The Royal Rumble is one of the most important match-ups in WWE history. The over-the-top-rope extravaganza comes with the opportunity to headline WrestleMania. That being said, some superstars have managed to steal the show even without winning this epic match-up in the past.
Fans have witnessed some amazing individual performances in the Rumble over the years. We have seen men and women enter at number one and win the whole thing. Others went the distance and set new records by getting scores of eliminations.
Let’s take a look at the five best MVP performances in Royal Rumble history.
Ric Flair wins gold at Royal Rumble 1992
Royal Rumble 1992 is inarguably one of the greatest Rumble events in WWE history. This event, in particular, holds tremendous historical significance. For starters, it marked the first time the WWE Championship was defended under the 30-man battle royal stipulation.
Moreover, it marked legendary pro wrestler Ric Flair’s debut under said format. The Nature Boy had jumped ship from WCW to WWF in one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history.
Flair entered the match at number three and went the distance to become the new WWE Champion. It was one the greatest days of his storied career.
Rhea Ripley made history in 2023
Rhea Ripley came extremely close to winning the Women’s Royal Rumble match in 2021. Unfortunately for Mami, victory belonged to Bianca Belair that night. The EST would deliver one of the greatest women’s matches in company history against Sasha Banks (aka Mercedes Moné) at WrestleMania 37.
Ripley would enter the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble at number one. She made history as the first woman to go all the way to win the high-stakes match-up — eliminating seven fellow participants in the process. She’d go on to beat Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship in her career best at WrestleMania 39.
Roman Reigns set a new record
Roman Reigns drew number 15 in his first Men’s Royal Rumble appearance. The former Big Dog delivered one of the most dominant individual performances of his career. Reigns sent 12 men over the top rope, breaking Kane’s record of 11 eliminations from the 2001 Rumble.
Reigns would continue his dominance till the final moments of the match before getting eliminated by Batista to cap off the match. Fans were livid to watch The Animal win his second Rumble event.
Big Dave would put over Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) at WrestleMania XXX.
Gunther was the Iron Man at the 2023 Rumble
Gunther entered the fray at number one. The Ring General would last for a grueling 71 minutes and 42 seconds in the event. He’d put on a fantastic performance between the ropes, all the while teasing a potential match with Brock Lesnar.
The Austrian brute is set to enter the Men’s Royal Rumble match this Saturday. Per Sports Illustrated, Gunther is the current favorite to win the match-up and go over Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL.
Kane’s 2001 Rumble performance is iconic
The 2001 Royal Rumble featured some of the biggest names in WWE at the time. From The Rock to Steve Austin, the greatest superstars competed in the over-the-top-rope extravaganza for the opportunity to headline WrestleMania 17.
Speaking of greatest superstars, Kane entered the match at number 16. The Big Red Machine displayed his awesome strength by throwing 11 men out of the ring. It took multiple chair shots to the cranium and a running clothesline from a bloody and battered Austin to eliminate Kane and win the match.
Honorable Mentions
- Shawn Michaels (Royal Rumble 1995)
- Chris Benoit (Royal Rumble 2004)
- Rey Mysterio (Royal Rumble 2006)
- Shayna Baszler (Royal Rumble 2020)
- Edge (Royal Rumble 2021)
