Why Vince McMahon Originally Hated The Royal Rumble Match
Highlights
- The Royal Rumble is WWE's most exciting match, captivating fans with athleticism and surprise entrances.
- Fans never know who will show up in the Royal Rumble, from current stars to returning legends.
- Vince McMahon initially hated the Royal Rumble concept, but Pat Patterson's creativity saved the match and proved him wrong.
The Royal Rumble, an annual spectacle that grips fans worldwide, is a cultural phenomenon. However, behind the glittering success lies a fascinating tale of skepticism and resistance. In a surprising twist, the visionary force behind WWE, Vince McMahon, initially harbored disdain for the Royal Rumble match. A tale of intrigue unfolds as we delve into the genesis of this iconic event, exploring why McMahon, the architect of wrestling's grand stage, once doubted the very concept that would go on to shape the industry's landscape. This is how a seemingly impractical idea transformed into a cornerstone of WWE's legacy.
Year | Match Type | Winner | Entry Number |
|---|---|---|---|
1988 | Men's 1st Royal Rumble | Jim Duggan | 13 |
2018 | Women's 1st Royal Rumble | Asuka | 25 |
The Royal Rumble Is WWE's Most Exciting Match
Fans Never Know Will Show Up In The Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble match stands as a testament to the brilliance of professional wrestling storytelling. Its allure lies in the unpredictability that unfolds within the squared circle, captivating fans with a unique blend of athleticism, drama, and surprise entrances. One of the key factors contributing to its success is the staggered entry of participants. Wrestlers enter at timed intervals, creating an ever-changing landscape in the ring. This format injects an element of surprise, as fans eagerly anticipate the next Superstar to emerge from backstage. The Royal Rumble's genius lies not only in its format but also in its potential for unexpected alliances and rivalries. The countdown clock adds suspense, heightening the drama as each second ticks away, leading to the explosive moment when a new competitor storms into the fray. No one knows who can show up, from current stars to stars from other companies to even returning legends. It's a treasure trove for those big pop returns.
The 22 Best Royal Rumble Matches, According To Fan Votes
The Royal Rumble match is one of the best gimmick matches that WWE has produced since January 1988. These are the very best, according to Cagematch.Who Created The Royal Rumble Match?
Pat Patterson's Creative Brilliance Changed WWE History
In the annals of professional wrestling history, few minds have proven as innovative as Pat Patterson's. A luminary in WWE, Patterson's contributions to the sport extend far beyond his in-ring prowess. In his candid autobiography, Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE, Patterson provides a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of the Royal Rumble, a concept that would alter the landscape of sports entertainment. He said:
“The difference between WWE’s Royal Rumble and a traditional over-the-top rope battle royal is that the participants come into the match at two-minute intervals — not all at the same time at the beginning of the match. I wanted to create something special, something just like we had in San Francisco where it had been such a hot event. The more I kept running the idea over in my mind, the more it took shape, and I was sure I was on to something. I felt it: every instinct in my body told me it would work. We didn’t want to simply call it a battle royal. We had people at the office who came up with names, and they submitted something like fifty of them to us. As soon as we read “Royal Rumble,” we knew we had the name. Personally, though, I didn’t care what it was called: I just wanted to see my idea to come to life.”
Patterson's ability to conceptualize not just a match, but an entire experience, underscores his impact on the entertainment aspect of professional wrestling.
9 Things WWE Fans Will Never See At A Royal Rumble PPV Ever Again
While everyone loves the Royal Rumble, there are some things that WWE fans will never see again at the event.Vince McMahon Hated The Royal Rumble Match Concept
Pat Patterson Saved The Match
In the early stages of the Royal Rumble's conception, Vince McMahon found himself at odds with the idea. It wasn't merely skepticism; McMahon outright dismissed the concept as stupid. This clash of creative minds came to a head in a pivotal moment during a meeting with USA network executives. As Pat said in his book:
“So I finally brought the idea to Vince. He laughed at the concept at first, saying that an hour was way too long to keep fans interested.I didn’t get upset; I knew sometimes he needed time for ideas to sink in. But I made sure to say, “All right, but keep it in mind, will you? Because I know this can work. Sometime later, we had a meeting with the USA Network about doing a special. We worked on the special with Dick Ebersol, who did the Saturday Night Main Event shows with us for NBC. It was going to be a three-hour live show, but it needed something to take it to the level of a WrestleMania or Survivor Series. In desperation, Vince threw my idea out there. ‘Pat, tell Dick about your stupid idea for that battle royal.' First, it’s not stupid. I think it’s a good idea. G**** it, I think it’s a great idea. Ebersol loved the concept right away. He immediately imagined the drama of the clock ticking down onscreen and the audience’s anxious anticipation of who was going enter the ring next being played out every two minutes. ‘Vince, it’s great TV,’ he said.”
Upon Vince McMahon's directive, Pat Patterson embarked on the task of orchestrating the inaugural Royal Rumble. Single-handedly, he meticulously crafted the entire event, from its conceptualization to the final execution. Despite the significant responsibility, Patterson found himself awaiting guidance from McMahon, anticipating input on the direction of the show. However, that guidance never materialized, leaving Patterson to add the finishing touches at the arena on the morning of the event, operating with a level of autonomy that showcased his creative prowess and adaptability. Even though the first Royal Rumble match only had 20 participants, Pat felt like it needed 30 or more, and as many top stars as possible, to make it seem important, which is exactly what happened. Against the odds, the inaugural Royal Rumble match unfolded as planned in 1988. The match not only exceeded expectations but also laid the foundation for a storied annual tradition proving Vince McMahon's doubts wrong.
