Drew Carey was promoting his improvisational comedy pay-per-view when he showed up at the Royal Rumble in January 2001. He really wanted pointers on how to successfully promote his show but ultimately found himself entangled in the ongoing issues between Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus. His friendly interaction with Trish, in fact, prompted Vince McMahon to suggest that there was no better way for Carey to promote his pay-per-view than by competing in the Rumble match. Carey, naive, reluctantly agreed. He would wish he did not. Carey entered the Rumble at No. 5 and watched as Matt and Jeff Hardy eliminated each other, leaving him as the only performer in the squared circle. Then, the countdown ensued and the huge red pyro exploded at the top of the aisle, summoning the Big Red Monster Kane to the ring. Suddenly, the playful expression on Carey's face disappeared as he realized the very real danger he suddenly found himself in. He attempted to bribe Kane with money, only to find himself in the grasps of one of WWE's most maniacal stars. Luckily, Raven would hit the ring to make the save, allowing Carey to eliminate himself from the match. The comedian's stint in the contest was not long-lived and was but a small part of a much larger story. With that said, his appearance in the match is one of the most memorable Rumble moments of all-time, even some 13 years later. It is why WWE felt comfortable enough inducting him into the Hall of Fame and why fans should be more receptive to the fact that Carey stands among the greatest celebrity performers to ever step foot in the ring.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
