The Royal Rumble isn’t just about throwing people over the top rope and pointing at the WrestleMania sign. It’s also a breeding ground for some of the most intense, personal, and downright chaotic feuds in wrestling history.
Whether it’s a surprise elimination, a backstage brawl, or a full-blown meltdown in the ring, the Rumble has a way of sparking rivalries that leave fans buzzing for months.
So, let’s dive into the Top 10 Feuds That Started in the Royal Rumble—ranked with all the drama, quirkiness, and over-the-top antics they deserve.
10. John Cena vs. Batista (2005)
The 2005 Royal Rumble was supposed to be Batista’s coming-out party, but it almost turned into a disaster when he and John Cena accidentally eliminated each other. The two stared each other down, and for a moment, it looked like they might start throwing hands right then and there.
While the feud didn’t fully ignite until later, this moment planted the seeds for their eventual clash at WrestleMania 26. Plus, who could forget Vince McMahon tearing both quads while trying to restart the match? Iconic chaos.
9. Shawn Michaels vs. The British Bulldog (1995)
The 1995 Royal Rumble is infamous for being one of the shortest Rumbles in history, but it also gave us the start of a heated feud between Shawn Michaels and The British Bulldog.
After Bulldog eliminated Michaels, HBK threw a tantrum and re-entered the ring to eliminate Bulldog in retaliation. This led to a series of matches between the two, including a classic at WrestleMania 11. It was a classic case of “you messed with the wrong guy.”
8. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (2014)
The 2014 Royal Rumble was a disaster for Roman Reigns, who was booed out of the building despite being the runner-up. But the real story was the tension between Reigns and his Shield brother, Seth Rollins.
After Rollins eliminated Reigns, the two had a staredown that hinted at the eventual breakup of The Shield. Fast forward a few months, and Rollins betrayed Reigns and Dean Ambrose, sparking one of the most iconic feuds of the modern era.
7. Edge vs. Mick Foley (2006)
The 2006 Royal Rumble was a turning point for Edge, who had just cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the WWE Championship. During the Rumble match, Edge and Mick Foley found themselves in the ring together, and the two brawled like they had a personal vendetta.
This led to a brutal feud that culminated in a legendary Hardcore Match at WrestleMania 22. It was the moment Edge proved he could hang with the hardcore legends.
6. Triple H vs. Chyna (1999)
The 1999 Royal Rumble was full of chaos, but one of the most shocking moments came when Chyna eliminated Triple H. Yes, that Triple H—her former D-Generation X ally.
The betrayal marked the beginning of Chyna’s face turn and set the stage for her groundbreaking feud with Triple H. It was a pivotal moment in women’s wrestling history, proving that Chyna could go toe-to-toe with the men.
5. Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton (2006)
The 2006 Royal Rumble was Rey Mysterio’s night, but it also marked the start of a bitter feud with Randy Orton. After Mysterio eliminated Orton, the Viper took exception and attacked Rey after the match.
This led to a months-long feud that included a WrestleMania 22 triple-threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Orton’s viciousness and Mysterio’s underdog spirit made this one of the most compelling rivalries of the year.
4. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Mr. McMahon (1999)
The 1999 Royal Rumble was the ultimate clash between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon. The two started the match at #1 and #2, respectively, and spent the next hour trying to destroy each other.
The feud had been brewing for months, but the Rumble took it to another level, with McMahon eventually winning the match (thanks to The Rock’s interference). It was the peak of the Attitude Era and one of the most iconic rivalries in wrestling history.
3. Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax (2019)
The 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble was full of surprises, but none were more shocking than Nia Jax’s interference. After being eliminated by Becky Lynch earlier in the night, Jax stormed the ring during the Rumble and attacked Becky, costing her a chance to win.
This led to a heated feud between the two, with Becky eventually getting her revenge at WrestleMania 35. It was a pivotal moment in Becky’s rise to becoming “The Man.”
2. Triple H vs. Batista (2005)
The 2005 Royal Rumble wasn’t just about Batista’s rise to stardom—it was also the beginning of the end for Evolution. After Batista accidentally eliminated Triple H during the Rumble match, tensions between the two began to simmer. The Game’s frustration was palpable, and Batista’s reluctance to confront his mentor added layers to the drama.
This moment set the stage for one of the most personal and explosive feuds of the mid-2000s. Batista eventually turned on Triple H, leading to a series of brutal matches, including a classic at WrestleMania 21 where Batista dethroned The Game to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
It was a feud that solidified Batista as a main event star and marked the end of Evolution as we knew it.
1. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (2007)
The 2007 Royal Rumble marked the beginning of one of the most iconic feuds in wrestling history: Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker. After eliminating each other in a chaotic moment, the two legends stared each other down, setting the stage for their legendary matches at WrestleMania 25 and 26. It was a feud built on respect, rivalry, and the desire to prove who was the best. And let’s be real—those matches were chef’s kiss.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Rumble isn’t just about crowning a winner—it’s about creating moments that spark rivalries, ignite passions, and keep fans talking for months. Whether it’s a shocking elimination, a backstage brawl, or a full-blown meltdown in the ring, the Rumble has a way of turning chaos into gold.
So here’s to the feuds that started in the Rumble—the rivalries that made us cheer, boo, and occasionally throw our remotes at the TV. Because if there’s one thing the Royal Rumble has taught us, it’s that anything can happen—and anyone can become your worst enemy.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to practice my elimination stare. Just in case.
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