The 1988 Royal Rumble was an interesting show in that it was broadcast on USA Network and was meant as a one-time television special. Of course, the popularity of the namesake encouraged Vince McMahon to move the show to pay-per-view beginning with the following year's event, but that did not mean everything about that inaugural event was a smashing success. One of the advertised elements of that year's show was villain Dino Bravo's attempt to break a strongman bench press record. By doing so, he would prove to the world that he was, in fact, the world's strongest man. In theory, that sounds all well and good. Unfortunately, no one really cared. After all, Bravo was a third-tier heel. No one cared how strong he was, and the fact that the segment drug on for what seemed like an eternity, did not help matters. Commentator Jesse "the Body" Venture did his best to try to inject the ordeal with entertainment value but failed. Bravo did not emerge from the festivities any better than he entered. He was still, at best, a B-level star for the company. He was always going to work best in tag teams or as the sidekick to a much more over heel (ie. Earthquake), thanks in large part to his nondescript in-ring style and inability to cut an even halfway decent promo. All in all, a useless segment on an otherwise enjoyable first Rumble broadcast.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
