The Royal Rumble is a professional wrestling match in which 30 competitors aim to eliminate others by tossing them over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. Developed by WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson, it debuted in 1987. Unlike traditional battle royals, participants enter at timed intervals, with numbers assigned through a lottery or by earning favorable positions in matches.
Over the years, the match has evolved with unique moments and records. Only six wrestlers who entered as the first two participants, including Shawn Michaels (1995) and Rhea Ripley (2023), have won the event. Meanwhile, the final entrant has won five times, most recently Cody Rhodes in 2023. The Royal Rumble also introduced a women's version in 2018.
Royal Rumble winners with the fewest eliminations
According to the Sportster, the Royal Rumble has seen many dominant winners, but some have won with minimal eliminations. While superstars like Stone Cold Steve Austin (10 eliminations in 1997) and Brock Lesnar (13 in 2020) had standout performances, others secured victory with far fewer eliminations. Vince McMahon (1999) and Randy Orton (2017) won with just one elimination each, while Big John Studd (1989), Becky Lynch (2019), and Edge (2010) won with only two.
Randy Orton - 1 (2017)
According to the Sportster, Randy Orton won the 2017 Royal Rumble with just one elimination. He entered at #23 and spent around 20 minutes in the match. The final three were Orton, Bray Wyatt, and Roman Reigns. After Reigns eliminated Wyatt, Orton countered a Spear with an RKO and threw Reigns over the top rope to win.
Mr. McMahon - 1 (1999)
According to the Sportster, Vince McMahon entered at #2 and spent most of the match outside the ring. Stone Cold Steve Austin eliminated several superstars, but The Rock distracted Austin in the end, allowing McMahon to eliminate him and win.
Edge - 2 (2010)
According to the Sportster, Edge entered at #29 as a surprise entrant after recovering from injury. He eliminated Chris Jericho and, in the final moments, countered a John Cena move to throw him over the top rope for the win.
Alberto Del Rio - 2 (2011)
According to the Sportster, Del Rio won the only 40-man Royal Rumble after entering at #38. He eliminated Randy Orton and Santino Marella, who nearly pulled off an upset before Del Rio countered his move.
Big John Studd - 2 (1989)
According to the Sportster, Big John Studd entered at #27 in the first 30-man Royal Rumble. While Hulk Hogan eliminated 10 men, Studd only had to eliminate One Man Gang and Ted DiBiase to win.
Becky Lynch - 2 (2019)
According to the Sportster, Becky Lynch entered at #28 and spent 13 minutes in the match. She eliminated Nia Jax and Charlotte Flair to secure her WrestleMania main event spot.
Steve Austin - 3 (2001)
According to the Sportster, Austin won his third Royal Rumble in 2001 after entering at #27. He eliminated Haku, Billy Gunn, and Kane, who had set a record for most eliminations in a single Rumble.
The Undertaker - 3 (2007)
According to the Sportster, The Undertaker won the 2007 Royal Rumble from the #30 spot. He eliminated The Great Khali, MVP, and Shawn Michaels to claim victory.
Jim Duggan - 3 (1988)
According to the Sportster, Jim Duggan won the first-ever Royal Rumble in 1988, which featured only 20 participants. He eliminated One Man Gang in the final moments to secure victory.
Asuka - 3 (2018)
According to the Sportster, Asuka won the first Women’s Royal Rumble, eliminating Nikki Bella and Ember Moon, and helping others eliminate Nia Jax.
FAQs on Royal Rumble winners with fewest eliminations
A. The first Royal Rumble was held on January 24, 1988, airing on the USA Network.
A. The Royal Rumble began airing on pay-per-view (PPV) in 1989.
A. Most Royal Rumble matches last approximately one hour due to the staggered entry of participants.
A. Most Royal Rumble matches last approximately one hour due to the staggered entry of participants.
A. The event has been available on the WWE Network since 2015 and on Peacock since 2022.
