Eliminations are what many fans consider the success story of each Royal Rumble. For example, in 2014, when Batista claimed victory in the match, it was relatively under shadowed by Roman Reigns who claimed the most scalps ever in a Rumble match.
But which Superstar has eliminated the most competitors in the history of the match? The result will come as a shock to most of you, but not everyone.
The event was established in 1988 to bring the Battle Royale back to the main event scene that was so successful during the 1970's and 1980's. Since then many Superstars career's have blossomed following their success in the event, and the majority haven't looked back.
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In fact, modern day pantomime villain Roman Reigns' singles career exploded into life following the success of the match, and his record-breaking elimination total mentioned above. But who has taken the most scalps in the twenty-nine-year history of the event? Let's take a look at the top 3.
#5 The Big Show – 34
Standing at 7ft tall and 500 pounds, it comes as no surprise to see Big Show in the top five. The monstrous giant has eliminated a total of 34 competitors in the Rumble match during his time in the company.
Show’s enormous stature and unbelievable frame have seen him become a Rumble legend – especially when he easily throws stars out of the match, much to the fans enjoyment. The pinnacle of Big Show’s Rumble career came at Madison Square Garden in 2000 when the WWE repeated the joint-winner angle of 1994 that saw controversy over who won the match.
The Rock and Show were the final two in the match before both men were eliminated at the same time, or apparently so. The Rock was confirmed the winner, but it was a false judgement, and the wrong winner was announced.
The Big Show may have become something of a jobber in recent years, but regardless of the stage, you can always guarantee Big Show looks as sharp as ever in the Rumble match.
#4 The Undertaker – 35
The Deadman has featured in the event for nearly twenty-five years claiming victory on just the one occasion – no he didn’t feature every time during that period. Famously eliminated by Maven in 2002, Taker has eliminated 35 competitors before and after the incident that many people consider the most shocking elimination in Royal Rumble history.
’Taker won the event in 2007 where he went on to headline Wrestlemania and become the WWE champion, but the contest in 2007 is the only event the Deadman has won throughout his illustrious history.
No single event stands out for ‘Taker except 2007, but his exploits in the match’s history cannot be understated. ’Taker should have won the event in 1997 also, figuring he was to headline Wrestlemania XIII.
It’s almost a case of what could have been for ‘Taker, but he allowed Brock Lesnar to be pushed during the 2003 Rumble match.
#3 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 36
Between 1997 and 2003, except 2000, Austin claimed a total of 36 eliminations. In fact, the 'Texas Rattle-Snake' won the match in his debut Rumble when he controversially eliminated Bret Hart, despite being already eliminated to claim victory.
Austin thrived in the success the Rumble match brought him, and with three Rumble wins, two of the victories resulted in him main eventing Wrestlemania with The Rock at the XV and X-7 editions respectively.
Austin and The Rock stole the show at both events and produced some of the best EVER ‘Mania main events all due to the groundwork laid by Austin at the Rumble event. But it was Austin's success in his inaugural tournament that saw him further cement his badass approach when he lasted longer than anyone else before, intensifying his feud with Bret Hart.
A true Rumble legend and many people would have expected him to be number one considering his success in that event during that time.
#2 Shawn Michaels - 39
Michaels became the first competitor to enter the Rumble match as number one and win his spot at the main event of Wrestlemania. His historical Rumble victory in 1995 saw him jump to the main event stage for the first time - and a stage where he would steal the show in a hugely disappointing Wrestlemania event.
Michaels victory in ‘95 saw him overcome The British Bulldog when it looked like Michaels was eliminated.
With Davey Boy already celebrating the victory, and Michaels holding on for dear life, HBK overcame the odds and flipped back inside the ring before knocking Davey Boy out for the win. This was arguably Michaels’ most famous elimination, but it certainly wasn’t his only one.
Throughout his career, Michaels claimed a total of 39 eliminations and saw two Rumble victories during that period. Not only this, but HBK finished as the runner-up to The Undertaker in 2007.
Many people's favourite Superstar of all-time, but unfortunately for those, he didn't do enough to topple one man from top-spot.
#1 Kane - 42
The big red machine holds the record for the most eliminations in Royal Rumble history. Since making his debut in the match in 1999, Kane has gone on to take a record-breaking 42 scalps in the match.
It was his efforts in the 2001 event that will be fondly remembered when he eliminated a total of 11 wrestlers - a record that stood until 2014. Kane stood at an imposing 7ft tall, and weighing 350 pounds, his stature ensured he eliminated many stars with relative ease.
Kane has never won the Rumble match, but his record in the Battle Royale cannot be understated. And for this reason, the masked giant will forever be remembered in the WWE Universe.
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