Royal Rumble 1999: A Nostalgic Look Back

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into a blast from the past and dissect the Royal Rumble 1999. This event, held on January 24, 1999, at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California, was packed with drama, surprises, and some seriously iconic moments. Whether you're a seasoned wrestling aficionado or a curious newbie, this review will give you a comprehensive look at what made this particular Rumble so memorable. From the storylines leading up to the event to the unforgettable performances inside the ring, we'll cover it all. So, buckle up and get ready for a trip down memory lane as we break down each match and the overall impact of Royal Rumble 1999.

The Road to the Rumble: Setting the Stage

Before we jump into the matches, it's crucial to understand the narratives that set the stage for Royal Rumble 1999. The WWF (now WWE) was deep into the Attitude Era, a period characterized by edgy storylines, over-the-top characters, and a general sense of rebellion against traditional wrestling norms. This era was fueled by intense rivalries and a constant battle for supremacy between various factions and superstars. One of the main storylines revolved around Mr. McMahon's iron grip on the WWF and the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin as the anti-establishment hero. Their feud was a cornerstone of the Attitude Era, with Austin constantly defying McMahon's authority. The Corporation, led by McMahon, was a powerful stable that aimed to control every aspect of the WWF, often clashing with Austin and his allies. This power struggle played a significant role in shaping the Royal Rumble match itself, with McMahon even entering the fray to try and eliminate Austin. Another key rivalry heading into the Rumble was between Mankind and The Rock. Their feud over the WWF Championship was brutal and personal, marked by intense matches and shocking betrayals. The "I Quit" match at Royal Rumble 1999 remains one of the most controversial and impactful moments in wrestling history, showcasing the extreme lengths these two were willing to go to for the title. These storylines, among others, created a highly charged atmosphere leading up to the event, making Royal Rumble 1999 a must-see spectacle for wrestling fans worldwide. The anticipation was palpable, and the promise of unpredictable action was a major draw for viewers. The convergence of these narratives ensured that the event would be filled with drama, excitement, and memorable moments that would be talked about for years to come. The intricate web of relationships and conflicts between the wrestlers added depth and complexity to the matches, making each bout feel significant and impactful. As a result, Royal Rumble 1999 was not just another wrestling event; it was a culmination of months of storytelling and character development, all coming to a head in one explosive night.

Match Breakdown: From Tag Teams to Title Brawls

Royal Rumble 1999 featured a diverse card with several noteworthy matches. Kicking things off was a tag team turmoil match, a chaotic affair involving multiple teams battling for a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championship. Teams like the Headbangers, Owen Hart & Jeff Jarrett, and The Brood slugged it out in a fast-paced, high-energy contest. Ultimately, it was Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett who emerged victorious, earning themselves a title opportunity. This match served as a great opener, setting the tone for the evening with its non-stop action and unpredictable spots. The tag team turmoil format kept the crowd engaged, as new teams entered the fray at regular intervals, maintaining a sense of excitement and anticipation. The victory for Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett was a significant moment, as it solidified their status as top contenders in the tag team division. Their blend of technical skill and cunning tactics made them a formidable duo, and their subsequent title matches were highly anticipated by fans. Following the tag team turmoil, we had a singles match between Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn for the WWF Hardcore Championship. This match was a brutal and chaotic affair, with both men utilizing a variety of weapons and engaging in some seriously painful spots. The Hardcore Championship was known for its no-disqualification, anything-goes rules, and this match certainly lived up to that reputation. Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn beat each other senseless with everything from trash cans to kendo sticks, much to the delight (and horror) of the audience. In the end, Hardcore Holly retained his title, but not without enduring a tremendous amount of punishment. This match was a prime example of the Attitude Era's penchant for over-the-top violence and its appeal to a more hardcore fan base. The intensity and brutality of the contest made it a standout moment on the card, showcasing the lengths to which wrestlers were willing to go to entertain the crowd. Next up was the infamous "I Quit" match between Mankind and The Rock for the WWF Championship. This match is still talked about today for its shocking violence and controversial finish. The Rock, playing the role of the ruthless corporate champion, inflicted an unimaginable amount of pain on Mankind, who refused to quit despite being repeatedly brutalized. The match reached its climax when The Rock handcuffed Mankind and delivered multiple chair shots to his head while a recording of Mankind saying "I Quit" played over the speakers. While the finish was controversial, it was undoubtedly a memorable moment that solidified The Rock's status as a top heel and added another layer to his already complex character. This match was a stark reminder of the Attitude Era's willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in professional wrestling, and its impact on the industry is still felt today. The sheer brutality and emotional intensity of the contest made it a defining moment for both wrestlers and a significant event in the history of the WWF Championship. Finally, the main event was the Royal Rumble match itself, featuring a star-studded lineup of WWF superstars. The match was filled with surprises, including appearances from unexpected entrants and shocking eliminations. The final four came down to Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mr. McMahon, Kane, and The Big Show. In a controversial finish, Mr. McMahon eliminated Stone Cold Steve Austin with the help of The Rock, winning the Royal Rumble match and earning himself a shot at the WWF Championship at WrestleMania XV. This finish was highly controversial, as it defied expectations and set the stage for a heated rivalry between Austin and McMahon in the lead-up to WrestleMania. The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with fans cheering for their favorite wrestlers and booing the villains. The unpredictability of the Royal Rumble format kept the audience on the edge of their seats, as anything could happen at any moment. The surprise appearances and shocking eliminations added to the excitement, making it a truly memorable main event. Overall, Royal Rumble 1999 was a night of high drama, intense action, and unforgettable moments. Each match contributed to the overall excitement of the event, making it a standout show in the history of the Royal Rumble.

The Royal Rumble Match: Chaos and Controversy

The Royal Rumble match is the centerpiece of the Royal Rumble event, and the 1999 edition was no exception. The match featured a 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal, with the winner earning a guaranteed shot at the WWF Championship at WrestleMania XV. The match was filled with a mix of established stars, rising talents, and surprise entrants, creating a dynamic and unpredictable contest. From the opening bell, the action was non-stop, with wrestlers battling for position and trying to eliminate their opponents. The early entrants included established veterans like Triple H, X-Pac, and Edge, as well as up-and-coming stars like Christian and Gangrel. As the match progressed, more and more wrestlers entered the fray, adding to the chaos and excitement. One of the most memorable moments of the match was the appearance of Mr. McMahon, who had drawn number one in the Rumble. McMahon's presence immediately injected drama into the match, as he became the target of numerous wrestlers, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, who entered at number two. The rivalry between Austin and McMahon was a major storyline heading into the Rumble, and their interactions in the match were highly anticipated by fans. McMahon spent much of the match avoiding Austin and using his allies in The Corporation to protect him. The match also featured several surprise entrants, including Test, D'Lo Brown, and The Blue Meanie. These unexpected appearances added to the unpredictability of the match and provided some memorable moments. The final four came down to Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mr. McMahon, Kane, and The Big Show. Austin appeared to be on the verge of winning the match, but McMahon, with the help of The Rock, managed to eliminate him, securing the victory and earning himself a shot at the WWF Championship at WrestleMania XV. The finish was highly controversial, as it defied expectations and set the stage for a heated rivalry between Austin and McMahon in the lead-up to WrestleMania. Many fans were disappointed that Austin did not win the Rumble, but the controversial finish added to the drama and excitement of the event. The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with fans cheering for their favorite wrestlers and booing the villains. The unpredictability of the Royal Rumble format kept the audience on the edge of their seats, as anything could happen at any moment. The surprise appearances and shocking eliminations added to the excitement, making it a truly memorable main event. Overall, the Royal Rumble match was a highlight of the event, showcasing the talent and athleticism of the WWF roster and setting the stage for WrestleMania XV.

The Aftermath: Setting the Stage for WrestleMania

The Royal Rumble 1999 had significant repercussions that shaped the landscape of the WWF heading into WrestleMania XV. The most immediate consequence was Mr. McMahon's victory in the Royal Rumble match, which earned him a shot at the WWF Championship at WrestleMania. McMahon's victory was met with widespread disapproval from fans, who saw him as an undeserving champion. This set the stage for a heated rivalry between McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was determined to get his revenge on his nemesis. The feud between Austin and McMahon became the focal point of the WWF in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania. Austin relentlessly tormented McMahon, disrupting his plans and making his life miserable. McMahon, in turn, used his power as the WWF Chairman to try and thwart Austin's ambitions. Their rivalry reached a fever pitch at WrestleMania XV, where Austin defeated McMahon to win the WWF Championship. The victory was a cathartic moment for fans who had been rooting for Austin throughout his feud with McMahon. It solidified Austin's status as the top star in the WWF and marked the culmination of his long and arduous journey to the top. Another significant outcome of Royal Rumble 1999 was the continuation of the feud between Mankind and The Rock. Their "I Quit" match at the Rumble was a brutal and controversial affair that left both men battered and bruised. The feud between Mankind and The Rock continued in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, with both men vying for the WWF Championship. At WrestleMania XV, The Rock defended his title against Mankind in a rematch from the Royal Rumble. The match was another intense and physical contest, with both men pushing themselves to their limits. In the end, The Rock emerged victorious, retaining his title and putting an end to his feud with Mankind. Royal Rumble 1999 also saw the emergence of several new stars and the continuation of existing storylines. The tag team turmoil match set the stage for a series of tag team title matches in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania. The Hardcore Championship match showcased the extreme and violent nature of the Attitude Era. Overall, Royal Rumble 1999 was a pivotal event in the history of the WWF. It set the stage for WrestleMania XV and helped to solidify the WWF's position as the top wrestling promotion in the world. The event was filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments that continue to be talked about by wrestling fans today.

Final Thoughts: A Rumble to Remember

So there you have it, folks! Royal Rumble 1999 was truly a memorable event in the annals of wrestling history. From the intense rivalries to the shocking moments and the overall high-octane action, this show had it all. It perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Attitude Era, with its edgy storylines, over-the-top characters, and a general sense of rebellion against the norm. Whether you were a fan back then or are just discovering this era of wrestling, Royal Rumble 1999 is definitely worth a watch. It's a testament to the creativity and athleticism of the performers involved and a reminder of why wrestling captured the hearts and minds of so many people during this time. The storylines leading up to the event were masterfully crafted, drawing viewers in and making them emotionally invested in the outcomes. The matches themselves were filled with drama and excitement, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. And the aftermath of the Rumble had significant repercussions, setting the stage for WrestleMania XV and shaping the landscape of the WWF for months to come. In conclusion, Royal Rumble 1999 was a truly unforgettable event that deserves its place in wrestling history. It was a night of high drama, intense action, and shocking moments that will continue to be talked about by wrestling fans for years to come. If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend checking it out. You won't be disappointed! Thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane. Until next time, keep wrestling alive!