[1988] - The inaugural "Royal Rumble" was at the Copps
Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and was won by "Hacksaw"
Jim Duggan. At the event, Canada's own, Dino Bravo attempted to
break the world bench press record. Also, Hulk Hogan and Andre
the Giant signed the contract that would ultimately lead to the
end of "Hulkamania."
[1989] - 1989 was the first year the "Royal Rumble" was held
on Pay-Per-View. In the night's main attraction, Big John
Studd last eliminated Ted DiBiase to be declared the victor.
Also, Haku and Harley Race battled for the King's Crown.
[1990] - Hulk Hogan won his first "Royal Rumble" in 1990, last
eliminating Mr. Perfect. In addition, Big Boss Man took on
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, "Rugged" Ronnie Garvin battled Greg
"the Hammer" Valentine, "Leaping" Lanny Poffo faced off against
Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake and much more.
[1991] - The Miami Arena played host to the 1991 "Royal
Rumble." Hulk Hogan made it back-to-back "Royal Rumble"
victories in 1991, last eliminating Earthquake. Also on the
card, American turncoat Sgt. Slaughter defeated the Ultimate
Warrior for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. In
addition, Ted DiBiase and Virgil teamed up to take on the
Rhodes -- Dusty and Dustin.
[1992] - In one of the most memorable "Royal Rumble" events,
Ric Flair outlasted 29 other superstars to win the 1992 Rumble,
and the then-vacant World Wrestling Federation Championship.
Earlier in the evening, Rowdy Roddy Piper got his first taste of
Federation gold when he defeated the Mountie for the
Intercontinental title. Also, the Legion of Doom defended their
Tag Team Championship against the Natural Disasters.
[1993] - The 1993 "Royal Rumble" introduced the stipulation
that the winner would receive a shot at the Federation
Championship at "WrestleMania." Yokozuna went on to win
the 1993 "Royal Rumble," last eliminating Randy Savage.
Yokozuna later went on to defeat Bret Hart for the
Championship at "WrestleMania IX." Also on the card, former
partners battled when Shawn Michaels defended his
Intercontinental Championship against Marty Jannetty.
[1994] - The 1994 "Royal Rumble" was perhaps the most
controversial ever. In the end, it was both Bret Hart and Lex
Luger going over the top rope at the same time. Therefore,
co-winners were declared by then-president Jack Tunney. In
a memorable Casket Match, Yokozuna defeated the Undertaker.
Also on the card, Razor Ramon successfully defended his
Intercontinental Championship against Irwin R. Schyster.
[1995] - In 1995, Shawn Michaels last eliminated Davey Boy
Smith, and was awarded a match against World Wrestling
Federation Champion Diesel at "WrestleMania XI." Also at the
1995 "Royal Rumble," the 1-2-3 Kid and Bob Holly defeated
Bam Bam Bigelow and Tatanka in a tournament final to capture
the Tag Team Championship. After the match, a frustrated
Bigelow assaulted Lawrence Taylor, who was watching the
show alongside the other Federation fans.
[1996] - Shawn Michaels made it back-to-back "Royal Rumble"
victories in 1996. He later went on to defeat Bret Hart for the
Federation Championship at "WrestleMania XII." In addition,
an overzealous Jeff Jarrett was disqualified in his match
against Ahmed Johnson when he destroyed his guitar over
Johnson's head. Also, Goldust captured the Intercontinental
Championship when he pinned Razor Ramon's shoulders to
the mat.
[1997] - The 1997 "Royal Rumble" emanated from the Alamo
Dome in San Antonio. Over 60,000 fans packed the arena to
watch Stone Cold Steve Austin win his first-ever "Royal Rumble"
event, last eliminating Bret Hart. Elsewhere on the card, Shawn
Michaels regained the Federation Championship by defeating
"Sycho" Sid. In addition, Vader and the Undertaker squared
off one-on-one, Hunter Hearst Helmsley battled Goldust and
much more.
[1998] - Stone Cold Steve Austin outlasted 29 other men to
win the 1998 "Royal Rumble." He later went on to defeat
Shawn Michaels at "WrestleMania XIV" for the Federation
Championship. Also in 1998, Vader defeated Goldust, who
was accompanied to the ring by Luna and Rocky Maivia
successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship
against Ken Shamrock.
[1999] - The unthinkable happened at the 1999 "Royal
Rumble" when Vince McMahon last eliminated Stone Cold
Steve Austin to win the Rumble. McMahon was later stripped
of his WrestleMania Championship Match by Commissioner
Michaels. Also on the card, Gangrel battled X-Pac for the
European Championship, Billy Gunn challenged Intercontinental
Champion Ken Shamrock and much more.
Past "Royal Rumble" Winners:
[1988] - "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
[1989] - John Studd
[1990] - Hulk Hogan
[1991] - Hulk Hogan (2)
[1992] - "Nature Boy" Ric Flair
[1993] - Yokozuna
[1994] - Bret "Hitman" Hart and Lex Luger*
[1995] - "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels
[1996] - "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels
[1997] - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
[1998] - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (2)
[1999] - Vince McMahon
[2000] - The Rock
[2001] - "Stone Cold Steve Austin (3)
[2002] - Triple H
[2003] - Brock Lesnar
[2004] - Chris Benoit
[2005] - Batista
[2006] - Rey Mysterio Jr.
[2007] - The Undertaker
[2008] - Johh Cena
*both Hart and Luger's feet touched the mat on the outside
at the same time, and Vince McMahon ruled both men as
winners. Hart and Luger both would vie for the WWF Title
at Wrestlemania X, in seperate matches.
