15 Years WWE got the Royal Rumble winner wrong
The Royal Rumble is the most contradictory occasion in all of WWE. It's simultaneously the most anticipated match of the year and also one approached with great caution by fans. The match itself is so much fun, but the endings often let us all down.
That's become notorious in recent years, but the history of the event is rife with wrong winners. That was less important in the early years of the event, but since 1993, when the winner has traditionally been awarded a title shot at WrestleMania, it matters far more.
Sadly, for every time they've gotten it right, they've gotten it wrong, as seen in these years...
1990
Who won: Hulk Hogan
Who should have won: Ultimate Warrior
Though this was still before the traditional award of a title shot at WrestleMania, the victory of Hulk Hogan, the WWF Champion at the time, made little sense. The plan for the mega match at WrestleMania VI was well underway and winning the event would have given the Ultimate Warrior that much more momentum heading into Toronto. Destined to drop the title there anyway, Hulk Hogan's victory didn't wind up contributing to any long-term stories.