The WWE Royal Rumble is known for its blockbuster Rumble matches, but the event boasts numerous overlooked classics that deserve fresh attention. While headline-grabbing superstars like Triple H and Cactus Jack have made their mark, many WWE Royal Rumble hidden gems have gone unnoticed amid the annual excitement and historic moments.
Overlooked Classics Amid Royal Rumble Highlights
Each year, as anticipation builds for the Rumble match itself, other high-quality contests on the card often slip under the radar. WWE once tried expanding the format with a 40-wrestler Rumble, which failed to impress, but throughout the event’s history, many matches delivered memorable action without basking in lasting fanfare. Re-examining these WWE Royal Rumble hidden gems reveals just how much fans have missed by focusing only on the main spectacle.
The Fiend and Daniel Bryan Deliver a Top-Tier Strap Match (Royal Rumble 2020)
Bray Wyatt’s era as The Fiend produced matches that often polarized audiences, but his showdown with Daniel Bryan in 2020 stands out as an exception. Ditching the divisive red lighting, the Universal Title contest became an intense strap match filled with raw physicality. Wyatt and Bryan’s undeniable in-ring chemistry pushed both performers, arguably creating WWE’s finest strap match. Despite some theatrics, the match was a showcase for both men, reminding fans of the unique spark they shared whenever they collided.
The Undertaker Versus Rey Mysterio: An Uncommon, Impactful Bout (Royal Rumble 2010)
When The Undertaker defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Rey Mysterio, it staged a classic David vs. Goliath showdown. Although Mysterio’s victory was always unlikely, both icons crafted a compelling, hard-hitting match packed with storytelling and innovative sequences. Despite infrequent encounters between the two, their clash seamlessly blended their different styles, captivating fans with its energy and skill.
Jeff Hardy and Edge’s Overlooked WWE Title Battle (Royal Rumble 2009)
The 2009 WWE Championship contest between Jeff Hardy and Edge often gets overshadowed due to Matt Hardy’s dramatic heel turn. However, the match itself brims with intense action and inventive use of weapons. Hardy, defending the title for the first and only time, and Edge reignited their storied rivalry, keeping the crowd enthralled with their chemistry and electric exchanges. This title bout stands as one of their most fun, yet underappreciated, matchups from a Royal Rumble event.
Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks Set a High Bar (Royal Rumble 2019)
Ronda Rousey’s first stint in WWE was a mix of highs and lows, but her RAW Women’s Title match against Sasha Banks in 2019 was a highlight that’s rarely mentioned. The bout was an intense battle between two top-level competitors, full of technical wrestling and psychological depth. Both wrestlers targeted each other’s limbs with smart, focused attacks, and Banks’ rugged offense elevated her status as Rousey’s equal. Although Rousey’s victory seemed a foregone conclusion, the sheer quality of this contest merits much greater acclaim within Royal Rumble lore.
Edge and Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz: Tag Team Excellence (Royal Rumble 2001)
While these two teams have faced off in many memorable TLC matches, their straightforward tag team encounter for the WWE World Tag Team Titles in 2001 is an underrated gem. Opening the show, the match featured hot tags, thrilling near-falls, and classic teamwork, all within a wild ten-minute sprint. The Dudley Boyz emerged victorious, securing a title change amid a raucous crowd, and although the event is best remembered for its Rumble main event, this tag clash deserves recognition for its excitement and execution.
Brock Lesnar and Finn Balor’s Fierce Showdown (Royal Rumble 2019)
Another highlight from the 2019 Royal Rumble that often escapes attention is Brock Lesnar’s Universal Title defense against Finn Balor. Echoing Lesnar’s history of delivering great matches with smaller, agile opponents such as AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan, Balor forced Lesnar into a fast-paced, physical match. The contest’s intensity and quick tempo kept the audience hooked, with the crowd even buying into a dramatic near-finish for Balor. Packed into less than ten minutes, this clash is a testament to both men’s chemistry and remains criminally overlooked.
The Quebecers vs. The Hart Brothers: Tag Drama That Set the Stage (Royal Rumble 1994)
With attention on Bret Hart eventually winning the Rumble (tying with Lex Luger), his and Owen Hart’s challenge for the WWE Tag Team Titles against The Quebecers stands as the true highlight of that year’s undercard. The match blended sharp technical wrestling and compelling psychology, playing a key role in advancing the Byron and Owen Hart storyline ahead of their legendary WrestleMania feud. Overshadowed by subsequent events, this contest remains one of the best matches from Royal Rumble 1994.
Edge and Dolph Ziggler’s World Title Classic (Royal Rumble 2011)
Heading into the 2011 Royal Rumble, Dolph Ziggler was still trying to establish himself as a major player, and fans questioned his involvement in the SmackDown world title scene. Paired against Edge for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, both men delivered a wrestling clinic. Their chemistry led to exciting counters, believable near-falls, and sharp in-ring storytelling, all to the delight of the Dallas crowd. Despite the match’s excellence, it did not elevate Ziggler to permanent main-event status, and it remains rarely discussed among the best world title matches in Royal Rumble history.
The Lasting Significance of Royal Rumble’s Hidden Classics
Many WWE Royal Rumble hidden gems go unnoticed due to the spotlight on the annual Rumble match and shifting WWE storylines. However, these contests showcase the depth and diversity of talent on display throughout Royal Rumble history. From unexpected show-stealers to technical clinics and heated rivalries, these bouts contribute to the rich tapestry that defines the Royal Rumble. As eager fans look forward to the next big event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, revisiting these forgotten classics can reignite appreciation for the unsung moments that make WWE’s Royal Rumble a consistently thrilling spectacle.
