WWF/WWE Royal Rumble ’95 (1995) – A Retrospective Review
WWF Royal Rumble ’95
Date: January 22, 1995
Location: USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida
The 1995 Royal Rumble marked a transitional period for the WWF. Business was struggling due to increased competition from WCW and the company’s inability to produce consistent, marketable stars beyond a select few. This event reflected Vince McMahon’s desire to lean on younger talent while still featuring established names. Backstage, there were rumblings of frustration over the WWF’s creative direction, particularly the controversial decision to book Shawn Michaels as the Rumble winner from the #1 position.
The matches leading up to the Rumble itself provided a mix of solid wrestling and storyline progression, though not every match hit its mark. Let’s break down each encounter.
WWF Intercontinental Title Match
Razor Ramon (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett (w/ The Roadie)
Razor Ramon entered as the cool, charismatic champion, having solidified his status as one of the WWF’s top babyfaces. His opponent, Jeff Jarrett, was beginning to hit his stride as a cocky, arrogant heel, accompanied by his lackey, The Roadie (later known as Road Dogg). This match was part of an ongoing feud that played heavily on Jarrett’s mind games and The Roadie’s interference.
The bout started with Razor asserting dominance, showcasing his strength and technical skill. Jarrett, the opportunist, used classic heel tactics to slow Razor’s momentum, taking every chance to taunt the crowd. The match was well-paced, with Razor nearly hitting the Razor’s Edge several times, only for The Roadie to distract the referee. Jarrett seized these opportunities to turn the tide, working over Razor’s leg to set up for the Figure-Four Leglock.
The finish came with a classic dusty ending. Razor was counted out after being tripped by The Roadie outside the ring, giving Jarrett the technical win but not the title. Not content with this result, Jarrett demanded the match restart. Razor valiantly fought back, but the damage to his leg was too severe. Ultimately, Jarrett capitalized with a roll-up pin to claim the Intercontinental Title, beginning his first reign. Backstage, it was said that Vince McMahon saw Jarrett as a long-term prospect for the midcard but doubted his ability to connect with larger audiences.
Singles Match
The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs. Irwin R. Schyster (w/ Ted DiBiase)
The feud between The Undertaker and Ted DiBiase’s Million Dollar Corporation had been simmering since 1994. Irwin R. Schyster (IRS) was a peculiar choice for Taker’s opponent, as the taxman gimmick felt mismatched against the supernatural Deadman. Still, the storyline involving IRS accusing Taker of “tax evasion” added some comedic flavor.
The match began with IRS relying on stalling tactics, refusing to engage with The Undertaker. This strategy gave way to typical heel antics, with IRS focusing on quick strikes and trying to ground the much larger Taker. DiBiase and his Corporation members interfered liberally, keeping the match lively despite IRS’s limited offensive repertoire.
Undertaker’s comeback was inevitable, marked by his signature rope walk and a devastating chokeslam. However, the finish involved outside interference: King Kong Bundy, another Corporation member, appeared at ringside, leading to chaos. Taker eventually prevailed, hitting a Tombstone Piledriver on IRS for the win. Post-match, the Corporation stole Taker’s urn, furthering the storyline and setting up future confrontations.
Backstage, there were whispers that the angle was meant to build heat for DiBiase’s stable rather than highlight The Undertaker’s strengths. Despite the match’s lackluster quality, Taker’s aura remained intact, and fans eagerly anticipated his revenge against the Corporation.
WWF World Heavyweight Title Match
Diesel (c) vs. Bret Hart
This match was one of the event’s highlights, pitting two contrasting styles against each other. Diesel, the powerhouse champion, had recently ascended to the top of the WWF with Vince McMahon’s backing. Bret Hart, the technical wizard, was a seasoned competitor who could bring the best out of any opponent.
The story of the match revolved around Diesel’s strength versus Bret’s strategy and resilience. From the outset, Bret targeted Diesel’s legs, attempting to neutralize his height and power advantage. Diesel, for his part, used his size to dominate Bret during stretches of the match, but his inexperience showed in moments where Bret outwrestled him.
Interference marred what could have been a classic encounter. Shawn Michaels, Diesel’s former tag partner, interfered, continuing their feud. Owen Hart also got involved, attacking Bret to further their family storyline. Referees struggled to maintain order, leading to a chaotic finish. The match ended in a no-contest, frustrating fans who had been invested in the bout.
Behind the scenes, this match exemplified the WWF’s struggles with booking Diesel. While Vince McMahon saw Diesel as a long-term top star, others in the locker room felt he wasn’t ready for the spot. Bret, ever the professional, carried the match and helped elevate Diesel’s credibility, even if the finish left something to be desired.
WWF World Tag Team Title Tournament Final Match
Bob Holly & The 1-2-3 Kid vs. The Million Dollar Corporation (Bam Bam Bigelow & Tatanka) (w/ Ted DiBiase)
The tag team titles had been vacated following Shawn Michaels and Diesel’s split, leading to a tournament to crown new champions. The underdog pairing of Bob Holly and The 1-2-3 Kid had been a surprise success in the tournament, while Bigelow and Tatanka were the Corporation’s powerhouse representatives.
This match told a classic David vs. Goliath story. Holly and The Kid used their speed and agility to combat the brute strength of Bigelow and Tatanka. The Corporation duo dominated much of the match, isolating The Kid and wearing him down with hard-hitting offense.
The finish saw Bigelow accidentally collide with Tatanka, leading to Holly and The Kid pulling off a shocking victory with a roll-up pin. The crowd erupted for the underdogs, while Bigelow was humiliated. Backstage, this loss was meant to set up Bigelow’s babyface turn and his eventual WrestleMania XI feud with NFL star Lawrence Taylor, who taunted Bigelow after the match.
The 1995 Royal Rumble Match
The Royal Rumble match itself was the cornerstone of the event, delivering a mix of surprises, memorable moments, and a controversial finish that would spark debates for years to come. The match is best remembered for Shawn Michaels’ historic performance, entering at #1 and outlasting every other competitor to secure a title shot at WrestleMania XI.
This year’s Rumble featured a faster pace, with entrants coming in every 60 seconds instead of the traditional two minutes. While this decision was designed to keep the action moving, it also led to a more chaotic structure. Backstage, there were concerns that the shortened intervals would detract from the drama, but the gamble ultimately paid off as the match maintained a frantic energy.
Early Entrants and Michaels’ Strategy
Shawn Michaels and Davey Boy Smith (The British Bulldog) kicked off the match, laying the foundation for the story that would carry through to the final moments. Michaels, showcasing his unmatched athleticism and ring savvy, quickly established himself as the match’s focal point. Meanwhile, Smith’s powerhouse offense provided a stark contrast, giving fans a reason to believe he could emerge victorious.
As the match progressed, Michaels adopted a hit-and-run strategy, using the ropes and turnbuckles to evade elimination. His antics garnered a mix of boos and cheers, a testament to his ability to engage the crowd even as a heel. Behind the scenes, Michaels’ victory was heavily debated among the booking team, with some arguing that a more established babyface should win. Vince McMahon, however, was adamant about pushing Michaels as the next big star.
Mid-Match Chaos and Key Eliminations
The middle portion of the match saw the ring fill with midcard talent, including the likes of Rick Martel, Owen Hart, and Doink the Clown. While many of these participants served as fodder for the bigger stars, some, like Owen Hart, had moments to shine. Hart’s quick elimination, courtesy of his brother Bret interfering at ringside, added a layer of personal drama to the event.
Other key participants included Lex Luger, who entered as a fan favorite, and King Kong Bundy, representing the dominant presence of the Million Dollar Corporation. Bundy’s elimination at the hands of multiple wrestlers was a crowd-pleasing moment, but his role in the match was more about showcasing his dominance rather than vying for victory.
The Final Four
As the field thinned, the focus shifted back to Michaels and Smith. Joining them in the final four were Crush and Lex Luger, both of whom were involved in separate storylines but played secondary roles in the Rumble narrative. Luger’s elimination by Crush highlighted the latter’s heelish tendencies, furthering his feud with top babyfaces.
The final moments boiled down to Michaels and Smith, reprising their early-match battle. In a stunning turn of events, Smith clotheslined Michaels over the top rope, seemingly securing the win. As Smith celebrated, Michaels clung to the top rope with one foot never touching the floor—a brilliantly crafted spot that played into his reputation as a cunning competitor. Michaels re-entered the ring and delivered a superkick to Smith, sending him over the top rope to officially win the Rumble.
Aftermath and Legacy
Shawn Michaels’ victory marked the beginning of his ascent to main event status. His performance was groundbreaking, not just for lasting from the #1 position but for the storytelling finesse he brought to the match. Backstage, there was widespread praise for Michaels, though some veterans questioned whether his cocky persona would resonate as a long-term main event draw.
This Rumble also laid the groundwork for WrestleMania XI, with Michaels set to challenge Diesel for the WWF World Heavyweight Title. The match’s innovative finish became one of the most replayed moments in WWF history, cementing the 1995 Royal Rumble as a memorable chapter in wrestling lore.
Final Thoughts on Royal Rumble ’95
The 1995 Royal Rumble showcased the WWF’s transitional era, blending rising stars like Shawn Michaels with established names like Bret Hart and The Undertaker. While some matches faltered under the weight of storyline constraints or lackluster chemistry, the event succeeded in creating memorable moments and advancing key narratives.
Backstage, the company’s struggles with creative direction and declining viewership were palpable, but events like the Rumble demonstrated their ability to innovate and adapt. For fans, the night was a mix of excitement and frustration, but there’s no denying its historical significance in shaping the WWF’s trajectory moving forward.
