Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive headfirst into a classic – the WWF Royal Rumble 2000! This event, held on January 23, 2000, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was an absolute banger. From the electric atmosphere to the unforgettable moments, it’s a Rumble that still gets fans talking today. We’re going to break down all the key highlights, moments that defined careers, and why this particular Rumble stands out in wrestling history. Get ready for a trip down memory lane as we dissect the WWF Royal Rumble 2000!

The Buildup: Setting the Stage for Chaos

Before the first bell even rang, the tension was palpable. The WWF (now WWE) was at the height of the Attitude Era, and the storylines were as wild and unpredictable as they come. The main feud heading into the Rumble was undoubtedly between Triple H, the WWF Champion, and Cactus Jack, aka Mick Foley. Their rivalry had been brewing for weeks, marked by brutal matches and intense promos. Triple H, the cerebral assassin, was at the peak of his game, exuding arrogance and dominance. On the other hand, Cactus Jack, the hardcore legend, brought a level of intensity and unpredictability that few could match. Their “Street Fight” at the Royal Rumble was highly anticipated, promising a no-holds-barred, violent encounter. The buildup was masterfully done, with both wrestlers pushing each other to the limit, both physically and mentally. Promos became personal, and the stakes were raised with each passing week. The fans were invested, eager to see whether Cactus Jack could dethrone Triple H and claim the WWF Championship. This feud wasn't just about a title; it was about respect, legacy, and proving who the toughest man in the WWF really was. Other storylines included The Rock's rising popularity and his collision course with the WWF Championship picture, as well as the ongoing saga of the McMahon family, ensuring that the Rumble event was loaded with drama and intrigue from top to bottom. The undercard feuds added depth to the event, with every match having its own unique narrative and reasoning. This careful construction of stories made the Royal Rumble 2000 more than just a wrestling show; it was a culmination of months of storytelling, with each match serving as a chapter in a larger, more complex narrative.

Iconic Matches and Moments

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the matches themselves. The WWF Championship Street Fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack was an absolute war. These two men beat the living daylights out of each other, using everything from barbed wire bats to thumbtacks. It was a brutal, bloody affair that showcased the extreme lengths both were willing to go to. Triple H ultimately retained the title, but Cactus Jack's performance was nothing short of heroic, solidifying his status as a legend. The Royal Rumble match itself was full of surprises and memorable moments. The Rock, Big Show, and Kane were the powerhouses of the match, each delivering devastating moves and eliminating multiple opponents. One unforgettable spot was when The Rock narrowly avoided elimination, his feet dangling just above the floor before pulling himself back in. This moment had the crowd on their feet, roaring with excitement. The ending saw The Rock and Big Show as the final two, battling it out in a tense showdown. The controversial finish, with The Rock seemingly being eliminated but the referees not seeing it, led to further storylines and rivalries down the line. Other notable matches included Kurt Angle vs. Tazz, where Tazz made his shocking WWF debut and defeated the undefeated Kurt Angle, and The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz in a tag team tables match, a chaotic, high-flying spectacle that set the stage for their legendary rivalry. Each match contributed to the overall excitement of the event, making Royal Rumble 2000 a truly unforgettable experience for fans.

The Royal Rumble Match: Chaos and Controversy

The Royal Rumble match is always the main attraction, and the 2000 edition did not disappoint. From start to finish, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with surprises and intense action. The early entrants set the tone, with wrestlers like D'Lo Brown and Grand Master Sexay kicking things off with high-energy performances. As the match progressed, the big names started to enter, each bringing their own unique style and intensity. Kane was a dominant force, eliminating multiple opponents and establishing himself as a major threat. The Rock, with his charisma and athleticism, had the crowd firmly in his corner, willing him on to victory. Big Show, with his sheer size and power, was a formidable obstacle for anyone who dared to cross his path. The closing moments of the match were particularly memorable. The final four consisted of The Rock, Big Show, Kane, and X-Pac, each with a legitimate chance of winning. Kane was eventually eliminated, leaving The Rock and Big Show to battle it out for the coveted WrestleMania main event spot. The ending was controversial, to say the least. The Rock appeared to be eliminated when Big Show threw him over the top rope, but The Rock's feet never touched the floor. However, the referees didn't see it, and Big Show was declared the winner. The Rock protested vehemently, leading to a replay of the footage on the Titantron. The replay clearly showed that The Rock had not been eliminated, leading to further confusion and controversy. The decision was eventually overturned, and The Rock was declared the co-winner, setting up a triple threat match for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 2000. This chaotic and controversial ending only added to the excitement and drama of the Royal Rumble match, ensuring that it would be remembered for years to come.

The Fallout: Setting the Stage for WrestleMania

The Royal Rumble 2000 wasn't just a standalone event; it had significant ramifications for the storylines heading into WrestleMania 2000. The controversial ending to the Royal Rumble match, with The Rock and Big Show both claiming victory, led to a heated rivalry between the two powerhouses. The WWF decided to capitalize on this tension by booking a triple threat match for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania, pitting The Rock against the reigning champion, Triple H, and Big Show. This decision added another layer of intrigue to the main event picture, with each wrestler having a legitimate claim to the title. The brutal street fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack also had lasting consequences. Despite losing the match, Cactus Jack earned the respect of fans and fellow wrestlers alike with his gutsy performance. His willingness to put his body on the line further cemented his legacy as a hardcore legend. The Hardy Boyz's victory over The Dudley Boyz in the tag team tables match set the stage for their historic rivalry, which would continue to escalate throughout the year. Their innovative and high-flying style captivated audiences and helped to redefine tag team wrestling. Kurt Angle's shocking defeat at the hands of Tazz marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He would go on to rebound from this setback and establish himself as one of the top stars in the WWF. Overall, the Royal Rumble 2000 had a profound impact on the WWF landscape, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable Road to WrestleMania.

Why This Rumble Still Matters

The WWF Royal Rumble 2000 remains a significant event in wrestling history for several reasons. First and foremost, it exemplifies the height of the Attitude Era, with its over-the-top storylines, violent matches, and unforgettable characters. The event captured the essence of what made wrestling so popular during that time. The performances of wrestlers like Triple H, Cactus Jack, The Rock, and Big Show were simply outstanding, showcasing their athleticism, charisma, and ability to connect with the audience. The Royal Rumble match itself was a masterclass in storytelling, with numerous twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The controversial ending only added to the drama and excitement, ensuring that the event would be talked about for years to come. Furthermore, the Royal Rumble 2000 played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the WWF heading into WrestleMania 2000. The outcomes of the matches had significant ramifications for the main storylines, setting the stage for a memorable and unpredictable Road to WrestleMania. The Royal Rumble 2000 is a must-see event for any wrestling fan, offering a glimpse into a bygone era when wrestling was at its most outrageous and entertaining. It's a testament to the talent and creativity of the wrestlers and writers involved, and it continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.

So there you have it, guys! The WWF Royal Rumble 2000 – a classic event filled with drama, action, and controversy. It’s a must-watch for any wrestling fan looking to relive the glory days of the Attitude Era. What are your favorite moments from this Rumble? Let us know in the comments below!