Ranking the Best WWE Royal Rumble PPVs of All Time

Ranking the Best WWE Royal Rumble PPVs of All Time

Overview of the Royal Rumble

  • Royal Rumble matches in WWE feature 30 wrestlers battling to eliminate each other for a chance at WrestleMania.
  • The 2002 edition had a predictable outcome with Triple H’s return overshadowing a lackluster undercard.
  • 2018 marked a milestone with the inaugural women’s Royal Rumble, complemented by an electrifying men’s match, both setting the tone for WrestleMania.

The Royal Rumble is a celebrated event in the WWE lineup since its inception in January 1988, drawing in avid wrestling fans and occasional viewers alike. This match format features 30 competitors who must eliminate their adversaries by throwing them over the top rope, with the last wrestler standing claiming a title match opportunity at WrestleMania.

As one of WWE’s premier pay-per-view events alongside SummerSlam and WrestleMania, the Royal Rumble has delivered memorable moments and thrilling matches throughout its history.

While the Rumble match itself commands attention, the overall quality of the events also matters. Star ratings from wrestling expert Dave Meltzer often provide context for the matches on the cards.

Latest Update (January 11, 2025) by Mark Sammut: The anticipation for the Royal Rumble is building, with the next event scheduled for February 2, 2025. It marks the first pay-per-view after WWE’s debut on Netflix, allowing broader access for fans. Notably, this will be John Cena’s final Royal Rumble appearance, a significant event for longtime followers of the promotion. Enthusiasts are encouraged to revisit the top WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-views as the date draws near.

12. Royal Rumble 2002

Predictable Finish and Overlooked Undercard

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  • Date: January 20, 2002
  • Location: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

This Royal Rumble is primarily remembered for the momentous return of Triple H after a nine-month injury hiatus, eliciting a massive cheer from the audience. However, this culminated in a somewhat predictable victory, overshadowing what should have been celebrated as an exciting match. Though the Rumble held its own, the undercard featured a lack of remarkable contests, with the match between Chris Jericho and The Rock for the Undisputed WWF Championship standing out as the highlight.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

Tag Team Championship – Spike Dudley & Tazz (c) VS The Dudley Boys

Spike Dudley & Tazz

1.5 Stars

Intercontinental Championship – Edge (c) VS William Regal

William Regal

2.25 Stars

Women’s Championship – Trish Stratus (c) VS Jazz

Trish Stratus

1.5 Stars

Street Fight – Vince McMahon VS Ric Flair

Ric Flair

2.75 Stars

Undisputed Championship – Chris Jericho (c) VS The Rock

Chris Jericho

4.25 Stars

Royal Rumble match

Triple H

3.5 Stars

11. Royal Rumble 2005

Memorable Yet Chaotic Finish

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  • Date: January 30, 2005
  • Location: Save Mart Center, Fresno, California

The 2005 Royal Rumble left a mark in history due to an infamous botch involving John Cena and Batista, who simultaneously fell from the ring leading to a flurry of chaotic improvisations. Despite a shaky ending, the excitement of the overall match and the stacked roster, which included notable performances from Shawn Michaels and Edge, made for an entertaining experience. Although some matches on the card lacked the same energy, the event is remembered for its high-stakes drama.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

Shawn Michaels VS Edge

Edge

3.25 Stars

Casket Match – Heidenreich VS The Undertaker

The Undertaker

0.75 Stars

WWE Championship – JBL (c) VS Big Show VS Kurt Angle

JBL

1.75 Stars

World Heavyweight Championship – Triple H (c) VS Randy Orton

Triple H

3.25 Stars

Royal Rumble match

Batista

DUD

10. Royal Rumble 2019

Exceptional Matches but Underrated Rumbles

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  • Date: January 27, 2019
  • Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona

The 2019 Royal Rumble showcased solid matches, even if they did not reach the heights fans anticipated. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch delivered an unforgettable opener, while a captivating women’s Rumble included a surprise win for Lynch. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins’ victory positioned him as a top contender for WrestleMania, creating anticipation for future storylines.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

SmackDown Women’s Championship – Asuka (c) VS Becky Lynch

Asuka

3.75 Stars

SmackDown Tag Team Championship – The Bar (c) VS The Miz & Shane McMahon

The Miz & Shane McMahon

3.25 Stars

Raw Women’s Championship – Ronda Rousey (c) VS Sasha Banks

Ronda Rousey

3.75 Stars

Women’s Rumble

Becky Lynch

3.25 Stars

WWE Championship – Daniel Bryan (c) VS AJ Styles

Daniel Bryan

2.75 Stars

Universal Championship – Brock Lesnar (c) VS Finn Balor

Brock Lesnar

3.75 Stars

Men’s Rumble

Seth Rollins

3.25 Stars

9. Royal Rumble 1992

Historic Championship Title

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  • Date: January 19, 1992
  • Location: Knickerbocker Arena, Troy, New York

In a unique twist from typical Royal Rumble events, the 1992 match featured wrestlers competing for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship title. This installment is frequently hailed as one of the best Royal Rumble matches ever, largely due to Ric Flair’s victory after entering as the third competitor.

In addition to the standout Royal Rumble match, the pay-per-view included a Tag Team Championship clash between The Natural Disasters and The Legion of Doom, along with an Intercontinental title match between Roddy Piper and The Mountie, although the latter bouts did not leave a lasting impression on fans.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

The Orient Express VS The New Foundation

The New Foundation

3.25 Stars

Intercontinental Championship – Roddy Piper (c) VS The Mountie

Roddy Piper

1.75 Stars

The Beverly Brothers VS The Bushwhackers

The Beverly Brothers

1.5 Stars

Tag Team Championship – The Legion of Doom (c) VS The Natural Disasters

The Natural Disasters

1.5 Stars

Royal Rumble match

Ric Flair

3.75 Stars

8. Royal Rumble 2000

One-Match Wonder Well Executed

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  • Date: January 23, 2000
  • Location: Madison Square Garden, New York

The 2000 Royal Rumble is often remembered more for the spectacular street fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack, showcasing hard-hitting action that solidified Triple H’s place as a top-tier wrestler than the Rumble match itself. The introduction of a fan favorite, Tazz, impressed the crowd by defeating Kurt Angle on his debut.

Regrettably, the Royal Rumble match was somewhat lackluster, primarily featuring mid-card wrestlers, leading to a lack of excitement until The Rock’s late entry at position 24. Ultimately, the final elimination was poorly executed, resulting in a technical victory for Big Show.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

Kurt Angle VS Tazz

Tazz

2 Stars

Tag Team Tables Match – The Dudley Boyz VS The Hardys

The Hardys

3.25 Stars

Undisputed Championship – Chris Jericho (c) VS Chyna (c) VS Hardcore Holly

Chris Jericho

1.25 Stars

Tag Team Championship – The New Age Outlaws (c) VS The Acolytes

The New Age Outlaws

DUD

WWF Championship, Street Fight – Triple H (c) VS Cactus Jack

Triple H

4.5 Stars

Royal Rumble match

The Rock

2.75 Stars

7. Royal Rumble 2018

A Landmark Event for Women

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  • Date: January 28, 2018
  • Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Recognized as a landmark event, the 2018 Royal Rumble introduced the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble, featuring 30 participants vying for a championship opportunity. Asuka’s victory delighted fans, while Ronda Rousey’s debut created excitement for the upcoming WrestleMania.

The men’s Royal Rumble also delivered as Shinsuke Nakamura clinched his chance for a title shot, setting the stage for anticipated matchups. Unfortunately, Brock Lesnar’s underwhelming performance against Braun Strowman and Kane didn’t quite capture the crowd’s imagination.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

WWE Championship, Handicap Match – AJ Styles (c) VS Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

AJ Styles

3.5 Stars

SmackDown Tag Team Championship – The Usos (c) VS Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin

The Usos

3 Stars

Raw Tag Team Championship – Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan (c) VS Sheamus & Cesaro

Sheamus & Cesaro

2.25 Stars

Universal Championship – Brock Lesnar (c) VS Kane VS Braun Strowman

Brock Lesnar

2 Stars

Women’s Rumble

Asuka

3.25 Stars

Men’s Rumble

Shinsuke Nakamura

4.25 Stars

6. Royal Rumble 2008

Iconic Return Recognized

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  • Date: January 27, 2008
  • Location: Madison Square Garden, New York

2008 is mostly remembered for John Cena’s shocking return after an injury, creating a legendary moment when his music hit and he entered at number 30. The event also delivered engaging action throughout, notably featuring Undertaker and Shawn Michaels as early entries. Despite solid matches like Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy, the Royal Rumble match itself was a major focal point.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

MVP VS Ric Flair

Ric Flair

2 Stars

Chris Jericho VS JBL

JBL

1.5 Stars

World Heavyweight Championship – Edge (c) VS Rey Mysterio

Edge

3.25 Stars

WWE Championship – Randy Orton (c) VS Jeff Hardy

Randy Orton

3 Stars

Royal Rumble match

John Cena

4.25 Stars

5. Royal Rumble 2007

High-Stakes Excitement

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  • Date: January 28, 2007
  • Location: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas

This event is noted for its gripping Royal Rumble match, which saw Undertaker and Shawn Michaels showcase their chemistry, heating up expectations for a WrestleMania showdown. The undercard featured an impressive Last Man Standing match between Cena and Umaga, emphasizing the event’s intensity.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

MNM VS The Hardys

The Hardys

3.25 Stars

ECW World Championship – Bobby Lashley (c) VS Test

Bobby Lashley

1 Star

World Heavyweight Championship – Batista (c) VS Mr. Kennedy

Batista

1.25 Stars

WWE Championship, Last Man Standing Match – John Cena (c) VS Umaga

John Cena

4 Stars

Royal Rumble match

The Undertaker

4 Stars

4. Royal Rumble 2023

A Wrestling Milestone

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  • Date: January 28, 2023
  • Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

The Royal Rumble 2023 marked a new chapter in WWE storytelling featuring significant plot developments. Sami Zayn’s pivotal turn against Roman Reigns catalyzed a gripping narrative, resonating with audiences and wrapping the title match as the evening’s conclusion.

Rhea Ripley triumphed in the Women’s Rumble, showcasing a stellar performance, while Cody Rhodes claimed victory for the men. Unfortunately, the undercard didn’t quite meet expectations, particularly Bianca Belair’s title defense against Alexa Bliss, but the overall storytelling and execution carried the event.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

Men’s Rumble

Cody Rhodes

4.25 Stars

Bray Wyatt VS LA Knight

Bray Wyatt

0.75 Star

Raw Women’s Championship – Bianca Belair (c) VS Alexa Bliss

Bianca Belair

1.5 Stars

Women’s Rumble

Rhea Ripley

3.5 Stars

Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) VS Kevin Owens

Roman Reigns

3.5 Stars

3. Royal Rumble 2017

Overall Enjoyable but Ended Predictably

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  • Date: January 29, 2017
  • Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

The 2017 Royal Rumble is perhaps best remembered for its strong match-up design, despite the underwhelming outcome of the Rumble match itself. The blend of Kevin Owens versus Roman Reigns and John Cena versus AJ Styles offered dynamic contrasts, showcasing the stars’ extraordinary talents and storytelling capabilities.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

Women’s Championship – Charlotte Flair (c) VS Bayley

Charlotte Flair

2.25 Stars

Universal Championship, NO DQ – Kevin Owens (c) VS Roman Reigns

Kevin Owens

4.5 Star

Cruiserweight Championship – Rich Swann (c) VS Neville

Neville

3.5 Stars

Championship – AJ Styles (c) VS John Cena

John Cena

4.75 Stars

Royal Rumble match

Randy Orton

3.75 Stars

2. Royal Rumble 2020

Exemplary Pay-Per-View

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  • Date: January 26, 2020
  • Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

The Royal Rumble 2020 is often cited as one of the best in recent memory, featuring an exhilarating main event. Brock Lesnar dominated early, eliminating several wrestlers until Drew McIntyre’s monumental moment as he eliminated The Beast. Edge’s highly anticipated return was another highlight, igniting excitement among fans. Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair’s victory in the Women’s Rumble was a successful narrative choice.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

Falls Count Anywhere – Roman Reigns VS King Corbin

Roman Reigns

3.25 Stars

Women’s Rumble

Charlotte Flair

3.5 Stars

Women’s Championship – Bayley (c) VS Lacey Evans

Bayley

1.5 Stars

Universal Championship – The Fiend (c) VS Daniel Bryan

The Fiend

4 Stars

Raw Women’s Championship – Becky Lynch (c) VS Asuka

Becky Lynch

3.5 Stars

Men’s Rumble

Drew McIntyre

4.25 Stars

1. Royal Rumble 2001

Ultimate Rumble and Spectacular Undercard

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  • Date: January 21, 2001
  • Location: New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana

The Royal Rumble 2001 showcased a plethora of wrestling talent, creating an unforgettable event honorably led by Stone Cold Steve Austin. With an impressive undercard containing a thrilling ladder match between Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit, this event is frequently termed as the definitive Royal Rumble experience.

Matches

Winners

Observer Star Ratings

Tag Team Championship – Edge & Christian (c) VS The Dudley Boyz

The Dudley Boyz

2.75 Stars

Intercontinental Championship, Ladder Match – Chris Benoit (c) VS Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho

4.75 Stars

Women’s Championship – Ivory (c) VS Chyna

Ivory

0.5 Stars

WWE Championship – Kurt Angle (c) VS Triple H

Kurt Angle

3.75 Stars

Royal Rumble match

Steve Austin

3.25 Stars

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