On this date in WWF history: Big John Studd wins the 1989 Royal Rumble
by Jesse Holland on Jan 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST
in History
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On January 15, 1989, "Big" John Studd, who drew number 27 in the entrance lottery, won the World Wrestling Federation's second Royal Rumble by eliminating "The Million Dollar Man," Ted DiBiase.
And you know the deal, win the Royal Rumble, go to Wrestlemania.
Studd went to the big show that April (Wrestlemania V), but it wasn't to challenge Randy "Macho Man" Savage for the WWF title. No, it was to serve as special guest referee in the match between Jake "The Snake" Roberts and André the Giant.
Big John had returned to the WWF less than a month earlier following a two-year hiatus, establishing himself as a face and leaving the Heenan Family while Andre was playing heel.
His win at the Rumble is widely considered his crowning achievement, but the push would do little for his career as he retired (for the second time) nearly six months later.
Video of his Rumble win, after the jump.
More on Big John Studd's short-lived return to the WWF here.
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The win at the time wasn’t as big of a deal as it would be today, as the Royal Rumble match was still in its infancy. It wasn’t until 1993 when they first did the gimmick where the winner would meet the WWF champion at WrestleMania. The highlight of Studd’s career would be his long running on and off feud with Andre The Giant in the WWF between 1983-1986.
The Giant John Studd
Use the preferred nomenclature please.
"Have a good time...all the time." - Viv Savage
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