Cast
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Steve Austin
as Stone Cold Steve Austin
Glenn Jacobs
as Kane
Mark Calaway
as The Undertaker
Mick Foley
as Mankind
Dwayne Johnson
as Rocky Maivia
Dan Severn
as Dan "The Beast" Severn
Ken Kilpatrick
as Ken Shamrock
Jeffrey Jarrett
as "Double J" Jeff Jarrett
Monty Sopp
as "Badd Ass" Billy Gunn
Brian James
as The Road Dogg
Robert Howard
as "Bombastic" Bob Holly
Michael Polchlopek
as "Bodacious" Bart Gunn
Owen Hart
as Owen Hart
Sean Waltman
as X-Pac
Allen Sarven
as Al Snow
Crew
Director
- Vince McMahon
Writer
- Vince Russo
- Vince McMahon
- Jim Cornette
- Pat Patterson
- Ed Ferrara
- Bruce Prichard
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, WWE King of the Ring 1998 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Vince McMahon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of WWE King of the Ring 1998 took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 156 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 193 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While WWE King of the Ring 1998 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike DOA: Dead or Alive, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, WWE King of the Ring 1998 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Signature Move and Blue Demon vs. the Satanic Power explore similar territory, WWE King of the Ring 1998 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 28, 1998
- Runtime: 2h 36m
