Commentary is Gorilla Monsoon & Jesse Ventura. Sadly, this was the only time this legendary pairing called a Rumble together.
Now let's start with a famous Royal Rumble moment.
Entrant #1: Ax
Entrant #2: Smash
That's right. Demolition, the WWF Tag Team Champions, are #1 & 2 and what I love is that they wail on each other for the entire 2 minutes. Had they done this with any other tag team, they would've had to had them do extra planning in the ring while waiting for #3, but not these two. They love violence, so it does make sense that go at each other. This is a pretty solid, entertaining mini-match between the two partners. Now-a-days, if they did this, they would be talks about the team breaking up. Just goes to remind you how different the two eras are.
Entrant #3: Andre the Giant
During the Demolition mini-match, commentary kept saying they didn't like #3's chances if Demolition was still in it. Well, what if that entrant was the biggest man in the match? Yeah, that makes things interesting, doesn't it? Actually, commentary may have been right as Demolition takes down Andre only a couple of seconds after he entered the ring. From there, they maintain a solid advantage over him for a while before Andre gets some traction going. Still, the Tag Champs looked strong going up against one of the main event monster heel in Andre. Again, to show how different this era is compared to ours, no tag-team in today's era would be booked that strongly like that.
Entrant #4: Mr. Perfect
Perfect comes in and goes after Andre and sells his punches like they're from the Grim Reaper holding a C4. It's classic! Perfect attacks both Demolition and Andre, which isn't that smart of a strategy, especially from a heel that is supposed to be smart. Andre, finally getting a one-on-one tosses Smash out.
Elimination #1: Smash(by Andre the Giant)
Perfect and Ax work over Andre for a bit until Ax attacks Perfect and sends him into the buckle face first; A spot that would make Ron Simmons say 'Damn!'. Andre headbutts Perfect and again, he sells it like getting hit with a grenade.
Entrant #5: Ronnie Garvin
OK, raise your hand if you forgot this guy had a stint with the F? Yeah, I did too. Garvin enters and assists on the Andre beat down. They tie him in the ropes, but André flings them all off. Andre sits on Ax in the corner, squashing the poor guy like a bug and fends off Perfect and Garvin. Andre begins to dominate all three guys as the countdown starts.
Valentine jogs in goes for Andre. It's a smart dynamic when the face/heel interaction is blown with everyone going after Andre. It doesn't last too long, but it was good while it lasted. Now Ax, Perfect, Garvin and Valentine all beat on Andre, but once again, he fights out of it and tosses Garvin.
Elimination #2: Ronnie Garvin(by Andre the Giant(2))
They begin to pair off once again as Perfect does a 180 from an Ax clothesline. Overselling at it's finest.
Entrant #7: Jake Roberts
Jake enters to a huge ovation and goes after Andre as the two were in a big feud over Andre's fear of snakes as Jake's snake Damien gave Andre a heart attack on an episode of Saturday Night's Main Event. Andre focuses all his attention on Jake and chokes his, ignoring everyone else and not flinching when someone takes a shot at him. Andre beats on Jake in the corner while the others beat on each other.
Entrant #8: Ron Bass
The recently shaved headed Bass thanks to Brutus Beefcake, with Gorilla calling him Baldy, enters and not long after that, Jake is eliminated.
Elimination #3: Jake Roberts(by Andre the Giant(3))
Well, that was an underwhelming stay. Seems odd that Jake's goes out this early... at the moment. Andre turns his attention to Valentine, who took some cheap shots at Andre while he was choking Jake. Perfect tries to assist, but gets swatted away like a fly. Bass and Ax go at it while André piles up Valentine and Perfect in the corner and squashes them.
Entrant #9: Shawn Michaels
Michaels, making his Rumble debut, goes after Bass. In a surprising moment, Perfect eliminates Ax.
Elimination #4: Ax(by Mr. Perfect)
Perfect tries to get a 2nd elimination by tossing Michaels over the top rope, but he doesn't hit the floor and skins the cat to get back in and he takes a shot at Perfect. The two go at it for a while, reminding me that these two would have a extremely disappointing match 4 years later at Summerslam 1993. Oh, what should've been a classic. Anyway. Michaels nearly eliminates Perfect, but he's able to swing off the ropes to get back in as everyone brawls.
Entrant #10: Bushwhacker Butch
Butch comes in with Jake Roberts right behind him and releases Damien into the ring, freaking out Andre, who eliminates himself!
Elimination #5: Andre the Giant(by Himself(4))
Jesse calls BS on that and he's 100% right. Admittedly, this would set up their Wrestlemania V match, but still: Jake was eliminated fair & square and cost Andre the Rumble because he's a sore loser. Our babyface, ladies and gentlemen. The saddest part is this won't be the last time something like this happens in this match. Anyway, with Andre gone, the other Rumble-brawl by the ropes. Perfect and Bass try to double-team Michaels, but they screw it up and Bass eats a Perfect clothesline.
Entrant #11: The Honky Tonk Man
Easily one of the most over heels of the era, Honky comes out to a chorus of boos. Now they're six men in the ring and everyone pairs off. Not much else happens during this bit other than another near-elimination from Michaels. This does make me wonder if there is a official count for most near-eliminations. I guarantee you that Shawn would be high up on that list if one does exist.
Entrant #12: Tito Santana
Santana goes after Perfect, planting the seeds of their future IC Title feud later. Santana then goes after Valentine, cause they still have beef from 1985. Michaels takes a really high back drop from Bass and then a double-suplex from Bass & Perfect.
Entrant #13: Bad News Brown
Brown is the lone wolf of the match and commentary gives him the 'This guy is made for this match' line, which as we've established last time, means he has no chance of winning. In an unbelievable moment, Honky gets eliminated.
Elimination #6: The Honky Tonk Man(by Bushwhacker Butch & Tito Santana)
I seriously don't know what's more surprising: that Honky's gone already or that he was eliminated by a Bushwhacker! I swear, if this was today's era, the IWC would be tweeting that he was getting buried or some shit like that. Santana and Valentine continue to brawl as Michaels eats a headbutt from Brown. Michaels gives a double forearm from the top to Brown and Bass, but nearly gets eliminated again as the buzzer goes off.
Entrant #14: Marty Jannetty
Jannetty comes down and although it takes a while for he and Michaels to find each other, they eventually do and begin double-teaming Bass. A double dropkick sends Bass out.
Elimination #7: Ron Bass(by Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty)
The Rockers dominate the rest of the field as Santana nails his Flying Forearm on Valentine that nearly sends him out.
Entrant #15: Randy Savage
The undisputed WWF Champion(this was at a time when the WWF Champion could enter the Rumble Match) comes in and makes the biggest impact of anyone since Andre. He goes after Brown as Brown for disparaging Elizabeth. Valentine tries to interfere, but Savage is smoking and taking on all comers.
Entrant #16: Arn Anderson
Anderson enters just as Savages eliminates Valentine.
Elimination #8: Greg Valentine(by Randy Savage)
Anderson and Michaels slug it out and then, in a surprising bit, Anderson and Savage team up to eliminate Michaels.
Elimination #9: Shawn Michaels(by Randy Savage(2) & Arn Anderson)
So, Savage can work with the heels? Hmm.... Anyway, Savage works over Brown and Jannetty crotches Anderson on the top rope as the countdown starts.
Entrant #17: Tully Blanchard
A tag-team gets consecutive numbers? Didn't we already do this? Perfect and Tully battle as Bad News is wrapped up with Savage. Tully tries an atomic drop on Jannetty, but gets clotheslined. Anderson joins Tully and they whip Jannetty into the Double A Spinebuster and Tully drops elbows onto him for good measure. After some struggles, The Brain Busters eventually eliminate Jannetty as the buzzer goes.
Elimination #10: Marty Jannetty(by Tully Blanchard)
Entrant #18: Hulk Hogan
Hogan at #18 is surprising because, with the exception of Savage, the ring is filled with mid-carders and tag-wrestlers. Regardless, Hogan comes in and cleans house. He makes quick work of Perfect.
Elimination #11: Mr. Perfect(by Hulk Hogan)
While Hogan goes to work on Brown, Savage and Anderson once again team up to eliminate someone; this time it's Santana
Elimination #12: Tito Santana(by Randy Savage(3) & Arn Anderson(2))
The tables get turned as Brown works to get Hogan out and gets help from Tully and soon after, Anderson. Savage doesn't come to help as he tries and fails to toss Butch. Hogan manages to get out of it and the buzzer sounds.
Entrant #19: Bushwhacker Luke
Oh lord no... Well, thankfully, we don't have to deal with both Bushwhackers for very long as Brown tosses Butch
Elimination #13: Bushwhacker Butch(by Bad News Brown)
Thank god for that before this Rumble got into Shitsville territory. One is fine, but both, get me the fuck outta here. Hogan and Savage double-team Brown to get him out, but Anderson makes the save as they pair off. Hogan presses Tully and clotheslines him off the top rope as we get to my favorite part of this Rumble. Hulk Hogan and Bushwhacker Luke spend a good minute or so fighting each other and I can't convey to you guys how much this cracks me up. If there's some house show from back then that has this matchup, I want to see it because it's the most ridiculously absurd matchup one could possibly think of. Hell, I'd probably get more entertainment from that than the WWE's current product.
Entrant #20: Koko B. Ware
Koko comes in and gets a little bit of offense going. Hogan and Anderson do the Flair in the corner spot. Hogan then starts raking peoples eyes and does so to eliminate Koko.
Elimination #14: Koko B. Ware(by Hulk Hogan(2))
I could point out that Hogan is clearly cheating by raking eyes, but... well, just you wait. Hogan gets triple-teamed by Butch and the Brain Busters, but fights out of it pretty quickly and eliminates Luke.
Elimination #15: Bushwhacker Luke(by Hulk Hogan(3))
The Brain Busters work on Hogan as Brown has Savage a little tied up.
Entrant #21: The Warlord
As Warlord comes down, Hogan catches both Brain Busters with clotheslines and eliminate both of them!
Elimination #16: Arn Anderson(by Hulk Hogan(4))
Elimination #17: Tully Blanchard(by Hulk Hogan(5))
Then comes another famous moment from this match. Warlord strikes a quick pose on the apron before entering, when he's greeted by a Hulk Hogan clothesline and eliminated!
Elimination #18: The Warlord(by Hulk Hogan(6))
And then, the first moment in the 'Hogan is an asshole in Royal Rumble matches' moments happens as Hogan dumps Brown AND Savage!
Elimination #19: Bad News Brown(by Hulk Hogan(7))
Elimination #20: Randy Savage(by Hulk Hogan(8))
I would like to point out that he did that while Savage's back was turned. Hogan basically took the cowards route and took his partner out because he knew he would be a threat to win if he didn't. Savage jumps back in and gets into Hogan's face; pissed off and rightfully so. Elizabeth comes down to get the two to calm down and in the end, it's Savage who extends his hand to Hogan.
OK, question: Why was Savage the one that turned heel on Hogan to set-up Mania V? Seriously, Hogan's actions in this match are that of a heel, so why didn't he turn and not Savage? Oh wait, I know why: It's cause kids love him and he sells merch and kids won't buy the merch if Hogan was heel, which means that we can have Hogan do heel antics in the match because why the hell not? And don't give me the 'Savage was jealous of Hogan because of Elizabeth' BS.
Anyway, the two shake hands, tease of the Mega-Powers exploding is finished and it's time for a new entrant.
Entrant #22: The Big Boss Man
Hogan and Boss Man were in the midst of a feud, which is mighty convenient that Boss Man comes out now. The two square off and while Hogan has the initial advantage over Boss Man, he's also been in for almost 10 minutes compared to a fresh Boss Man, so it's not surprising that Boss Man takes over. Boss Man body slams Hogan and spits on him, but misses a running splash as the buzzer sounds.
Entrant #23: Akeem
Here comes Boss Man's partner and Hogan is screwed. Gorilla and Jesse speculate about whether DiBiase is to blame for this. Gorilla also says that "There's no way you could get these two together; I guarantee it!" even though this is the 3rd tag-team to get consecutive numbers. Hogan fights off the Twin Towers for a bit, but again, he's going up against two fresh entrants, so the Towers take control quickly. Hogan tries to come back by knocking both of their heads and delivers a back suplex to Boss Man, but it hurts him too, leaving him prime-picking for Akeem. Double avalanche in the corner and then the Twin Towers ELIMINATE Hogan!
Elimination #21: Hulk Hogan(by The Big Boss Man & Akeem)
That's right, The Twin Towers eliminated Hogan cleanly. So Hogan, throwing a temper tantrum, pulls Boss Man underneath the ropes and starts whaling on him. Akeen goes to help is partner as the buzzer goes.
Entrant #24: Brutus Beefcake
One of Hogan's allies who goes to help the sore loser, but is eventually forced into the ring by Akeem. The Twin Towers work over Beefcake while Hogan argues with officials as they try to keep him from getting back in. The Towers continue to work on Beefcake when Hogan low-bridges Bossman out over the top.
Elimination #22: The Big Boss Man(by Hulk Hogan(9))
OK, SOMEONE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW HOGAN DIDN'T TURN HEEL ON SAVAGE WITH ANTICS LIKE THIS?!
Jesse calls it rightfully so. "Going in there and flagrantly cheating, not leaving when you're eliminated, causing someone else to get eliminated." How did Hogan not get kayfabed suspended after this event? Oh wait, I know: it's cause this is 80s Hogan who could do whatever he wanted. Our top babyface, ladies and gentlemen!
Entrant #25: The Red Rooster
Rooster comes in and tries to take out Akeem to no avail. And this is where we get to where this Rumble really drags. All the top babyfaces are out and with the exception of DiBiase, all the top names are out as well, leaving only mid-carders and tag-wrestlers to finish the match. I don't know why they did this, but it really shows as the fans aren't into it as they were before.
Entrant #26: The Barbarian
Barbarian comes in with Akeem trapped in the ropes as Beefcake and Rooster try to get him out. At first, Barbarian helps them, but then attacks all of them. Commentary calls him an idiot for that. Everyone hangs on the ropes for a while. Akeem nails Air Africa in the center of the ring on Rooster.
Entrant #27: Big John Studd
Studd is supposed to be a babyface here, which is really weird, but it feels like he's more neutral as he tosses Rooster aside(Just how did Rooster get up so quickly after that splash?) as he wants Akeem all to himself. Everyone Rumble-brawls by the ropes. Beefcake chokes Barbarian out on the ropes. I know some of you are probably tired of this gag, but, our babyface, ladies and gentlemen.
Entrant #28: Hercules
Hercules comes in and goes after Barbarian. Not much else happens during this bit other than more Rumble-brawling by the ropes. It's getting boring, but were almost at the end.
Entrant #29: Rick Martel
Martel, who probably spent a year's salary to get #29, tries to go after Akeem, but Studd ain’t having none of that shit, so he goes after Rooster. Everyone else trades off trying to eliminate each other.
Entrant #30: Ted DiBiase
DiBiase, who in a memorable moment, bought the #30 spot from manager Slick before the Rumble. He goes after Hercules, continuing the slave storyline that turned Hercules babyface. Virgil hands around ringside. It's important to note that managers aren't allowed at ringside for this Rumble, but since Virgil is a bodyguard, he's allowed to stay. In a weird looking spot, DiBiase tosses Rooster from one side of the ring to the other and eliminates him.
Elimination #23: The Red Rooster(by Ted DiBiase)
If you were hoping the ending of this match would start to pick up, sorry to disappoint you, but it really doesn't, so I'm sum this up quickly.
Beefcake gets a sleeper on Hercules when DiBiase sneaks up and eliminates both of them, with an assist from Barbarian.
Elimination #24: Brutus Beefcake(by The Barbarian & Ted DiBiase(2))
Elimination #25: Hercules(by The Barbarian(2) & Ted DiBiase(3))
Shoulderblock by Barbarian on Martel and then a running powerslam. Barbarian goes up and drops a top-rope diving head-butt on Martel. Barbarian, thinking Martel is dead, sets him up to eliminate him, but Martel ducks and a dropkick sends Barbarian out
Elimination #26: The Barbarian(by Rick Martel)
And so our Final 4 for this Rumble are Akeem, Big John Studd, Rick Martel & Ted DiBiase. Akeem misses an avalanche on Martel as Martel comes back with a couple of dropkicks, but gets caught in a crossbody and eliminated.
Elimination #27: Rick Martel(by Akeem(2))
DiBiase directs traffic(with money, of course) as he and Akeem work over Studd. Avalanche by Akeem; Dibiase calls for another, but Studd pulls Dibiase in between. One forearm by Studd and Akeem is gone!
Elimination #28: Akeem(by Big John Studd)
And we're down to two! DiBiase tries to buy off Studd, but Studd says no. Studd beats on DiBiase for a good couple of minutes and just as Jesse reminds us that DiBiase can come back and win, he gets eliminated.
Elimination #29: Ted DiBiase(by Big John Studd(2))
Winner:
Big John Studd
Stats:
Royal Rumble Ironman: Mr Perfect(27:58)(Record
Shortest Time: The Warlord(0:02)(Record)
Most Eliminations: Hulk Hogan(9)(Record)
Final Thoughts:
This Rumble could very easily have a contender for the top-10 best Rumble matches of all time because the majority of it was very exciting. Once Hogan gets eliminated, things went downhill fast with antics that are out of character for a babyface, but also the home-stretch which felt just as long to get through as the Rumble itself. I also didn't understand why Hogan was eliminated when he was. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying I wanted Hogan to win, but they could've booked him in this match better. Have a Final 4 of Hogan, Studd, DiBiase & Akeem where DiBiase & Akeem control for a bit, but the same thing that happens to DiBiase & Akeem where Studd eliminates Akeem and Hogan & Studd work over DiBiase for a while before eliminating him and go at each other and just when you think Hogan is about to win, Studd surprises Hogan and eliminates him. A finish like that would've certainly kept the fans interested. I have no problem with Studd winning here, though him winning never lead to anything. Admittedly, the Golden Era Rumbles didn't have much to winning other than bragging right and perhaps a big cash bonus, but still, had it booked like I had suggested previously, it could've set up a potential Hogan/Studd feud and that would've been interesting. There are plenty of good things about this Rumble, including the feel that it was every man for himself that was missing in the 88 Rumble, but in the end, this match is a case of what could have been. Certainly not a bad Rumble match, but not a great one like it could've been.
Final Verdict:
6.5 out of 10
As always, I want to hear your opinions. What do you think of the 1989 Royal Rumble Match? Let me know in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter: @ThenWoReviewer and be sure to follow to get new content as soon as it comes out. Thanks for reading and until next time:
6.5 out of 10
As always, I want to hear your opinions. What do you think of the 1989 Royal Rumble Match? Let me know in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter: @ThenWoReviewer and be sure to follow to get new content as soon as it comes out. Thanks for reading and until next time:
