Top 5 Big Men in Royal Rumble History

#3 - Kevin Nash/Diesel (Royal Rumble 1994)

"Big Daddy Cool" Diesel

The next WWE superstar on our list is a former WWE and WCW World Champion and Hall of Famer, among many other accolades. Kevin Nash would make his debut for the WWE after a failed run with WCW in 1993 as Shawn Michaels' bodyguard, "Diesel." The sheer size and presence of Diesel was the perfect catalyst for the future makings of a major WWE superstar in the eyes of Vince McMahon.

At 7 feet, 317lbs, he was a monster and very intimidating inside the squared circle. Throughout 1993, Diesel spent the majority of his time doing Shawn's dirty work, protecting his best friend and making sure that any WWE Superstar who dared step foot in his path was going to be taken out and decimated.

Diesel would have his big, breakout moment at the 1994 Royal Rumble. "Big Daddy Cool" would set a record that would not be touched until the 2001 Royal Rumble (more on that in a bit). Diesel would come into the Royal Rumble match at number 7, lasting over 17 minutes in the match.

Diesel came into the match and was an absolute wrecking machine! Taking out and eliminating a total of 7 WWE Superstars: Scott Steiner, Kwang, Owen Hart, Bart Gunn, Bob Backlund, Billy Gunn, and Virgil. After this incredible feat for the time, Diesel would be eliminated by the combination of Bam Bam Bigelow, Crush, Mabel and Bob "Spark Plugg" Holly.

After being eliminated, Diesel would earn the respect of the WWE Universe as they chanted, "Diesel! Diesel! Diesel!" as he made his way to the backstage area. This was a pivotal moment in the career of Kevin Nash, as this was the spark that ignited the flame in the rise of Diesel that would culminate with a face turn following a huge argument with Shawn Michaels at the 1994 Survivor Series in November, following with a WWE Championship victory over Bob Backlund at a WWE Live Event from Madison Square Garden in just eight seconds to kickstart the "Diesel Push", as many wrestling fans would refer to Nash's push at the time.

Nash would later compete in the 1996 Royal Rumble match but was eliminated by Shawn Michaels at the conclusion of the match. Nash would make his surprise return to the WWE in the 2011 Royal Rumble match, reprising his "Diesel" persona to a thunderous reception. Diesel would be eliminated by Wade Barrett.

Kevin Nash is currently semi-retired from professional wrestling and still makes appearances from time to time for the WWE.

Nash also has a popular chapter in WWE history dedicated to him owing to his contribution in bringing the Monday Night Wars to the fore. Nash and Scott Hall left to rival brand WCW and triggered the domino action that changed the phase of the industry forever.