50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE Royal Rumble
36. Diesel & Bret Drawing In ’95 Was Risky
Keep in mind that the WWF hadn't debuted 'B' level supershows like In Your House when the 1995 Rumble aired. They still only had tentpole pay-per-views scattered throughout the year, and they all came at a premium price. Therefore, booking a WWF Title draw between new monster champ Diesel and the ever-reliable Bret Hart on the '95 Rumble undercard was a bit of a risk.
This easily could've backfired and might've earned a frosty response from the fanbase had it not been for how well-worked and entertaining the bout was. Bret's experience helped there, but it's clear to see from re-watching that Kevin Nash was always one to thrive when in there with smaller guys who could bump around for him. That wouldn't be the case later in the year when McMahon programmed him with Sycho Sid.
They were too samey. It was like brick wall vs. brick wall. There was next to no movement. Meanwhile, Hart could bounce around for Diesel and tell a neat story by trying to eliminate his height advantage by using leg submissions. Naturally, that worked well 'cause Bret's trademark hold was the Sharpshooter. You've gotta love it when a plan comes together, eh?
The end result at the Rumble was dicing with creative death mind. This fan knew it was coming when diving back through each show in succession, and even he had gritted teeth waiting on everyone in Tampa's Sun Dome to take a giant dump on the booking. Florida decided to show restraint and some patience.
The WWF would've been relieved about that, because there's an argument to be made that fresh face Nash was right man at the wrong time creatively.