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.