5 Greatest WWE Royal Rumble Performances

#1 Ric Flair (1992)

Ric Flair

He has had many nicknames over the years. From Space Mountain to the Nature Boy, Ric Flair is synonymous with all these names. In 1992, he earned the nickname the 60 Minute Man but also earned the more prestigious nickname of "champion."

The 1992 Rumble was one of the more memorable Rumbles and matches in WWE. The title was held vacant after some controversial finishes in consecutive pay per views between Hulk Hogan and the Undertaker. This was the first time in history the Royal Rumble match would be for the WWE Championship.

Drawing entry 1 was the British Bulldog, and number 2 was The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase. New participants were to enter every two minutes but Bulldog eliminated DiBiase under 90 seconds. Bulldog anxiously waited for entry 3, and that is when Ric Flair made his way to the ring.

The final four was a star-studded affair with Flair, Hulk Hogan, the Macho Man, and Sid Justice. With help from Justice, Flair eliminated Savage. Justice turned around to eliminate Hogan in a shocking turn of events.

As Justice and Hogan were arguing at ringside, Hogan grabbed onto Justice. Flair came from behind to eliminate Justice earning his other nickname "The Dirtiest Player in the Game." Not only had he won the Royal Rumble, for the first time in his career was WWE Champion.

Soon to follow was the greatest backstage promo of all time. Two memorable moments that came from this. First was Mene Gene telling someone off camera to put his cigarette out. Every old school wrestling fan knows about that. Last, and one of the best lines in wrestling, was Flair proclaiming:

"With a tear in my eye, this is the greatest moment of my life."