The Royal Rumble is one of WWE's most anticipated annual events, known for its chaotic and unpredictable nature. Despite meticulous planning, the event often spirals into moments of utter bedlam, both in the ring and backstage. Here, we delve into ten such instances that left WWE officials scrambling.
1. AJ Styles Gets Injured (2020)
The 2020 Men's Royal Rumble was a spectacle, featuring the triumphant return of Edge and Drew McIntyre's star-making victory. However, a notable scare occurred when AJ Styles dislocated his shoulder after over-rotating during a move by Edge. The injury led to an early, unplanned elimination, causing visible confusion among participants and no doubt mass panic backstage as officials and wrestlers scrambled to adapt to the unexpected situation.
2. Beth Phoenix Gets Busted Open (2020)
The same year, the Women's Royal Rumble saw WWE legend Beth Phoenix suffering a gruesome head injury. Phoenix, the MVP of the match, continued to compete despite being visibly covered in blood. Given WWE's PG product guidelines prohibiting unscripted blood, the production team was in a frenzy, attempting to avoid showing her injury on camera. The incident undoubtedly caused chaos behind the scenes as officials scrambled to manage the situation.
3. The WrestleMania Sign Bursts into Flames (2022)
Safety is paramount in WWE events, but during the 2022 Royal Rumble, a frightening incident occurred when the WrestleMania sign caught fire. As Ronda Rousey celebrated her win by pointing at the sign, it suddenly burst into flames. WWE officials had to act quickly, lowering the sign and extinguishing the fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the incident would have caused significant backstage alarm.
4. The Rock’s Feet Touch the Floor (2000)
The 2000 Royal Rumble was pivotal for The Rock, set to propel him into a main event at WrestleMania 16. However, the planned finish was botched when The Rock’s feet touched the floor before the Big Show’s during the elimination spot. WWE had to address this mishap on TV, turning it into a storyline. This required quick thinking and a prompt adjustment in the narrative, showcasing the backstage team's ability to pivot under pressure.
5. Nia Jax's Hilarious Blunder (2023)
In 2023, a significant production error occurred when Nia Jax’s theme song played before the countdown for the number 30 spot had even started. This premature reveal left fans and commentators bewildered. The production team had no choice but to commence the countdown anyway, leading to an awkward and memorable botch that surely sent the backstage crew into a frenzy.
6. Alex Riley’s Mishap (2011)
The 2011 Royal Rumble aimed to further the feud between The Miz and John Cena, culminating in their WrestleMania 27 clash. Alex Riley was supposed to eliminate Cena to set up this storyline, but he accidentally slipped over the top rope prematurely. WWE had to quickly improvise, using an already eliminated Riley to distract Cena, thus maintaining the narrative. This unplanned twist required quick adaptation from both the performers and the backstage team.
7. Randy Orton's Pyro Botch (2009)
In 2009, Randy Orton’s victory celebration was marred by a pyro malfunction. As Orton pointed to the WrestleMania sign, the expected pyro failed to ignite, creating an awkward visual. WWE officials backstage were undoubtedly in a panic, trying to rectify the situation in real-time. This incident underscored the importance of seamless execution in high-stakes moments.
8. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Unfortunate Slip (1996)
During the 1996 Royal Rumble, Stone Cold Steve Austin was supposed to be one of the final four, but an accidental elimination occurred when he slipped while hanging onto the ropes. Vince McMahon, on commentary, initially ignored the elimination, creating confusion. Mr. Perfect’s acknowledgment of the slip forced McMahon to address it. This mishap highlighted the unpredictability of live events and the need for quick thinking.
9. Shane McMahon’s Infamous Night (2022)
Shane McMahon’s backstage antics during the 2022 Royal Rumble were notorious. He reportedly manipulated his way into a prominent spot, overshadowing other talents. Additionally, a botch saw his entrance music played instead of Randy Orton’s, causing further confusion. Shane’s actions and the production error led to significant backstage turmoil, eventually resulting in his firing. This incident emphasized the importance of fair play and the smooth operation of live events.
10. Vince McMahon Tears His Quads (2005)
The 2005 Royal Rumble featured one of WWE’s most memorable botches. Both John Cena and Batista were supposed to hit the floor simultaneously, leading to a restart. However, the execution was so chaotic that Vince McMahon stormed to the ring to restore order, only to tear both his quads as he slid in. Forced to direct the match while seated, McMahon’s injury added to the backstage mayhem. This incident remains a legendary example of the unpredictability and physical toll of wrestling.
These moments exemplify the live, unpredictable nature of WWE’s Royal Rumble, where despite detailed planning, chaos often ensues. From injuries and production errors to unexpected eliminations and personal antics, these instances highlight the need for quick thinking and adaptability, ensuring the show goes on despite the unforeseen chaos backstage.
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