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The WWE Royal Rumble match is the most exciting match of the year.
Now, while true it is not often one of the very best matches of the year, it is always highly anticipated and the countdown leading to who will be the next entrant is always incredibly exciting. The Royal Rumble match has provided us with some of the best, most fun and most exciting moments of the entire year and with the exception of most winners of the 2010s, the right decision is usually made.
Even though some of the more recent Royal Rumble matches in recent memory have been generally negatively received by the masses, there have been several Royal Rumble matches that you could consider to have been one of the best matches of that year. So this brings me to what I feel are the top 10 best WWE Royal Rumble matches of all time.
#10 Royal Rumble 1990
Much like other Royal Rumble matches during this time period, this one was incredibly star-studded.
In fact, I would go as far as saying that it had the best ever first 10 entrants in the match, which included the MVP of the match Ted DiBiase, who entered No.1 and lasted almost 45 minutes, as well as Jake Roberts, Randy Savage, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, Bret Hart and Dusty Rhodes. The rest of the legendary entrants included the like of André the Giant, Demolition, Jimmy Snuka, Jim Neidhart, Tito Santana, The Honky Tonk Man, Shawn Michaels, Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect and eventual winner Hulk Hogan, among others.
The action was great and we had many great moments. Perhaps the best moment came from Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior, who cross paths alone in the ring to begin the build for their then-upcoming WrestleMania main event. The building nearly blew off as they had a staredown.
Hulk Hogan won the match after he last eliminated the 30th entrant, Mr. Perfect.
#9 Royal Rumble 2010
Much like how the early 90's Royal Rumble matches were a who's who of the best wrestlers of the '80s and early '90s, the early Royal Rumble's of the 2010s were a who's who of the best superstars of the late 2000s.
There was one negative about the match for many as it would be one of the shorter Rumble matches in history, coming in at under 50 minutes. Despite this, I think the positives still outweigh the negatives, with the big one being this was among the final few Rumbles for a few years where we really didn't know who could possibly win.
The match itself was pretty star-studded, featuring the likes of John Cena, Batista, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Big Show and eventual winner, Edge. The action in the match was generally well done and very exciting at times.
CM Punk provided one of the most entertaining segments in Royal Rumble history when during his 10 minutes of eliminating 5 superstars, every time he eliminated someone, he would go on one of his straight edge rants, condemning everyone in attendance in hilarious fashion.
We had some history made when former WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix became the second woman ever to enter a men's Rumble and even eliminated The Great Khali.
Shawn Michaels provided another shocker when he Superkicked buddy Triple H over the top, showing us how desperate he was to win and face The Undertaker at WrestleMania once again, and you could really feel the shock and emotion when Batista eliminated him.
The biggest surprise of all came when entrant No. 29 was revealed as the returning Edge, who had not been seen in over 6 months since his Achilles tendon injury took him out. Edge was expected to be on the shelf for at least another 2 months, but he instead returned to a huge response to win the Rumble match.
#8 Royal Rumble 2004
The 2004 Royal Rumble was going to be an interesting one. WWE had done a big job in building up Chris Benoit as someone who didn't stand a chance in ever winning it, including being told this on SmackDown and being forced to enter at number #1. While over on RAW, the plan within WWE for several months had been Goldberg to headline WrestleMania for the WWE Championship with Brock Lesnar.
As it turned out, Goldberg had informed management that he would likely not be re-signing with WWE that March, and thus WWE decided weeks before the event that Benoit would win, however, Goldberg's decision was yet to be public knowledge.
So Benoit would enter at number #1, and in my opinion, would give the best performance in Royal Rumble history.
Benoit started off the match with the up and coming Randy Orton and the two had strong exchanges during Orton's 30-minute stay in the match.
The then Legend Killer would be eliminated by surprise entrant Mick Foley, who blew the roof off the building and sacrificed himself to eliminate Orton. This was actually Foley's first time competing since WrestleMania 2000, albeit for 43 seconds.
Kane was on a Chokeslamming frenzy when he entered at No. 12, but was quickly eliminated by Booker T after being distracted by the bell tolls of The Undertaker.
Kurt Angle gave a great half-hour performance and the Big Show was very impressive, at one point shoving about six superstars off him at the same time. Show would also give John Cena one of the roughest looking eliminations ever, with Cena somehow avoiding a serious ankle and knee injuries.
Goldberg was entrant No. 30 and smashed through everyone in the ring, including giving one of his best ever Spears, to Nunzio. After some quick eliminations, Goldberg himself was quickly eliminated by Kurt Angle after Brock Lesnar sprinted to the ring and hit him with an F-5.
At over 1 hour in the match, Chris Benoit, who eliminated six Superstars and gave a fantastic performance, last eliminated the Big Show for the emotional victory.
#7 Royal Rumble 2007
The 2007 Royal Rumble match was very well put together. It would be the first Rumble match to feature the ECW brand, so the match would then feature 10 superstars from each show.
WWE legends Ric Flair and Fit Finlay started off the match, this was pretty cool as it was the first time ever these two legends ever shared the ring at the same time, despite both being major players in WCW in the '90s. The Nature Boy didn't last very long but Finlay gave a great 30-minute performance. Edge also gave a great 44-minute performance, making it to the final three before being eliminated.
Sabu was given one of the more painful eliminations when he was Chokeslammed by Kane out of the ring through a table. CM Punk was ECW's only lifeline in the match, he gave a great near half hour performance. Randy Orton was another who gave a great near half-hour long performance and provided some good double team with then partner and fellow Tag Team Champion Edge.
The best was saved for last. The two remaining were Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. The two put on a fantastic mini-match for about 10 minutes, full of close calls, fast-paced action, smooth wrestling and intensity. The Undertaker would eliminate the Heart Break Kid after reversing a Superkick into an elimination and finally earned his long overdue Royal Rumble victory.
#6 Women's Royal Rumble 2018
This match was historic from its very announcement as it was the very first women's Royal Rumble match. These women wanted this match for so long and they would all be living a dream when competing in it.
Among the many exciting things about the match, one big one for fans was the element of surprise. The main roster women's roster was limited at the time, which led to high speculation that we would be seeing several surprise entries, and that is what we got.
Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch started off. The Man gave a great 30 minute performance while Sasha Banks was the MVP of the match, lasting for just under 55 minutes. The first surprise entry was WWE Hall of Famer Lita coming out to a monster pop. She lasted for just over 5 minutes of great nostalgia action. The Mae Young Classic winner and NXT star Kairi Sane entered to a short but decent performance.
Torrie Wilson, who had not been seen in WWE in 10 years was next, she lasted for just 3 minutes, but that was probably enough. Fans were at least excited to see her. One of the most underrated former WWE Women's Champions ever, Molly Holly was the next surprise entry. She looked like she could still carry herself every bit as much as she did during her original solid run in WWE.
Another surprise entrant, Michelle McCool gave a solid near 10-minute performance as she took in most eliminations in the match with 5, also the most eliminations for any surprise Rumble entry ever. Liv Morgan of The Riott Squad didn't last very long but Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan gave commendable performances. Surprise entrant Vickie Guerrero came out for a comedy spot of just shouting ''Excuse Me!'' before being eliminated by Becky Lynch, Michelle McCool, Ruby Riott, and Sasha Banks.
Natalya gave a great 25 minute performance while Nia Jax was very dominant for her 17 minutes, before being eliminated by Asuka, Bayley, Brie Bella, Natalya, Nikki Bella and Trish Stratus. Ember Moon, then of NXT and Beth Phoenix got pops for their short stay, and number #30 entrant Trish Stratus may have gotten the biggest reaction of the night. The Empress of Tomorrow Asuka came out on top after a strong near 20 minute performance, last eliminating Nikki Bella.
#5 Royal Rumble 2002
If we are being honest, the winner of the 2002 Royal Rumble match was pretty obvious going in. Despite this, there was enough star power to make you think there was a glimpse of hope for someone else to win, even though the winner was a popular decision regardless.
One of the longer Royal Rumble matches in history at almost 70 minutes, Rikishi started things off with the previously announced returning Goldust, who we hadn't seen in WWE in almost 3 years. After some back and forth action between the following six entrants, things really picked up with entrant number #8, The Undertaker. Big Evil quickly eliminated four superstars, before giving a beating to the Hardy Boyz, and eliminating them also the make it six.
The biggest shocker of the match and best moment came when the rookie winner of WWE Tough Enough Maven, shockingly eliminated The Undertaker with a dropkick, while the Phenom was bragging about his beating of the Hardyz as they walked up the ramp. The Undertaker would spend the next 5 minutes beating the hell out of Maven, including one of the most sickening unprotected steel chair shots ever. Diamond Dallas Page, Christian, Scotty 2 Hotty and others fought it out for a while. Our next previously announced 'surprise' entry was The Godfather, who hadn't been seen on WWE TV since the summer of 2001 and hadn't played his pimp character in nearly 2 years.
Stone Cold Steve Austin was entrant #19, he beat up every living thing in the ring and eliminated them all in succession. He was then met with another previously announced 'surprise' entrant Val Venis, another superstar who hadn't been seen since the summer and hadn't played his particular character in nearly 2 years. Val, along with Test were quickly disposed of by Austin.
Eventual Rumble winner Triple H came out at #22. It was his first match since May. He had some good exchanges with Austin and some comical moments, including a funny elimination by both men of The Hurricane. Entrant #25 was the final previously announced 'surprise' entrant, Mr Perfect, who nearly blew the roof off the building. WWE were so pleased with Perfect's response and condition, that he was offered a contract shortly after. Kurt Angle made his Rumble debut and gave a good performance.
Big Show, Kane, Rob Van Dam and entrant #30 Booker T all only lasted less than 3 minutes each. Triple H won the match by last eliminating Kurt Angle.
#4 Royal Rumble 2008
The 2008 Royal Rumble was pretty damn good and fun match. It featured a solid amount of action, good timing, a great list of entries, big names and a huge surprise winner.
The previous years last two superstars, 2007 winner The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels would both start this one off and both had tremendous exchanges during their 30 minutes each in the match. Going into the match The Undertaker had been the odds on favourite to win, so his elimination most surprising and intriguing.
The then incredibly over heel Santino Marella lasted just 25 seconds, which although provided some laughs, was also missed by the crowd who wanted him to last longer. John Morrison showed some skill during his near half hour in the match. Entrant #8 Batista gave a great near 40-minute performance and had great exchanges with Triple H, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker.
While CM Punk gave another solid 20 + minute performance, the ultra-talented yet underused Shelton Benjamin lasted just 18 seconds, which was a bad move. We had two throwback surprise entries with entrants numbers #18 and #19 Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka and 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. The two also both have such a rich history in Madison Square Garden, the home of the 2008 Royal Rumble and both, especially Piper, received a strong reception for their minute-long appearances before they were eliminated by Kane.
Mick Foley gave a fair 11-minute performance, while the underutilized Carlito and Mr Kennedy looked good. Entrant #29 Triple H had the most eliminations, with 6 of them. He was last eliminated by the winner, the returning John Cena, who was originally scheduled to be sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle for at least another six months, who's appearance provided an earth-shaking response. Cena gave Triple H an Attitude Adjustment over the top to take the win.
#3 Men's Royal Rumble 2018
We waited years for this. A Royal Rumble match that was exciting from start to finish, had great action throughout, a few great surprise entries, was star-studded, and had a right and surprising winner.
It became the Rusev Rumble as the Bulgarian Brute was number #1 and gave a good 30-minute performance, while the man who would be the MVP of the match, Finn Bálor was #2. Finn would last over 55 minutes and make it into the final four. Elias came out at number #6 and gave a mini-musical performance while everyone was knocked down until entrant #7 Andrade "Cien" Almas, the NXT Champion.
Sheamus lasted just a few seconds, who was eliminated by Heath Slater, who was hiding outside the ring. Bray Wyatt gave a decent performance before 'Woken' Matt Hardy eliminated him and himself. Entrant #14 was eventual winner Shinsuke Nakamura, who gave a great 44-minute performance. Seth Rollins gave a good 20-minute performance before being eliminated by partner Roman Reigns.
John Cena lasted for just under 30 minutes and reminded us why he is still one of the best. NXT's Adam Cole was a surprise entrant and although wounded from his match at NXT: TakeOver the previous evening, still lasted just under 7 minutes. A fun blast from the past came in the form of entrant #21 The Hurricane, who lasted 45 seconds before being thrown out by Cena.
The biggest surprise of the night came from entrant #27, former WWE Champion Rey Mysterio making his first WWE appearance in almost 4 years. The arena went crazy when he entered the match. Shinsuke Nakamura would come out on top as he would lat eliminate Roman Reigns, after reversing a Spear into a Kinshasa and throwing him out, for the popular decision.
#2 Royal Rumble 1992
Much like the 1990 Royal Rumble, this one was very star-studded. It featured some of the all-time greats of '80s and early '90s. This was a history-making Royal Rumble match as the winner would be crowned the new WWE Champion, as the title had been vacant.
The British Bulldog and Ted DiBiase started the match off. The Bulldog would go onto last for over 23 minutes, but DiBiase would last just over 1 minute. Entrant #3 would be the eventual winner, Ric Flair, who's hour-long performance is often regarded as the great Royal Rumble performance in history. The ring was often filled with stars but also had moments of just two or three fighting it out in some solid exchanges.
Rocker Shawn Michaels showed early promise. Entrant #15 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper gave a great 34-minute performance. Legends Jake Roberts, Jim Duggan, Jimmy Snuka and The Undertaker would join in to help build up the ring. The Macho Man gave a solid performance before being eliminated by Flair and Sid Justice, which unintentionally planed seeds for Flair's match with Save at WrestleMania (at this time, Flair was planned to face Hogan).
Hulk Hogan was #26. He was followed by Skinner, Sgt. Slaughter, Sid and The Warlord. Skinner. the Sgt. and Warlord all only lasted a few minutes. It came down to Hogan, Sid and Flair. Hogan would asst Flair in eliminating Sid in taking the victory and WWE Championship in the epic history-making match.
#1 Royal Rumble 2001
When fans talk about the best Royal Rumble matches of all time, this one is usually in everyone's top three, and in many cases, a lot of fans all-time favourite Rumble match, obviously including mine, and it is easy to see why. It was action-packed, star-studded, had several surprises and had the right winner.
Jeff Hardy and Bull Buchanan were the first two entries. After being joined by Matt Hardy and Ron Simmons, we had American actor, comedian and host Drew Carey enter. he had been there to promote his own pay-per-view the following week, and quickly got a crush on Trish Stratus, and entered at number #5 to impress her.
He had a comical moment where he offered number #6 entry Kane some money not to hurt him and then eliminated himself as Kane fought Raven.
Kane gave one of the best performances in Royal Rumble history here and eliminated 11 superstars by himself, a record which stood for 13 years. Raven, Al Snow, Steve Blackman and Perry Saturn brought some Hardcore Championship like action to the match, before they, along with Grandmaster Sexay were eliminated by Kane.
Next, we had another surprise entry, the Honky Tonk Man making his first WWE appearance since the Royal Rumble 1998. He sang his theme before Kane clocked him with his own guitar, and eliminated him.
Things went serious next as The Rock entered at number #13 to a huge pop. After The Godfather and Tazz were quickly eliminated, the ring started to fill up as number #16 Bradshaw came out.
The next surprise entry was at number #23, the Big Show. He came out to a huge pop as he hadn't been seen on WWE TV in about 5 months. He only lasted just over a minute before being eliminated by The Rock. An angry Show then put Rock through the announcers' table. The Undertaker was #25, and he and Kane quickly cleared the ring.
A nervous Scotty 2 Hotty came out next and was destroyed by the brothers. Stone Cold Steve Austin arrived next but was attacked by Triple H before he got to the ring, in retaliation to Austin costing The Game the WWE Championship earlier in the night. Our final surprise entrant was number #29, then reigning WCW Hardcore Champion Haku.
This would have been a huge Monday Night War blow to WCW, had they not already lost most of their audience by this point, but it was still embarrassing for them none the less, and the never mentioned the hardcore Championship again.
Rikishi was number #30. He eliminated The Undertaker but was then eliminated by The Rock just after. After The Rock was eliminated by Kane, it was down to he and Austin. After a minute or so of fighting Austin, Kane went outside the ring, grabbed a steel chair and tried to use it to hit Austin.
Austin avoided the chair shot and executed a Stunner on Kane. As Kane got up, Austin hit him in the head three times with the chair and then clotheslined him over the top rope to win the Rumble for a record third time.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
