The Royal Rumble remains a highlight of WWE programming, with fans eagerly anticipating the winner who will secure a spot in WrestleMania’s main event. Alongside that, viewers often track various records, including who lasts longest and who exits the match fastest. This year, the spotlight is turning to The Miz, who is considered the frontrunner to have the shortest stay in the upcoming 30-man Royal Rumble scheduled for January 31st.
One of the most famous rapid eliminations in Royal Rumble history is Santino Marella’s from 2009, where he was knocked out just 1.9 seconds into the match by Kane. This record has stood for 17 years, yet recent betting odds suggest Miz could be the next to face a rapid exit, according to Oddschecker, which lists him as the favorite at 4/1 (+400) to be the first eliminated. Following Miz closely is his former tag team partner R-Truth, at 5/1 (+500).
Other Contenders for the First Elimination and Roster Updates
Questions remain about Grayson Waller’s participation, as he has been removed from recent NXT events and replaced by Santos Escobar. Waller shares the joint second-favorite spot with R-Truth for the earliest elimination. Besides them, three other wrestlers are at 10/1 (+1000), including Omos, who is currently more active in AAA, along with Chad Gable—who might return this weekend—and El Grande Americano.
Unexpected names also appear on the list of potential first exits, such as Brock Lesnar, who announced his Royal Rumble entry recently, carrying odds of 12/1 (+1200) alongside Austin Theory of The Vision. Similarly, newcomers like Trick Williams and established stars like Kofi Kingston both sit at 14/1 (+1400), with Kingston known for clever tactics to avoid early elimination despite his frequent Royal Rumble appearances.
Santino Marella Reflects on Holding the Quickest Elimination Record
Santino Marella’s comedic persona was perfect for creating one of the Royal Rumble’s most memorable moments in 2009, when Kane immediately tossed him out. Marella’s famous line in his distinctive Italian accent, “I wasn’t ready,” captured the humor of the moment perfectly. Having since transitioned to a backstage authority figure role in WWE’s current partnership with TNA, Marella might even make a surprise appearance this year.
Looking back at his speedy elimination, Marella revealed in 2017 that he discovered a way to beat his own record, but chose to keep it a secret. He stated,
Hopefully that record stands for a long time. I actually know how to beat it, but I’m not going to tell anybody. I found a way to shave off half a second, but I don’t want anyone else to beat it.
—Santino Marella, WWE authority figure
In a later Royal Rumble, 2011, Marella nearly captured a more impressive finish by hiding outside the ring until near the end. He re-entered and attempted to eliminate Alberto Del Rio, who ultimately countered and eliminated Marella, going on to win the match that year.
Why the Shortest Stay Stories Matter in the Royal Rumble
The race for the shortest stay in the Royal Rumble provides an additional layer of excitement and humor amid the intense competition for victory. While the focus remains on contenders for the WrestleMania main event, watching who gets knocked out quickly has become a fan favorite tradition, sometimes creating iconic moments that live on in WWE lore.
This year’s odds favoring The Miz to face an early exit suggest fans might see an unexpected or disappointing finish for a well-known superstar, adding tension and unpredictability to the event. Meanwhile, the presence of surprise entrants and the uncertainty surrounding some participants enhance the drama around these elimination battles.
As Royal Rumble unfolds, viewers will watch closely not only for the winner but also to see if Santino Marella’s longstanding record can be challenged or if The Miz will indeed experience a swift departure, continuing the spectacle that has made the Royal Rumble a critical part of WWE’s yearly calendar.
