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As the 2008 Royal Rumble looms, with one Superstar destined to win the over-the-top rope elimination contest and move on to WrestleMania for a championship opportunity, WWE.com takes a look back at some of the greatest performances in the annual 30-man competition.
Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio
The 2006 Royal Rumble Match saw the biggest underdog in WWE history enter at No. 2 and remain the last Superstar in the ring. With the heart of a champion and a dedication to his friend Eddie Guerrero, Rey's victory shocked the world – and set a new Rumble record for longest time in the ring.
Ric Flair
Ric Flair
Flair’s Rumble Match victory is like the “Nature Boy” himself – one of a kind. That’s because 1992’s 30-man elimination contest actually named an undisputed WWE Champion. With some of the stiffest competition in Rumble Match history, “Naitch” stood tall at the end with the gold around his waist.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Austin put on a clinic, literally and figuratively, to earn the win in 1997 – especially since the referees did not see that the Rattlesnake had actually been eliminated. OuThe world watched Austin take full advantage – and the Rumble Match victory – from his angry rival, Bret "Hit Man" Hart.
Undertaker
Undertaker
The Phenom’s unbelievable Road to WrestleMania 23 began at the Royal Rumble in 2007, when he entered at No. 30 and became the first Superstar to claim victory from that position.
Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels
HBK’s win in 1995 was not without controversy. It seemed that the No. 1 entrant was eliminated, giving the British Bulldog the victory. But Michaels took advantage of the rule that both feet must touch the outside floor, then re-entered the ring to toss Davey Boy Smith over for the victory.
Kane
Kane
The Big Red Monster wowed the crowd in the “Big Easy” in 2001 when he displayed the sheer dominance that has made him one of WWE’s most feared competitors. Eliminating 11 Superstars before being cast over the top rope that night, Kane would walk away with the eternal respect of our fans.
Bret "Hit Man" Hart
Bret "Hit Man" Hart
Injured earlier that night at the 1994 Royal Rumble, few could have expected Hart to make an impact in the Rumble Match. But “Hit Man’s” heart fought through the pain to become Royal Rumble co-winner alongside Lex Luger, after the two Superstars touched the outside floor at the same time.
Yokozuna
Yokozuna
The 1993 Royal Rumble Match saw the No. 27 entrant as a very heavy favorite to win. The 600-pounder went on to establish a then-record seven eliminations, tossing “Macho Man” Randy Savage over the top rope to earn his WWE Title opportunity at WrestleMania IX.
The 3 Faces of Mick Foley
The 3 Faces of Mick Foley
After Cactus Jack was eliminated in 1998's Rumble Match, most thought Mick Foley’s chances of winning went over the top with him. But he shocked everyone when he re-emerged twice more during the contest. Jack, Mankind and Dude Love couldn’t get the win, but they definitely left their mark.
Mr. McMahon
Mr. McMahon
The motivation for the Chairman’s participation in the 1999 Royal Rumble Match was old-fashioned revenge. Intent on keeping “Stone Cold” from winning a WWE Championship opportunity at WrestleMania XV, Mr. McMahon entered at No. 2 and lasted until the very end, claiming his place in history.