Royal Rumble

The third (sort of) Royal Rumble and we're finally nailing down some of the elements that make the event such a success. Music on the entrances is finally there as well as the split screen cameras. We're yet to define the prize for winning it, which would be the final step in making the show seem important though.

From the now demolished Orlando Arena, the event is notable for being one in Tony Schiavone's brief run with the WWF. He is the lead commentator, sparring with Jessie "The Body" Ventura in a similar tone to how Gorilla Monsoon did, and how Vince would in later years.

The first match sees The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques and Raymond) vs. The Bushwhackers (Luke and Butch). This is a typical Bushwhacker's match with lots of comedy spots against more arrogant opponents. The fans in the arena were more into this than I was. It ends rather abruptly with a pinfall by Butch on Jacques.

Then The Genius (Lanny Poffo) vs. Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake. This is perhaps limited somewhat by the ability of the two participants. It ends with a double DQ when Mr Perfect arrives and beats up Beefcake with a chair. In retrospect the goal is presumable just so he's disliked more in the Rumble match.

Ronnie Garvin vs. Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, in a submissions only match. I liked this the most, I think. They both hit each other with chops that would certainly be considered "Strong Style" in today's world, though they do both go for so many pinfall attempts, it moves on from them making an understandable mistake in the heat of battle, to looking like complete idiots.

Next there's a Brother Love segment which, if I'm honest, have always thought were rubbish. Sensational Sherri and Sapphire have an awful interview that does eventually evolve into Dusty Rhodes and The Macho King fighting - which is then revisited in the rumble match.

Finally, before the main event, there's a match between The Big Boss Man and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Which is mostly terrible and ends in another DQ and I wonder if was the actual plan, as the Boss Man clearly describes it as "F**king Bulls**t" on camera.

The actual Royal Rumble match is OK. For the longest time the story is Ted DiBiase, who enters at number one and lasts for a long time. Highlights include all six other wresters teaming up to eliminate Earthquake and the spot where Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior get to be the only two men in the ring and spar off against each other for the first time - ahead of meeting at that years WrestleMania. Hogan wins, eliminating Rick Rude and Mr Perfect to win.

We're certainly getting to a more recognisable presentation now, but still I don't think that, overall, this was a good show.

Royal rumble 1990 some very average early match's in this years Rumble. I don't mind that because It's always a shame when the biggest stars are not in the Rumble. This year really was a superstar filled roster 30 greats with a beautiful build that electrified the room towards Wrestlemania 6 without the fans even knowing what Wrestlemania 6 would be yet. I would loved to have seen how Jesse Ventura with Gorilla Monsoon would have called that magic moment Good year but Not a great year . Skip build watch the Rumble is the best way to see this.

I really like Royal Rumble Matches, but I must tell you once again: so many superstars irritates me in these times with their stupid gimmicks...

1. The Rougeau Brothers Vs. 2 Biggest idiots in pro-wrestling - Shame from the very start... And they won? Sry I can't give more. 2/10

2. Brutus "The Dement" Beefcake Vs. The Genius - Noooooooooooooooo Beefcake! This guy shouldn't wrestling. I laughed hard, when Hennig had took him with a chair:) 3/10

3. Greg "The Hammer" Valentine Vs. Ron Garvin 5/10

4. Jim Duggan Vs. Big Stiff Man - Really don't like both of them. But BSM is more awful 3.5/10

5. Royal Rumble - Hulk, Macho, Honky Tonk, Hart foundation, Dusty Rhodes, Tito Santana, Dino Bravo, Akheem, Ultimate Warrior, Demolition, Rockers, Ted Dibiase, Koko B. Ware, Jake Roberts,Piper, Powers of Pain, Bad News Brown, André the Giant, Red Cock, Haku, Superboring Snuka, Earthquake, RIck Martel, Mr. Perfect, Rick Rude, Hercules,.. BUt... ANother set for incredible Hulk :-/ again and again. Mr. Perfect should win ;) 6/10

For fans of old-school (early 1990s) WWF wrestling, this tape will really bring back some memories. Despite falling a bit flat in the main event portion (at least compared to the 1989 edition), it is still quite entertaining to watch and features Hulkamania at its apex.

One caveat: Go ahead and skip the preliminary matches and get on with the Rumble itself. They are quite boring and only serve to advance plots forward to Wrestlemania.

The Royal Rumble from 1990, is a classic event and only slightly disappointing in that 2 of the matches that took place before the Main Event failed to live up to my expectations. Hulk Hogan was being rivalled by the rise in popularity of The Ultimate Warrior in 1990 and their rivalry was highlighted during the Rumble event. I enjoyed the Main Event, it had a few twists and turns along the way. Other story angles were highlighted, such as Dusty Rhodes and the Macho King, Demolition and The Colossal Connection, Tito Santana and The Model Rick Martel. Personally, I was thrilled at who won the Rumble. It was good in seeing all those different wrestling personalities give their opinions on winning the Royal Rumble. The 2 matches I didn't like, are the tag team and singles match between Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and The Genius. Beefcake was always a limited and stiff worker and his opponent was similar, although he at least was athletic. The ending completely ruined their match. The tag team match was far too long and it took about 5 minutes to really get going. The grudge match between Hacksaw Jim Duggan and the Big Boss Man was a real slug-it-out street brawl. The best match on the card by far, was the submission match where Rugged Ronnie Garvin took on Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. It is 17 minutes of wrestling joy and it built to a frenzied conclusion. I like it that bits of footage shows the different participants in the Royal Rumble, it adds to the occasion.