6 WWE Royal Rumble winners born outside the United States

Born in Canada, WWE Hall of Famer Edge is a two-time Royal Rumble winner
Born in Canada, WWE Hall of Famer Edge is a two-time Royal Rumble winner

WWE will put on one of its biggest events of the year - The Royal Rumble in St. Louis, Missouri on January 29. Thirty men and women will battle it out to win the coveted Royal Rumble Match and headline WrestleMania 38.

Over the years, a host of great home grown talent have won this esteemed competition with the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, John Cena and The Undertaker to name a few.

Having said this, there have also been superstars born outside the country who have ascended to glory in this match. In this article, we look at six Royal Rumble winners born outside the United States.


#6 Former World Heavyweight Champion - Chris Benoit

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the late Chris Benoit was one of the most gifted technical wrestlers to step foot in the squared circle.

In the 2004 event, Benoit put on quite a showing. He outlasted 29 other superstars to win the coveted match. He started the bout from the #1 position which added to his triumph.

Eliminating the Big Show as the last competitor in the match, The Canadian Crippler soared to the main event at WrestleMania 20. He won the World Heavyweight Championship at the The Grandest Stage of Them All by beating Triple H and Shawn Michaels in a Triple Threat Match.


#5 Former three-time WWE United States Champion - Sheamus

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Sheamus is one of the most dominant forces in Vince McMahon's promotion.

The Celtic Warrior has achieved a number of accolades during his long WWE career. One of his most prestigious accomplishments was winning the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match in 2012.

The former United States Champion eliminated Chris Jericho as the last competitor that year. He then marched onto the main event at WrestleMania 28 beating Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Championship.

The Celtic Warrior has already announced his participation in this year's event and will undoubtedly look to become a two-time Royal Rumble winner.

#4 Former two-time RAW Women's Champion - Asuka

Born in Osaka, Japan, WWE Superstar Asuka is undoubtedly one of the top performers in the Women's Division.

The Empress of Tomorrow put up a spirited showing at the inaugural 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match in 2018. She eliminated Nikki Bella as the last competitor to win the whole thing.

The Japanese superstar then went on to headline WrestleMania 34 that year but unfortunately came up short against Charlotte Flair for her SmackDown Women's Championship.


#3 Former two-time WWE Champion - Drew McIntyre

Born in Ayr, Scotland, Drew McIntyre is one of the most accomplished competitors to step foot in the squared circle.

The Scottish Warrior undoubtedly made 2020 his own as he won his first Royal Rumble, eliminating Roman Reigns as the last competitor and then headlined WrestleMania 36. At The Showcase of the Immortals, McIntyre soared further to beat then-champion Brock Lesnar to earn the top prize in the promotion.

Although unlikely, one would surely hope to see The Scottish Superstar appear at this year's 30- Man Royal Rumble Match and possibly look to ascend to his second triumph.

#2 WWE Hall of Famer - Bret Hart

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart is arguably one of the greatest wrestlers this promotion has seen.

Apart from holding coveted titles like the WWE Championship, Intercontinental Championship and The United States Championship, The Excellence of Execution etched his name among the very best when he co-won the Royal Rumble Match in 1994.

The Hitman and Lex Luger eliminated each other simultaneously in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match and were declared joint winners. At WrestleMania 10, Lex Luger got the first shot at then champion Yokozuna but unfortunately lost by disqualification. Bret would then get his chance at the title and went on to beat Yokozuna to become champion, much to the delight of his fans.


#1 Two-time Royal Rumble Winner - Edge

Born in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, Hall of Famer and two-time Royal Rumble winner Edge has undoubtedly carved an in-ring career worth every praise.

The Canadian superstar won his first Royal Rumble in 2010 when he eliminated John Cena who was the last competitor. Eleven years later, Edge soared again in this match when he won the Royal Rumble for a second time, eliminating Randy Orton. This comes after he returned from a career-threatening neck injury in 2020 after a gap of nine years, making his second triumph even more special.

The Rated-R Superstar will be in action at this year's event when he teams up with his wife Beth Phoenix against The Miz and Maryse in a Mixed Tag Team Match.

A WWE Hall of Famer called out AEW fans HERE

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