10 Most Infamous WWE Royal Rumble Controversies

6. John Madden Says No Last-Minute (1994)

Brock Lesnar Matt Riddle
WWE Network

Finding a colour commentary replacement for WCW defector Bobby Heenan and legally-tied up Jerry Lawler was a bit of a chore before the 1994 Rumble. Eventually, the WWF settled on recently-retired Ted DiBiase, but he wasn't actually the first choice.

NFL legend John Madden was.

The outspoken and entertaining ex-coach had left CBS and was about to ink a deal with FOX. Attempting to make waves in the mainstream sports world, McMahon offered Madden the chance to show up at the Rumble as his co-commentator - Prichard confirmed this on his pod.

When Madden knocked the WWF back (probably because he was about to sign a contract worth $30m), Vince scrambled and settled on DiBiase. Nobody was pleased with Ted's performance on the show. Bruce said that his rehearsal went well, but that he struggled for lines during the three-hour live broadcast.

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