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Date: January 24, 1988
Location: Copps Coliseum - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
The Rumble Match:
Entrants and Eliminations:
1. Bret Hart (Entry #1, eliminated by Jim Neidhart)
2. Tito Santana (Entry #2, eliminated by One Man Gang)
3. Butch Reed (Entry #3, eliminated by Jim Neidhart)
4. Jim Neidhart (Entry #4, eliminated by One Man Gang)
5. Jake Roberts (Entry #5, eliminated by Ravishing Rick Rude)
6. King Harley Race (Entry #6, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
7. Jim Brunzell (Entry #7, eliminated by Nikolai Volkoff)
8. Sam Houston (Entry #8, eliminated by One Man Gang)
9. Danny Davis (Entry #9, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
10. Boris Zhukov (Entry #10, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
11. Don Muraco (Entry #11, eliminated by Dino Bravo)
12. Nikolai Volkoff (Entry #12, eliminated by Jim Duggan)
13. Jim Duggan (Entry #13, Winner)
14. Ron Bass (Entry #14, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
15. B. Brian Blair (Entry #15, eliminated by One Man Gang)
16. Hillbilly Jim (Entry #16, eliminated by One Man Gang)
17. Dino Bravo (Entry #17, eliminated by Don Muraco)
18. The Ultimate Warrior (Entry #18, eliminated by One Man Gang)
19. One Man Gang (Entry #19, eliminated by Jim Duggan)
20. Junkyard Dog (Entry #20, eliminated by One Man Gang)
21. The One Man Gang returned and eliminated himself by stepping over the top rope.
22. Ron Bass (Entry #22, eliminated by One Man Gang)
23. Junkyard Dog (Entry #23, eliminated by Greg Valentine)
24. Ravishing Rick Rude (Entry #24, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
25. The Ultimate Warrior (Entry #25, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
26. Junkyard Dog (Entry #26, eliminated by Boris Zhukov)
27. The One Man Gang returned and eliminated himself by stepping over the top rope.
28. Greg Valentine (Entry #28, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
29. Ron Bass (Entry #29, eliminated by Junkyard Dog)
30. The One Man Gang returned and eliminated himself by stepping over the top rope.
Thoughts on the Match:
The inaugural Royal Rumble was a chaotic affair, epitomizing the unpredictability that would become a hallmark of the event. With a mix of legends like Jake Roberts and rising stars like The Ultimate Warrior, the match showcased the diverse talent in the WWE. Jim Duggan's unexpected victory solidified his place in history as the first-ever Royal Rumble winner.
Full Event Card:
1. Ricky Steamboat vs. Rick Rude (Ricky Steamboat wins by disqualification)
2. The Jumping Bomb Angels vs. The Glamour Girls (The Jumping Bomb Abgels wins)
3. The Islanders vs. The Young Stallions (The Islanders wins)
4. The Royal Rumble Match (Winner: "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan)
Highlights and Aftermath:
- Bret Hart's impressive endurance from the #1 spot set the stage for his future singles success.
- One Man Gang's self-elimination was a unique twist, highlighting the Rumble's unpredictable nature.
- "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan's victory propelled him into the spotlight and established the Rumble as a career-defining moment.
Impact on Storylines:
- Jim Duggan's win elevated him as a prominent figure, leading to notable feuds and storylines.
- The Rumble's success paved the way for future editions, becoming an integral part of WWE's annual calendar.
Conclusion:
The 1988 Royal Rumble was not just a groundbreaking event; it was the genesis of a tradition that would shape the course of WWE for years to come. The chaos, surprises, and historic moments established the Royal Rumble as a must-watch spectacle, setting the stage for countless legendary editions to follow.
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