10 Things You Learn From Watching 1993 On The WWE Network
7. Ric Flair & Mr. Perfect Situation Would Have Helped WrestleMania IX Greatly
Before Randy Savage went toe-to-toe with Yokozuna at the end of the match, Ric Flair and Mr. Perfect brawled in the Royal Rumble. Flair had been the first entrant, lasting almost 20 minutes before Perfect came out tenth to eliminate him. That set the scene for a marquee match the next night on Monday Night Raw.
There were several reasons why the WWF booked such a match for their new weekly show. First and foremost, Flair requested to be released from his contract. Wishing to go back to the company he knew and loved, WCW, the 'Nature Boy' knew he could be a top guy in Atlanta again. At the same time, Vince McMahon was also looking for that killer bout to sell the concept of Raw.
A 'Loser Leaves Town' scenario was thus scheduled, with Mr. Perfect winning on the January 25 episode. This match would have been ideal for the lacklustre WrestleMania IX card.
The WWF had already set the ball rolling on a Lex Luger challenge for Perfect, but a match with Flair would have been much more heated for both men.