3 Most exciting Royal Rumble finishes

The Royal Rumble is the most entertaining event for every WWE fan. There is something extraordinary in over-the-rope eliminations and staggered eliminations that set the souls on fire. The annual extravaganza held during the month of January draws the attention of fans as WWE begins its journey towards Wrestlemania.

The rules are simple. Two competitors start off in the ring and after every two minutes, a new opponent enters. Elimination is possible only when an opponent is thrown out of the ring over the top rope and both feet touch the floor.

The 30-man mayhem event has been going on since 1988. The winner of the event gets to challenge the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania. Over the years, some of the royal rumbles have been exciting till the last stage giving a thrilling finish while some have been equally disappointing. Let us take a look at The 3 most exciting Royal Rumble finishes.

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#3 Royal Rumble 2007

It defined a prime rivalry of the attitude era

Undoubtedly Royal Rumble 2007 defined a prime rivalry of the attitude era. A 30-man line up which clearly lacked star powers, Royal Rumble 2007 was deemed to have a disappointing finish.

However, Edge, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, and Undertaker were the last four in the ring. Michaels knocked out Edge and Randy Orton and the Deadman and Heartbreak Kid were the final two standing.

What followed on was a magnificent rivalry for two consecutive Wrestlemanias. The two living legends went on a 10-minute classic encounter which defined the incredible chemistry in the Attitude era.

When Taker scooped Michaels with a burst of energy and eliminated him, it did not shock the home fans. They all knew they had witnessed the start of something big. They would go on to treat their fans with their great shape and sheer athleticism in Wrestlemania 25 and 26 respectively.

#2 Royal Rumble 2001

A fallen hero’s revival story

The 2001 Royal Rumble was a masterpiece. It had everything. A fallen hero’s revival story couldn’t have been much better. After a break from WWE career for a year due to a severe neck injury, Stone Cold Steve Austin returned to the arena in The Royal Rumble.

The match started with Matt and Jeff Hardy. At first, they were fighting together but soon got different ways. When Kane and Raven entered the ring, the match turned into a violent brawl.

He entered the rumble and went up against The Undertaker, Big Show, Rikishi. Finally, Kane, The Rock, and Steve Austin would be the last three.

Kane put an age-old performance here as he eliminated a then-record of 11 opponents at The Royal Rumble. Ultimately, Kane and Austin were the last two left in the ring. Austin gunning for a third Royal Rumble win eliminated The Big Red Machine to earn the right to go to Wrestlemania 17. Austin went on to face The Rock in one of the greatest title challenges in WWE history.

#1 Royal Rumble 1992

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair lasted 59:26 to win the 1992 Royal Rumble Match

The 1992 Royal Rumble event was famous for the fact that for the first time in WWE history, a Royal Rumble winner would be declared as undisputed WWE champion. The WWE Championship was vacant as Hulk Hogan was stripped of the championship after a controversy between Undertaker and him.

Ric Flair entered the match at no. 3 and went on to win the whole stipulation spending near to an hour in the ring. From entering the ring, showcasing his skills, Flair tossed five other men over the belt.

The 1992 Royal Rumble was a story for Ric Flair himself. Flair, a few months in the company was an arrogant outsider looking to win the title. The commendable work in the commentary by Bobby Heenan wraps up the greatest performances of Ric Flair’s career.