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We can all agree on the fact that when it comes to gimmick matches, the Royal Rumble is the undisputed king. The way it capitalises on viewers' anticipation and accumulates so much star-power is remarkable. So much so that there is an annual pay-per-view named after it among the WWE's 'Big Four'.
The Royal Rumble PPV, however, is much more than just the battle royal, a fact we tend to forget. Over the years, there have been other matches on the pay-per-view that left the audience mesmerised.
Today, we rank the five best singles matches in Royal Rumble history. Match types like triple-threat or tag-team aren't considered for this list.
#5 Dean Ambrose vs Kevin Owens: Royal Rumble 2016
The feud between Kevin Owens and Dean Ambrose has been one of the best WWE has had in recent years. Owens, the breakout star of 2015, had been portraying a cold and calculative demeanour. Ambrose, on the other hand, was his perfect foil. Fans loved the zest and unpredictability of the lunatic fringe.
The pinnacle of their feud was a Last Man Standing match for the Intercontinental Championship. Opening the Royal Rumble 2016 on a high note, their fight lived up to the hype. Making optimum use of the match stipulation, both men gave a display of their ruthlessness in the spot-filled contest.
The fight ended with Ambrose throwing Owens through two tables for the ten count, retaining his Championship in the process. Both the stars gained significant credibility and went on to win the big gold.
#4 Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit: Royal Rumble 2001
The latter part of the attitude era saw a significant rise in the quality of ring work. This development resulted from the arrival of some technically-sound performers. Two of them, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit, were involved in a classic Ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at Royal Rumble 2001.
The unforgiving contest saw both the Canadians tear each other apart, using the ladder recklessly. Bodies were being thrown like rag-dolls, both intentionally and unintentionally. Although not a technical masterpiece, the audience got more than what they bargained for with this match.
Two of the most iconic moments from the match was Jericho locking Benoit along the rails of the ladder and the Rabid Wolverine delivering a diving headbutt from it's top. The fight ended with Jericho winning the coveted title.
#3 Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle: Royal Rumble 2003
The Rabid Wolverine once again makes this list. This time, however, it's for his match against Kurt Angle at Royal Rumble 2003. Unlike the previous two listings, what we are talking about now is the epitome of mat-based wrestling.
With a strong back-story, Benoit took on Angle for the WWE Championship. The two ring-generals matched each other toe to toe with suplexes, submissions and reversals. Both the superstars were unwilling to give up, harnessing upon the energy of the crowd.
High on emotions, Angle finally made Benoit tap put despite his relentless efforts to stay in the match. Although unable to win the title, Benoit garnered the crowd's respect and cemented his position as a main-event player.
#2 John Cena vs AJ Styles: Royal Rumble 2017
The road to Royal Rumble 2017 saw John Cena enter uncharted territories. For the first time in years, he was the underdog against the man known as AJ Styles. With some powerful promo-work that saw both competitors getting inside each other's head, the world was ready to witness Cena vs Styles III for the WWE Championship at the Rumble in 2017.
With their previous two outings being nothing short of classic, expectations were skyrocketing. At the Royal Rumble 2017, however, the pair once again managed to knock the ball out of the park. Being well aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses, both the superstars had little space to breathe.
The tenacity to one-up their rival was visible. After kicking out of each other's finishers, Cena won the contest by hitting two consecutive Attitude Adjustments. The result levelled Cena with Ric Flair's record of 16 World Championships. As for Styles, he once again proved why he is considered the best performer in the world today.
#1 Triple H vs Cactus Jack: Royal Rumble 2000
At the turn of the millennium, WWF was under the control of Triple H and his villainous group, The McMahon-Helmsley Faction. One man who had the fortitude to oppose them was Mankind. Their intense feud resulted in Triple H being challenged for a street fight at Royal Rumble 2000. The challenger for the WWF Championship, however, wasn't Mankind, but his sadistic alter ego, Cactus Jack.
The match, which wasn't for the faint of heart, quickly turned into a manifestation of violence. With the range of weapons varying from barbed wire boards to wooden pallets, both the superstars were forced to embrace pain.
With both the superstars covered in crimson, it was Triple H who finally came out on top. The Cerebral Assasin pedigreed Cactus Jack on a pool of thumbtacks to earn the three-count. For its storytelling and sheer emotional display, this fight is widely regarded as the greatest match in the history of the Royal Rumble.
