Rey Mysterio was taken aback by the hostile response at the 2014 Royal Rumble but believes that the boos from fans weren’t really for him.
As the #30 entrant in that year’s men’s Royal Rumble match, Mysterio faced a barrage of boos from fans who were hoping to see Daniel Bryan in the match.
In a recent interview with “Inside The Ropes,” Mysterio reflected on the negative response he received from fans despite his long-standing role as a fan favorite. He said,
“So I was kind of detached at the time, due to an injury. And when I came back or when I came out as number 30, I didn’t realize at the time what was going on until afterwards, rewatching. And understanding that who they wanted, they didn’t get. So they were booing the writing team.”
With Daniel Bryan nowhere to be seen, Batista would win the Royal Rumble match though Bryan would be the one standing tall as WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 30.
Bryan would be part of the men’s Royal Rumble match in 2015 but would be eliminated from the match early on, in another booking decision that would not sit well with fans.
Rey Mysterio Reflects on Hostile Response at 2014 Royal Rumble
In the world of professional wrestling, fan reactions can make or break a wrestler’s career. One such instance occurred at the 2014 Royal Rumble, where Rey Mysterio, a long-standing fan favorite, was met with a hostile response from the crowd. However, Mysterio believes that the boos were not directed at him personally.
As the 30th entrant in the men’s Royal Rumble match that year, Mysterio was expecting a warm reception from the fans. However, to his surprise, he faced a barrage of boos instead. In a recent interview with “Inside The Ropes,” Mysterio opened up about his experience and shed light on the true reason behind the negative response.
Mysterio revealed that he was somewhat detached from the wrestling scene at the time due to an injury. He explained that he didn’t fully comprehend the situation until he watched the match back later. It became apparent to him that the fans were not booing him personally but rather expressing their disappointment towards the writing team.
The fans’ discontent stemmed from their desire to see Daniel Bryan, a beloved wrestler, participate in the Royal Rumble match. Bryan’s absence from the event left many fans feeling let down and frustrated. They had been eagerly anticipating his return and were hoping to witness his triumph in the match.
Ultimately, it was Batista who emerged as the winner of the Royal Rumble match that year. However, it was Daniel Bryan who stole the spotlight at WrestleMania 30 by becoming the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. This turn of events only added fuel to the fans’ disappointment and further solidified their belief that the writing team had made a poor decision.
The following year, Daniel Bryan did participate in the men’s Royal Rumble match. However, much to the dismay of his loyal supporters, he was eliminated early on. This booking decision once again incited anger and frustration among the fans, who felt that Bryan was not given the recognition and opportunities he deserved.
Rey Mysterio’s experience at the 2014 Royal Rumble serves as a reminder of the power fans hold in shaping the narrative of professional wrestling. It highlights the importance of understanding and meeting fan expectations, as failing to do so can lead to a negative response.
While Mysterio may have initially been taken aback by the boos he received, he ultimately realized that they were not directed at him personally. Instead, they were a reflection of the fans’ disappointment with the writing team’s decisions. This incident serves as a valuable lesson for both wrestlers and promoters in understanding the impact of their creative choices on fan engagement and satisfaction.
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, it is crucial for wrestlers and promoters to listen to their audience and adapt accordingly. By doing so, they can ensure that they continue to captivate and entertain fans, creating a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.