Ranking the top 10 Royal Rumble moments in WWE history

Since 1988, the Royal Rumble has been one of the biggest matches in WWE history. Several winners have made a name for themselves, thanks to the concept of the match. There can also be moments worth remembering from the other participants of the match. 

The next Royal Rumble event will take place on January 29 from inside The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. With fans appearing for the first time since 2020, there are sure to be opportunities for WWE to create a big moment. 

Sporting News looks back at previous Royal Rumble moments that fans will always remember. Did your favorite make the cut? 

10) The Mega Powers Explode (1989)

When Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage teamed up, they were an unstoppable force. Not everything lasts, however, and Savage being protective of Miss Elizabeth would be the start of the duo’s downfall as a team. He questioned Hogan at times, but nothing came out of it. 

During the 1989 Royal Rumble, Hogan accidentally eliminated Savage. Savage was upset, but the two made amends. In reality, it only planted the seeds for Savage turning on Hogan at The Main Event II. That one moment resulted in a clash at WrestleMania V. For fans of the two, the betrayal confused them, but one moment in 1989 changed everything.

9)  Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker face off (2007)

In the late 1990s, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker were involved in a legendary feud. The last match they had with one another, a casket match at the 1998 Royal Rumble, resulted in a back injury that took Michaels out of action for years. In 2007, the two would meet again as the final two in the Royal Rumble. Michaels, who was on his own following an injury to D-Generation X partner Triple H, fought off an attack by Randy Orton and Edge. Undertaker, coming in at 30, never won the Rumble before. Having these two legends fight for the chance to go to WrestleMania was a moment fans will never forget. Undertaker eliminated Michaels and won his first world title since 2002 at WrestleMania 23. 

The year after, the two would open the Royal Rumble match in New York City, a setting fit for the both of them.

8)  Chyna enters the Rumble (1999 and 2000)

Before Beth Phoenix and Kharma rumbled into the ring, Chyna made history as the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble match. In 1999 she was the first woman to participate in the King of the Ring tournament and fight for the WWE Title. She qualified for the Royal Rumble and entered at number 30. The trailblazer eliminated Mark Henry before being eliminated by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Chyna also appeared in the 2000 Royal Rumble, eliminating rival Chris Jericho. The two appearances added to the lore of Chyna and, looking back, showed how important she was for women’s wrestling during a time when not everyone was taken seriously.

7)  AJ Styles debuts at the Royal Rumble (2016)

When rumors started swirling that AJ Styles signed with WWE, the internet exploded. Styles, an Impact Wrestling legend, had new life following a run in New Japan Pro Wrestling while joining the Bullet Club. There were concerns regarding how Styles would be presented if he joined WWE and if he would go to NXT first. Roman Reigns was forced to defend his WWE Title in the match, and anything was possible. Coming in at number three, the Orlando crowd was elated to see Styles in the match. 

Making an immediate impact, Styles wowed those who never saw him before. He hasn’t looked back ever since, becoming a big star with WWE. That night changed everything while relieving any worries Styles’ fans may have had.  

6) Maven eliminates the Undertaker (2002)

This moment is remembered more for its shock value compared to anything else. Maven, a rookie from Tough Enough, entered the 2002 Royal Rumble. It appeared as if he was not going to have his time to shine, especially with The Undertaker in the ring. Matt and Jeff Hardy, however, distracted him, resulting in Maven eliminating Undertaker with a dropkick. The crowd was shocked, as was Maven. He was happy for a brief moment before Undertaker realized what happened and started beating him up all over the arena. 

When reflecting on the moment , Maven said everyone asks him about it. He also said Undertaker helped his career more than anyone on that day.

5)  Asuka wins the Royal Rumble (2018)

The first women’s Royal Rumble match featured legends and current stars looking to make history. One of the favorites on the main roster was Asuka, who joined the roster following a dominant run in NXT. A popular star, Asuka entered the Royal Rumble at number 25, eliminating her rival Ember Moon to a great reaction. She then outlasted Nikki Bella to win the match and eventually faced Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. 

While Ronda Rousey debuting right after might have taken away from the moment, Asuka’s win was historic in its own right.

4) Kane’s record-making Rumble performance (2001)

With the Attitude Era at an all-time high, WWE was preparing for WrestleMania X-7. In what was one of the biggest Royal Rumble’s of all time that had Drew Carey and The Honky Tonk Man in it, Kane was on a path of destruction. Kane eliminated a then-record eleven men from the Rumble, using weapons to help his cause. Showing why he was The Big Red Machine, Kane took no prisoners. It took “Stone Cold” Steve Austin multiple chair shots to the head to take down Kane. While he didn’t win the match, Kane’s impact can still be felt, and he earned the crowd’s support and respect that night.

3) Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind on the same night (1998)

Mick Foley has had a lot of moments in his career, some painful and some happy. In 1998, Foley decided to spice things up to create a moment that may never be duplicated again. Entering the Rumble as Cactus Jack, Foley was eliminated but came back as Dude Love. Eliminated again, many thought that would be the end of Foley’s night. It turns out he wasn’t done yet, as Foley came out as Mankind. While he never won the Rumble, the idea that all of his personalities participated in one match is considered one of the wildest moments in Royal Rumble history.

2)  Ric Flair wins the Royal Rumble (1992)

“Let me just say: After video distorting the belt that proclaimed me the real world’s champion, I’m going to tell you all. With a tear in my eye, this is the greatest moment in my life.”

After being let go by WCW in 1991, Ric Flair, a staple of the company, joined WWE. Calling himself “The Real World’s Champion,” Flair was involved in various feuds heading into the 1992 Royal Rumble. He entered at number three and lasted a whole hour, eliminating Sid Justice to become WWE Champion. Following the match, the above quote was stated and etched in history. Flair became a name in WWE, and it made for an emotional night. 

1) John Cena returns (2008)

For my money, the greatest moment in Royal Rumble history.

When John Cena’s lengthy WWE Title reign ended in 2007 due to injury, it was a whole new ballgame. It was unknown when Cena would return, only that it would be a while. As the countdown to the 30th and final entrant took place inside Madison Square Garden, nobody expected what would happen next. “My Time is Now” blasted over the loudspeakers, and everyone in New York was shocked. The roof blew off the place as Cena made his triumphant return. Cena would eliminate Triple H to secure his spot as a contender at WrestleMania 24. With Michael Buffer there to announce him as the winner and the fans still processing what happened, the showmanship, stakes and spectacle of it all represents the best that Royal Rumble has to offer. 

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