Houston has a long history in pro wrestling, and Sunday will mark a history making moment when the Royal Rumble PPV comes to Minute Maid Park.
The city is no stranger to major shows from the WWE. We have hosted a pair of 'Wrestlemania' events, including one at the Astrodome. This will be the city's second Royal Rumble. But it is also a history making moment. This will be the first time WWE has brought one of their shows to Minute Maid Park. Play-by-play announcer Michael Cole, who started his radio career at KTRH in the 1990's, says he's excited to be returning to Houston.
"I got my start in radio there. I live in San Antonio now. Being in Texas, especially for an event like the Royal Rumble is just awesome," Cole said. "I love coming to Houston. I love what they have done downtown. I can't wait to perform my first show at Minute Maid Park. It's going to be exciting."
Houston is also home to some of the biggest names in pro wrestling. The Undertaker was born here, for instance. Cole says the city is one of the WWE's biggest markets.
"Houston has some of the most passionate fans in the entire world," Cole stated, adding that other legends like Booker T still live in the Houston area.
The WWE normally does their shows at arenas like Toyota Center. The Royal Rumble is one of the four major PPV's that WWE puts on. They have done shows in football stadiums before. Baseball stadiums are a little different, something Cole says presents some challenges.
"The production setup is different. Acoustics are different. When you have a retractable roof it's different. We played the Royal Rumble last year the the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, so hopefully we worked out some of the kinks there," Cole said.
The card starts at 5PM. It's highlighted by a pair of Royal Rumble matches that are Battle Royals. The winner headlines this year's Wrestlemania. Among those scheduled to compete include Brock Lesnar. There are always some surprises as well at the Royal Rumble, and there have been rumors about legends like Houston's own Booker T making a comeback on Sunday.