5 WWE Superstars who returned and won the Royal Rumble

One of the endearing things about the Royal Rumble match is the surprise returns. Several WWE Superstars have had memorable moments with returns in the Rumble like Diesel, Booker T and Bubba Ray Dudley.

However, only a few have used the rush to claim victory.

With the 2022 Rumble on the horizon, it should be exciting to see what surprises are in store. Some past stars and legends will be making their returns, but what type of shockers will be on display?

Let's look at five WWE Superstars who returned and won the Royal Rumble.

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5) Shawn Michaels - 1996 Royal Rumble winner

At the end of 1995, Shawn Michaels was taken out of action after a concussion. Ahead of the 1996 Royal Rumble Match, Michaels announced his return to the battle royal and desire to win back-to-back.

HBK came in at #18 and was firing on all cylinders. He finally delivered a Sweet Chin Music to his best friend Diesel to win the 1996 Rumble.

This was the first time anyone won the Rumble after a surprise return. WWE delivered a memorable video package with the "Tell Me A Lie" song that fans often mention.

Not only did HBK win after returning, but he also joined Hulk Hogan as a two-time Rumble winner.

4) Triple H - 2002 & 2016 Royal Rumble winners

Triple H owns the honor of having the longest gap between Royal Rumble wins. Both times the Game returned to win the titular stipulation. The first occasion came in 2002. After nearly eight months out of action with a torn quadricep, Triple H returned and declared himself for the Rumble. He went on to eliminate Kurt Angle last and win.

The King of Kings repeated the feat 14 years later. With the WWE Title on the line in the 2016 Rumble, Triple H returned at the #30 spot after being one month away. He again won the match by eliminating Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose to claim the WWE Championship.

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3) John Cena - 2008 Royal Rumble winner

When Rumble surprise returns are brought up, the conversation begins and ends with John Cena in 2008. The 16-time world champion injured his bicep in October 2007, and doctors believed that Cena would be out of action for nine months.

The Doctor of Thuganomics shocked the Madison Square Garden crowd and received a massive reaction. John Cena went on to win the 2008 Rumble match by last eliminating Triple H.

Everything about this was pitch-perfect and simply unforgettable.

2) Batista - 2014 Royal Rumble winner

Heading into the 2014 Royal Rumble Match, WWE announced the return of "The Animal" Batista, hoping for a big reaction.

Batista received unanimous boos from the Pittsburgh crowd who wanted to see Daniel Bryan in the match. This adverse reaction was spread throughout the contest and to other individuals, including Rey Mysterio. The Animal last eliminated Roman Reigns to win the 2014 Rumble Match.

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1) Edge - 2010 & 2021 Royal Rumble winners

Edge is a WWE superstar who has become synonymous with the Rumble Match. His legacy in the Rumble was set after his first win in 2010. After spending six months out of action, Edge returned to the shock of the fans.

Coming in at #29, the WWE Hall of Famer eliminated his former tag team partner Chris Jericho. He followed that up by throwing his long-time rival John Cena out of the ring to win the 2010 Rumble.

Edge repeated the feat in 2021 when he returned on the Raw before the Rumble and entered the match. This time, the Rated R Superstar came in at #1. Fighting through all 29 entries, Edge finally eliminated Randy Orton to win the 2021 Men's Royal Rumble Match.