5 Greatest Individual Royal Rumble Performances without Winning

Royal Rumble is one of the most celebrated matches in WWE, with a long history of 38 years and a passionate fan base. We have witnessed one of the greatest performances from legendary WWE Superstars over the years. While not every standout performer claimed victory, their incredible displays of skill and endurance have cemented their place in Royal Rumble lore. As the fans eagerly await the Royal Rumble 2025, let’s take a look at the Greatest Individual Royal Rumble Performances.   

1. Kane (2001) 

Kane’s solo performance in the Royal Rumble match in 2001 is definitely a highlight of WWE and his career. His 54-minute resilient and dominant performance earned him the top spot in the Greatest Individual Royal Rumble Performances. The Big Red Machine eliminated 11 men in the process, which became a record for several years. Kane lasted until the end and was eliminated by the ultimate winner, Stone Cold Steve Austin.  

2. Gunther (2023) 

Gunther really proved himself as The Ring General in the men’s Royal Rumble match in 2023. He delivered an enduring and phenomenal performance, breaking Rey Mysterio’s record for the longest time spent in the Royal Rumble match history after 17 years. Gunther came out as the runner-up after entering at #1 spot, lasting one hour and eleven minutes. He also eliminated mega names like Booker T, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre. 

3. The Rock (1998) 

The Rock became The Great One with his valiant performance in the Royal Rumble match in 1998. He also became the biggest star of the company besides Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Brahma Bull lasted 52 minutes after entering at the 5th number and was eliminated by the winner, Steve Austin. The Rock’s star shined brightest in the match, setting the stage for his legendary career.  

4. Brock Lesnar (2020) 

Whenever Brock Lesnar enters the Royal Rumble match, it is a special time. However, the greatest of them came in the men’s Royal Rumble match in 2020. The reigning WWE Champion at the time entered at number 1, and it was a display of sheer power and domination. The Beast Incarnate eliminated 13 consecutive opponents with each one getting eliminated before the next arrived.   

Although Lesnar didn’t win the match, his performance was awe-inspiring. Even his elimination was fruitful for WWE, as it gave them a new star in Drew McIntyre, who went on to win the match as well. There is no one like The Beast when he steps in the ring, and this performance was another venture into his greatness.  

5. Finn Balor (2018) 

Finn Balor participated in the 2018 Royal Rumble match as the 2nd entrant. He nearly went the full length of the match, lasting around 57 minutes. Furthermore, he eliminated four men, most by anyone in the match, before being eliminated by John Cena. This was an outstanding performance by The Prince. At the time, this performance also vanished the rumour going around that Vince McMahon didn’t see Balor as a big attraction.  

Fans and critics praised Balor for his amazing display, and he also won the Intercontinental Championship later that year. With questionable booking right now, Balor can amaze everyone again with another Greatest Individual Royal Rumble Performance in 2025.  

Bonus: Daniel Bryan (Greatest Royal Rumble 2018) 

Daniel Bryan’s performance in the Greatest Royal Rumble match of 2018 was truly epic. Bryan was cleared to wrestle a few weeks before the event, and it was his first big match after returning to the action. It was something special, as Daniel lasted one hour and 16 minutes after entering at #1 position in the 50-man match.  

It is a record for the most time spent in the Royal Rumble; however, it isn’t counted as the show was not the annual Royal Rumble and not more than an exhibition. Still, Bryan proved that he hasn’t lost a step during his 3-year hiatus from in-ring action. It reminded fans of their favourite resilient “Yes Man” Daniel Bryan. Currently, WWE is planning one show in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

Which of these Greatest Individual Royal Rumble Performances did you love the most?