SRS #RumbleRetro: Royal Rumble 1988 Through 1997: HBK Dominates, Hogan Is A Baby, Flair Shines

Sean Ross Sapp Jan 17, 2019 12:44PM

2017 marked the first Royal Rumble I attended. I'm not much of a traveler -- a lot of my work I can do remotely. It's always been a bucket list item, however, so I jumped at the opportunity to go. To prepare, I re-watched every Royal Rumble event, and used the #RetroRumble hashtag (originally #RumbleRetro). I'll be bringing you these in installments of every ten years, with links to additional series. Enjoy, we'll be reposting these annually.

1988 and 1989: The Nothing Happenin' Dark Ages

This didn't main event. The Islanders vs. Young Stallions did. Wow #RetroRumble 88
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

Tito Santana, Hart Foundation and Jake Roberts early. Already blows 2012 out of the water #RetroRumble 88
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

It is so weird to hear the crowd go wild at a SAM HOUSTON/DANNY DAVIS exchange #RetroRumble 88
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

Danny Davis was TINY by 1988 WWF standards #RUMBLERETRO
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 3, 2017

Hillbilly Jim was a specimen. Geez #RetroRumble 88
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

People have said Duggan didn't get anything for winning this, but he got a couple of bookings down the line from it #RetroRumble 88
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

Demolition battling against each other helped establish the point of the match, but made them look like fools #RetroRumble 89
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

Demolition, Andre, Perfect, Jake. Another more star studded in the first 7 entrants than 2012 #RetroRumble 89
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

Shew, Bossman was in horrible shape in the 89 Rumble #RetroRumble
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 3, 2017

Bossman also used to hit the ropes like he wanted to break the ring #RetroRumble
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 3, 2017

Good god, Hogan was working SNUG. Then Bossman hits a FREAKING PILEDRIVER!?! #RetroRumble 89
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

The Twin Towers eliminate Hogan. Of course he throws a fit and pulls out Bossman. SCUMMY BABYFACE #RetroRumble 89
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

Studd wins. #RetroRumble 89
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

1990-1991: Hulk Hogan Runs Wild

Babyfaces were real bitches when they got eliminated #RumbleRetro 90
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

We need more faceoffs like Hogan/Warrior. But that requires super over people #RumbleRetro 90
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Hogan's elimination of Mr. Perfect was RECKLESS #RumbleRetro 90
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Hulk Hogan was a scummy in ring babyface #RumbleRetro
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 3, 2017

The ridiculous steroid usage from some of the competitors makes my heart hurt #RetroRumble 91
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

People talk about lack of psychology today. Hogan had some terrible babyface and Rumble psychology #RetroRumble 91
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Undertaker even seemed like a star 2 months in #RetroRumble 91
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Everybody took badass bumps over the top rope back in the day #RetroRumble 91
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Hogan's back-to-back Rumble wins shouldn't have happened, but no number one contender rule in 1990 #RetroRumble 90-91
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 20, 2017

1992: Ric Flair shines

It's weird to think Brian Knobbs was ever 26 years old, much less in this match #RetroRumble 91
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

I've finally reached the 1992 Rumble :) #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Ric Flair's music-less entrance at the 92 Rumble is one of my favorites ever. A look of poise on his face. Iconic #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

God, there was a lot of racism on commentary back in the day #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Heenan's commentary was such a big part of Flair's performance. He made #3 seem even more hopeless #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

God, there was a lot of racism on commentary back in the day #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

"Shawn Michaels is face down in the middle of the ring, not the place to be." That's not a terrible place to be in a Rumble #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

It's so refreshing to have Heenan on color commentary instead of Ventura or Piper #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

I love Undertaker's old gear. #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

I wish they'd go back to the old rule of having to be eliminated by yourself or someone active in the match #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

The Berzerker was a giant, less talented, crappy working version of WrestleMania 30 Daniel Bryan. Just look #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Colonel Mustafa. Hoo boy #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Hogan eliminated Taker. Wonder who made that call #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

The end of the match makes Hogan look like such a dick. Imagine how crowds would reject him today like that #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

And Flair can't have his moment. Gotta be Hogan/Sid #RetroRumble 92
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

1993-1994: The New Generation

Backlund and Flair starting is pretty sweet #RetroRumble 93
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Three hall of famers start off. Ric Flair, Bob Backlund...........Papa Shango #RetroRumble 93
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Giant Gonzalez out there looking like Slim Goodbody #RetroRumble 93
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 5, 2017

Oh damn. Earthquake/Yoko faceoff #RetroRumble 93
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Imagine a guy Smash's level turning into a Repo Man today #RetroRumble 93
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Whoever came up with Savage pinning Yoko should be smacked #RetroRumble 93
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

If the Steiners really entered at numbers 1 and 3, they'd also end up being the last two in the ring #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Bart Gunn, Savio Vega and Scott Steiner in the ring. A few BILLYS #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Diesel power.....and pooor Bob Backlund #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Diesel, Jarrett, Savage in this Rumble right now. So many tassles and fringes #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Imagine having Diesel and Crush take turns beating the shit out of you. Doink lived it. #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

I remember when Luna was the only female character on the WWF game. #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Diesel, Mabel, Bam Bam, Crush. Nash is the only one still with us :( #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Man Kabuki looked like shit here #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

What's the most people in the rumble at once? There's 12 right now #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Jannetty and HBK slugging it out! #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Adam Bomb looks like Ellis from Die Hard didn't die, he just stayed in Nakatomi fueling up on coke and roids and emerged #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Bam Bam's elimination was cool #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Weak finish #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

The crowd HATED that finish #RetroRumble 94
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

1995: HBK Coast To Coast

Bulldog and HBK starting 1 and 2 and lasting set the stage for future Rumbles #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

I'm glad Rumble psychology has improved. A press slam has to lead to an elimination #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Duke "The Dumpster" Droese was 24 in this Rumble #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

These entrants were rapid fire. What did you all think about it? #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

HBK and Bulldog just start chucking fools #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Man, the WWE midcard was trash in 95 #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Why would Lex Luger save HBK from elimination? Weird #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Damn. Henry Godwinn's elimination scare was solid #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

I wonder what would have been of Crush had he not been arrested in 1995 #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

The Crush elimination was set up really, really well #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

The three HBK elimination teases at the end of the Rumble were cool #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

93 ended with a guy trying to pin, 94 with a double winner, 95 with a swerve. #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

1996: HBK Dominance Continues

Why'd they have to dub over Henry Godwinn's music? #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

That slop bucket.....egh #RetroRumble 95
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

The Rumble 96 snake was ridiculous #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Dory Funk goes right after Backlund #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Yeah the 1996 Royal Rumble was a major step up in talent #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Oh my god.....Omori's theme #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

*Doug Gilbert runs out*
Mr Perfect: "..........who's that?"#RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

What the fuck is a Squat Team? #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

This is probably the most star studded Rumble since 92 #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

They need to bring back the rule that people not active in the Rumble can't eliminate people #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Like a dozen guys in this Royal Rumble weren't in the company or wrestling six months later #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

I had forgotten Lawler was under the ring, lol. #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

I'll bet Horowitz and Michaels could have had a hell of a 20 minute match #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Marty Jannetty was my favorite wrestler as a kid #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

The finish of Rumble 96 happened in a damn hurry #RetroRumble 96
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

1997: Stone Cold Shenanigans Austin

PG-13 were such hate-able heels #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Ahmed Johnson is potential unfulfilled personified #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

God, Stone Cold's elimination of Phineas was hilarious #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Had I not been told, I probably wouldn't have suspected The Sultan as Fatu #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Owen Hart's theme is underrated #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Goldust's Gold/Silver gear was the best #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Cibernetico, who was in this Rumble, is the same age as John Cena! #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Also, Super Crazy was on the undercard #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Austin's Rumble performance was awesome #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Lawler getting up from commentary to enter and get eliminated. Heh #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Foley, the now-Kane, Terry Funk, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Scorpio, The Rock. Damn #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Undertaker being in a Royal Rumble feels special #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Fake Diesel as a Final Four, lol #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Austin winning like that was such a fantastic scummy move #RetroRumble 97
— Sean Ross Sapp (@SeanRossSapp) January 6, 2017

Stay tuned tomorrow for our next edition, 1998-2007!!

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CONTINUE

SRS #RumbleRetro: 1988 Through 1997: HBK Dominates, Hogan Is A Baby, Flair Shines