WWE Royal Rumble Debut Wrestlers: Where Are They Now?

8. Danny Davis

Royal Rumble debut
ProFightDB.com

None of the first Royal Rumble competitors had a career quite like "Dangerous" Danny Davis. He started life as a referee in 1981, and and wrestled as the masked Mr. X from 1984 onward. Fans had no idea that it was an official under the mask, and while Mr. X was always an enhancement talent, he did get to wrestle some of WWE's top stars in Pedro Morales and Bruno Sammartino.

Davis became a crooked official who favoured heel wrestlers in 1986, and soon ran foul of commentator Gorilla Monsoon. Fan favourites would often attack him after matches, and he became a singles wrestler soon after, colliding with the likes of Jake Roberts and George Steele.

Danny was eventually phased out as an active performer shortly after the first Rumble, and he returned to refereeing. His corruption was dropped completely, however, and there was little to separate him from his other officials until his eventual release in 1995.

Davis remains the prime example of "crooked official" character archetype, though he was never particularly compelling in the ring. Today, Davis works as a truck driver in the New England area, and often appears at low-key conventions and autograph signings.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.