#19 2011 (Alberto Del Rio)
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Have you ever wondered why WWE never did a second 40-man Royal Rumble?
It’s because the first (and only) one was so bad. Having so many people in a single match, made it feel convoluted and difficult to follow, leading to a feeling of almost two separate matches. The first half of the match focused almost entirely on CM Punk and his new Nexus, then the match went in a different direction once Cena came in.
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There was virtually no connection between the beginning and the end, leaving us a disjointed match that almost felt like two different contests.
That said, Diesel’s surprise appearance drew a monumental reaction from the crowd, as did Santino nearly winning the whole thing. Those things alone makes this something worth revisiting.
#18 1991 (Hulk Hogan)
This was a major disappointment, especially when compared to the one that occurred the year prior (more on that later). This match was hampered by a much lesser degree of star power (including Randy Savage no-showing the match).
A big part of this match’s lack of thrill also stems from few memorable spots and the overall tone of the main storyline surrounding Sgt. Slaughter’s Iraqi Sympathizer gimmick. These things had crippled the Rumble’s popular appeal, and for many, was too distasteful for them to tune in.
#17 2012 (Sheamus)
If there was one word that could describe the 2012 Rumble match, it would be ‘bland’. It featured very few true top guys, as most of them were already busy with other matches on the card.
80% of the participants were eliminated within less than ten minutes of entering, which made their involvement much less important. The eventual winner, Sheamus, only eliminated three people, yet somehow this was enough for him to win the entire thing. On the whole, a disappointing and forgettable Rumble.
That said, mad props need to go to Kofi Kingston for avoiding elimination by walking on his hands. One of the greatest elimination foils ever.
