REIGN NO. 1: TRIPLE H vs. MANKIND, AUG. 23, 1999
"This was the ultimate moment -- finally reaching the pinnacle of the business." —Triple H
One night after SummerSlam, Triple H defeated Mankind for his first-ever reign as WWE Champion. This Monday Night RAW classic also featured Shane McMahon as special referee.
Prior to the match, an enraged Triple H declared that Foley robbed him of his rightful championship at SummerSlam. The Cerebral Assassin declared that he'd break RAW announcer Jim Ross' arm if he wasn't granted an immediate championship opportunity.
Fearing for Goole Ole J.R., Mick Foley granted The Game's wish. But the gesture resulted in the loss of his championship, as Triple H began his first-ever world championship reign.