10 Things You Learn From Watching 1994 On The WWE Network
It's incredible to think that 'Mania X was the Macho Man's last...
1994 marked the last year during which the then-World Wrestling Federation presented only a handful of pay-per-views. The following year, Vince McMahon would introduce the In Your House series, meaning there was a bumper show each and every month. By contrast, '94 only featured the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania X, King Of The Ring, SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
Heading into 1994, things were clearly changing for the company. For one, Hulk Hogan didn't make a single appearance all year, the first time this had happened since the explosion of Hulkamania in the mid-1980's. Along with Hogan, Randy Savage would also depart the promotion, leaving huge gaps in the roster.
A prevailing theme throughout the year, the talent pool had thinned significantly. This led to pushes for guys that McMahon may never have considered before. Despite talk of a 'New Generation' in the organisation, several angles were straight out of the old playbook, and proved dramatically hokey in their execution.
Looking back over the five pay-per-views presented in 1994 is fascinating. Here are ten things you can learn from January-December of that year...
10. Royal Rumble Double Duty Started In 1994
Providing commentary for the 1994 Royal Rumble event, Vince McMahon was joined by 'Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase. The show's opening match featured Tatanka facing Bam Bam Bigelow, although the heel's slot was apparently earmarked for Ludvig Borga originally. A routine bout, Tatanka vs. Bam Bam did allow McMahon and DiBiase to explain a slight change to the Rumble format.
In previous years, the 30 men scheduled for the annual over-the-top-rope spectacular were exclusive to the titular match. For example, when Bam Bam Bigelow faced The Big Boss Man in 1993, neither man was entered into the Rumble later on the same show.
1994 marked a change then, because DiBiase and Vince pointed out that both Tatanka and Bigelow would be involved in the Rumble. This is common practice nowadays, but was a new feature of the pay-per-view in '94. It's the kind of little thing that today's fan might take for granted, but it's interesting to learn that such an idea started as late as 1994.
For the first time ever, the Royal Rumble event had competitors working multiple matches. Bam Bam Bigelow and Tatanka were the first.