The Royal Rumble match is a professional wrestling event where 30 wrestlers compete in the WWE ring. The aim is to eliminate opponents by tossing them over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor. It serves as the main event of WWE’s January pay-per-view and was created by WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson, debuting in October 1987.
Since 1993, the Royal Rumble winner traditionally earns a title match at WrestleMania, choosing between WWE’s top championships. Men can challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship or the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Since 2018, the women's Royal Rumble winner can compete for the Women’s World Championship or the WWE Women’s Championship.
Who was never eliminated from the Royal Rumble?
Here's a look at some of the wrestlers who were never eliminated from the Royal Rumble:
"Macho King" Randy Savage (1991)
According to WWE, Randy Savage, scheduled to enter as No. 18, never appeared in the 1991 Royal Rumble. Earlier that night, he had interfered in The Ultimate Warrior's title match, leading some to speculate he feared retribution from the Warrior. His absence left the match short of one competitor.
Skull (1998)
In 1998, Skull, representing The Disciples of Apocalypse, was ambushed backstage by Los Boricuas, who mistook him for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Unable to make it to the ring, Skull’s absence reduced the Rumble lineup to 29 participants (via the official website of WWE).
Spike Dudley (2004)
According to WWE, Spike Dudley was set to enter as No. 13 in the 2004 Royal Rumble, but was attacked by Kane before reaching the ring. After being chokeslammed on the steel ramp, Spike was unable to compete, marking his abrupt exit before the match began.
Hornswoggle & Fit Finlay (2008)
Hornswoggle, No. 9 in the 2008 Royal Rumble, briefly competed in the match but hid under the ring to avoid elimination. Fit Finlay, entering prematurely, used a shillelagh to protect Hornswoggle, who tried to eliminate Mark Henry. Finlay was disqualified, but neither he nor Hornswoggle were officially eliminated (as per the official website of WWE).
Curtis Axel (2015)
Curtis Axel, scheduled as the No. 6 entrant in the 2015 Royal Rumble, was attacked by Erick Rowan on the ramp and never entered the match. According to WWE.com, fans humorously noted after the match that since Axel was technically never eliminated, Roman Reigns' victory wasn't legitimate.
FAQs on Royal Rumble
A. The Royal Rumble match was created by WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson.
A. Traditionally, 30 wrestlers participate in the Royal Rumble match.
A. Since 1993, winners have earned a world championship match at WrestleMania.
A. Most Royal Rumble matches last approximately one hour due to the staggered entry of participants.
