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The Royal Rumble is one of the most genuinely fun and entertaining events the WWE puts on each year.
The annual extravaganza, held each January, draws the attention of hardcore fans as WWE begins its Road to WrestleMania, and casual fans who enjoy the spectacle of the 30-man battle royal.
The rules are simple. Two competitors start in the ring. Every two minutes, another combatant enters (accompanied by a very enthusiastic final 10-second countdown from the live crowd). Elimination occurs when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. This continues until only one man remains, and that man earns a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.
WWE has presented the Royal Rumble since 1988, which means this Sunday’s edition marks the 30th year. So expect the company to pull out a few special tricks this time.
And thanks to the WWE Network, fans can relive the greatest moments in the history of this illustrious event, as well as the best Rumble matches of the last 30 years.
No matter your favorite, read on to see our list of the 10 greatest Royal Rumbles in WWE history.
10) 2017 (Winner: Randy Orton)
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Last year’s Royal Rumble was one of the more star-studded affairs in the history of the match. Big names such as Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, and the Undertaker all threw their weight around inside the ring. The monstrous Braun Strowman, who was just beginning his rise to stardom at the time, tossed competitors like garbage over the top rope.
Fan favorites such as Dean Ambrose, Rusev, Bray Wyatt, and The Miz got ample time to shine.
And of course, WWE had some fun by having the divisive Roman Reigns, who had just competed in a championship match earlier in the night, enter in the #30 spot, sending a brief wave of panic through the fan base that Reigns was about to rule the roost again. But this was just misdirection to have Randy Orton win his second Rumble match.
Watch Randy Orton win the 2017 Royal Rumble and more when you sign up for a free 30-day trial to the WWE Network.
9) 2006 (Winner: Rey Mysterio)
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The 2006 Royal Rumble is one of the best underdog stories WWE has ever told. Rey Mysterio, fighting for the honor of the then-recently deceased Eddie Guerrero, entered as the second man in the match. He and Triple H (one of the most decorated champions in the history of the company, and son-in-law of WWE owner Vince McMahon) would clash repeatedly throughout the night. But Rey would set the record for most time spent in a single Rumble match at 1:02:12 and would eliminate Triple H and Randy Orton at the end of the match to secure the win.
Relive Rey Mysterio’s epic 2006 Royal Rumble victory when you sign up for a free 30-day trial to the WWE Network.
8) 2008 (Winner: John Cena)
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The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, two of the biggest legends in the history of the business, start off the 2008 Royal Rumble as entrants 1 and 2 just one year after they closed the match (more on that one later).
This Rumble has lots going for it, including the aura of Madison Square Garden and the terrific set design and entrance ramp that the arena allows. But the true memory of this Rumble occurs at the very end, at #30, when John Cena makes one of the most shocking returns in WWE history months ahead of a scheduled recovery from a torn pectoral.
The place erupted when Cena’s music hit, and he stood at the entranceway smirking and soaking in the moment. Triple H, who entered at #29, looked like he’d seen a ghost. Of course, Cena would go on to win the match, his first of two Rumble victories in his career.
Relive Cena’s jaw-dropping return in the 2008 Royal Rumble when you sign up for a free 30-day trial to the WWE Network.
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