Survivor Series 97 had such a controversial and historically significant conclusion that the next year’s Survivor Series ended with a parody of that finish.

The World Wrestling Federation title was vacant after the previous two pay-per-views ended indecisively with title matches involving The Undertaker, Kane, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Ever since Austin had won the title at WrestleMania XV, Vince McMahon tried to find someone more aligned with his Corporation faction to replace him.

Mick Foley was willing to be that champion. He had failed to win the title as Dude Love, but he tried again as Mankind. Foley seemed to have McMahon’s blessing.

TOURNAMENT TIME

McMahon gave Mankind a layup in the first round of the “Deadly Game” tournament by choosing journeyman Duane Gill as his mystery opponent. Mankind won easily.

Mankind didn’t need any help when he beat Al Snow by submission in the quarterfinals.

His next opponent was Austin. Big Bossman had gotten deliberately disqualified in the first round by beating Austin with his nightstick.

Shane McMahon seemed to be on the outs with his father, but he swerved back into Vince’s good graces by helping Mankind win.

So Mankind was in the main event for the WWF title against “The People’s Champion,” The Rock.

Rock put Mankind in the Sharpshooter, and Vince McMahon called for the bell. Mankind didn’t give up (just like Bret Hart), but Rock became “The Corporate Champion.”

THE CLUES MAKE SENSE

While the Corporation was helping Mankind through the tournament, it was secretly helping Rock in the other side of the bracket.

Bossman got a second chance in the tournament and lost to Rock in four seconds. Then he “accidentally” threw his nightstick to The Rock, who used it to beat Ken Shamrock in the second round.

While Mankind would defeat Rocky for the title on two occasions, Austin would eventually be the one to dethrone “The Great One” at WrestleMania XV.