5 superstars who have intruded the Royal Rumble match

The Royal Rumble fast approaches and we look forward to seeing our favourite WWE superstars in the form of legends and returning superstars. This year we will be treated to two 30 person over the top rope matches as the WWE women get their long-awaited time in the spotlight. Some years, however, not everything goes according to plan for the WWE General Managers and we get some unannounced and uncalled additions to the show.

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#5 Kaientai

Kaientai in 2000

Sho Funaki and Taka Michinoku were the Japanese lightweight tag team that graced our screens during the Attitude Era and beyond. Known for high-flying moves and comedic timing, both of them decided to enter the ring during the Royal Rumble in 2000. After not being named as participants, both members invaded the match multiple times before being thrown out by whoever was closest to them. The last occasion included a particularly strong throw by Gangrel on Taka which resulted in an awful looking face bump on the concrete floor.

#4 Triple H and Chyna

Triple H and Chyna in 1998

During the 1998 Royal Rumble which was eventually won by Stone Cold Steve Austin, multiple storylines were being set up for WrestleMania and the initial brawl between Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie. Owen Hart was originally attacked on his way to the ring by Jeff Jarrett and after finally recovering and entering into the match, was progressing well until Triple H and Chyna came down the ramp after Honkey Tonk Man's music hit. Waiting for their chance, they ambushed Owen Hart as he tried to push Goldust out of the ring with a crutch over the head and eliminated him.

Given Triple H had been a very visible part of the Montreal Screwjob a few months earlier, it made for great storytelling between the two and allowed for Triple H's European Championship to be defended at WrestleMania XIV.

#3 Giant Gonzalez

The monstrous Giant Gonzalez

1993 saw the debut of the tallest man ever to wrestle in the WWE, Giant Gonzalez. While The Undertaker was the only man in the ring during the Royal Rumble match, the huge Gonzalez came out with no music and accompanied by Harvey Wippleman. Climbing over the top rope and then towering over 'The Deadman', Gonzalez raised his hand and delivered a chop to The Undertaker's head that sent him over the top rope.

This would lead to one of Takers' least liked matches at WrestleMania IX where the clearly struggling Gonzalez didn't give a great showing at all. However, it was his initial appearance at the Royal Rumble that had people's jaws drop given the unannounced entrance and huge frame.

#2 Shane McMahon

'HBK' about to be eliminated by the boss's son

Shane McMahon has always had a history of poking his nose where it isn't wanted, and the 2006 Royal Rumble was no exception. Mr. McMahons music hit and temporarily distracted Shawn Michaels in the ring, who gave Vince a volley of abuses as their feud continued. Unbeknownst to Shawn, Shane had entered the ring from the back and threw Shawn over the top rope which stopped him from main-eventing WrestleMania XXII. This led to a no holds barred match at WrestleMania where Michaels beat the boss.

#1 The Rock

The Rock allowing Vince McMahon to win the Rumble

The biggest two stars on this list led to the one and only time a non-wrestler won the Royal Rumble. 1999 saw the Vince McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin as entrants number one and two respectively. Vince soon took the opportunity to wait outside the ring for most of the duration of the match. Steve continued to progress through the match and after multiple eliminations, the final two were as they started, Vince and Stone Cold. Cue The Rock's music and the interruption in the match which led Stone Cold trying and hit The Rock off the apron. While distracted, Vince threw Austin over the top rope and won the Royal Rumble.

The industries two biggest stars and the chairman of the board in one of the most star-studded Royal Rumbles, but Rock wasn't invited!

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