As I sat down to watch the 1997 Royal Rumble on Netflix, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia wash over me. Now in my late 30s, revisiting this iconic event was like stepping into a time machine and reliving the excitement and drama that captivated me as a young wrestling fan.
The late ’90s were a transformative period for professional wrestling, with the WWF (now WWE) pushing boundaries and experimenting with edgier content. The 1997 Royal Rumble was a perfect example of this shift. The event, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, showcased some of the biggest names in the industry and set the stage for the burgeoning “Attitude Era” that would really start just a little later.
While the Royal Rumble match itself was the main attraction, the undercard featured some memorable bouts. Watching Hunter Hearst Helmsley (pre-Triple H persona) defend his Intercontinental Championship against Goldust reminded me of the unique character work that defined the era. Both competitors brought their A-game, setting the tone for an exciting night. Vader is also one of my favourites, so seeing him not only face but defeat the Undertaker was an absolute treat.
The Royal Rumble match was as thrilling as I remembered, with 30 superstars vying for a chance to headline WrestleMania. The anticipation built with each entrant, and the surprises kept coming. From the early dominance of Ahmed Johnson to the cunning tactics of Stone Cold Steve Austin, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Brett Hart and Glenn Jacobs (as Fake Diesel, in his pre-Kane days) were also fantastic to watch.
Steve Austin’s performance was nothing short of legendary. Entering at number five, he eliminated ten competitors and cemented his status as a rising star. The chaotic ending, with Austin being declared the winner despite being eliminated, was a perfect example of the unpredictable nature of the Rumble.
The main event saw Sycho Sid defending his WWF Championship against the hometown hero, Shawn Michaels. The crowd’s energy was palpable, and Michaels’ triumphant victory was a feel-good moment that had me cheering all over again. The post-match celebration, with Michaels holding the belt high and the fans going wild, was the cherry on top of an unforgettable night.
Revisiting the 1997 Royal Rumble was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It reminded me of why I fell in love with professional wrestling in the first place, and made me a little sad that I’d drifted away from the drama of the ring. It’s been at least 20 years since I’ve watched any of it. The larger-than-life characters, the intense rivalries, and the electrifying atmosphere all came together to create a truly special event.
I’m really loving working my way through the events that have been added to Netflix!
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