We have come across various stories of wrestlers refusing to lose matches over the years. Jim Ross discussed the issue in detail during a recent Grilling JR episode, which focused on King of the Ring 1996, where The Undertaker faced Mick Foley.

As we had covered earlier, Big Van Vader was almost fired from the WWE due to his reluctance to do jobs. Vader wanted to preserve his monster heel image, which was a moneymaker in Japan, and he refused to drop a match to The Ultimate Warrior at a Rosemont house show in 1996.

Vader wasn’t the only superstar protected by the WWE at the time, as Jim Ross highlighted various instances of the company’s inability to book talents to lose.

Unlike most talents of his generation, The Undertaker had a different vision as he suffered a shocking loss to Mick Foley at the 1996 KOTR show.

Mick Foley was a newcomer specifically brought in to feud with The Undertaker. Jim Ross believed that The Deadman wanted to prove a point to the roster by showing them how to take a loss.

WWE’s decision to have Mick Foley go over the Undertaker that night proved to be a masterstroke. It kicked off one of the most groundbreaking feuds in wrestling history.

King of the Ring 1996 was the first chapter in the iconic rivalry between Foley and ‘Taker, and the stunning upset got the angle rolling on the right note:

The Undertaker needed new dancing partners: Jim Ross

The Undertaker was quick to realize the potential in a long-term feud with Foley as the Harcore Legend had all the traits to be The Phenom’s ideal dance partner:

Jim Ross also explained why every wrestling company needed to maintain a healthy balance of wins and losses regarding a wrestler. The veteran announcer said many wrestlers in the ’90s didn’t want clean losses and would instead push for DQ and count-out finishes:

The Undertaker was a true company man who saw the future benefits of losing to Mick Foley. In hindsight, WWE and the legends involved throughout the decision-making process couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

Please credit Grilling JR and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

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