10 Most Wasted WWE Royal Rumble Spots
9. Doug Gilbert (Royal Rumble 1996)
If you don't remember Doug Gilbert in WWE, you're not alone.
Despite wrestling globally with companies like NWA, WCW, and ECW, Gilbert never landed himself a full-time position with WWE; therefore, his appearance in the 1996 Royal Rumble match is largely fodder for a Rumble trivia game.
Since many WWE fans at the time had no idea who he was, the commentary team did their best to highlight Gilbert's numerous accolades within the short period of time he spent inside of the ropes. He might have had to earn a Rumble spot by winning the '96 USWA Battle Royal, but his time in the modified sumo match wasn't designed to showcase his abilities.
Instead, Gilbert's job in the Royal Rumble match turned out to be getting Vader over. The idea was that 'The Baby Bull' plowed his way through an accomplished global performer.
Yet, to WWE fans, it was like watching a local talent job. They didn't know who he was and didn't expect him to win. He also didn't matter to them, especially since he never showed up in the company again. He ended up being that one random dude Vader beat up one time.