Newcastle twice took the lead, but Middlesbrough deserved to draw level on each occasion in a game that was played at a cracking pace throughout 90 minutes.
Both managers must have been happy at the work-rate of their teams.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate sprung a pre-match surprise when he gave local hero Jonathan Woodgate his first game of the season.
A recall after injury earlier than expected will be tremendous news for England manager Steve McClaren.
Newcastle included former Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka in their line-up, with Michael Owen again on the substitute's bench.
Viduka was public enemy number one to Middlesbrough fans after his summer switch to St James' Park and he was booed on several occasions throughout the game.
The Australia international, however, had the last laugh when he scored his first goal of the season.
Neither goalkeeper was troubled in the early stages before Charles N'Zogbia put Newcastle ahead after 22 minutes.
N'Zogbia left Mark Schwarzer helpless with a shot of tremendous power and accuracy.
Middlesbrough, though, were not behind for long as former Spurs striker Mido scored his second goal in successive games following his £6million move from White Hart Lane.
Mido took a Fabio Rochemback pass and went around goalkeeper Steve Harper to tap the ball into an empty net.
Shortly after, Harper denied Julio Arca with a brilliant save. Arca looked on in astonishment as Harper pushed the ball round a post with a full-length save.
Newcastle introduced Owen after 72 minutes for Obafemi Martins and the Nigeria striker did not look pleased to be called off and went straight down the tunnel as he left the field.
Viduka had been well held by David Wheater but after 77 minutes grabbed his chance to beat Schwarzer.
It was perhaps inevitable that Viduka would make his mark on his return to the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough roared back and Arca gave Harper no chance with a left-foot shot for an equaliser.
The goal was just reward for their display on the pitch.
Elsewhere in a match which also witnesses nine yellow cards, two players - Jeremie Aliadiere for Middlesbrough and Newcastle's Peter Ramage - were carried off on stretchers.