WWF Royal Rumble 1996

Royal Rumble Report

Zohash.com - January 21, 1996

Fresno, California's Selland Arena played host to WWF's latest Pay Per View extravaganza, as the company's top stars clashed in a series of intense and often brutal matches. The main event, a WWE Title showdown between Bret "Hitman" Hart and The Undertaker, stole the show, but it was Shawn Michaels' dominant performance in the Royal Rumble that truly left the crowd in awe.

The Early Action

Duke Droese kicked off the night with a surprise win over Hunter Hearst Helmsley in a Free For All Match. The Duke's victory came via a series of quick pin attempts, ultimately securing the win at 6:26.

Next up was Ahmed Johnson, who dispatched Jeff Jarrett in a Singles Match, also finishing his opponent with a flurry of moves (Match Time - 6:40).

Tag Team Tussle

The Smoking Gunns (Bart and Billy) took down The Body Donnas (Skip and Zip) to retain their WWF World Tag Team Titles. This bout featured some quality wrestling, with the Guns' technical prowess proving too much for their opponents. Match Time - 11:14.

Intercontinental Title Thrills

Goldust's quest for the WWE Intercontinental Championship ended in success as he defeated Razor Ramon via a sickening powerslam (Match Time - Not recorded).

Royal Rumble Mayhem

Shawn Michaels, entering at #1, dominated the Royal Rumble Match from start to finish. Eliminating an impressive 15 competitors, including Vader, The British Bulldog, and Yokozuna, before finally claiming victory at 58:49.

Aldo Montoya was the first to fall, followed by Barry Horowitz, Bob Backlund, and several other notable wrestlers. In the end, it was Michaels' cunning and athleticism that proved too much for his opponents.

Main Event Mayhem

The Undertaker's quest for the WWE Championship ended in success as he defeated Bret "Hitman" Hart in an epic contest (Match Time - 28:28). This match featured a mix of brawling, technical grappling, and supernatural powers from Taker, ultimately leading to his championship victory.

In conclusion, WWF's Royal Rumble event was a resounding success, featuring a range of exciting matches and memorable moments. Michaels' dominant performance in the Royal Rumble will be remembered for years to come, while The Undertaker's WWE Title win capped off an unforgettable night in Fresno.

Final Scorecard:

Attendance: 9,600
PPV Buys: Estimated 1.2 million (as of January 21, 1996)

For Zohash.com, I'm Jon Wertheim.

Card Details

Date: 21 Jan 1996
Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment
Arena: Selland Arena
Attendance: 9600
Type: Pay Per View
Broadcast Type: Live
Broadcast Date: 21 Jan 1996

Matches

Duke Droese defeat Hunter Hearst Helmsley in a Free For All Match
Match Time: 06:26
Ahmed Johnson defeat Jeff Jarrett in a Singles Match
Match Time: 06:40
The Smoking Gunns (Bart Gunn and Billy Gunn)(C) defeat The Body Donnas (Skip and Zip) in a WWF World Tag Team Title Match
Match Time: 11:14
Goldust(C) defeat Razor Ramon in a WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Shawn Michaels defeat Aldo Montoya, Barry Horowitz, Bob Backlund, Bob Holly, Diesel, Dory Funk Jr., Doug Gilbert, Duke Droese, Fatu, Hakushi, Henry O. Godwinn, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Isaac Yankem DDS, Jake Roberts, Jerry Lawler, Kama, King Mabel, Marty Jannetty, Owen Hart, Savio Vega, Squat Team 1, Squat Team 2, Takao Omori, Tatanka, The 1-2-3 Kid, The British Bulldog, The Ringmaster, Vader and Yokozuna in a Royal Rumble Match
Match Time: 58:49
The Undertaker(C) defeat Bret Hart in a WWE Title Match
Match Time: 28:28