Who was never eliminated from the Royal Rumble?

Last Modified Jan 29, 2025 17:48 GMT
WWE Royal Rumble
WWE Royal Rumble. Source: Getty

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.

Related Stories

CM Punk gets into trouble minutes before entering the Elimination Chamber; hilariously struggles as Seth Rollins is in the ring [VIDEO] CM Punk gets into trouble minutes before entering the Elimination Chamber; hilariously struggles as Seth Rollins is in the ring [VIDEO]
CM Punk gets into trouble minutes before entering the Elimination Chamber; hilariously struggles as Seth Rollins is in the ring [VIDEO]
"There were some signs" - Legendary 3-time WWE champion addresses John Cena heel turn at Elimination Chamber "There were some signs" - Legendary 3-time WWE champion addresses John Cena heel turn at Elimination Chamber
"There were some signs" - Legendary 3-time WWE champion addresses John Cena heel turn at Elimination Chamber
Linda McMahon confirmed for huge role Linda McMahon confirmed for huge role
Linda McMahon confirmed for huge role
Gunther takes a massive shot at 33-year-old WWE star; compares him to Jey Uso Gunther takes a massive shot at 33-year-old WWE star; compares him to Jey Uso
Gunther takes a massive shot at 33-year-old WWE star; compares him to Jey Uso
"This is where my mind goes" - Wrestling writer bashes WWE after The Rock, John Cena, and other major stars miss RAW (Exclusive) "This is where my mind goes" - Wrestling writer bashes WWE after The Rock, John Cena, and other major stars miss RAW (Exclusive)
"This is where my mind goes" - Wrestling writer bashes WWE after The Rock, John Cena, and other major stars miss RAW (Exclusive)
1d
CM Punk fighting former WWE Champion in the middle of the street should've happened, says veteran (Exclusive) CM Punk fighting former WWE Champion in the middle of the street should've happened, says veteran (Exclusive)
CM Punk fighting former WWE Champion in the middle of the street should've happened, says veteran (Exclusive)
1d
Jade Cargill makes four-word emphatic statement ahead of rumored WWE RAW return Jade Cargill makes four-word emphatic statement ahead of rumored WWE RAW return
Jade Cargill makes four-word emphatic statement ahead of rumored WWE RAW return
Liv Morgan reacts to Rhea Ripley losing the WWE Women's World Championship to IYO SKY on RAW Liv Morgan reacts to Rhea Ripley losing the WWE Women's World Championship to IYO SKY on RAW
Liv Morgan reacts to Rhea Ripley losing the WWE Women's World Championship to IYO SKY on RAW
1d
Natalya set for major match at another promotion amid WWE absence Natalya set for major match at another promotion amid WWE absence
Natalya set for major match at another promotion amid WWE absence
1d
WWE Superstar to walk out on the Judgment Day after getting snubbed on WWE RAW this week? Exploring the potential WWE Superstar to walk out on the Judgment Day after getting snubbed on WWE RAW this week? Exploring the potential
WWE Superstar to walk out on the Judgment Day after getting snubbed on WWE RAW this week? Exploring the potential
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications