10 Shocking Royal Rumble Plans WWE Originally Had

3. It's Sabu (1996)

Sabu Raw 1997
WWE.com

Unlike the logic of that previous entry, it is difficult to think back to the mid-90s and see ECW madman Sabu running riot over the Royal Rumble as that cartoonish WWF logo proudly trumpeted family friendly action in the bottom corner of the screen. Even so, he was going to be part of the 1996 event at one stage.

"At one stage".

Prichard (an absolute bastion of cancelled Rumble-related story gems) did say on his 'Something To Wrestle With' podcast once that talks were held between Sabu and the WWF about a Rumble berth. The battle-scarred extremist did agree to a one-off appearance, but only if he could eliminate himself to maintain his carefully-constructed aura.

Then, Paul Heyman got involved and talked Sabu out of the gig due to fears that the WWF's sickly-sweet presentation would harm any of the 'Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal' maniac's appeal in the much-more hardcore ECW going forwards.

No matter, 'cause Barry Horowitz was better anyway, right guys? Guys?

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.