The outcome of every wrestling match is predetermined.
The way performers get to the end of a match is usually laid out by the people involved. Obviously, the more wrestlers involved in a match means increased chances for something to go wrong. These errors could end up putting the intended outcome of the match in jeopardy.
That’s my convoluted way of saying sometimes things just get screwed up thanks to human error.
The Royal Rumble is a perfect example of the number of things that can go wrong just because there are so many participants involved. Put 30 wrestlers in the ring and there’s bound to be more than a few botched moments.
During a recent interview with Fox Sports, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin relived one Royal Rumble screw up that completely affected the ending of the match.
“I’ll never forget in San Diego at my first Royal Rumble. I was supposed to be the fourth guy left in the ring, and Rikishi, or somebody, gave me a clothesline, and the ropes were so baby oiled up from everybody wearing baby oil, I slipped,” explained Austin.
“There was a bunch of guys in the ring, and I went out way early. I hit the ground, and I’m still pretty new in the company at this time, Ryan, but they’re gonna try to keep me in the Rumble, so they’re giving me a little bit of a push, and I blew it!”
Working as “The Ringmaster” at the time – and sporting the piece of crap “Million Dollar” belt – Austin was supposed to be one of the last four men remaining along with Shawn Michaels and Diesel.
The other two remaining men – Kama and The British Bulldog – one of those guys were thrust into the final four because Austin was in the locker room due to an early elimination.
Austin told Fox Sports a funny story about an interaction with Shawn Michaels before leaving ringside.
“So, I hit the ground – and because Shawn Michaels was going to be pivotal as far as me getting out – I was sitting there, someone was beating the hell out of him, and I was kinda looking at him over the mat like this and was like, ‘Dude, I’m out.’ He’s laying there, getting his ass kicked and he goes like this—[eyes go wide].”
For these – and many other reasons – Austin never really liked the Royal Rumble match.
“I won three Royal Rumbles, but I didn’t really like Royal Rumbles because there’s so much going on. So many things that can’t go wrong because everything’s gotta work out…
I didn’t really care for Royal Rumbles. I won three, and I’m glad that I won three.”
[via Fox Sports]
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