10 Things You Learn From Watching 1996 On WWE Network

5. Vader Should Not Have Been An Also Ran In The Royal Rumble

Stone Cold Steve Austin
WWE Network

Mankind wasn't the only monster-like figure to hit the scene in 1996. Right at the start of the year, Vader was brought in and looked likely to become a top heel in the promotion right off the bat. Sadly, a combination of injuries and poor booking would hamper him almost immediately.

Making his federation debut in the Royal Rumble match, Vader entered as number 13 in the match. Fittingly, this proved to be an unlucky omen for the man, as he lasted only 11 minutes before being hurled over the top rope by Shawn Michaels. Tangling with Yokozuna, Vader and his giant foe were ousted at the same time.

Admittedly, Vader did re-enter the ring and assault Michaels. That's the way things should have been booked to begin with: Vader - as the WWF's new marquee signing - should never have been used as fodder in the Rumble bout.

Straight away, all the hype washed away and Vader looked second rate to Shawn Michaels. By the time both men faced one another at SummerSlam, it was too late for the heel.

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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.