WWF Royal Rumble ’91 (1991) – A Retrospective Review
The WWF Royal Rumble ’91, held on January 19, 1991, at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida, was an event that marked the beginning of a new era in professional wrestling. This pay-per-view extravaganza featured high-stakes matches, dramatic storylines, and unforgettable moments that have cemented it in the annals of wrestling history. The event was not only a showcase of in-ring talent but also a reflection of the geopolitical tensions of the time, particularly with Sgt. Slaughter’s controversial portrayal as an Iraqi sympathizer during the Gulf War. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each match, along with some behind-the-scenes insights.
The Rockers vs. The Orient Express
The evening kicked off with a high-energy tag team match between The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) and The Orient Express (Kato and Tanaka), managed by Mr. Fuji. This match set the tone for the night, showcasing the athleticism and chemistry between the teams. The Rockers were known for their high-flying maneuvers and quick pace, while The Orient Express brought a blend of martial arts and traditional wrestling techniques.
The match was a back-and-forth affair with both teams exchanging momentum. Highlights included a series of double-team moves by The Rockers and impressive aerial attacks from Michaels. The Orient Express, leveraging Mr. Fuji’s strategic interference, managed to isolate Jannetty for a portion of the match, showcasing their technical prowess. The climax came when The Rockers executed a double flying fist drop on Tanaka, securing the pinfall victory. Behind the scenes, this match was seen as a showcase for The Rockers, who were being groomed for a potential run at the tag team titles.
Big Boss Man vs. The Barbarian
The second match of the night featured the Big Boss Man taking on The Barbarian, accompanied by Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. This was a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, with the Boss Man’s agility and power pitted against the raw strength of The Barbarian. The build-up to this match revolved around Heenan’s repeated attempts to belittle and humiliate the Boss Man, making this contest as much about personal pride as it was about victory.
The match itself was a hard-hitting contest, with both men delivering powerful strikes and high-impact moves. The Barbarian showcased his brute strength, dominating the early stages with clubbing blows and a vicious bear hug. However, the Boss Man’s resilience and the support of the crowd fueled his comeback. A pivotal moment occurred when Heenan attempted to interfere, only to be thwarted by the Boss Man, who then delivered a spinebuster to The Barbarian, followed by his signature sidewalk slam to secure the win. Backstage, the Boss Man was praised for his ability to work well with larger opponents, and this match helped solidify his status as a rising star in the company.
The Mountie vs. Koko B. Ware
Next up was The Mountie (Jacques Rougeau) facing off against Koko B. Ware. The Mountie, accompanied by his manager Jimmy Hart, was relatively new to the WWF at this point, and this match served as a platform to establish his character as a law-enforcing villain. Koko B. Ware, known for his vibrant persona and the ever-present parrot Frankie, provided the perfect foil for The Mountie’s stern demeanor.
The match was a contrast in styles, with Koko’s speed and agility against The Mountie’s more methodical approach. Koko dazzled the audience with his high-flying offense, including dropkicks and a spectacular missile dropkick. However, The Mountie’s underhanded tactics, combined with Hart’s interference, shifted the momentum. The turning point came when The Mountie used his cattle prod, which he called “The Shock Stick,” to incapacitate Koko, allowing him to score the pinfall. Behind the scenes, this match was a significant step in building The Mountie’s heel persona, setting the stage for future rivalries.
“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Virgil vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes
In a highly anticipated tag team match, “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and his bodyguard Virgil faced off against Dusty and Dustin Rhodes. This match was deeply personal, rooted in DiBiase’s mistreatment of Virgil and his constant humiliation of Dusty Rhodes. The addition of Dustin, Dusty’s son, added an emotional layer, as this was Dustin’s first major appearance in WWF.
The match began with DiBiase and Virgil using their underhanded tactics to gain the upper hand. DiBiase’s technical skill and ring awareness were on full display, as he systematically wore down Dusty with holds and strikes. Dustin, displaying a mix of youthful energy and raw talent, turned the tide with a flurry of offense against Virgil. The climax of the match saw a dramatic turn of events: Virgil, fed up with DiBiase’s abuse, finally stood up to him. This distraction allowed Dustin to hit a crossbody on DiBiase, but in the chaos, Virgil accidentally struck Dusty, leading to DiBiase scoring the pinfall.
Behind the scenes, this match was pivotal in transitioning Virgil from a subservient character to a sympathetic figure. The post-match beatdown of DiBiase by Virgil received a massive pop from the crowd, signaling the start of Virgil’s face turn and a feud with his former employer.
Sgt. Slaughter vs. Ultimate Warrior (WWF Championship Match)
The WWF Championship match between Sgt. Slaughter and the Ultimate Warrior was the most controversial bout of the evening. Slaughter, who had recently adopted an Iraqi sympathizer gimmick during the Gulf War, was positioned as the top heel, challenging the immensely popular Ultimate Warrior. The build-up to this match was intense, with Slaughter drawing immense heat for his anti-American promos and aligning himself with General Adnan.
The match was a brutal encounter, with Warrior’s explosive offense clashing against Slaughter’s brawling style. Warrior dominated the early stages with his high-energy moves, but interference from Adnan and a mysterious “fireball” attack from an unknown assailant (later revealed to be Randy Savage) turned the tide in Slaughter’s favor. Slaughter capitalized on the chaos, applying the Camel Clutch to a weakened Warrior. Despite a valiant effort, Warrior succumbed to the hold, and Slaughter was declared the new WWF Champion.
Behind the scenes, this title change was a strategic decision by Vince McMahon to set up a patriotic storyline culminating at WrestleMania VII, with Hulk Hogan representing America against the “traitorous” Slaughter. The match itself was heavily criticized for its political overtones, but it undeniably generated significant mainstream attention.
The Royal Rumble Match
The main event of the evening was the Royal Rumble match, a 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal, where the last man standing would earn a title shot at WrestleMania VII. This year’s Rumble featured a mix of established stars and rising talents, with the storyline focus on the ongoing feud between Hulk Hogan and Earthquake.
The match began with Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Dino Bravo as the first two entrants, setting the pace for a competitive bout. Notable moments included the dominant performance of Rick Martel, who lasted over 50 minutes, and the dramatic entrance of the Undertaker, who made a significant impact by eliminating several competitors. The final four came down to Hulk Hogan, Earthquake, Brian Knobbs, and Rick Martel. Martel and Knobbs were quickly dispatched, leaving Hogan and Earthquake to battle it out.
In the climax, Hogan managed to hulk up after a series of power moves from Earthquake, delivering a big boot and clothesline that sent the big man over the top rope. Hogan celebrated his victory to the delight of the Miami crowd, posing with the American flag as a symbol of triumph. Backstage, Hogan’s win was a foregone conclusion, as the company aimed to position him as the top babyface heading into WrestleMania.
The 1991 Royal Rumble was a pivotal event in the WWF’s calendar, setting the stage for major storylines and character arcs leading into WrestleMania VII. The event showcased the blend of athletic competition and soap opera-style drama that defined the WWF during this era, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their favorite wrestlers’ journeys.
