Jim Duggan's advice for this year's Royal Rumble
WWE's annual Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) event in December is a great way to end the year for many fans. However, a fresh calendar year of pay-per-views starts in January, with the annual Royal Rumble event first on the list.
Everyone knows how significant the Royal Rumble is since winning the 30-man match gives you a rare shot of glory at Wrestlemania. The Royal Rumble is one of WWE's "Big Four" events, alongside Wrestlemania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. Here is Jim Duggan's advice for this year's Royal Rumble.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
If you were an ardent WWE fan during the New Generation and Attitude Eras, a 2x4 wood-wielding American patriot with an iconic "Hooooo" cry and a USA flag surely caught your eye. Duggan always got the fans at arenas and back home cheering for him by inspiring chants of "USA! USA!" that would intimidate even his most formidable opponents.
For over two decades, the Hacksaw defended the USA's honor in the ring and was one of the most recognizable faces in the business. He was never a champion in WWE and was indistinguishable from the other brawlers that ruled the rings at the time. However, his biggest moment came when he won the first-ever Royal Rumble in 1988. Therefore, he certainly knows a thing or two about prevailing in the event. According to Duggan:
- Remain in the Turnbuckle Area for as long as possible
Wrestling fans would undoubtedly agree that many Royal Rumble eliminations happen when the superstar is exposed or vulnerable. Therefore, Jim Duggan recommends staying away from other participants by remaining in the corner. Indeed, you are less likely to be eliminated from the event if you limit how often you brawl with others. Longevity is a key factor in the Royal Rumble events, so Duggan says this is the main reason why “everyone goes straight to the corners” when you watch this pay-per-view.
- Anything goes
The Hacksaw advises that it is crucial to be quick, strong, and aggressive during Royal Rumble matches if you intend to prevail. This reality is very different from a single's fight, as there is a lot of chaos and little chance to control the pace. Consequently, it is prudent to do all you can to survive in this melee.
Indeed, many contestants seem to agree with Duggan's recommendation since Royal Rumble events are always full of superstars going to extreme lengths to survive. For instance, the event is a no disqualification match, so chairs, tables, and other weapons have made their way into the ring. Similarly, some competitors exit the ring to catch a break and avoid elimination since you can leave through the middle rope or under the bottom rope, as long as you don't land on your feet after being tossed over the top. Nimble superstars like Kofi Kingston have even landed on the floor with their hands instead of legs after being tossed out, walking back to the steel steps on two hands and re-entering the match.
- Have a fighting spirit
Jim Duggan acknowledges that very few people would have backed him to win the first event in 1988. Therefore, he advises that the Royal Rumble can be anybody's night, so it is always best to go out there with a fighting spirit determined to never surrender, just like he did.
