A Look at the Forgotten WWE Royal Rumble Match (2004)

It's time to look back at what many refer to as, "The Forgotten Rumble!" Chris Benoit overcomes the odds in the 2004 Royal Rumble! Become a Patreon backer to nominate other classic shows! / wrestlingwithwregret
01:31 World Tag Team Championship Tables Match: Evolution vs. The Dudley Boyz
03:35 Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Mysterio vs. Jamie Noble
05:14 Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero
08:40 WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar vs. Hardcore Holly
11:10 World Heavyweight Championship Last Man Standing Match: Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels
14:13 Royal Rumble Match
25:06 Final Thoughts
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[@jurgenstrang6366]

That underwhelming delivery on christians entrance is gold!

[@Rosario_Verano]

What's the joke here, didn't catch it.

[@Cableguy15]

@Marquiss Mason "It... it's Christian..." lmao

[@enigmaskull3495]

Poor Christian

[@quentinkaasa47]

@@Rosario_Verano When Christian returned to WWE in 2009, he re-debuted on ECW while Todd Grisham was on commentary. When his music hit and Christian came out to confront Jack Swagger, Todd uttered the phrase "It's - it's Christian. . ." which came across as him sounding confused and underwhelmed by Christian. 😄

[@enigmaskull3495]

Chris Benoit had one of the best Rumble performances that will never be acknowledged.

[@robertanderson2898]

He broke Backlund's 11-year record in this one

[@HundredJono]

Every year during the Rumble the commentators always say "Shawn Michaels is one of the only men to enter #1 and win the Royal Rumble" and it's funny because we all know the other guy is Benoit but they can't say it

[@SuckerPunchACop]

Robert Anderson He broke his kid’s neck too

[@Caun-88]

Who?

[@Iamone1111]

@@HundredJono Rey Mysterio did it as well

[@DasNordlicht91]

Not gonna lie, the weeks of Taker teasers and mindgames to mess with Kane, leading up to their match at Wrestlemania, had me hyped.

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

#FACTS

[@HipHop4lyfeallday]

Marc Quill same I remember every week at school we would talk about what happened next it was the talk of class for months

[@pasta1169]

the hype going into wrestlemania 20 in general was awesome, one of the best hyped shows the wwf had ever promoted up to that point

[@juegofuego6715]

The whole road to WrestleMania 20 hype was thru the roof. I remember being extra excited for Lesnar vs Goldberg too

[@TheeKingRayzor]

But was the match good?

[@ronaldmccain1181]

Vacant is the most decorated star of all time.

[@allamericananti-christ666]

No way. The title wasn't vacant more than 16 times. Or been vacant for 8 years.

[@coolguy5412]

@@allamericananti-christ666 So? they still have more accomplishments.

[@allamericananti-christ666]

@@coolguy5412 They? Who's they? Are you referring to other wrestlers as I was- in that case, Flair & Sammartino- & if so, you're agreeing with me. Then why the "So?"? You're comment doesn't make a whole lotta sense.

[@kevaninthe4135]

Vacant was never defeated.

[@IanNewYashaTheFinalAct]

Vacant vs. The Question Mark for the NWA TV Title at _Hard Times_ :P

[@ColeVecsion]

"the Redacted Royal Rumble" is what it should be known as

[@RataStuey]

ColeVecsion The Royal Redaction?

[@Rosario_Verano]

The RTC special.

[@enigmaskull3495]

The Redacted Rumble

[@gengar464]

It’s the royal rumble where big show won the rumble but never got his match

[@quentinkaasa47]

^ No, that was 2000 and he did get his match.

[@bradj547]

Tazz's Keys to Victory: -Beat Em' Up -Watch Ya Yambag -Drop Em' On Their Bean -Choke Em' Out

[@enigmaskull3495]

-You Gotta Hide

[@roebuckmckinney]

-Pop those hips!

[@Puvwilmo00]

-Throw some supebones and hamhocks!

[@mOoNsHiNeWiZaRd]

Seems effective

[@SmashedPlate]

but I digress

[@DrknssRules1]

".....It's Christian...." Thanks for that Todd Grisham.

[@uthertheking]

8:32 "With Champagne...in my eye!"

[@enigmaskull3495]

“With a little bit of the bubbly...in my eye!”

[@uncensored008]

"This is one of the better days in my life."

[@VanillaMidgetSSBM]

"At No. 22 ITS...its, christian..." My sides have ascended..

[@TheBraunMachine2011]

I lol'd pretty good at that lol, that was great hehe. :)

[@enigmaskull3495]

Poor Christian

[@erickernestoserratosgalleg4692]

I laughed way too hard

[@toptenguy1]

I may be slow but I don't get it. is there some sort of inside reference?

[@AlexTheRed1985]

toptenguy1 yes. To commentary from Todd Grisham for his return on ecw

[@eastsidereviews727]

*Wind blows a little too hard* HBK, HHH, and Ric Flair are all bleeding like hell.

[@enigmaskull3495]

When Triple H and Shawn Michaels wrestle each other in 2002-2004, all the blood is spilled.

[@jjenk911]

Flair is a broken faucet when he colors.

[@jessieb9384]

Shawn really didn't bleed much through his career just when it mattered flair bleeds in almost every match

[@2000mphgirl]

@@jessieb9384 hbk had a flair level addiction too bladding from 03-06, but before and after that he didn't do it too much.

[@IanNewYashaTheFinalAct]

Those guys could make wind look like a million bucks, not like those jobbers at The Weather Channel :P

[@egpmh2891]

I loved when Nidia gained her “sight “ back and didn’t tell Noble, he had been using her like a shield, she “accidentally” tripped numerous times and even waked him often with the crane. It was was hilarious , especially after he looses the match and she tosses the cane and shades and leaves him sobbing in the ring.

[@aaronsass9265]

I remember that, that happened literally the SmackDown after this show lol

[@egpmh2891]

@@aaronsass9265 yep hehe

[@elmagnificodep]

I find it funny that they make a big deal about the number 1 spot, but not the number 2 spot. It's the same thing.

[@AA-is6dh]

I always thought it "Entrance # 1" sounded more dramatic then "Entrance # 2". May be that's why.

[@CGaz1812]

Rey Mysterio counts his win at number 2 as number 1 in some interviews.

[@elmagnificodep]

Caleb Gazaway, He might, but WWE acts like number 1 is the worst number when it's the same as number 2.

[@elmagnificodep]

AA ZZ Maybe.

[@hippievisions]

Lol true

[@RC99_Productions]

21:35 Everyone press L1 and hit your finisher!

[@enigmaskull3495]

Everyone had all their finishers saved up for Big Show.

[@AlexFyrehartDGAFCave]

That feel when Brian finally gets around to a PPV you requested. 😭

[@AlexFyrehartDGAFCave]

(In addition to that, this is the PPV that made me wanna become a patron to request it in the first place)

[@jongon0848]

While you're there, wanna request No Way Out 2004, and Wrestlemania 22 also?

[@AlexFyrehartDGAFCave]

@@jongon0848 I mean, he does say at the end he's doing No Way Out 04 next, and WM 22 has been requested by others before as far as I'm aware. Hell I had to stop being a patron of his for a while due to money issues. Though tbh if I'm gonna request any Manias soon it'll be 6 & 16/2000. Given it's the 30th and 20th anniversary of those Manias this year respectively.

[@dragondeathcab9481]

“It’s...it’s Christian” I bet Vince had that reaction every time he came in to work

[@thomasjenkins7506]

basically the fan's reaction after edge and christian broke up

[@dukes1993724]

They shoulda never did Captain Charisma dirty like that

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

@@dukes1993724 #FACTS

[@masonofgod]

I laughed too hard at this😂😂😂😂😂

[@gameplaysolotheblade]

It's actually a nod to Todd Grisham during his commentary on how he poorly delivered Christian's return hilariously, xD kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5C9ZIWqa51oZ9k 2:41

[@javis88h]

This Royal Rumble gave me my favorite Goldberg spear. It looked like Nuzio got hit by a truck

[@enigmaskull3495]

Surprised the poor guy didn’t split in half.

[@rickylyon3846]

That one and the one he gave to Christian on Raw. They both literally look like it should've broken the guy's spine or something. You could tell me they never wrestled again afterwards and I'd believe you. That's how hard hitting they looked.

[@michaelbandada9887]

Ernest Miller basically danced throughout the Rumble instead of dumping Orton and whoever the heck his opponent was

[@fizzyfuzz5878]

javis88h Yeah, that one and the one he gave Chavo Gurerro Jr. in WCW

[@InfamousRelliK]

Watch Goldberg vs Kwee wee. That spear is up there.

[@Jason-uw9ex]

Find someone who looks at you the way Josh looks at Cena

[@thegreatestshowonearth7623]

I totally forgot Earnest The Cat Miller was even in wwe at one point

[@mikecabral2420]

The ruthless aggression era is full of guys everyone forgets about until you see them and think "oh yeah that was a thing"

[@jongon0848]

I had no clue who he was until I saw The Wrestler

[@abedfo88]

jamie noble eurgh

[@thomasjenkins7506]

i'm going to go back to not remembering it now.

[@Njbear7453]

All I remember is him beating up those ninjas at bash at the beach 2000

[@RC99_Productions]

Brian needs to impersonate Stone Cold more often lol

[@elijahechicagobearsboyd5734]

Seriously, I almost repeated that part 20 times

[@newgame897]

I enjoy his Tazz impersonation. Soup bones Cole!

[@whaduzitmatr]

I also like-ah his-ah triple h impersonation-ah

[@shoryukennn00]

I was in the building that night. Austin came out after Benoit won and congratulated him face to face. He mentioned how hard Benoit had to work to get to this very moment. They had grown men bawling in the Wachovia Center. I’ve been to a lot of shows, but RR 04 was by far the best one I’ve attended. Also, excellent review man. You saved the “omg it’s sooooo hard to watch a Benoit match” sh*t till the end. Most reviewers mention that non stop from the get go and it no doubt interferes with their overall rating. He left this world in the worst possible way, a complete POS. In 2004 though, his work in WWE was amazing.

[@abikegavin9641]

A complete POS who had many suspicious circumstances around his death.

[@shoryukennn00]

@@kingrama2727 lol ok 👍🏽

[@XH1927]

@@abikegavin9641 Yep. No proof, circumstantial evidence, but the public just assumes guilt the instant the finger is pointed. This is why jury trials are no longer the best system of justice, amongst other serious problems.

[@OptimusProvost]

“THE FULL NELSON, JACK! YEAH!” 😂

[@enigmaskull3495]

Chris Masters would be proud

[@LordRaptor]

I'll never forget that night, Steven Richards not only accompanied Victoria for a victory on the opening match, but also drew number 1 in the Royal Rumble and ended up winning it, truly an inspiring, underdog moment.

[@PlumbPitiful]

That Victoria vs Molly Holly match was included in the DVD bonus features

[@rubberchix]

Corny unfunny comment

[@jonrogers7721]

@@rubberchix rubber is a terrible material

[@rubberchix]

@@jonrogers7721 you’re clearly a simpleton

[@EmmettXIV]

In order to accomplish a feat like that, one has to show No Mercy.

[@shookthees]

A trailer park couple who eventually become rich lmao that is genius gimmick!

[@tetristech9732]

The HHH/HBK finish made sense to lead to the Mania triple threat. I understand not liking today's continuous non finishes, but this ome made sense for the stort.

[@TheSaltySeaman]

Hurricane looks like he hurt his ankle on that careless toss out.

[@enigmaskull3495]

Hurricane hurt his ankle, Cena tore his MCL, and Nunzio was killed by Goldberg’s Spear. Safe to say everyone was hurting.

[@wrestlingbuff87]

It's a shame Rumble's aren't booked like they use to. This is a good example of booking multiple angles all around and getting guys over.

[@DropBombsInOctagons]

what I miss about the ruthless aggression era they would plant the seeds for at least a few matches at mania in the rumble where now your lucky if the winner even challenges for the belt at mania now plus wrestlemania being 2 nights is wack they dont need all this pre show panel for hours bullshit just 1 night make it special

[@dougthedon2972]

​@@DropBombsInOctagons I feel like the 2023 men's rumble did a good job at this. It started/continued the builds for Edge vs Balor, Seth vs Logan, the IC Title match & Rey vs Dom

[@WCWThunderRosa]

Fun fact: Triple H & Shawn Michaels bled so goddamn much that this show has a TV-MA rating on the WWE Network.

[@quentinkaasa47]

All the PPV's were TV-MA back then. It's not exclusive to the network.

[@jaycerrito3142]

Judgement Day in 2004 and 2005 were particularly TV-MA for lots of blood. Both had a WWE Championship match featuring gallons of blood and JBL as well

[@whaduzitmatr]

I thought also they rate everything where Chris Benoit has a prominent spot as TV-MA so over-sensitive parents can use the age blocker

[@coreylineberry8557]

Jay Cerrito Referring to that deep blade from Eddie.

[@austinelliott9538]

Strange, the DVD is rated TV-14.

[@Thecallmemisterajp]

Was at Rumble 04. When Benoit gets Show teetering at the end was one of the biggest pops I’ve ever seen.

[@boscotheman82]

The only year where "Nobody" won the rumble

[@chrisiverson5648]

😂🤣🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Rosario_Verano]

What are you talking about? Don't disrespect Stevie Richards's performance.

[@michaelbandada9887]

Goldberg could have won Angle could have won Jericho could have won Cena could have won Orton could have won Heck, Ernest Miller could have won too

[@OikPoinFive]

@@michaelbandada9887 both show and benoit elim themselvss at end thus no winner. A tie end.

[@Ryangaming-sj8jr]

Nah bob holy won did you see the thumbnail

[@tedskins]

Error 404: Royal Rumble 2004 not found

[@michaelbandada9887]

This is not the video you’re looking for-Vinnie Mac Kenobi

[@tabasco.15]

I went over to my friends house to watch this when I was 12. My curfew was 9 o'clock and the event didn't end until about 10: 25. Even though we only lived 2 apartments away, I got grounded for 2 weeks. Thank goodness my grounding ended before No Way Out 2004. Got home on time that night, cause I wasn't messing anything up to watch Wrestlemania XX at his place! Another one of our friends bought me the Royal Rumble 2004 DVD for my birthday cause he felt bad he pressured me into to staying for the end instead of going home on time. I've seen the entire event all the way through no less than 200 times. 2004 WWE is where my brain lives XD

[@ForWhatItsWorth_]

I need that Royal Rumble 03 review. I need that Benoit vs Kurt Angle review.

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

+Lj Ellsworth Same here.

[@ltothet7247]

Also Triple H vs Scott Steiner

[@Rocker21344]

Kurt vs himself you mean

[@robertanderson2898]

@@ltothet7247 LOL omg, have you read Scott Keith's PPV review of that match. Check him out, he's covered everything.

[@AtifB18]

Thank you for reviewing the 2004 Royal Rumble match. Like you said, it is never mentioned anymore by WWE for obvious reasons. But it was a great match with very good wrestlers, unique spots, and a strong story overall. It deserves to be included in conversations about the best Royal Rumble matches.

[@PedroBenolielBonito]

'Goldberg the goalie' was a choice reference, Zane. Well done.

[@12012channel]

Brian Zane : What is that look ? Me. That is 2004. The time of bejeweled Ed Hardy, Couture and Affliction shirts. Relatively his shirt is pretty modest for the time.

[@CameronAllOneWord]

I always thought Hardcore Holly’s comeback was such a huge missed opportunity he came back as the exact same guy with the same music and gear. Should have reinvented himself

[@outlawrip-offartist4161]

My favourite part of the show is just Bautista screaming at the end of his match for no reason.

[@outlawrip-offartist4161]

Shane Hill Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hate that now it was really funny the first few weeks, and then wrestle talk ruined it for me, but I’m happy you think it’s funny still.

[@redmanson98]

If AEW ever signed rikishi, the intro of this video would be his theme 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@speedy932key4]

I loved this royal rumble ppv, especially the match between Eddie and chavo. It's a shame they didn't get more time though

[@do3807]

Damn shame indeed

[@num1Jaysta]

Triple H always gotta have 30-40 minute matches

[@ryanleikness3414]

Even though he can't put on a 5 star classic unlike his pal Shawn.

[@TheBuddha337]

The Blindness and Cucking line is great. 😂

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti6854]

...so TECHNICALLY Spike Dudley holds the longest Royal Rumble entry in the history of the Royal Rumble matches at 16 years!

[@Altern8One]

What about 8-ball?

[@jaycerrito3142]

Or Scotty 2 Hotty or Curtis Axel

[@whaduzitmatr]

@@Altern8One hes still in the 98 Rumble dammit!

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

1. Thanks for covering this, Brian. 2. This is my personal favorite Royal Rumble match, controversy notwithstanding. Chris Benoit is still one of my all-time favorite wrestlers. Him winning the Rumble from beginning to end, main eventing Wrestlemania 20, winning the championship by tapping out HHH and sharing the ring with Eddie in a emotional moment was fucking iconic. 3. Of course, I'll never forgive Christopher Michael Benoit for what he did at the end of his life. Fuck him. That's all I'll say about that (LOL for the thumbnail though!). Moving on from that, HHH/HBK in that Last Man Standing match is my 2nd all-time favorite World Championship match at the Royal Rumble/all-time favorite World Heavyweight Championship match at the Royal Rumble. 4. It's also cool that, a month later, Eddie Guerrero would win the WWE Championship. 5. Wow, what a Road to Wrestlemania 20 this was! 6. (11:10-14:46; 16:12-25:04) *What we've ALL been waiting for*

[@faisalrahim9614]

I'm going to b e honest, as a kid I was so hyped to see a midcarder be pushed to the moon and have a WWE title match at a PPV. When I had SD: Shut your mouth, I played as Hardcore to make him the champ.

[@essgee4225]

Yup, I was watching WWE at this time and they made Holly look so powerful I thought he had a chance to finally be a star 😂😂

[@wstine79]

I remember having a pay per view party at my house for the show. Lots of great memories and snow.

[@SmellTheCanvis]

David Benoit just did an interview with Chris Van Vleit and spoke of his father in some depth, so it's nice to reminisce with this review.

[@ICantSplel]

Must be odd speaking about someone who would have killed him too if he was unlucky enough to be present that day.

[@NellielsHusband]

​@@ICantSplel "People need to realize that he wasn't himself that day." "The Chris Benoit that murdered my brother isn't the Chris Benoit I knew or loved" - David

[@pasta1169]

this rumble match was the best ever in terms of setting up feuds and matches for wrestlemania, its not even close

[@stephenjwarnecki2438]

I was 17 years old, in attendance for this rumble. I was in a skybox, it was an early birthday present. Great show live.

[@SamoIsKing]

As if the 2001 Rumble wasnt the best ever.

[@apere431]

To me it was the first ever to use weapons, at least half of that match and since then no weapons were used again in the Royal Rumble match.

[@toptenguy1]

Drew Carey = 5 stars

[@alexhunter90]

yeah, fucking love that one

[@G-TV_TheOneManArmy]

1992 rr was good

[@al112v4]

Austin winning and turning Heel was dumb as hell. 2004 > 2001.

[@daeleonmanuel5360]

Dawg Everytime Brock Lesnar would hop on the ring apron during his entrance , Hardcore Holly would knock his ass right off 😂

[@enigmaskull3495]

9:27 Brock Lesnar: NOT AGAIN!

[@CMPac1737]

The Full Nelson “last technique” is so like Goku’s “Full Nelson” in Episode 2 and that’s hilarious

[@longballplease]

What a strong roster they had back then, I zoned out of wrestling back end of 2004 but would swap this style of wrestling over all the flips and dives we get today

[@quentinkaasa47]

What made you "zone out"? Were you aware of TNA by that time?

[@longballplease]

@@quentinkaasa47 yeah I was watching TNA as an alternative for quite a while, I think the brand split made not want to watch. I'm enjoying AEW today though

[@RichSmithson]

Nothing worse then getting alcohol in your eye. It burns like a mf and i don't blame Flair not being able to open his eyes after that.

[@VandalSavage72]

Rockstar gonna be comin after you soon Zane for that San Andreas opening theme 😂🤣😭

[@BENNY_MAC]

The Tazz impressions always crack me up!

[@thatgingermatt]

THAT INTRO CLEAN AF

[@thatgingermatt]

Baph Omet my apologies “Brian that new intro looks positively amazing”

[@wendigockel]

8:41 another chapter of the book titled "Bob Holly in a title match? Really? Are you sure?"

[@ob_gynkenobi4014]

*Hardcore Holly* " how about I win the World Title? " *can't remember who he is talking to* "OK, what happens after that?" *Hardcore Holly* "Then I beat everyone" Y weren't we funding this????

[@addi543]

Jared Davis Triple H standing there thinking to himself: Hey, that sounds like a great idea...

[@ob_gynkenobi4014]

@@addi543 Ha. A literal lol moment. Thank u. Have yourself a great day!

[@daniellatkowsky6284]

He was talking to Bruce Prichard I think. He tells the story, I know.

[@ob_gynkenobi4014]

@@sickofthelies1627 I've been looking for it. I'll post when i find it.

[@jessycruz2465]

Wwe: There was no royal rumble in 2004.

[@mikeroagreschen5350]

The Big Show was all alone in the ring until he clumsily fell over the top rope and eliminated himself.

[@outlawrip-offartist4161]

How could you forget Brian somebody call my mother was also GOD entrance theme never forget.

[@The80sWolf_]

Hardcore Holly looked good, but had zero personality, zero charisma. I bet that is why he was a bully

[@jr123456222]

Ive heard nothing but good things about holly

[@The80sWolf_]

@@jr123456222 Don't care, you are a nobody

[@jr123456222]

@@The80sWolf_ and your somebody? Because if you somebody im good being nobody buddy

[@haydenhume4088]

Love the thrusting by d-von before the 3D to the coach

[@Squeakypickles619]

That shot of hbk hitting hhh with sweet chin music before the final 10 count was epic af

[@guillermosierracuellar9812]

brian Zane has solved the mysteries chris benoit was the 2nd personn to win the royal rumble as the 1st entrant And Big show didn't elimate himself

[@VanillaMidgetSSBM]

What are you talking about? Stevie Richards won this rumble. He won the WHC versus HHH and HBK.

[@Dr170]

@@VanillaMidgetSSBM Don't buy into WWE's revisionist lies. It was Holly.

[@mrm.acampbell2722]

Unofficially yes, officially there is only one who has won it from number 1

[@do3807]

I though John Cena won it. But we couldn't see him

[@michaelvillavicencio327]

Don't be insane Charlie Hass obviously won this rumble

[@Blacknight8850]

Yeah, in his book Bob Holly was *furious* that the match got cut down for that match with _that_ finish. But then again, Bob reeeeeally hates HHH in general, which doesn't help.

[@jarrodtaylor4724]

There's a funny botched call in the Jamie Noble vs Rey Mysterio (I can't remember when) about Nidia looking on by Michael Cole

[@maybenextyearmb9660]

Back then I thought Nidia was super hot for some reason.

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

+MaybeNextYear MB Same here.

[@paulgarcia8608]

She had big melons

[@Ticketman99]

Me too

[@bigdaddykyler8059]

She had a lot work done before getting called up...and I don't mean ring work.

[@paulgarcia8608]

@@bigdaddykyler8059 they're still nice either way

[@PlumbPitiful]

I have the DVD of this event. In the bonus features it shows HBK and Triple H getting medical attention backstage. They are in the same room with a curtain between them. Shawn tells the doctor he thinks his hand is broken. At one point Hunter pushes the curtain aside to see if Shawn is ok.

[@kingpandaelite]

This PPV is special to me because two weeks before it happened was the first time I ever watched WWE (Smackdown) and this was the first wrestling PPV I ever saw and the first DVD I ever owned. This is the event that turned me into a wrestling fan and to this day the Royal Rumble is my favorite PPV.

[@JerseyJeff84]

It's always cool to see a PPV review that you attended. I was in the bottom bowl section as a 20 year old. Funny how the 'ol heel play of bashing the crowd's team doesn't always last. Four years later, my Phillies won the World series and then the Eagles won the SB years after that.

[@ricstormwolf]

I'll say it again. Benoit is one of the greatest wrestlers and performers I've even seen. His promos left something to be desired, but in that ring, he was one of the best. 4UP for Benoit.

[@namikstudios]

Out of that ring, in reality, he was one of the worst.

[@lampini]

When you realize the 2004 rumble is closer to the 1992 rumble than the 2004 rumble is to the 2023 rumble

[@PowerPackers90]

So sad when you you realize the Bob Holly got booked better vs Lenser then Kofi

[@quentinkaasa47]

How is that sad? Holly still looks like he can destroy Kofi today.

[@de132]

@@quentinkaasa47 It's wrestling, bud. Kofi, generally speaking, is booked better than Bob Holly was. So from a booking perspective, it's a little sad. But hey, at least Kofi won the damn belt to begin with and had a long reign.

[@Deathpool_04]

To be fair, it’s a different Lesnar. Today’s Lesnar is booked more like a monster than in his first run. If Lesnar was exactly like how he was in his first run, then there would actually be a Kofi match. I liked Lesnar more in his first run since he actually did more. It would be like comparing Super Cena to Rapper Cena.

[@MS_Lichtgestalt]

18:52 Don’t forget Brian it’s also the theme of god

[@D.Miller]

I absolutely love the classic ppv series. Fantastic work, thanks Brian

[@Fixxer315]

IMO, the 2001 Rumble was the greatest of all time, with each portion of the match telling an interesting story, with Kane in the Rumble for most of it. It was also great due to the fact that there wasn't a single clear potential winner at the outset, but rather several that they were pushing as potential winners.

[@Eric-wu7bp]

When Benoit and orton started off the Rumble, it was odd seeing them wearing opposite respectively colours to their attires, meaning Smackdowns Benoit was wearing red tights (Raws colour) and raws orton was wearing blue trunks (Smackdowns colour)

[@menehune1025]

BZ have you ever thought about doing a review/breakdown of a single match? I’d be great to see you do a whole match and comment on every move.

[@Slick5150]

This is one of the best Royal Rumble matches & it's such a shame it can't be talked about because of Chris Benoit

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

+Daveyboy11 #FACT

[@Bleinsfield]

YES for referencing the "JohncenajohncenajohncenaJOHNCENA!" theme! "He's likely to win TONIIIIIGHT" Also at one point in this Rumble Benoit elbows Angle and one of them makes a weird "BWAWHUH* sound. It's at 2:07:17 on the Network version.

[@Dragonblack90]

The network blackout Chris benoit. Now it looks like Noob Saibot won the rumble

[@glennb6020]

He did

[@timbartschwolfman]

I saw Benoit win the Rumble when they had that "Tribute Show"

[@K-dawg26]

Who?

[@uainjansun]

@@K-dawg26 he meant Krispy wone

[@jessieb9384]

@@jbfarley No they didn't I dunno why people say that I've seen the matches they just don't advertise him in them its not like they blured him out of every match or segment he was ever in

[@TheWinstonSlip]

Bob “Hardcore” Holly = main event talent

[@Dr170]

He's the Big Shot, goddamnit!

[@dangerousd1312]

sparky plug

[@justinhillenburg9286]

Baldcore Holly

[@michaelskoomamacher5652]

Bobcore Holly

[@indyalmighty]

Sparky hit the big time

[@greghughes6098]

Zane's Tazz impression sounds exactly like his Russo.

[@michaelbandada9887]

Basically, it’s the defined Brooklyn accent

[@davidcolborne9468]

Feel bad for Holly having his match time halved. He did have a brief title mini-feud with JBL later in the year, which was far more plausible

[@SLJR16]

It’s a shame this Rumble never gets talked about because of who won. The match was good, there were plenty of stars in the match, and there were some good stories in it too. One of my favorites for sure.

[@Mageman17]

The way the bottom screen/s on the stage is set up really grinds my gears. Also I feel that it is more engaging when you splice footage of what you're talking about rather than just having the camera be on you. Fantastic review of this classic PPV, by the way.

[@bubsssbunny]

I remember watching all of the HBK/HHH rivalry matches on VHS from the video store years ago. I loved every crazy match they had from the HBK comeback match to the 3 stages of hell to the hell in a cell and everything between. Loved it then and still do. And when that store went out of business I bought as many wrestling tapes as I could so I could always look back on it.

[@MatthiasPowerbomb]

I was a HUGE mark for Jamie Noble Boy and Nidia. I didn't really get into Noble when he first debuted, but a little while later there was a Smackdown where he and Mysterio had a match to open the show and it was a fantastic match. After that I was instantly a fan. Then he got into a groove with his gimmick and got paired up with Nidia. I tuned in for them probably more than anything around this time.

[@tommyfries4673]

more modern, I hear ya, but the 2004 Royal Rumble is closer to the 1992 Rumble than it would be the 2020 Royal Rumble.

[@IanRiccaboni]

Great video again, Brian! I was live for this one. Had a great time, my buddies made me leave my sign that said only "KOKO B. WARE" in the trunk.

[@toptenguy1]

The funny thing is, they pretty much tried the exact same closing sequence for the disastrous 2015 Royal Rumble. With Reigns being in the Benoit role, and Both Big Show and Kane being in the Big Show Role (Aka, unstoppable force who is eliminating everyone). It... Did not *QUITE* work out as well. LOL

[@markboliek6130]

Cena says RVD is talking to Mary Jane, he can suck on his candy cane...Brian: “Really good promo here”...was that sarcasm?

[@DARC-87]

Trust me, I’m not the guy who screams racism in 2020. I think it’s way too big of a discussion these days. However, it’s hilarious how every black guy in WWE is a gangster and every Asian spits mist.

[@CGB_Crash]

Benoit dragging Big Show out of the ring by his goddamn neck is one of the best RR spots ever, instantly iconic.

[@elvergutierrez7790]

Love your classic reviews Zane! Keep up the great work!

[@timothylewis2527]

Man, just hearing the description of blind Nidia has me laughing out loud. Man, this was a good time to be a fan.

[@michaelcuomo1352]

And hard to believe Eddie would be at a high career the very next month

[@Rudy04]

You missed one of the most underrated JR calls of all time. Foley eliminates Orton and Tazz goes "JR, Foley eliminated himself!" And JR responds "YEAH! AND FOLEY DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN!"

[@stevenmacaulay8807]

Awesome! Another classic ppv retrospective!!! Thanks Zane!!!

[@mrkipling2201]

Love the new intro!!! Has it been longer than 2 weeks?? Feels like it!!