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The Royal Rumble, arguably the most anticipated event of the WWE calendar, is set to take place in less than two weeks' time. What makes this night so special is the 30-man (and woman) Royal Rumble match. It is the simplest, yet most effective match concept possibly in the entirety of wrestling.
The intrigue and excitement of counting down for each entrant are still not lost today, thanks to the massive appeal of the surprises.
Over the years, many Superstars have shown up at the Royal Rumble unannounced and sent the fans into a frenzy. These shock entrants are either returning from injury, showing up for one night only, or possibly making their first-ever appearance in a WWE ring.
The ways are different, but the energy is the same. There have been some stupendous surprises in the Royal Rumble match. Here are five of the greatest of all-time. But first, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Mick Foley (2004)
- Rob Van Dam (2009)
- Booker T and Diesel (2011)
#5 Nia Jax (2019)
Surprise entrants in recent Royal Rumbles have usually been limited to NXT, with a touch of some old legends. But the biggest surprise of last year's event may have been from someone on the full-time roster, who already appeared in a Rumble match earlier on the card.
As R-Truth made his way to the ring, the #30 entrant was flattened by Nia Jax, who reached the final three of the women's Royal Rumble earlier. This was a history-making moment, as the Irresistible Force became the first Superstar to enter two Royal Rumbles in one night.
While other women have entered the men's Royal Rumble Match, Nia's was the most impactful. She took to her new surroundings perfectly, eliminating Mustafa Ali and engaging in compelling combat with the likes of Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio.
In the end, it took a Super Kick, a 619 and a massive RKO to eliminate the Samoan. Her appearance also opened up the topic of inter-gender wrestling in WWE.
#4 Rey Mysterio (2018)
After a not-so-pleasant departure from WWE from Rey Mysterio, a return seemed unlikely. The final couple of years of his time in the company were not great, capped off by being showered with boos upon entering at #30 in the 2014 Royal Rumble match. Fortunately, Mysterio rejuvenated his wrestling career.
He shocked the world when he entered the men's Rumble match in 2018, at #27. The 'Master of the 619' looked incredible, showing a level of skill that he hadn't shown since around 2011. It must've been sweet for Mysterio to finally right that Royal Rumble wrong that might have bugged him for many years.
The Lucha legend lasted until the final six, getting eliminated by Finn Balor. This was a great return, mainly because nobody would have predicted it. The result of this ended up being Mysterio signing with WWE full-time. And so far, his run on the main roster has been a success.
The pop that Rey Mysterio had received from the Philadelphia crowd was heartening to see and his performances since then, more so.
#3 AJ Styles (2016)
Many fans were hoping for AJ Styles to debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, but nobody actually believed it would happen. So when the words 'I Am Phenomenal' flashed on the titantron, the WWE Universe lost their collective minds. AJ's debut was a success.
Add in the fact that he was number 3 and set to have a delicious confrontation with Roman Reigns, who was defending his WWE Championship in the 30-man match, and Styles immediately felt like a player. Never has a debut as high-profile as this happened in the Royal Rumble match.
The Phenomenal One would last around half an hour in the match, before having an unbelievable debut year in WWE. He capped off a stellar 2016 by winning the WWE Championship and having an excellent reign with it. One year later, at Royal Rumble 2017, Styles defended his WWE Title in an absolute classic against John Cena.
Whatever success he has had in WWE, some of the credit must go to the monstrous pop in that Royal Rumble. That was the moment that proved that AJ Styles was right at home in the bright lights of WWE.
#2 Edge (2010)
Edge has been touted as a possible surprise return for this year's Royal Rumble match, after being out of the ring for close to nine years. In the unlikely circumstance that it happens, it will be the biggest shock in Rumble history, but Edge's return in 2010 is not far behind.
After an Achilles injury hit the brakes on the Rated-R Superstar's tag team with Chris Jericho, many thought he would barely make it in time for WrestleMania 26. But here he was, entrant number 29 in the 2010 Royal Rumble match.
Edge went straight for Jericho, eliminating him in next to no time. He ended up winning the entire match, making this one of the most successful surprise returns at the Rumble. It was an excellent moment, especially as it came completely out of nowhere.
Edge's victory would be the last one to satisfy the fans for around eight years. It is moments like these that sell the unpredictability of the Royal Rumble, and make it so special.
#1 John Cena (2008)
As stunning as Edge's 2010 was, John Cena showing up at #30 in the 2008 Royal Rumble match is the greatest surprise return in the history of this great concept. Initially given a timetable of 6-9 months to recover from a torn pectoral muscle, Cena returned in four months, painting the Superman picture on his already unbeatable persona.
Nobody expected him to show up, least of all Triple H, who entered the match at 29. Everything about this entire ordeal was perfect. From the shock value shared among the commentators, wrestlers, and fans to the slow opening of the Madison Square Garden door, nothing might ever top Cena's return in 2008.
The entire crowd cheered for him, at least in that brief moment. How could you not? Even the most avid of John Cena haters would have applauded his gargantuan effort to make a return like that. The final exchange with Triple H and Batista will also be remembered, particularly with the former.
Cena eliminated The Game last to win the match and seal his ticket to WrestleMania 24 in absolutely shocking fashion. Nobody knows how he did it, they can just stare open-mouthed at the legend that is John Cena.
Alongside some of his most famous triumphs, his return and victory in the 2008 Rumble at MSG remains one of his greatest moments. It truly is the greatest surprise return in the rich and storied history of the Royal Rumble Match.
