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Every performer that competes in a WWE ring dreams of winning the Royal Rumble. Hundreds of Superstars have tried to defy the odds, but only a handful of competitors can be called Royal Rumble Winners.
But even the stars who lose the bout can still compete for another prestigious honor. Every year, fans can't wait to see which competitor emerges as the Iron Man. This term describes the Superstar who lasts for the longest period in the match. Typically, these wrestlers enter the match early on and survive until its ending stages.
Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, and Rey Mysterio have emerged victorious after they pulled off an Iron Man performance. But Bob Backlund, Triple H, and Chris Jericho achieved the feat and failed to win the match.
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Many Superstars can call their Iron Man performance in the Royal Rumble Match a career-defining moment. With a plethora of Superstars expected to compete in the Royal Rumble Match this year, it will be fascinating to see which wrestler stands above the rest.
Here's a look at five male Superstars who could be the Iron Man of this year's Royal Rumble Match.
#5 Former WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins' return to WWE programming is imminent. The Royal Rumble Match is the perfect place for "The Messiah" to remind everyone why he's one of the company's top stars.
Absent superstars often return to action and make an impact in the Royal Rumble Match. Rollins could benefit from this spotlight on the first stop on the Road to WrestleMania.
WWE tends to have heelish Superstars like Rollins survive several elimination attempts and make it to the final stretch of the contest. So it's easy to see "The Messiah" starring as the Iron Man of this year's Men's Royal Rumble Match.
With Rollins' excellence as a technical wrestler, he can also serve as the anchor of the match. He could last roughly 50 minutes in the Royal Rumble Match and get eliminated by a star like Big E or Kevin Owens. This impressive performance could easily put Rollins at the forefront of WWE programming heading into WWE WrestleMania 37.
#4 Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn
Rollins seems like the perfect guy to be the Iron Man of the Royal Rumble Match, But it's fair to argue that Sami Zayn needs that recognition to reinvigorate his run on WWE SmackDown.
Like "The Messiah", "The Great Liberator" is a cocky, vindictive heel who will do whatever it takes to win. He'd be a perfect choice for the Iron Man in this year's Royal Rumble Match.
Zayn could enter the Royal Rumble Match as the first entrant and give a long speech about how he will break all of the records in the match. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion could then be eliminated after he competes for an hour. This defeat will give Zayn a reason to whine after the show. Plus, with such a remarkable performance, Zayn could get the credibility that he needs.
"The Great Liberator" is too talented to be left off the WrestleMania card. So a strong showing in the the Royal Rumble Match could help him find his footing on the blue brand.
#3 Former WWE Champion Sheamus
Sheamus hasn't been a genuine WWE main event player for quite some time. But the Royal Rumble Match could launch one last run atop the card for "The Celtic Warrior." Sheamus' current storyline with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is fascinating. Sheamus was a cold-blooded heel just a few months ago, so it seems like it's just a matter of time until he betrays McIntyre.
Sheamus typically thrives in the Royal Rumble Match. He won the bout in 2012, and he delivered strong outings in the next two years. "The Celtic Warrior" can go a long way in the match, so he could be the Iron Man this time around.
A lengthy performance in the match, followed by an unfortunate elimination in the final moments, could let WWE begin Sheamus' feud with McIntyre. A remarkable showing in the Royal Rumble Match would give Sheamus a lot of momentum, and it would also make him a credible threat to McIntyre and his WWE Championship.
#2 Former WWE Champion AJ Styles
AJ Styles his WWE debut in the Royal Rumble Match in 2016. For the next few years, Styles competed in WWE Championship Matches at the show. He was in the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble Match, but he was eliminated by Edge.
Styles was expected to be one of the main players in the match last year, but an unfortunate injury forced him to leave the bout. In 2021, Styles could finally make his mark in the Royal Rumble Match. In fact, he could be the glue that holds the match together.
As one of the best wrestlers on the planet, Styles could be the first entrant in the Royal Rumble Match, and he could last until the finale. His in-ring psychology is brilliant, and he can easily build the excitement of the match because he's a great heel.
Even if Styles doesn't win, a finish in the final four would be quite impressive, too. The Royal Rumble Match could also set up Styles' feud for WrestleMania. The thought of someone like Edge returning and eliminating Styles to set up a dream match for WrestleMania is quite an exciting possibility.
#1 Former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan
More than any other WWE Superstar, Daniel Bryan deserves to win the Royal Rumble Match this year. Fans have been hoping to see Bryan win the match throughout his career, but WWE has always picked other competitors instead. Bryan's luck could change this year.
2021 marks Bryan's first Royal Rumble Match since his in-ring return in 2018. Naturally, many fans are predicting a victory for Bryan this year.
This accomplishment could be even more special if Bryan wins the match as its first entrant. He is no stranger to the Iron Man role, as he competed for over an hour in the Greatest Royal Rumble.
A victory in the 2021 Royal Rumble Match could kick-start a heated feud between Bryan and Roman Reigns. This rivalry could define the first half of 2021. Fans already love Bryan as an underdog, and a dynamic storyline with "The Tribal Chief" could rival his legendary conflict with The Authority.
