I hadn’t either until recently, when someone called into my radio show and pointed out to me the last three years of entrants at the number 14 spot. It was at that point I decided to go back look at this half entertaining and half tragic trend.
The entire history of number 14 in the Royal Rumble can’t be totally classified as a curse, but it is worth looking at the collection of names that walk out of the curtain at 14 for the Royal Rumble match.
I decided to omit the first Rumble in 1988 where “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan won because the match only contained 20 guys.
So we will start at 1989.
THESE ARE MOSTLY IRRELEVANT YEARS FOR #14
1989- Number 14 was Marty Jannetty. The name says it all. He goes down in history as being a description for the unfortunate link of a tag team stemming from his time as a member of The Rockers with Shawn Michaels. HBK went on to be one of the best ever and Jannetty did not. Even Al Snow, who Jannetty partnered with in The New Rockers, went on to have a more accomplished career.
1990- Number 14 was Haku. Okay, Haku stands out as being a pretty good entrant for 14 in Royal Rumble history. I found him entertaining, especially as Meng in WCW. I always thought companies could try and do more with him. Plus, I am not saying anything negative about him cause I like my nose (hardcore wrestling fans will understand that).
1991- Number 14 was “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith. He had a very respected career. Sadly, his life ended short in 2002 that was linked to steroids.
1992- Number 14 was Hercules. The character played by Ray Fernandez who arguably had his best days in the NWA and some highlights in WWF prior to this Rumble. He left WWE in 1992 and never did much else except for brief stint with WCW. He died at a young age of 47 in 2004.
1993- Number 14 was The Bezerker. I remember this character in WWF. He is a great memory of WWE characters I saw as a kid. Brief highlights in his career in AWA and WCCW. Was in WWE until 1993 and went off the mainstream radar. Fortunately he is still alive.
1994- Number 14 was Doink The Clown. I suppose that it is good that several people have played the character and kept the memory alive. However, at the end of the day it’s wrestling clown. He ain’t got nothing on a wrestling Funkasaurus. NEXT.
1995- Number 14 was Jacob Blu. Not a name many remember. He was better known as being one half of the Harris Twins in wrestling who were apart of DOA and as Creative Control in WCW with the superstar that is Jeff Jarrett. Again, still alive but Jacob Blu won’t be showing up on any Hall of Fame reels.
1996- Number 14 was Doug Gilbert. Who? He accused Jerry Lawler of raping a 13 year-old even though the girl recanted her allegations and charges were dropped. This guy also has broke character, taking off his mask from one gimmick and shooting on company. He wrestled as a Freddie Krueger spin off and as a Jason from Friday The 13th spinoff. Being in the 1996 Rumble for three minutes was the highlight of this career. He is still alive if anyone wants to book him!
