10 Loudest Pops In WWE Royal Rumble History
8. HBK Eliminates Diesel (1996)
As contrived as Shawn Michaels' 'boyhood dream' storyline was, there's no doubt that the moment that set it off provided an incredible burst of euphoria, as 'HBK' Sweet Chin Music'd Diesel out of the ring to score victory in the 1996 Rumble.
This provoked an uber-pop from the crowd, and not just because Michaels was well en route to becoming WWE's poster boy.
Firstly, it represented a major step on his in-ring road to redemption. Shawn had won the 1995 Rumble, but failed to capture the WWF World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania IX, where he lost to Diesel. He won the Intercontinental Title and formed The Kliq in the aftermath. Then, after dropping the belt, Michaels took some time off, not returning until the '96 Rumble.
Shawn's history with 'Big Daddy Cool' amplified the moment, too. Diesel was brought into WWE as Michaels' partner, though their partnership eroded after a misplaced Superkick at Survivor Series 1994. The big man became WWF Champion three days later, and this tumultuous relationship took another turn when they were reunited in late 1995, meaning their Rumble coming together carried great weight, particularly as it sent Shawn to WrestleMania.