The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most iconic annual events, offering unforgettable moments of triumph, shock, and sheer athleticism. Here’s a countdown of the greatest moments in Rumble history, each defining a key chapter in WWE storytelling.
10. AJ Styles’ WWE Debut (2016)
When AJ Styles made his shocking debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, it was a defining moment not only for his career but for wrestling fans worldwide. Entering at #3, his entrance theme “Phenomenal” had barely started before the crowd erupted in disbelief. As Styles walked out, the camera focused on Roman Reigns, underscoring his confusion and setting the stage for a major confrontation.
Styles immediately went toe-to-toe with Reigns, showing he belonged on the grand stage of WWE after dominating in promotions like NJPW and TNA. Michael Cole exclaimed, “One of the greatest free agents in wrestling is here!” His debut marked the beginning of a stellar WWE career, with Styles going on to become a multiple-time world champion.
9. John Cena’s Surprise Return (2008)
The 2008 Royal Rumble remains one of the most memorable for its dramatic closing moments. Cena, sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle and expected to be out for months, stunned everyone by entering at #30. Madison Square Garden erupted in one of the loudest ovations in WWE history, with fans caught between cheers and disbelief.
Cena’s intense stare-down with Triple H, who had dominated much of the match, felt like a battle of eras. The energy in the arena skyrocketed as Cena immediately eliminated several superstars, capping off one of the most heroic comebacks in WWE history. Jim Ross famously said, “The roof just came off!” Cena’s unexpected return remains one of the most talked-about Rumble moments.
8. Kofi Kingston’s Death-Defying Saves (Multiple Years)
Kofi Kingston turned the Royal Rumble into an annual showcase of ingenuity. Each year, fans eagerly awaited Kingston’s creative attempts to avoid elimination. His most notable moments include walking on his hands in 2012, using a chair as a pogo stick in 2013, and landing on a stack of pancakes courtesy of The New Day in 2018.
These moments weren’t just entertaining—they highlighted Kofi’s athletic prowess and ability to improvise under pressure. While Kingston didn’t win a Rumble, his escapes became a cherished tradition, with fans chanting his name in anticipation each year. As Corey Graves once said, “Kofi Kingston redefines gravity every single year!”
7. Ric Flair Wins the WWE Championship (1992)
The 1992 Royal Rumble is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever, largely due to Ric Flair’s historic performance. Entering at #3, Flair outlasted 29 other superstars in a grueling match to win the vacant WWE Championship. His endurance and cunning were on full display as he navigated challenges from the likes of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Sid Justice.
Bobby Heenan’s commentary elevated the moment, with lines like, “It’s not fair to Flair!” becoming legendary. When Flair finally emerged victorious, his post-match promo, delivered with tears in his eyes, encapsulated the significance of the win: “With a tear in my eye, this is the greatest moment of my life!”
6. Roman Reigns Eliminates The Undertaker (2017)
The 2017 Royal Rumble featured a pivotal moment in WWE’s storytelling: Roman Reigns eliminating The Undertaker. The moment felt like a symbolic passing of the torch as Reigns coldly stared down The Deadman and declared, “This is my yard now.”
Fans erupted in boos, and the elimination set the stage for their WrestleMania 33 clash. The visual of Undertaker rising to confront Reigns after the elimination remains one of the most dramatic scenes in Rumble history, solidifying Reigns as the next generation’s top star.
5. The Three Faces of Foley (1998)
Mick Foley’s versatility took center stage at the 1998 Royal Rumble, where he entered three times under three different personas: Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love. Each appearance brought a unique energy to the match, with Foley switching seamlessly between his characters.
The moment was a testament to Foley’s creativity and his ability to entertain while taking brutal punishment. Fans were thrilled to see Foley re-enter the match, adding an element of unpredictability to the night. As Jim Ross noted, “Mick Foley has more personalities than anyone in WWE history!”
4. Stone Cold & Mr McMahon (1999)
The 1999 Royal Rumble was a special one for me. It was the 1st Rumble I saw and I was hooked. The battle between Mr McMahon and Stonecold was at its peak and the Rumble match saw Austin and McMahon enter at numbers 1 and 2 respectively.
Austin finally got his hands on McMahon but the fight quickly spilled to the arena and beyond and McMahon lured Austin into a trap in which he got attacked by the Corporation. Later in the match, Austin made a spectacular return (driving an ambulance) and re-entered the match (much to Vince’s displeasure).
Nearing the end of the match, we were down to Austin and McMahon and suddenly The Rock appeared and distracted Austin long enough for Vince to push Austin over the top rope and win the Rumble. I was completely shocked (but also very entertained).
3. John Cena & Batista Controversy
Well who could possibly forget this! John Cena and Batista were the last two and they both went over the top rope, and somewhat incredibly, landed at the same time on the floor. Utter confusion followed. Vince came storming out, looking furious and as he got in the ring, tore both his quads and delivered a berating whist on the floor of the ring. It was chaos (and hilarious).
Cena said this about the botch:
“It was not Dave’s fault, it was on me,” Cena said. “I am very bad at rotating backwards, so it was my fault.”
He jokingly claimed that him admitting fault for the botch was the only thing people would take away from the interview. He also dove a little deeper into what followed when Vince McMahon stormed the ring, only to tear both of his quads getting into the ring.
“To the testament of the work ethic and … just the absolute gumption and dedication of Vince McMahon, with torn quads, he gets himself in the ring and gives us the guidance to finish the event,” said Cena. “He is the authority figure in WWE, he can say ‘restart the match.’ We restart it and Dave wins.”
2. The Rock vs. Big Show Controversy (2000)
The ending of the 2000 Royal Rumble remains one of the most debated in WWE history. The Rock and Big Show were the final two competitors when they tumbled over the top rope simultaneously. The Rock was declared the winner, but replays showed his feet might have hit the floor first.
The controversy added intrigue to The Rock’s win, propelling him into WrestleMania’s main event. Fans were left buzzing about the outcome, with The Rock cheekily remarking, “It doesn’t matter what the replay shows!”
1. Edge’s Return (2020)
After nine years away due to a career-ending neck injury, Edge’s return at the 2020 Royal Rumble was a moment of pure emotion. Entering at #21, Edge’s theme music hit, and the crowd erupted in one of the loudest ovations in WWE history.
Edge’s disbelief and tears as he walked to the ring made the moment even more special. He speared anyone in his path, proving he hadn’t missed a step. Michael Cole exclaimed, “You think you know him… Edge is back!” Edge’s return wasn’t just a wrestling moment—it was a triumph of resilience and passion.
There we have it! Let me know your favourite moments in the comments below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.