As much as wrestling fans love to argue about everything, almost everyone looks forward to the 30-man Rumble.
But as great of a concept as it is, some Royal Rumbles are a lot better than others.
Weve ranked the 13 best Royal Rumble matches in wrestling history:
13.
No, there arent any huge surprises, or really creative eliminations.
Hell, the winner didnt even get a title shot back then.
But the match does have a lot of really solid storytelling.
2005 Royal Rumble
Botches happen in professional wrestling.
Usually, its a small miscue, and you just go on with the match.
Sometimes fans dont even really notice.
Going into the event, Batista was booked to win by throwing John Cena over the top rope last.
2008 Royal Rumble
This is a divisive Rumble match for a lot of fans.
The match opens with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker as the first two entrants.
You really cant go wrong with that combo, and they each lasted an impressive 30+ minutes.
His return still remains one of the biggest pops in WWE history.
2016 Royal Rumble
To be fair, theres a lot to like and dislike about this Rumble match.
First, the good.
It was interesting to see the WWE try something different here.
This was also the debut of A.J.
Styles in the WWE, and he did indeed look phenomenal, lasting almost 30 minutes.
2024 Womens Royal Rumble
The most recent womens Royal Rumble is easily the best so far.
The match started off right out the gate with a couple of huge surprises.
Its still mind blowing to see stuff like this after WWE refused to acknowledge other promotions for decades.
But the 2001 Rumble was a big exception.
Comedian Drew Carey entering the match was a unique choice played for laughs that still worked well.
In 2020, the answer to that was the Beat Incarnate.
2004 Royal Rumble
WWE doesnt even really acknowledge this match because it was won by Chris Benoit.
Its unfortunate that the Benoit tragedy will always overshadow this Rumble, because it really is a spectacular match.
While this whole Rumble is quite good what truly puts it among the greats is the lengthy ending sequence.
There may never be a better or more iconic finish to a Rumble than this.
1992 Royal Rumble
Whats not to love about the 1992 Royal Rumble?
And all this was called by the legendary commentating duo of Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon.
If watching this match doesnt make you a professional wrestling fan, nothing will.
