaos of the night reflected the unpredictable atmosphere of the Attitude Era, yet many fans were left feeling unsatisfied. The tournament’s potential was squandered, with numerous matches failing to exceed the seven-minute mark and a reliance on interference diminishing the overall quality of the event.
In conclusion, the King of the Ring 1999 was marked by a lack of cohesive storytelling, excessive interference, and questionable decision-making, leaving fans with a sense of disappointment. The event showcased talent but ultimately failed to deliver a memorable wrestling experience, with many matches rated poorly. The following night, the fallout from the event showed that the storyline would continue, yet the excitement generated from this particular show fell flat.
