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WWE's Royal Rumble is a long and grueling match. The 30-man spectacle often lasts about an hour, and it takes great stamina, conditioning, and endurance to last in the contest. This is why wrestling fans refer to the longest-lasting superstar in the Rumble as the "Iron Man." Being the longest survivor in the match earns the respect of fans and proves a superstar's work ethic to management.
Some Iron men in Rumble history include Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon, and Edge, who entered early and won the bout. Future AEW stars Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan also claimed this honor by lasting more than an hour in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Rey Mysterio started at #2 in 2006 and lasted 62 minutes to earn one of the most emotional WWE victories of all time. A few men on the current roster could change their destiny with such a performance.
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Here are five superstars that could be the "Iron Man" in this year's Men's Royal Rumble match:
#5. Kevin Owens has so many exciting possibilities to explore in the Royal Rumble
Kevin Owens is one of the WWE Superstars who needs a solid Royal Rumble showing. Having declared entry on the January 17th episode of RAW, the former Universal Champion is not many people's favorite to win. However, he can make his mark in a match he has never dominated before by lasting longer than any other man. This would allow WWE to showcase the various tools in KO's arsenal.
The average Iron Man lasts 46 minutes in the match. This will be more than enough time for The Prizefighter to have face-offs and team-ups that set up exciting future storylines. There might even be a nod to current and past friendships in the form of significant moments with Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn, among others.
With all the talk of a 'forbidden door,' even a reunion with former best friend Chris Jericho could be on the cards for Owens.
#4. Riddle could set the stage for his singles career by outlasting everyone in the Royal Rumble
WWE announced Riddle's entry into the 2022 Royal Rumble on January 24. As it stands, RK-Bro's lovable goofball is entangled in their rivalry with Otis and Chad Gable, who recently defeated them for the RAW Tag Team Championships. It is unlikely that the odd couple will regain their lost titles anytime soon.
Heading into WrestleMania, The Original Bro could turn in a star-making Iron Man Rumble performance before a potential RK-Bro split and subsequent singles run.
#3. Kofi Kingston could steal the show on January 29
Kofi Kingston is a Royal Rumble legend, as the ultimate escape artist boasts one of the most frequent Rumble appearances of all time. The New Day high-flyer has had some of the most jaw-dropping escapes in the bout's history, but this could be the year he puts in a different kind of shift.
The former WWE Champion has good in-ring chemistry with almost everyone. So by lasting the longest, he would be able to showcase and elevate a sizeable number of opponents. Should Kingston not win the entire contest, whoever eliminates him would immediately establish themselves as a superstar to watch.
#2. Ricochet could change his career trajectory with an Iron Man performance for the highlight reel
While Ricochet is one of the best high flyers ever to enter the Royal Rumble, he is yet to win the multi-man battle. At present, the One and Only's career in WWE is anything but flying.
Mr. High Fly can establish himself as a serious competitor in the singles division if given the coveted honor of carrying perhaps the most entertaining match WWE has to offer. This would help him gain some momentum and maybe capture some gold along the way.
#1. Cesaro is built to be a Royal Rumble Iron Man
Cesaro is a seasoned Royal Rumble veteran. The King Of Swing has appeared in several Rumbles but never managed to win one. A performer of Cesaro's strength and stamina lasting just a few minutes in the multi-man contest on most occasions feels almost criminal. 2022 could be the year to set that record straight.
The former United States Champion's diverse skill set makes him the perfect foil for any entrant. He can tussle with the strongest and fly with the nimblest. Forget doing it to prove himself; The Swiss Superman should be the Iron Man simply because he is made for it.
