Ep 12. King Of The Ring June 28, 1998 Hell In A Cell Mankind Vs. Undertaker
- June 28, 1998
In season 1, episode 12 of WWE For All Mankind: The Life & Career of Mick Foley, viewers are taken back to June 28, 1998, where a momentous and brutal match took place between Mick Foley (in his Mankind persona) and the legendary Undertaker. This match was the King of the Ring tournament final, and it took place inside a Hell in a Cell steel cage, which had only been used twice before in WWE history.
The episode delves into the build-up to this match, including the backstory of how Foley and Undertaker's lengthy feud led to this violent confrontation. Viewers hear from Foley himself about the mental and physical preparation required for a match of this magnitude, as well as from key WWE personnel who helped bring the spectacle to life.
When the match itself gets underway, viewers are witness to some of the most memorable and gruesome moments in WWE history. From Foley's sickening fall from the top of the cage through the announcer's table, to his subsequent choke-slam through the roof of the Hell in a Cell, to the numerous chair shots and thumbtacks employed by both wrestlers, this match is an all-time classic in terms of both in-ring action and storytelling.
The episode also touches on the lasting impact of the match, both on Foley's career and on the broader WWE landscape. Foley talks about the physical toll the match took on his body, including the multiple injuries and surgeries that followed. Viewers also see how the match helped cement Foley's legacy as one of the most fearless and beloved wrestlers of all time, as well as how it set the bar for subsequent hardcore matches in WWE.
Throughout the episode, there are plenty of insights and anecdotes from key figures in WWE at the time, including Vince McMahon, Jim Ross, and Paul Heyman. Each of these voices helps to contextualize the significance of the match and the impact it had on the wrestling business.
In short, episode 12 of WWE For All Mankind: The Life & Career of Mick Foley is a gripping and at times harrowing look at one of the most legendary matches in WWE history. It delves into the psychology and preparation that went into the match, as well as the lasting impact it had on all involved. Fans of WWE history won't want to miss this one.