Who Were the Runners Up in the 1997-2007 Royal Rumble Matches?

#4 Royal Rumble Runner Ups 2005-07

Confusion reigns after Batista and John Cena eliminate each other at the 2005 'Rumble

2005 - John Cena

John Cena was destined for big things in 2005 and as 2004 drew to a close, he was under consideration for a World title run. However, WWE were undecided whether the 27 year old was ready for the pinnacle. Thus, their pick to win the Royal Rumble was Batista, who had got over massively in a slow burning storyline with his mentor, World Champion, Triple H.

In a spot originally meant for Randy Orton, who had bombed as a babyface, Batista tore through the competition in the 2005 'Rumble match. However, as he attempted to eliminate Cena, he lost his footing and both men flew over the top rope. This was not intentional. The referees stalled until they received instruction which arrived from WWE boss Vince McMahon who was so irate he tore his quadriceps muscle in his leg as he entered the ring to scream instructions.

The bout was restarted and Batista quickly won. But what of Cena? As it turned out, WWE could have gone with the dual winner approach as Cena contested the WWE Championship with JBL at that year's Wrestlemania where he won his first World title. A different result here would not have changed the course of history and WWE's headline direction for the rest of the decade.

2006 - Randy Orton

Randy Orton had the luck of the draw in 2006, pulling out the number 30. However, it was to be the number two entrant, Rey Mysterio who last eliminated him to win the bout.

Orton was not satisfied however and goaded Mysterio to gamble his title shot against him at No Way Out 2006 in February where Orton won.

As it turned out, the title bout at Wrestlemania 22 became a triple threat encounter wherein Orton and Mysterio both challenged World Champion, Kurt Angle for the belt. Orton's elimination ended up having no impact on his title hopes at Wrestlemania.

2007 - Shawn Michaels

For seven minutes, the final two entrants in the 2007 Royal Rumble competed one on one with each other to determine the winner.

Those men were the eventual winner, The Undertaker and runner-up, Shawn Michaels. Michaels was seeking a joint record third 'Rumble win but it was not to be.

As it turned out, a 'Rumble win for Michaels would not have changed his career trajectory either. As for the third year in a row, the 'Rumble runner up would still bid for the World title at Wrestlemania. Michaels would unsuccessfully challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship in the main event of Wrestlemania 23.