7 Things You Should Know About WWE Royal Rumble 1996

3. Vader Was A Destructive Monster While Yokozuna Looked Done

Vader made his WWE debut during the 1996 Rumble. It was a memorable performance because he was booked like the beast that he is. He entered the match at #13. He eliminated Jake Roberts, Savio Vega, Doug Gilbert and Squat Team #1 member. He didn't have a long run in the match because he was only in there for 11 minutes, but his presence was definitely felt. After Vader was eliminated, he went crazy by attacking Michaels. He also set out Owen Hart, Bob Holly and Hunter Hearst Helmsley. In past and future Rumbles if a guy that was eliminated went back in the ring and tossed people out they were eliminated too, but not here. It was just an angle to put over the fact that Vader was a loose cannon. There's an argument that could be made about Vader lasting until the final two with Shawn Michaels, but perhaps WWE held off on that since they had no plans on doing that feud until the summer. It would have been rushing it a bit if they went final two at the Rumble. In other big man news, Yokozuna looked like he could barely move and was clearly on the downside of his career. It was only three years earlier that he looked dominant as the Rumble winner. It's sad watching him like that. It should be noted that both big men were dumped out by the winner Shawn Michaels at the same time.