10 Things You Didn't Know About WWE Royal Rumble
5. John Madden Was Asked To Commentate
Iconic NFL coach/announcer John Madden was between gigs at CBS and FOX when Vince McMahon's people approached him and asked if he'd be up for doing guest commentary at the 1994 Rumble. Madden politely declined, but he was the WWF's first choice as a celebrity guest who'd maybe pique casual interest.
The old Raiders favourite wasn't up for it.
Bruce Prichard dished the details on this story via his 'Something To Wrestle With' podcast. Eventually, McMahon threw the towel in on Madden and drafted in recently-retired stalwart Ted DiBiase for co-comms instead. By all accounts, poor Ted had a bit of a nightmare on the day.
Rehearsals had gone well, but the Rumble was a tough show to call. Hearing Prichard acknowledge that in the same breath as pitching a non-fan like John Madden for the role is pretty special. No-one needed to see Madden turn into Art Donovan before Art's infamous King Of The Ring disaster.