10 Best WWE Royal Rumble Events of all time

Of all the special events of professional wrestling, the WWE Royal Rumble stands tall as one of the most recognized. Its over-the-top-rope battle royal format combined with surprises from entrants, career-redefined victories, and grand, unforgettable moments has made it a fan favorite since its inception as an annual event in 1988.

In all these years of its existence, the Royal Rumble has been host to incredible matches, many of which have significantly directed the course of events in WWE. We take a journey into the top 10 Best WWE Royal Rumble Events.

Royal Rumble 1992: Ric Flair’s Masterclass

The 1992 Royal Rumble is best known to be one of the best, if not the best, as far as Ric Flair’s performance is concerned. What was unusual about this was that it was the first and only Rumble in which the championship was up for grabs. Flair went in at No. 3 with the incredibly difficult task of surviving for nearly 60 minutes against top stars like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Sid Justice.

It was a master class, and not just because of endurance, but rather as a masterful storyteller. He survived the war, however, acting like the sly heel he was, using the tricks of the trade. The post-match promo that he cut saying, “With a tear in my eye, this is the greatest moment of my life,” is as iconic as the victory itself. That Rumble made Flair. It’s the Rumble that will be associated with him in the legacy that was elevated to greatness not only in the now but in the years to come making it into the Best WWE Royal Rumble Events list.

Royal Rumble 2001: Stone Cold’s Triumphant Return

The Royal Rumble of 2001 was a riot of chaos that precisely encapsulated the Attitude Era energy of uncertainty. Stone Cold Steve Austin was the fan favorite to win the entire thing, having returned from a neck injury. Steel chairs and tables were solidified with blood, hardcore elements removing the process from the wrestling ring and turning it into a bloody mess.

Austin’s historic victory would be his third Rumble win, and the record remains unrivaled today. Ironically, this overwhelming show was punctuated by perhaps the biggest highlight: Kane’s outstanding performance eliminating a total of 11 competitors, which at the time was a record.

His win set the stage for an Epic Face-Off with The Rock culminating in their much-talked-about WrestleMania X-Seven match. The 2001 Rumble is definitely one that shall go down in history not only for the star-studded appearances but of course in sheer entertainment value as well.

Royal Rumble 2007: The Undertaker’s First Rumble Win

The most dramatic ending to a Royal Rumble was the 2007 edition, in which The Undertaker faced Shawn Michaels, the final two standing competitors, both legends who had never really crossed paths before in a Rumble. The nearly 10-minute brawl that followed saw the two battling, now that all other competitors had been eliminated, turning the entire match into an instant classic.

Entering at number 30, The Undertaker eliminated Michaels to win his very first Rumble match. Given the enormity of his career, such a feat sounds quite surprising. Thus, it built up to quite the memorable showdown at WrestleMania 23 against Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship. This feud is remembered for both its storytelling as well as the unforgettable chemistry between Undertaker and Michaels became one of the Best WWE Royal Rumble Events..

Royal Rumble 2004: Chris Benoit’s Iron Man Performance

Certainly, Chris Benoit’s performance in the Royal Rumble of 2004 has to be one of WWE’s proud achievements. Entering at number 1, he lasted more than an hour while demonstrating phenomenal stamina levels along with technical acumen. He eliminated the Big Show in the dramatic elimination to earn a title shot at WrestleMania XX.

Benoit’s story was the underdog. He was smaller in stature but outlasted the much larger competitors and climbed against overwhelming odds. Perhaps the greatest emotional moment in WWE history was at WrestleMania XX when he was the winner in a triple-threat match against Triple H and Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship. It really counted all the way to that one final event at the 2004 Rumble, which basically goes under resilience and mastery in-ring with Benoit.

Royal Rumble 2008: Shocking Return by John Cena 

It was in Madison Square Garden during the 2008 Royal Rumble without any announced nor denied entry where John Cena would return from injury as its 30th entrant. A torn pectoral muscle had sidelined Cena from wrestling for what doctors said would be several more months. His surprise entry rocked the arena with electricity. 

It was symbolic in terms of the grit and determination of Cena, as he last eliminated Triple H in the final, marking the way for a WWE Championship match in WrestleMania XXIV. The 2008 Rumble has added itself to the canon of the most talked-about matches in WWE history, not only with Cena’s return but also the spectators’ explosive reactions.

Royal Rumble 2005: Batista’s Transformation 

Batista ascended to the primary plateau during the 2005 Royal Rumble. The match ended controversially as Batista and John Cena were effectively eliminated at one time. It created confusion with Vince McMahon rushing into the ring, only to tear both of his quadriceps in the process. The match restarted, with Batista winning it. 

This event catapulted Batista into the limelight and featured him in that legendary rivalry with Triple H and eventually a World Heavyweight Championship duel with him at WrestleMania 21. The 2005 Rumble is well-remembered, apart from its spectacular conclusion; it essentially served as the launch pad from which Batista’s phenomenal career lifted off. 

Royal Rumble 2018: Shinsuke Nakamura Wins

Shinsuke Nakamura’s victory at the 2018 Royal Rumble was indeed historic. The match had an exciting final moment as Nakamura outlasted and defeated Roman Reigns. His next move to challenge for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34 by AJ Styles further added spice as he aimed at a dream match between two of the best wrestlers in the world. 

The 2018 Rumble had highly astonishing performances from Finn Balor and Andrade “Cien” Almas, part of the set of WWE’s next generation. Apart from him personally, it is also a turning point for WWE to enter into more of the world’s market as a growing wrestling entity.

Royal Rumble 2010: Edge’s Triumphant Comeback

Edge’s return at the 2010 Royal Rumble is one of the most teary-eyed moments in WWE history. With an Achilles tendon injury sidelining him for nearly a year, Edge surprised the world by coming back as the 29th participant. The crowd roared when Edge booted his long-time rival Chris Jericho out and won the match at the very end.

This earned him the right to compete for the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania XXVI, which further solidified Edge’s standing among the greatest WWE performers. The 2010 Rumble is a testament to Edge’s tenacity and the promise of being a crowd-pleaser.

Royal Rumble 2019: Historic Winning Moment for Becky Lynch

The 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble turned out to be a great event, and the winner happened to be Becky Lynch. She was not qualified and entered the contest as a last-minute replacement for Lana, who injured her. The female winner of the Royal Rumble ended months of rapid ascent as “The Man,” a persona that all WWE fans across the world came to love.

A defining Hall of Fame moment will be the main event at WrestleMania 35, where Lynch defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair for “Becky Two Belts.” The 2019 Rumble will be noted for its empowering storyline and Lynch’s outstanding climb to superstardom.

Drew McIntyre’s Journey to Redemption at Royal Rumble 2020 

Drew McIntyre’s redemption arc took flight at the Royal Rumble 2020. The match was totally dominated by Brock Lesnar, who made short work of 13 competitors and was eventually eliminated in shocking fashion by McIntyre. This moment established McIntyre as a credible threat. 

Drew won the Rumble, last eliminating Roman Reigns from the contest. This victory set up a WWE Championship contest between Drew and Lesnar at WrestleMania 36, where he was able to live his lifelong dream of becoming champion. The Royal Rumble 2020 became famous for both storytelling and that career-defining moment for McIntyre. 

Conclusion

Royal Rumble has given WWE fans many unforgettable moments to remember. Each match is unique in the great history of wrestling, filled with all the drama, athleticism, and unpredictability that mark the special occasion that is the Rumble.

From Ric Flair’s legendary performance in 1992 to Drew McIntyre’s inspiring victory in 2020, these Rumbles have defined careers and will forever mark the wrestling world. These ten events will be held onto dearly as the crowning jewels of WWE storytelling while looking ahead to more.

Also, check out the list of Best Royal Rumble Winner in history of WWE.