Wrestling Shorts: The Royal Rumble 2000

By Alex Smith-Powell

Step into the world of professional wrestling as we journey back to the year 2000 and relive one of the most pivotal events in sports entertainment history: the WWF Royal Rumble. In this unofficial look back, we explore the unforgettable moments, iconic matches, and backstage stories that defined an era and helped to shape the future of the industry.

 

From the electrifying debut of Tazz to the brutal street fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack, and the chaotic Royal Rumble Match itself, we dissect each bout with a critical eye and an appreciation for the art of wrestling. Along the way, we delve into the broader context of the Attitude Era, examine the significance of the groundbreaking Channel 4 broadcasting deal in the UK, and assess the event's enduring legacy.

 

Whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, this book offers a fresh and engaging perspective on one of the most memorable nights in wrestling history. Relive the drama, the excitement, and the controversies as we celebrate the 2000 Royal Rumble and its lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alex Smith-Powell
• Release date: Mar 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224878826

Alex Smith-Powell

Alex Smith-Powell writes about various aspects of sport, culture and entertainment that interests them. Their most recent book is Wrestling Shorts: The Royal Rumble 2000.

Book preview

Wrestling Shorts: The Royal Rumble 2000

Chapter 1: Introduction

The 2000 WWF Royal Rumble. Do you remember the iconic set? The yellow taxi hanging over the dark alleyway entrance, the short walkway to the ring that was like a streetway, lined by graffitied walls.

Readers from the UK might remember staying up late for the first time to watch it live. I did that, as a child (too young to be watching it really) watching on the tiny TV in my bedroom where Channel 4 had especially dodgy reception. I watched it while my parents were asleep in the next room, with the volume turned very low and my cheap pair of earphones that eventually only worked in one ear. I remember having to turn the TV off a couple of times because my Dad woke up to go to the bathroom, and the light would be showing under my bedroom door...

Yes, the Royal Rumble 2000. In the midst of a television ratings war, where every Monday night was a battlefield, the 2000 Royal Rumble represents a defining moment for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). As the new millennium dawned, the WWF found itself starting to decisively pull ahead of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the Monday Night Wars.

The Royal Rumble 2000 wasn't just another pay-per-view event; it was a statement. It signaled the WWF's growing dominance, showcasing the raw energy, daring creativity, and sheer unpredictability that had come to define the Attitude Era. Held in the iconic Madison Square Garden, this event encapsulated a pivotal era in wrestling, characterized by intense storylines, memorable characters, and groundbreaking matches that pushed the boundaries of sports entertainment.

The partnership with Channel 4 to broadcast the Royal Rumble live on UK terrestrial television marked a significant milestone. For the first time, fans across the United Kingdom could experience the excitement of the Royal Rumble as it happened, free of charge. This deal represented not only the global appeal of the WWF but also the challenges of presenting the edgier content of the Attitude Era to a wider audience, potentially pushing the limits of what was considered acceptable on mainstream television.

This book aims to delve deeper into the heart of the Royal Rumble 2000, exploring each match with a critical eye and an appreciation for the art of wrestling. From the electric debut of Tazz that shook the wrestling world to the brutal street fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack that redefined the