The 10 greatest title matches in Royal Rumble PPV history

By Sid Pullar III (SP3)
Modified Feb 01, 2021 06:58 IST
There has been a litany of memorable title matches that have taken place at the Royal Rumble event.
There has been a litany of memorable title matches that have taken place at the Royal Rumble event.

The Royal Rumble pay-per-view generates a lot of excitement every year for wrestling fans. The one-hour parade of WWE's biggest and brightest stars continues to amaze crowds year in, year out. For over 30 years, this has been the event that starts the road to WrestleMania and creates a window into what the next 12 months has in store.

However, that is not the only reason that the Royal Rumble has garnered its formidable legacy. It is also because the show has bared witness to some of the greatest title matches in company history. From star-making performances to thrilling clashes , the best of the best have truly come head to head at the January classic.

With over 33 events in its history, coming up with a list was difficult due to the vast amount of great encounters that have happened on this show. This list was based on the match quality, buildup ahead of the event, crowd reaction and subsequent impact. Here's a look at the ten greatest title matches in Royal Rumble history.

Honorable mentions:

  • Bret Hart vs. Razor Ramon (1993)
  • Diesel vs. Bret Hart (1995)
  • Chris Jericho vs. The Rock (2001)
  • Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (2004)
  • Becky Lynch vs. Asuka (2020)

#10 Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No Disqualification Match for the WWE Universal Championship (Royal Rumble 2017)

If any fans want a preview of what Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens have in store for this year's Royal Rumble battle, just rewind to the 2017 show. This match came long before Reigns became "The Tribal Chief." At the time, Owens was the WWE Universal Champion. These two men had been feuding for months, and Owens' best friend Chris Jericho constantly got involved.

At Royal Rumble 2017, Owens and Reigns went to war in a No Disqualification Match with Jericho raised above the ring inside of a shark cage. With his threat out of the way, the two superstars put on a tremendous contest that used weapons expertly and built their match to a thrilling climax.

There were chairs, tables and brutal spots that inflicted serious damage on both the champion and challenger. The San Antonio crowd was completely invested, as they reacted to every chair shot, table smash and wince-inducing bump. In the end, Braun Strowman got involved by decimating Roman Reigns. As a result, Kevin Owens won the match and retained his title.

#9 CM Punk vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship (Royal Rumble 2013)

The Rock's return to WWE in 2011 produced two of the largest grossing WrestleManias in company history. However, The Rock also made his presence known on other pay-per-views, including the Royal Rumble. In 2013, The Rock looked to reclaim the WWE Championship for the first time since 2002. The man that stood in his way had held the gold for 434 days heading into the show.

CM Punk took the wrestling industry by storm following his legendary pipe-bomb promo in 2011. With his profitable headline win at Money In The Bank 2011, the promotion had a brand new star to build around. Despite a convoluted conclusion to the Summer of Punk, "The Voice of the Voiceless" would win the WWE Championship for the second time at Survivor Series 2011 over Alberto Del Rio.

Through a gradual change, CM Punk became more cocky and aligned himself with Paul Heyman, and he became a huge villain to fans everywhere. The Rock returned with the goal to win back the gold, but Punk was defiant. Their match at Royal Rumble 2013 created an electric dynamic in Phoenix.

The Rock was the People's Champion and returning hero. Meanwhile, CM Punk was a former antihero who was resentful of the admiration for The Great One. The two men had a captivating 23-minute battle at Royal Rumble 2013 that had very good storytelling and intensity throughout the bout. Although The Rock had only been in the ring for the third time in eight years, this night delivered arguably his best match of his return.

Despite distractions and outside interference from Paul Heyman and The Shield, The Rock overcame it all. He landed the People's Elbow to defeat CM Punk for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2013. This was his eighth reign with the WWE gold and his tenth overall. This also ended the longest WWE Title reign in 27 years and CM Punk's final reign in the company.

#8 Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women's Championship (Royal Rumble 2019)

In the past, the Royal Rumble had not been graced with the excellence of the WWE women's division very often. Although solid bouts with Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Paige have transpired, there were never any truly unforgettable matches at the show. That changed first in 2018 with the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble Match and then in 2019, when the ladies completely dominated the show.

This event featured arguably the best edition of the Women's Royal Rumble with a dramatic final two entrants. Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks put on a great match for the Raw Women's Championship. But the opener of Royal Rumble 2019 was an exciting first time ever singles contest where Asuka defended the SmackDown Women's Championship against the former champion, Becky Lynch.

Two of the most popular ladies in the company met with gold on the line and delivered a compelling battle that had a brilliant blend of competition and physicality. There were stiff strikes exchanged and high energy exhibited from both women. The Chase Field crowd in Phoenix got things kicked off hot with this bout, and they responded throughout this 17-minute banger at Royal Rumble 2019.

The entire show featured plenty of entertaining action, but everything was trying to meet the bar set by Asuka and Becky on this night. Asuka would gain this hard-fought win with a bridged version of the Asuka Lock, as she made Lynch tap out. Although she was defeated to open Royal Rumble 2019, Lynch lost nothing in this match that made both ladies look like two high class professionals.

Royal Rumble 2019 became a show synonymous with the trailblazing run of "The Man." Lynch's stellar opener was followed up just over a hour later when she inserted herself into the Women's Royal Rumble Match. Her dramatic showdown with Charlotte Flair to end this encounter was gripping, and it led to Lynch's career-defining victory.

#7 John Cena vs. Umaga in a Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship (Royal Rumble 2007)

John Cena deserves recognition as Mr. Royal Rumble when it comes to classic matches. He is one of seven men to win multiple Royal Rumble Matches, but "The Doctor of Thuganomics" has created an exceptional catalogue of title matches at the annual start of the Road to WrestleMania. This bout is just the first of a few from the 16-time world champion.

When fans bring up matches that exceeded expectations, this one could be used as a prime example. At Royal Rumble 2007, John Cena faced Umaga for the WWE Championship. Cena had defeated "The Samoan Bulldozer" three weeks earlier at WWE New Year's Revolution 2007, but Umaga immediately responded after the match with an attack to set up this Last Man Standing Match.

This was a time where John Cena had a polarizing reaction from the WWE Universe. Although he had claimed victories over Kurt Angle, Triple H and Edge in fantastic matches, the fans didn't seem to have the same respect for him as his past opponents.

On the other hand, Umaga was unproven almost a year into his new moniker. He had minimal experience prior to his arrival with Armando Estrada in April 2006. The Royal Rumble 2007 would be the stage for a star-making performance from Umaga with his dominance over Cena. The two stars had the San Antonio crowd on the edge of their seats.

Cena was beaten down and bloodied, but he was not defeated. In one of the most unique finishes to a Last Man Standing contest, the champion used his STFU submission with the ring rope that Umaga tore off to knock him out. The image of John Cena's bloody face in victory remains a memorable image in Royal Rumble history.

#6 The Rock vs. Mankind in an I Quit Match for the WWF Championship (Royal Rumble 1999)

This bout has to be considered among the most brutal matches in Royal Rumble history. Mankind and The Rock would go on to become a wildly popular makeshift tag team as "The Rock 'n' Sock Connection" the same calendar year. But the two legends clashed in an I Quit Match with the WWF Championship on the line at the 1999 edition of the Royal Rumble.

The Rock was looking to reclaim his championship following the shocking win by Mankind on the January 4 episode of WWF Raw. He tried to goat the new champion into a rematch. But Mankind used The Rock's words against him to make the rematch at Royal Rumble 1999 an I Quit Match.

Although the Hardcore Legend's renowned threshold for pain made this a match that he had the advantage in, The Rock came out with a blistering attack. He brought forth some of the most gruesome action of the Attitude Era at Royal Rumble 1999.

Mankind bled, fell off the stands of the arena into the electrical circuit board, and went through the announce table. He was famously handcuffed while he took 10 chair shots to the head with his hands behind his back. It was a sickening beatdown that was further documented by the "Beyond The Mat" film, which featured the frightened reaction of Mick Foley's family in the audience at Royal Rumble 1999.

Despite anyone's feelings on the chair shots in this encounter, The Rock and Mankind put on a very good WWE Championship Match in front of hot Anaheim, California crowd. There is also no denying that this bout remains one of the most iconic matches of the Attitude Era, and in the history of the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

#5 Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho in a Ladder Match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship (Royal Rumble 2001)

Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho battled in many impressive encounters throughout their careers all over the world. But their clash at the Royal Rumble 2001 may arguably be their best match together. This bout is the only entry for the Intercontinental Championship, and it features two men who have competed for the title against one another on many occasions.

This Ladder Match was different from the high-risk insanity that fans at this time witnessed with The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boys and Edge and Christian. With the animosity at its height ahead of Royal Rumble 2001, the ladder became a tool in destroying the opponent. Both men did take the chance to climb and fly, but the ladder was used as a weapon throughout the contest.

One of the most infamous spots in this clash did not involve the ladder, though. Jericho used a steel chair to block a suicide dive attempt from Benoit. The other remembered moment from this WWF Intercontinental Championship classic was when Chris Jericho locked in the Walls of Jericho on Benoit with the ladder bending the champion's back.

Jericho won the match and regained the gold. But both men came out of this ladder war looking like future world champions. They both went on to further glory following Royal Rumble 2001. In fact, the present-day "Demo-God" would close 2001 as the first ever WWF Undisputed Champion by defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in the same night.

#4 AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship (Royal Rumble 2017)

AJ Styles has had an amazing run since his WWE debut at Royal Rumble 2016. There have been countless spectacular matches and title runs along the way. But his greatest rivalry was with John Cena. Styles turned heel on "The Face That Runs The Place" and went on to defeat him twice in the summer of 2016, including a phenomenal encounter at SummerSlam.

Following this loss, John Cena took time off from WWE while Styles went on to win his first WWE Championship. A brief Cena return at No Mercy did not end the reign of "The Phenomenal One." Cena came back once again at the end of 2016, looking to finally beat AJ Styles and win his record-tying 16th WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2017.

The Alamodome in San Antonio was packed, and the fans eagerly anticipated another sensational bout between the two men. However, Cena and Styles somehow exceeded expectations and put on a masterpiece on par with their SummerSlam Match of the Year candidate. In fact, it might have been even better.

The competitive affair had plenty of high impact maneuvers and sequences that constantly built the drama of the contest.

The Phenomenal Forearm, the Styles Clash and a top-rope Attitude Adjustment were all used by the two superstars. Cena then used two back-to-back Attitude Adjustments to finally gain the victory after 24 minutes. Everything the two men did in this battle felt huge. This match surely had a "big fight feel."

AJ Styles lost the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, and he was defeated by his biggest rival for the first time. But he delivered a fantastic conclusion to his inaugural reign with the top prize. He took the best Cena had to offer. Styles has stayed at the top of the card in his run with WWE, especially at Royal Rumble by being in four WWE Championship matches and two of the battle royals.

#3 Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship (Royal Rumble 2015)

Here is the final entry in the "John Cena is Mr. Royal Rumble" argument. At the Royal Rumble 2015, Cena looked to regain the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar, the man who destroyed him at SummerSlam 2014. But thanks to The Authority, Seth Rollins was inserted into this contest to make it a Triple Threat Match.

Seth Rollins was the current Money In The Bank contract holder at this time. He teased that he would cash it in if he was not victorious here. Lesnar had been on the tear of a lifetime following his Streak-ending win over The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX. He followed that with the aforementioned Cena squash at SummerSlam.

It was impossible to predict what these three men would produce together with limited run-ins ahead of the show. The Philadelphia crowd was extremely vocal and supportive of Rollins at the start of this match. Lesnar's amazing strength and Suplex City assaults had the fans in his favor at Royal Rumble 2015.

His dominance forced Cena and Rollins to form an unlikely alliance to put the champion down. Using the steel steps and a Rollins flying elbow from the top rope through the announce table, the two superstars neutralized Lesnar. They then waged a battle to determine a new champion. Cena formed the glue of sorts for this match, but Rollins had a breakout performance.

That flying elbow, his flying knee to Lesnar's skull and his stunning counters were among the highlights that "The Architect" displayed here. Rollins even broke out his Phoenix Splash for the first time during his WWE main roster run in an awe-inspiring move.

Seth Rollins had been the MVP of 2014 following his betrayal of The Shield, and he was in the midst of a steady push. But this match truly felt like a statement at Royal Rumble 2015. He proved that he could be a top star for years to come.

Still, Lesnar could not be stopped on this night. "The Beast Incarnate" got back in the ring and once again suplexed both men. Although Rollins looked to be a Curb Stomp away from the win, Lesnar caught him with an F5 to retain the title.

This three-way war could be argued as the greatest battle in Royal Rumble history. It was an unbelievable contest that has to be considered in the conversation for the best triple threat matches in WWE history.

#2 Triple H vs. Cactus Jack in a Street Fight for the WWF Championship (Royal Rumble 2000)

When it comes to star-making performances at the Royal Rumble, fans often bring up this match. At the 2000 edition inside Madison Square Garden, Triple H defended the WWF Championship against Cactus Jack in a Street Fight. These two men had been feuding for years, and "The Game" even beat "The Hardcore Legend" to kickstart his first WWE Title reign.

Triple H had taken over the company at this point, with the gold and Stephanie McMahon by his side. He also reunited DX, and he flaunted his power by firing Mankind. Thanks to The Rock and a protest from the roster, Mankind got his job back, and he received a shot at Triple H's WWF Championship at Royal Rumble 2000.

Due to constant beatdowns at the hands of "The Cerebral Assassin," Mick Foley went to his most sadistic personality, Cactus Jack, for this match. He came in with a heightened level of intensity that had him taking the fight to the champion. But Triple H was more than up to the challenge, and he showed that he could withstand a lot of pain at Royal Rumble 2000.

This was a tremendous Street Fight that built the drama and compelling action for almost 27 minutes. The New York City crowd was loud, and it responded to every blow in this war. Cactus Jack brought chairs and barbwire bats into play. A fight in the entranceway led to a huge laceration on Triple H's ankle. The champion also bled from his head.

In the end, Cactus Jack brought thumbtacks to punish Triple H, but The Game backdropped him onto the tacks. He followed with a Pedigree for a shocking near fall that produced an electric reaction. Triple H then hit another Pedigree on the thumbtacks in an incredible finish to this Street Fight at Royal Rumble 2000.

This win elevated Triple H and solidified his spot as the top heel in the entire industry. It set a tone for what would be a remarkable 2000 for "The King of Kings." These two men would follow this Royal Rumble classic at No Way Out 2000 in an unforgettable Hell In A Cell Match that "ended" Mick Foley's career.

#1 Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit for the WWE Championship (Royal Rumble 2003)

The initial entry comes from the Royal Rumble 2003, and it features two of the greatest technical wrestlers in professional wrestling history. In Boston, Kurt Angle defended the WWE Championship against Chris Benoit. This match is in the top spot due mostly to its subsequent impact.

The two men had done battle in the past for mid-card gold and personal pride. They also held the WWE Tag Team Championship together. But this bout marked their biggest clash with the top prize in the industry on the line. Kurt Angle had recently aligned with Paul Heyman and Team Angle. Meanwhile, Benoit defeated Big Show to gain this opportunity.

This contest started slow, as both men showcased their excellent technical wrestling. Things picked up to a second gear when they started to trade finishers and reversals. But it was Benoit's comeback that really re-energized the FleetCenter crowd. The energy of the fan-favorite star took this encounter to another level at Royal Rumble 2003.

"The Canadian Crippler" had a few dramatic attempts at victory, and they were deeply engaging. This Royal Rumble 2003 classic put a stamp on Chris Benoit as a big-time babyface, and it could be described as the start of his run to the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 20. The crowd's standing ovation was memorable, and it proved that the fans rallied behind Benoit.

Kurt Angle once again showed why he is an elite athlete and an incredible wrestler. Although he took the win, "The Olympic Gold Medalist" did everything within his power to put a spotlight on Benoit. He sold Benoit's offense and made him look like a dangerous opponent. This match also holds significance due to how it inspired the next generation.

The emphasis on in-ring work had never been put on a higher platform since Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 12. The early 2000s saw a myriad of performers who did not have not the biggest bodies or have "the look." But these competitors could wrestle, and they put places like TNA and Ring of Honor on the map.

Many performers from that era have stated that this contest set a precedent for in-ring excellence. This generation tried to follow and exceed the example Benoit and Angle established. With terrific work-rate and superb psychology, Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit at Royal Rumble 2003 has to be considered the greatest title match in Royal Rumble history.

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