WWE’s Executive Director Bruce Prichard once revealed that wrestling icon Andre the Giant was briefly considered as the winner of the 1991 Royal Rumble.
Speaking on WrestlingInc’s podcast in 2018, Prichard was asked why Andre was originally advertised for the match but later removed. He explained that Andre’s declining health was the deciding factor.
“It was health issues, it was the thought that we’re not going to get Andre beyond this.”
Despite his physical condition, WWE briefly entertained the idea of having Andre win the Royal Rumble as a way to honour his legacy. However, Prichard admitted that the logistics made it unfeasible.
“[We thought] maybe we do one where he wins it, but health issues just weren’t going to allow him to be able to compete in it. Even bringing him out at number 30 wouldn’t have been pretty.”
Andre’s involvement in the 1991 Royal Rumble could have been a historic moment, but his deteriorating health made his participation impossible. By that time, the legendary wrestler was already struggling with mobility issues caused by acromegaly, the condition that contributed to his massive size.
Andre last appeared for WWE in 1991 before leaving the company. He passed away two years later, in 1993, at the age of 46.
Had the company gone through with the plan, it would have been Andre’s final crowning moment in the promotion. Instead, the 1991 Royal Rumble was won by Hulk Hogan, marking his second consecutive victory in the annual event.
Which Former WWE Writer Suggested That Mick Foley Enter The 1998 Royal Rumble Three Times?
Mick Foley shared that former WWE head writer Vince Russo suggested that he enter the 1998 Royal Rumble three times, each time donning a different one of his “three faces of Foley.” Foley loved the idea and praised Russo for coming up with many good ideas during his time with the company.
H/t to WrestlingInc.com