WWF King of the Ring 1994 — A Retrospective Review

The WWF Pay Per View Event “King of the Ring” in June 1994 was a significant event in wrestling history, featuring a tournament to crown the King of the Ring. While I won’t cover all the matches in detail, I’ll focus on the key matches and storylines.

Razor Ramon vs. Bam Bam Bigelow – Quarterfinal Match

The King of the Ring ’94 tournament kicked off with a quarterfinal match between two powerhouses, Razor Ramon and Bam Bam Bigelow. Razor Ramon, the charismatic bad guy with a heart of gold, faced off against the agile and fearless Bam Bam Bigelow, known for his aerial maneuvers despite his massive size.

The storyline leading to this match was centered around both competitors’ desire to prove themselves as the true King of the Ring. Razor Ramon, with his swagger and street-smart style, was determined to add another accolade to his impressive resume. On the other hand, Bam Bam Bigelow, backed by his manager Ted DiBiase, aimed to showcase his dominance and athleticism.

In a hard-hitting encounter, Razor Ramon managed to outsmart Bam Bam Bigelow, using his cunning and ring awareness to secure the victory and advance to the semifinals of the tournament.

Behind the scenes, this match was crucial in setting the tone for the King of the Ring event, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament and the determination of the participants to claim the crown.

Irwin R. Schyster vs. Mabel – Quarterfinal Match

In the second quarterfinal match of King of the Ring ’94, the calculating taxman Irwin R. Schyster (I.R.S.) faced off against the colossal Mabel. This match was a clash of styles, with Irwin R. Schyster relying on his technical prowess and underhanded tactics, while Mabel brought sheer size and power to the ring.

The storyline leading up to this match was focused on Irwin R. Schyster’s quest for financial gain and Mabel’s desire to prove himself as a dominant force in the WWF. With manager Oscar in his corner, Mabel aimed to bulldoze through his opponents and claim the King of the Ring crown.

In a surprising turn of events, Irwin R. Schyster managed to outsmart Mabel, using his tax-themed maneuvers and ring smarts to secure the victory and advance to the semifinals of the tournament.

Behind the scenes, this match showcased the WWF’s ability to create diverse matchups and storylines within the King of the Ring tournament, adding depth and excitement to the event.

Owen Hart vs. Tatanka – Quarterfinal Match

The third quarterfinal match of King of the Ring ’94 featured the technical wizardry of Owen Hart against the Native American powerhouse Tatanka. Owen Hart, riding high on his victory over his brother Bret Hart at WrestleMania X, entered the tournament with momentum and determination.

The storyline leading to this match focused on Owen Hart’s meteoric rise to success following his victory over Bret Hart, his brother, at WrestleMania X. Owen aimed to prove that he was not just living in his brother’s shadow but was a formidable competitor in his own right. On the other hand, Tatanka, fueled by his Native American heritage and warrior spirit, sought to overcome the odds and claim the King of the Ring title.

In a technical masterpiece, Owen Hart showcased his mat wrestling skills and ring intelligence, countering Tatanka’s power with speed and agility. With a precise counter, Owen Hart secured the victory and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament.

Behind the scenes, Owen Hart’s victory in this match solidified his status as a rising star in the WWF, with the front office recognizing his potential for future success.

The 1-2-3 Kid vs. Jeff Jarrett – Quarterfinal Match

The final quarterfinal match of King of the Ring ’94 featured the underdog 1-2-3 Kid against the cocky country singer Jeff Jarrett. The 1-2-3 Kid, known for his high-flying maneuvers and never-say-die attitude, faced off against the self-proclaimed “Ain’t I Great” Jeff Jarrett.

The storyline leading to this match focused on the 1-2-3 Kid’s journey from underdog to fan favorite, as he sought to prove himself against established competitors like Jeff Jarrett. On the other hand, Jeff Jarrett, backed by his manager The Roadie, aimed to use his arrogant persona and in-ring skills to advance in the tournament.

In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, The 1-2-3 Kid defied the odds and scored a shocking upset victory over Jeff Jarrett, earning a spot in the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.

Behind the scenes, The 1-2-3 Kid’s victory was a testament to the WWF’s ability to create compelling underdog stories and surprise moments that resonated with the audience.

WWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Diesel vs. Bret Hart

One of the most anticipated matches of the night was the WWF World Heavyweight Championship bout between Diesel and Bret Hart. The front office in the WWF saw this match as a test for Diesel, evaluating if he was ready for a main event push.

Behind the scenes, Diesel’s rise to prominence was carefully orchestrated, with the match against Bret Hart serving as a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. The decision to have the match end in a disqualification, with Hart retaining the title, kept the championship picture open and added fuel to the ongoing Diesel-Bret Hart storyline.

Semifinal Match: Razor Ramon vs. Irwin R. Schyster

In the semifinals, Razor Ramon faced off against Irwin R. Schyster in a clash of styles. Razor’s charisma and high-impact moves clashed with Schyster’s technical acumen. The match was a seesaw battle, but Razor’s resilience and determination ultimately led to his victory, securing his spot in the King of the Ring final.

Behind the scenes, Razor Ramon’s journey to the final added excitement and anticipation to the tournament. His popularity among fans and in-ring abilities made him a standout competitor throughout the event.

Semifinal Match: Owen Hart vs. The 1-2-3 Kid

The other semifinal match saw Owen Hart take on The 1-2-3 Kid in a fast-paced and high-flying encounter. Both competitors gave it their all, showcasing their athleticism and determination. In the end, Owen Hart’s experience and ring savvy proved decisive as he emerged victorious, earning a spot in the King of the Ring final.

Behind the scenes, Owen Hart’s continued success in the tournament solidified his status as a top contender and fan favorite. The ongoing storyline of his rivalry with his brother Bret added emotional depth to his matches, making him a compelling character for fans to support.

WWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: The Headshrinkers vs. Yokozuna & Crush

The WWF World Tag Team Championship match saw The Headshrinkers defend their titles against Yokozuna and Crush. The match was a brutal affair, with all four competitors showcasing their power and agility. In the end, The Headshrinkers retained their titles, maintaining their dominance in the tag team division.

Behind the scenes, the tag team championship match added variety to the event, showcasing the diversity of talent within the WWF roster. The competitive nature of tag team wrestling added excitement and unpredictability to the card.

King of the Ring Final: Owen Hart vs. Razor Ramon

The culmination of the King of the Ring tournament was the final showdown between Owen Hart and Razor Ramon. The match was a display of technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, and sheer determination. Both competitors gave it their all, but it was Owen Hart who emerged victorious, earning the title of King of the Ring.

Behind the scenes, Owen Hart’s victory was a turning point in his career, propelling him to greater prominence within the WWF. The ongoing storyline of his rivalry with his brother Bret added emotional weight to his victory, making it a memorable moment for fans and cementing his status as a rising star in the company.

Roddy Piper vs. Jerry Lawler: The Grudge Match

The final match of the night saw Roddy Piper take on Jerry Lawler in a grudge match fueled by personal animosity. The match was a brawl from start to finish, with both competitors pulling out all the stops to settle their score. In the end, Roddy Piper emerged victorious, gaining a measure of revenge against Lawler.

Behind the scenes, the Piper-Lawler grudge match added a personal touch to the event, showcasing the intense rivalries and personal conflicts that often drive professional wrestling storylines. The animosity between Piper and Lawler created a compelling narrative for fans to invest in, culminating in a satisfying conclusion at King of the Ring ’94.

Overall, King of the Ring 1994 was a memorable event filled with thrilling matches, dramatic storylines, and standout performances. The behind-the-scenes aspects, including the testing of Diesel’s readiness for a main event push and Owen Hart’s meteoric rise to success, added depth and intrigue to an already exciting event. It was a night that showcased the talent and diversity of the WWF roster, setting the stage for future storylines and developments in the world of professional wrestling.