10 Most Infamous Backstage WWE Royal Rumble Moments

8. That Doesn't Work For Mil, Brother (1997)

The Undertaker Maven Drunk
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Reportedly one of the most selfish wrestlers of his (or any) era, Mexican legend Mil Mascaras was an infamous backstage politician known for regularly refusing to put certain opponents or even sell for them, creating a real conundrum for bookers.

Hulk Hogan is an apt comparison. Mascaras was a massive, massive star who played prominent roles in several major movies and an excellent performer whom the legendary Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer once called "the best competitor that I ever wrestled," but also a total d*ck by all accounts.

One such account comes from the 1997 Royal Rumble match, for which Mil was brought in alongside Pierroth, Latin Lover, and Cibernetico as part of WWE's working relationship with AAA. Mascaras didn't want to do business, though. He decided that he didn't want anyone getting over on him, even in an over-the-top-rope battle royal (the format of which allows for easy protection on eliminations) so rather than being dumped out, Mil scaled the top rope and leapt onto Pierroth on the outside, thus giving the Rumble one of its silliest and most infamous moments.

And a brilliantly stupid gif.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.