In a Royal Rumble match several wrestlers (traditionally 30) work towards defeating each other and try to toss the other over the top rope keeping both feet on the ground. It comes under professional wrestling and is based on the classic Battle Royal match. The player who eliminates all others emerges as the winner.
Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Mr. Perfect, Booker T, Rey Mysterio, and Edge are some legendary names associated with Royal Rumble matches. Meanwhile, there are surprise elements built into the matches. Every 90 seconds, a new player enters the ring. The names of some stars are kept secret to keep the viewers curious.
In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Best Royal Rumble Match Returns in WWE History.
5) Mr. Perfect Royal Rumble 2002
Mr. Perfect, one of the greatest heels in professional wrestling history, made a triumphant return to WWE at the Royal Rumble 2002. After leaving the company in 1996 and wrestling for WCW and independent promotions, Mr. Perfect decided to come back to WWE. His return was highly anticipated and he entered the Royal Rumble match as the 25th entrant to a massive ovation from the crowd.
Displaying his signature skills and athleticism, Mr. Perfect lasted for an impressive 15 minutes and was one of the final three competitors in the match. However, he was ultimately eliminated by Triple H, who went on to win the event. Mr. Perfect’s captivating performance earned him a full-time contract with WWE, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in professional wrestling.
4) Booker T- Royal Rumble 2011
The 2011 Royal Rumble match stood out due to a combination of factors, including a surprising victor, an unconventional final pair of wrestlers, and an expanded roster of 40 participants. Although the match garnered a varied reaction, it marked the comeback of Booker T following a four-year absence from the ring.
He became the 21st entrant and shocked CM Punk. Booker T faced off against the dominating New Nexus faction, who had wreaked havoc on the entire roster earlier.
Although he didn’t manage to eliminate any opponents, Booker T showcased his signature moves including the Book-end and Scissors kick, much to the delight of the eager crowd who had long awaited his iconic Spinarooni.
3) Rey Mysterio- Royal Rumble 2018
Rey Mysterio’s return to WWE at the Royal Rumble 2018 came as a surprise to fans. After leaving the company in 2015, Mysterio wrestled for various promotions such as Lucha Libre AAA, Lucha Underground, and NJPW.
His comeback at the Royal Rumble was highly anticipated, as Mysterio is considered one of the best performers in Rumble history. Entering at number 27, Mysterio thrilled the crowd with his high-flying moves. Although he eliminated Adam Cole, he was eventually eliminated by Finn Balor.
Also Read: Top 5 Greatest moments of “The Rock’s” WWE Career
2) John Cena-Royal Rumble 2008
John Cena’s return to the WWE at the 2008 Royal Rumble was extraordinary. After suffering a torn pectoral muscle in late 2007, doctors initially projected a recovery time of six to twelve months. However, Cena defied all expectations by making a remarkable comeback in four months.
When he made his surprise entrance as the 30th participant in the Royal Rumble match, the crowd erupted in a thunderous ovation. Even his fellow competitors were stunned by his unexpected return, as evident by Triple H’s expression.
Cena went on to win the match, becoming only the second wrestler to do so from the number 30 spot. Although he was unable to capture the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, Cena’s awe-inspiring return to the Rumble will forever be etched in the memories of fans.
1) Edge – Royal Rumble 2020
Edge, a WWE Hall of Famer, retired in 2011 due to cervical spinal stenosis. But in 2019, he announced that he had been cleared to wrestle again. His return to the ring came as a surprise to the WWE Universe at the Royal Rumble 2020, where he came as the 21st entrant.
The crowd erupted with excitement, giving him a massive ovation that drowned out his entrance music. Edge showcased his skills by eliminating AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Randy Orton during the match.
Later he was eventually eliminated by Roman Reigns and went on to win the Royal Rumble the following year, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in professional wrestling.
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