Ranking the Greatest Royal Rumble PPVs in WWE History
For over three decades, the Royal Rumble has been one of WWE’s most anticipated events. It set the stage for WrestleMania and shaped the careers of countless superstars. Some years went so far as to give us compelling stories, unexpected twists, and performances that left a lasting impact. In this article, we’ll discuss some of our personal favorite Royal Rumble events that had us on the edge of our seats.
Royal Rumble 2001
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This event is often celebrated for its intense action and star-studded lineup. Stone Cold Steve Austin secured his third Rumble victory and set a record that still stands today. Kane’s performance was also notable, as he eliminated 11 participants with his sheer dominance in the ring.
Royal Rumble 2007
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A great Royal Rumble is all about storytelling. The 2007 edition did this beautifully with a dramatic conclusion between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Entering at number 30, The Undertaker emerged victorious, which marked the first time the final entrant won the match. Additionally, John Cena defended his WWE Championship against Umaga in a Last Man Standing match.
Royal Rumble 2000
Credit: IMDb
Madison Square Garden brings out the best in WWE, and the 2000 Royal Rumble was no exception. The Rock’s victory in the Rumble match kept fans roaring, but the real highlight was the brutal Street Fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack. With blood, weapons, and an all-time great performance from both men, this match alone made the event legendary.
Royal Rumble 1992
Credit: IMDb
No Royal Rumble list is complete without mentioning 1992. Ric Flair entered early and lasted nearly an hour to win the vacant WWF Championship. His performance was a masterclass in endurance, and Bobby Heenan’s legendary commentary only took the drama to the next level.
Royal Rumble 2008
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When John Cena made his shocking return from injury at number 30, the roof nearly came off Madison Square Garden. Fans weren’t expecting him back for months, but there he was, storming into the ring and winning the whole thing.
Royal Rumble 2016
Credit: WWE
The 2016 Royal Rumble had a unique twist—the WWE Championship was on the line. Roman Reigns started at number one and fought his heart out, but in the end, Triple H entered at number 30 and reclaimed the title. This match had everything: high stakes, shocking eliminations, and a crowd that was fully invested in every moment.
Royal Rumble 2005
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No one forgets the controversial finish of the 2005 Royal Rumble. Batista and John Cena tumbled out of the ring at the same time, which led to a chaotic restart that saw Batista officially claim victory. The moment was so unexpected that even Vince McMahon stormed down to the ring (and accidentally tore both quads).
Royal Rumble 2004
Credit: IMDb
Chris Benoit’s performance in the 2004 Royal Rumble was full to the brim with grit and determination. Entering at number one and lasting over an hour, he pulled off one of the greatest underdog victories in Rumble history. His technical ability and resilience outlasted some of the biggest names of the era.
Royal Rumble 2009
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Randy Orton was at his most dangerous in 2009. Leading his faction, The Legacy, Orton played the long game and used his allies to protect him throughout the match. His calculated strategy paid off as he secured the win and reinforced his image as the “Apex Predator.”
Royal Rumble 2020
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The 2020 Royal Rumble was a star-making moment for Drew McIntyre. After years of perseverance, McIntyre seized the opportunity by delivering a Claymore Kick that eliminated the dominant Brock Lesnar. The crowd’s reaction was electric, and McIntyre rode that momentum to win the match, eventually capturing the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
Royal Rumble 2018
Credit: IMDb
This was a historic night for WWE. It featured the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match. Asuka emerged victorious and showed the depth and talent of the women’s division. On the men’s side, Shinsuke Nakamura claimed the win and set up a dream match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania.
Royal Rumble 2019
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Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch both walked away from the 2019 Royal Rumble with massive wins, setting up their WrestleMania storylines. Becky’s victory was especially memorable, as she wasn’t originally in the match but found a way in and proved why she was one of WWE’s hottest stars at the time.
Royal Rumble 2003
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Brock Lesnar’s path to WWE dominance truly began with the 2003 Royal Rumble. Earlier in the night, he faced and defeated The Big Show in a hard-hitting singles match to earn his spot in the Rumble. Lesnar entered the match at number 29, and after an intense showdown, he capitalized on an opening and eliminated The Undertaker to secure his victory.
Royal Rumble 2002
Credit: IMDb
The 2002 Royal Rumble was a defining moment in Triple H’s career when he returned from injury. His comeback was met with a thunderous ovation just weeks before the event, and when he entered the Rumble at number 22, he immediately looked like the favorite. He eventually eliminated Angle to secure his victory.
Royal Rumble 2010
Credit: IMDb
Edge’s shocking return from injury in the 2010 Royal Rumble delivered a massive crowd reaction. His comeback seemed impossible just months prior, yet there he was, storming into the match and winning it all. The unpredictability of the Rumble has always been one of its best features, and this was one of the finest examples.