WWE Once Pulled ECW Original From Royal Rumble Match

WWE’s Royal Rumble event is coming up on January 28th, and you never know who might show up. It turns out that even though someone might get booked for the match, things can always change. That happened for the Blue Meanie in 2015.

The Blue Meanie has been credited for his work in promotions like WWE and ECW between 1995 and 2005. The ECW Original was brought back for various sporadic appearances, but WWE once picked a fellow ECW Legend over him for a Royal Rumble appearance.

While speaking to The Wrestling Binge, The Blue Meanie stated that he would be open to appearing as a surprise entrant in the 2023 Royal Rumble match on January 28 in San Antonio, something that was planned for the 2015 edition in his hometown of Philadelphia.

“I would love to. Truth be told, I was almost a part of the Rumble here in Philadelphia. That was the infamous Roman Reigns winning, where everybody wanted Daniel Bryan to win, but Roman won. I had reached out to JBL, of all people, and JBL went to the office and pitched me.”

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The Blue Meanie also noted that the rumble appearance should have happened as he, Joey Styles, and Stevie Richards were co-hosts on the ECW DVD and the timing was perfect. Then he was replaced at the 11th hour for WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley.

“What better way to promote the DVD than, ‘Hey! Blue Meanie! ECW! By the way, here comes “ECW Unreleased Volume Three!”‘ And it came down to me and Bubba Ray Dudley, and it was almost me but they picked Bubba,” Meanie said. He added that he had no hard feelings about the decision because he loves the Dudley brother to death, but he still has aspirations for more with WWE, specifically a little over a year from now.”

The Blue Meanie concluded by stating his desire to be involved in WrestleMania 40, set to take place in his hometown of Philadelphia. It would be a true dream to be on that stage.

“I wish I could be in a Rumble, but WrestleMania is coming to Philadelphia. WrestleMania is coming to Philadelphia very soon, so we will see if we can have an ECW presence here in Philadelphia.”

The Blue Meanie was seen on the October 11th, 2021 episode of AEW Dark: Elevation in Philadelphia. He came out to support Crowbar, who went on to lose a match against Joey Janela. We’ll have to see what’s in The Blue Meanie’s future, but he’s certainly picking up the phone if WWE calls him.

Do you want to see The Blue Meanie return at the upcoming Royal Rumble match? Sound off in the comments!