The Best and Worst WWE Royal Rumble Winners Ever

The Royal Rumble has been a cornerstone of WWE programming since 1988, launching many superstars towards WrestleMania glory. Let’s examine the most memorable and forgettable winners in the event’s storied history.

The Best Royal Rumble Winners

Stone Cold Steve Austin

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin stands tall as the most successful Royal Rumble competitor, with an unprecedented three victories in 1997, 1998, and 2001. Austin’s wins cemented his status as one of WWE’s biggest stars and propelled him to multiple WrestleMania main events.

Shawn Michaels

The Heartbreak Kid won back-to-back Rumbles in 1995 and 1996. Michaels’ 1995 victory was particularly impressive, as he entered at #1 and lasted over an hour to win, showcasing his incredible stamina and in-ring prowess.

John Cena

Cena’s two Royal Rumble wins in 2008 and 2013 solidified his position as the face of WWE for over a decade. His surprise return to win the 2008 Rumble is considered one of the greatest moments in the event’s history.

The Worst Royal Rumble Winners

Vince McMahon

The WWE Chairman’s 1999 Royal Rumble win is often criticized as a self-serving booking decision. While it furthered his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, many fans felt it took away an opportunity from full-time wrestlers.

Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio’s 2011 victory in the only 40-man Royal Rumble is largely forgettable. His subsequent WrestleMania match failed to captivate audiences, and his push as a top star was short-lived.

Sheamus

The Celtic Warrior’s 2012 win is often overlooked in Royal Rumble history. While Sheamus is a talented performer, his victory and subsequent WrestleMania match against Daniel Bryan (which lasted only 18 seconds) left many fans disappointed.

Impact on WrestleMania

Winning the Royal Rumble traditionally guarantees a world title match at WrestleMania. This has led to some of the biggest matches in WWE history, such as:

• Stone Cold vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X-Seven
• John Cena vs. The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII
• Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 35

Recent Trends

In recent years, WWE has introduced a women’s Royal Rumble match, with winners including Asuka, Becky Lynch, and Rhea Ripley. The 2024 event saw Cody Rhodes win his second consecutive men’s Rumble, joining an elite group of multi-time winners.

The Future of the Royal Rumble

As WWE continues to evolve, the Royal Rumble remains a fan-favorite event. The unpredictability of surprise entrants, dramatic eliminations, and the road to WrestleMania make it a must-watch spectacle year after year.

The Royal Rumble’s ability to create new stars and reignite established careers ensures its place as one of WWE’s “Big Five” events. As we look to the future, fans eagerly anticipate who will be the next superstar to point at the WrestleMania sign and etch their name in Royal Rumble history.