10 Exact Moments WWE Stopped Trying
3. Fans Officially Kill Lex Luger’s Push
Look at 'Sexy Lexy's' face in the above shot.
The 'American Hero' was staring a hole straight through Bret Hart at the conclusion of the 1994 Royal Rumble, because he knew that he'd been trumped; fans in Providence (rather fittingly given the name) rallied around the 'Hitman' like he was God. Meanwhile, they barely cared about Luger.
Both men had tumbled over the top rope to the floor for a 50/50 finish. In-ring, referees raised each man's hand to gauge reaction, and the pops were definitely louder for Bret. He knew it, Lex knew it, Howard Finkel knew it, Vince McMahon knew it - hell, even the dude selling candy floss in the stands knew it.
SummerSlam 1993's count out ending vs. Yokozuna had been a hammer blow to Luger's main event dreams, but that sobering '94 Rumble was the true end. It was where McMahon realised once and for all that Hart was the one to focus on, and he stopped trying to force Lex down everyone's throats.