Top 5 Royal Rumble winners of the Millennium

The road to WrestleMania is about to begin next month at Royal Rumble. Every year, thirty worthy superstars vie to earn the richest prize in WWE, the championship match at WrestleMania.

As a homage to this three-decade-old Holy Grail, we present to you the top five Royal Rumble match winners of this millennium.

#5 The Undertaker (2007)

The Undertaker is undoubtedly the benchmark for all professional wrestlers across the planet. He won the Royal Rumble match from the thirtieth position. Despite being considered as the easiest position in the Rumble match, the position eluded to produce a winner until the “Phenom”.

The last seven minutes of this match featuring the “Deadman” against Shawn Michaels were an absolute classic. Years later, these two featured in the legendary matches at WrestleMania 25 and 26.

The Undertaker challenged and defeated the “Animal”, Batista, for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 23.

#4 John Cena (2008)

It was a delightful return.

John Cena wasn’t even supposed to be in the Royal Rumble match. In October 2007, Cena legitimately tore his right pectoral muscle, which forced him to vacate his WWE championship.

During the Royal Rumble match, Triple H was cruising on his way to victory when John Cena made his return as the final entry.

The crowd erupted in disbelief as Cena's music hit and produced one of the loudest pop ever heard in the Royal Rumble’s history. Triple H was eliminated as the last participant in the match, making the triumphed return for the “Leader of Cenation”.

John Cena also set the record for the shortest time spent by the winner in a Royal Rumble match.

#3 Rey Mysterio (2006)

A win for remembrance.

Prior to the match, Rey Mysterio dedicated this Rumble match to his late best friend Eddie Guerrero. He entered as the second participant in the match riding Eddie’s signature car as a tribute.

Rey Mysterio showcased a gutsy performance and spent a record time of over 62 minutes to win the match. He eliminated Randy Orton to achieve the feat.

WrestleMania 22 featured a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship with Kurt Angle(c), Randy Orton and Mysterio. Rey pinned the “Viper” with the West Coast Pop as the Olympic gold medalist wasn’t able to reach just in time to break the pinfall count.

A true way to pay the homage to his friend!

#2 Stone Cold Steve Austin (2001)

It was a blood-soaked victory for Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Stone Cold’s participation in the Royal Rumble match commenced in a rather unorthodox manner. Before he could enter the ring, he was attacked by Triple H who busted his head open. Minutes later, Rikishi attacked the “Rattlesnake” as the Samoan entered as the final participant.

At the last, Kane and Stone Cold were the final two competitors. Notably, Kane eliminated a record eleven participants in this Royal Rumble match. It took three chair shots and a running Clothesline from Stone Cold to eliminate the “Big Red Machine”.

Steve Austin is the only one to achieve the feat record three times.

#1 Chris Benoit (2004)

Years of hard work paid its dues.

The master of the “Crippler Crossface” entered as the first participant in this match. He eliminated the five hundred pounds Big Show to win after spending over an hour in the gruelling match.

Notably, Paul Heyman, the then-SmackDown General Manager, forced Chris Benoit to be the first entrance to ensure he wouldn't win the Royal Rumble.

After the “Rabid Wolverine” won the Rumble match, he appeared on Raw the next night and challenged Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship. This resulted in a triple threat match at WrestleMania XX, with Shawn Michaels as the third competitor.

Bonus:

Their friendship knew no bounds.

Everyone at the attendance at WrestleMania XX gave a standing ovation to the winner Chris Benoit, who had his eyes wet thanks to an outpouring of his emotions. He was joined by his best friend Eddie Guerrero in the ring to celebrate the occasion.