30 Greatest Royal Rumble Matches
Come for the annual battle royal, but stay for these classics.
For over 30 years, WWE has showcased some amazing bouts to kick off the Road to WrestleMania. Whether the World Heavyweight Championship is one the line, or a feud escalates to an all out war, Royal Rumble tends to stand out from the rest of the pay-per-views with an impressive lineup and compelling storylines. These are the 30 greatest Royal Rumble matches that aren’t the annual battle royal.
30. John Cena vs. Edge, 2006
The first real one-on-one match in their rivalry paled in comparison to their later battles, but at least the crowd was hype and John Cena showed fire. Plus, his entrance was full of pomp and circumstance, a WrestleMania quality production you wouldn’t expect to see at the Royal Rumble. Only three weeks after winning the WWE Championship, Edge disappointingly lost it right back to Super Cena in a surprise at the time.
29. Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy, 2008
Everybody wanted Jeff Hardy to win the WWE Championship, but we’d have to wait nearly a year after this one. Randy Orton’s strategy was to ground the daredevil, and he was largely successful, but you can’t keep the “Rainbow-Haired Warrior” down for long. Don’t blink because the finish comes out of nowhere.
28. Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens, 2016
Par for the course with last man standing matches, there was a lot of down time in between beating the count and retrieving weapons. But Ambrose and Owens let their imaginations run wild, creating some clever spots that fit within the P.G. confines. Owens hadn’t become just another guy yet, and Ambrose was still hot off The Shield split, so the crowd was hype for this one.
27. Big Boss Man vs. The Barbarian, 1991
Probably weren’t expecting this one, but go back, watch and you’ll agree it belongs. This good, ol’ fashioned hoss fight features Boss Man at his most popular and most agile. He also sold exceptionally well, making Barbarian look like Brock Lesnar.
26. Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks, 2019
In what would have been the biggest win in her career, Sasha Banks went all out, stealing Ronda Rousey’s strategy of working the arm, stomping and biting and doing anything possible to win the Raw Women’s Championship. Banks’ relentlessness was riveting, as she carried the UFC star to a great match.
25. Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty, 1993
Their first match since The Barbershop, The Rockers proved they were just as good foes as they were friends. Shawn Michaels played the cocky, chickenshit heel role well, and Marty Jannetty was the proverbial house of fire. Sensational Sherri was involved in the deflating finish, but at least it paid off her storyline with the “Heartbreak Kid.”
24. Jumping Bomb Angels vs. Glamour Girls, 1988
It’s mind-blowing that this predated the women’s revolution by nearly 20 years. The Jumping Bomb Angels (who Vince McMahon didn’t know the names of until after the commercial break) lit up the ring with nonstop action. And the Glamour Girls kept up with the breakneck pace in this two-out-of-three falls match.
23. Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles, 2019
The crowd was so quiet you’d think it took place in the Performance Center. Despite the silence, these Ring of Honor pioneers put on a classic that that fan base would have been creaming over. With plenty of time to work, they each emptied their arsenals, busting out moves not seen in years. Unfortunately, Erick Rowan appeared at the end to help Daniel Bryan retain the WWE Championship.
22. Edge vs. Rey Mysterio, 2008
New York City wasn’t fond of Rey Mysterio, booing all of his offense until the ending. Edge relished in the crowd’s adoration, targeting Mysterio’s surgically repaired knee and forcing the “Ultimate Underdog” to fight from underneath with some clever hope spots. Vickie Guerrero stole the show, though, miraculously popping out of her wheelchair to blanket Edge from a 619, sacrificing herself in the process.
21. Dudley Boyz vs. Edge & Christian, 2001
Tag team wrestling 101: the faces start off strong, the heels take advantage by nefarious means and then the faces overcome the odds to prevail. That simple formula becomes magic when you have extremely popular heroes such as the Dudley Boyz, very hated villains like Edge & Christian and a hot Attitude Era crowd.
20. Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor, 2019
David vs. Goliath with a slingblade rather than a slingshot. Pouncing on the Universal Champion right at the bell, Finn Balor relied on his speed and agility to keep Brock Lesnar stunned. In a twist on the Lesnar formula, Balor also targeted “The Beast’s” mid-section in a nod to Lesnar’s battle with diverticulitis a decade prior. Despite Balor’s valiant effort, it never felt like Lesnar was in any real jeopardy.
19. Edge vs. Jeff Hardy, 2009
Taking full advantage of the no disqualification stipulation, Edge had La Familia interfere every time Jeff Hardy was on the verge of victory. However, Hardy disposed of each member thanks to some trusty weapons. All the interference perfectly set up the need for Matt Hardy to run out, seemingly to help his brother, only to shock the world by blasting him with a steel chair.
18. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch, 2019
Much better than their rematch the next year, Asuka and Becky Lynch tore into each other with vicious strikes and grueling submissions. At the height of her popularity, “The Man” had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Of course, Asuka is no slouch, always bringing it in big-time matches, including with a nasty spot that saw both ladies splatting on the floor.
17. Hardyz vs. Dudleyz, 2000
The first tag team tables match in WWE history helped pave the way for TLC. These rivals buckled up for a car crash, as bodies went through table after table. Madison Square Garden roared at the finish, as Jeff Hardy hit the swanton bomb off the rafters onto D-Von Dudley down below.
16. Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan, 2014
Universally regarded as Bray Wyatt’s finest hour, it was all downhill after this grueling opener. As he tends to do, Daniel Bryan accentuated the strengths and hid the weaknesses of his opponent, who rose to the occasion with an intensity we haven’t seen since. The finish is even more sickening in retrospect knowing about Bryan’s injuries, as he ate a Sister Abigail into the barricade.
15. The Rock vs. CM Punk, 2013
Even though we knew the outcome before the bell rang, there was still a big fight feel, especially with the legit animosity brewing between these two elite verbal jousters. Despite not being in ring shape, The Rock held his own against “The Best in the World,” unfortunately snapping Punk’s historic reign as WWE Champion. My only gripe is that the Rock Bottom rather than the People’s Elbow should have ended it.
14. Edge vs. Dolph Ziggler, 2011
Remember when Dolph Ziggler was fresh and on the verge of becoming the next main event star? Yeah, that was a decade ago. But we wanted him to break out due to performances like this, in which he gave Edge his last great match before retirement. It’s a shame that the “Rated-R Superstar” would have to take a nine-year sabbatical just a few months after this because Edge and Ziggler could have had a helluva rivalry.
13. The Rock vs. Mankind, 1999
It feels inhumane to celebrate this match because of the 11 unprotected chairshots Mankind endured. Today, that’s unacceptable considering our knowledge of CTE, but it was also regretted at the time after Mick Foley saw his family’s reaction as documented in Beyond The Mat. But if you watch everything before the ending, it was another entertaining brawl befitting of the Attitude Era between two all-time greats.
12. Bret Hart vs. Diesel, 1995
This could have cracked the top five if there was any logic to it whatsoever. Listen, this was a great David vs. Goliath encounter with Hart focusing on Diesel’s leg and the WWE Champion working “The Hitman’s” ribcage. Smart strategies and the selling made it credible, but then Shawn Michaels interfered and the referee (with zero explanation) refused to call a DQ. Later on, Owen Hart interfered and the ref still refused to end the match. Only when a bunch of heels ran in did the ref throw the match out. Uh, what?
11. Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio, 2010
A rare encounter, Undertaker and Rey Mysterio had tremendous chemistry. It’s your typical big man vs. little man match, but it’s a formula that always works, especially with these two legends. Mysterio busting open the Deadman kicks this into another level.
10. The Rockers vs. The Orient Express, 1991
If you thought the AWA was dead by 1991, think again. Two of the top teams in its waning days stole the show at the Royal Rumble, as The Rockers collided with The Orient Express. A 20-minute adrenaline rush, this showcased the soon-to-be fast-paced style of the ‘90s with innovative double team moves and a clever finish.
9. The Quebecers vs. Hart Brothers, 1994
Owen Hart was right – Bret should have made the tag! However, big brother was too proud to tag out after his leg was injured, selfishly staying in the ring to overcome insurmountable odds. Well, his vainglory costed the family the Tag Team Titles, and more importantly, ignited a yearlong feud with his baby bro.
8. Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker, 1998
Anytime these two meet one on one, you’re guaranteed your money’s worth. Despite Michaels suffering the back injury that would sideline him for four years, he and “The Deadman” still delivered a classic. It’s probably the best casket match you’ll ever see because while HBK and Undertaker incorporate it in some unique spots, they mainly just pummel each other. And the conclusion makes sense even if it’s Russorific.
7. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit, 2001
The Walls of Jericho on top of the ladder…what an image. The Canadian buddies held nothing back in this one. As with all Benoit matches, it’s been swept under the rug, but anyone who watched it live will never forget the brutality and the excitement of Y2J winning back the Intercontinental Championship.
6. John Cena vs. AJ Styles, 2017
History in the making as John Cena challenged for his 16th world championship, trying to tie Ric Flair. However, AJ Styles had Cena’s number in all of their previous encounters, so if anyone could stop Super Cena, it was the “Phenomenal One.” Cena displayed unprecedented ruthless aggression, emptying his arsenal and even busting out some new moves. Styles reciprocated, locking in the Calf Crusher and hitting two Styles Clashes. The Astrodome was rocking with every shot! Unfortunately, the result still makes me nauseous.
5. Chris Jericho vs. The Rock, 2002
On the List of Jericho, this should rank near the top. It’s a forgotten classic, illustrating his superiority as a villain. Y2J uses every trick in the book to keep The Rock down, but the “Brahma Bull” relies upon his millions and millions of fans to fire back at the Undisputed Champion. There’s literally never a dull moment.
4. John Cena vs. Umaga, 2007
By 2007, fans had already turned on John Cena, tired of his superhuman ability to overcome all odds. It seemed like Umaga was created simply for Cena to slay, ala monsters fed to Hulk Hogan 20 years prior. But Umaga was more than just a monster – he was an unbelievable athlete who had become popular thanks to his in-ring prowess, commitment to character and assistance from Armando Alejandro Estrada. If Cena was going to retain the WWE Championship in this Last Man Standing match, he was going to have to summon all the ruthless aggression he could muster. At the end of this war, Cena had gained the fans’ respect, at least on this night.
3. Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins, 2015
A contender for greatest triple threat ever, this WWE Championship match stole the show at Royal Rumble 2015. After ending The Streak and demolishing John Cena at SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar was the most destructive force in wrestling in seemingly forever. Seth Rollins and Cena tried everything to stop The Beast, only slowing him down before he rose again, countering the Curb Stomp into an F-5 in jaw-dropping fashion.
2. Triple H vs. Cactus Jack, 2000
The match that cemented Triple H at the top of the card. Similar to Randy Orton at Backlash 2004, this war gave “The Game” street cred, elevating him from competent technical wrestler to a guy who could do it all – a guy you could build your company around. Of course, Mick Foley held nothing back, quenching the bloodthirsty Garden crowd
1. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit, 2003
When you talk about great dance partners, Rock & Austin, Flair & Steamboat and Michaels & Undertaker often come to mind. But so should Angle and Benoit, a pairing that never produced less than a really good match. Whether as partners or rivals, their chemistry was palpable – tremendous athletes who took their profession very seriously and made you believe everything they did.
Royal Rumble 2003 was their finest hour, as they followed a show killer in Triple H vs. Scott Steiner and brought the crowd to their feet. Exchanging suplexes and submissions and developing innovative counters for both, Angle and Benoit produced a masterpiece that could turn even the biggest naysayer into a diehard wrestling fan.
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