Buff Bagwell Condemns WCW’s ‘Fingerpoke of Doom’ as Wrestling’s Low Point

One Big Thing

Former WCW star Buff Bagwell calls the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom” segment from 1999 “a horrible thing for the business” in new YouTube comments, highlighting a pivotal moment in wrestling history.

Why It Matters

The controversial segment marked a turning point in the Monday Night Wars, driving viewers away from WCW and toward WWE, contributing to WCW’s eventual downfall.

Key Details

• Event occurred on January 4, 1999, episode of WCW Nitro
• Kevin Nash “lost” the WCW World Championship to Hulk Hogan after a single finger poke
• Happened same night as Mankind’s WWE Championship victory
• Segment preceded WCW’s ratings decline

Direct Quote

“It was really a bad thing to do… I was there, but it ain’t like I was in the finish room. It was a horrible thing for the business,” Bagwell stated on his YouTube channel.

By The Numbers

• This episode marked the last time WCW would beat WWE in ratings
• WCW’s ratings dropped significantly in following weeks
• The company sold to WWE just two years later in 2001

Looking Ahead

When asked if such a booking decision should ever be repeated, Bagwell was clear: “No, it should never be done again, and it should’ve never been done in the first place.”

What do you think was the biggest mistake WCW made during the Monday Night Wars? Share your thoughts in the comments below.