Backstage reason for the questionable HBK/HHH Rumble finish
Submitted by Ben Johnson on Monday, January 26, 2004 at 1:05 AM EST


• Despite many fans feeling "ripped off" by the double knockout in the Triple H vs. HBK match at the Royal Rumble, sources report that Hunter, Shawn, and Vince McMahon spent a lot of time booking the match, and the chosen finish was the only logical solution.
  
  With HHH set to have a major match (most likely with Chris Benoit) at WrestleMania, he certainly could not have lost or come out looking significantly weaker than HBK. Yet, Shawn Michaels is considered one of the top two babyfaces on RAW right now (with Goldberg being the other) and with Goldberg expected to leave after Mania, that would leave HBK as RAW's flagship babyface. Thus, while WWE was not looking to put the belt on HBK, they had to come up with a way for him to not lose the match, yet not win the title.
  
  There was also some consideration to having Evolution interfere and cost HBK the win. However, WWE decided that even though there would be more of a complete ending, that would taint the match and make it even less effective in the fans' eyes.
  
  Credit: The Torch
  
  
• Breaking: Halle Berry Injured?; *MAJOR* FOX TV Show Cancelled; Full American Idol & Survivor News/Spoilers & Star Wars Clip (View >>)

  
  

  
  
  

  *NEW GALLERY* Photos of HULK HOGAN and His Hot New, MUCH YOUNGER Girlfriend!

• Quick Links -
  [Back to LOP] [News Archives] [Results] [Columns] [Forums]