10 Things You Learn From Watching 1994 On The WWE Network
8. Those Diesel Chants Changed The Course Of The Year
Entering seventh in the annual Royal Rumble match, Diesel was booked to run roughshod over Bart Gunn, Scott Steiner, Owen Hart and Kwang within minutes. Clearing the ring in impressive fashion, the big man looked like a star instantly. From his commentary position, Vince McMahon was ominously quiet, at least more mute than usual.
As Ted DiBiase marvelled over what he was seeing, McMahon was likely formulating a plan for Diesel. It would have been impossible for the boss to miss the 'Diesel! Diesel! Diesel!' chants coming from his audience, and those fans wouldn't have known the impact they were about to have on the WWF product.
Later in 1994, Diesel won the WWF Heavyweight Title from Bob Backlund. Going on to hold the belt for around a year, he had finally emerged from the shadow of Shawn Michaels in the promotion.
In total, Diesel eliminated 7 men from the Rumble. Both Smoking Gunns, Owen, Steiner, Kwang, Backlund and Virgil were his victims. Meanwhile, the crowd loved every second of the dominating performance. In just a few minutes, Diesel had caught everyone's attention.