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On this date in WWF history: Hulk Hogan vs The Ultimate Warrior at the Royal Rumble

The first epic encounter between Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior occurred on this date in WWF history, as the two first bumped heads at the Royal Rumble.

Shit just got real.

In today's pro wrestling landscape, with the frequency of televised broadcasts, it's very difficult to keep the roster apart for any extended period of time. That being said, it's hard to pop for a true "superfight" when everyone is booked so closely together.

That wasn't the case 22 years ago.

On January 21, 1990, Hulk Hogan would go on to win the Royal Rumble. But the outcome wasn't the big story coming out of the World Wrestling Federation's (WWF) annual supershow. No, it was what happened during the match that had marks worldwide licking their chops.

I'm talking, of course, about the face off between Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior. Hulkster was the WWF Champion. Warrior was the Intercontinental Champion. And the showdown, brilliantly commentated by Jesse "The Body" Ventura, was executed perfectly.

The stare, then the shove, then the contact. Which babyface would reign supreme? See it all go down:

This wasn't just a one-off, it was to set the stage for "Champion vs. Champion" at WrestleMania 6. Who else went bananas over this classic moment in Royal Rumble history?

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