Remembering Royal Rumble 88, The Event That Started It All!

Modern wrestling fans really can't understand the excitement we all felt in 1988 when the WWE debuted the Royal Rumble. By contrast to today's modern events, it's surprisingly modest. It also highlights a handful of superstars, one of whom went on to truly legendary status.

General Historical Context

The first Royal Rumble in 1988 was surprisingly humble compared to today's events. With only 20 wrestlers (!!!) and no pay-per-view demands (!!!!!!), it was still an event like no other. Wrestlers came and went throughout the event and gave fans plenty of excitement.

It was clear from the first bell that fans were going to love this event, and they did! It has helped form the backbone of future events, and while it's gotten bigger, it all started at this moment.

Bret "The Hitman" Hart Ascends to Greatness

While many old-school wrestlers have mostly been lost to the sands of time, the name Bret Hart still sends shivers down the spines of serious wrestling fans. As part of the Hart Family Dungeon, Bret is inarguably one of the most athletic, charismatic, and exciting performers in WWE history. Alongside his brother Owen, he cut a memorable figure in WWE history.

So, it's fitting that Hart was literally the first man to ever set foot in a Royal Rumble ring. Sure, he didn't win it all. But seeing him walk inside the squared circle is still a chilling moment. At that point, Hart was not quite the legend he would become. In fact, it wouldn't be until a few years later that he would get his first championship. But his appearance here is memorable.

"Hacksaw" Jim Dugan Wins the Big Event

Though not talked about in the same way as Bret Hart is now, "Hacksaw" Jim Dugan was the real. Briefly a football player with the Atlanta Falcons, Dugan eventually found his way into wrestling. With his huge muscles, even bigger mullet, and penchant for swinging a 2x4, Dugan almost literally cut a path through his enemies on the way to superstardom.

With a hyper-patriotic gimmick that was no joke for Dugan, he captured the world's attention and was blessed with the first championship win in Wrestlemania history. Real fans still light up whenever his name is mentioned, and his win was a much-deserved moment for the athlete. Thankfully, his old matches are still available online for anyone who wants to check them out.

Royal Rumble Helped WWE Make It Big

Regardless of what the world thinks of Vince McMahon and his reputation these days, there's no doubt that the creation of the Royal Rumble in 1988 was a stepping stone for the sport. Without this breakthrough moment in WWE history, it's not certain that the league would ever have taken off the way it has now. You can thank McMahon and two men with amazing mullets for bringing this league to the big time and creating the sporting sensation that millions love