10 Loudest Pops In WWE Royal Rumble History
1. The Ultimate Showdown (1990)
While The Ultimate Warrior failed in his role as WWE's intended long-term Hulk Hogan replacement, the moment that originally brought them together was exceptional, and provided the Royal Rumble with its first truly iconic scene.
Restraint was key. The company knew fans were itching to see the two collide, but they didn't give it to them right away, opting to tease instead. Thus, Hogan and Warrior did their own thing for their first minute in the ring together, before Hulk worked to throw Honky Tonk Man out while the Intercontinental Champion bundled Rick Martell to the outside.
Finally, they were alone. Anticipation filled the air, but Shawn Michaels' arrival prevented it from escalating. The crowd would have to wait another few minutes while their two larger-than-life heroes dealt with the other mortals in the ring, which only amplified the tension, ensuring an incredible reaction when the moment eventually came.
The roar as Hogan and Warrior stood across from one another was astounding, and the building was in raptured as they stared each other down, circled, and locked up. Their first iconic double clothesline spot followed, before The Barbarian's arrival spoiled the fun. Still, it was a great tease for their eventual 'Ultimate Challenge' bout at WrestleMania VI.