The 39th edition of the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event concluded as anticipation builds for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns emerged victorious in their respective Royal Rumble matches, securing opportunities to challenge for championships at WWE’s premier annual event.
Understanding the Royal Rumble Format and Its Stakes
The Royal Rumble is a signature WWE match featuring typically 30 participants, although numbers have varied in some years. The match begins with two competitors, and others enter at timed intervals. Participants are eliminated when they are thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor outside the ring. The final remaining wrestler is declared the winner. Traditionally, winning the Royal Rumble grants a title shot at WrestleMania, heightening the competitive stakes.
Historic Milestones in Royal Rumble Matches
The inaugural Royal Rumble in 1988 set the foundation for this event, featuring 20 participants—the fewest in history. Hacksaw Jim Duggan, entering at No. 13, claimed the first-ever victory after outlasting One Man Gang, who led with five eliminations.
The 1992 Royal Rumble marked a pivotal moment as it was contested for the vacant WWE Championship following Hulk Hogan’s title stripping due to controversial match outcomes. Ric Flair, entering third, lasted over an hour and, with Hogan’s assistance, eliminated Sid Justice to claim the championship. Flair reflected on this milestone, stating:
“I’m going to tell you all — with a tear in my eye — this is the greatest moment in my life.”
?Ric Flair, WWE Champion and Rumble winner
In 2001, Stone Cold Steve Austin became the first three-time Royal Rumble winner by entering 27th and defeating Kane. This win led Austin to WrestleMania 17 where he defeated The Rock, secured a fifth WWE title, and shifted allegiances by aligning with rival Mr. McMahon.
The 2007 Royal Rumble featured an intense duel between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, culminating in The Undertaker’s victory as the 30th entrant—the first time this position won the match. This set a precedent, as the 30th entrant has since produced the most men’s Rumble winners, totaling five.
Surprise Entrants and Remarkable Comebacks
John Cena’s unexpected return in 2008 after a pectoral muscle injury surprised fans as he entered as the 30th participant. Despite a shorter recovery than anticipated, Cena eliminated Triple H to win, setting up a WWE championship triple threat with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 24.
The 2020 men’s Royal Rumble match featured a highly emotional surprise when Edge, retired for over eight years due to a neck injury, made a dramatic return as the 21st entrant. The Houston crowd erupted as Edge entered the ring, though Drew McIntyre ultimately won by eliminating Roman Reigns and went on to claim the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36, which was held without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women’s Royal Rumble Matches and Historic Victories
The first women’s Royal Rumble match took place in 2018 and showcased both current stars and legends, including WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus, Lita, Michelle McCool, Jacqueline, and Beth Phoenix. Nikki Bella and Asuka were the final two competitors, with Asuka claiming the historic victory and later challenging Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 34.
In 2025, Charlotte Flair became the first woman to win multiple Royal Rumble matches. Returning from injury, she logged four eliminations including Roxanne Perez, who set a record for the longest duration spent in a women’s Rumble match at over one hour and seven minutes. Flair is also a 14-time WWE Women’s Champion and headlined the first-ever women’s WrestleMania main event in 2019.
Noteworthy Royal Rumble Match Records and Moments
Several eliminations and match outcomes have become etched in WWE history. In 1988, Jake “The Snake” Roberts delivered the first-ever elimination by sending Butch Reed over the top rope. The 1994 Royal Rumble featured an unprecedented finish where Bret Hart and Lex Luger eliminated one another simultaneously; both were declared co-winners after all their feet touched the floor together.
Women have occasionally competed in men’s Royal Rumble matches. Chyna was the pioneering female participant in 1999, successfully eliminating Mark Henry. Others like Beth Phoenix, Kharma, and Nia Jax have also participated. Jax notably competed in both the men’s and women’s Rumble matches in 2019.
The 2002 Royal Rumble saw a shocking elimination when newcomer Maven dropkicked The Undertaker over the top rope. Although Maven was subsequently eliminated, Undertaker returned to the ring to force Maven’s removal and physically dominated him outside the ropes.
The 2020 men’s Rumble included Brock Lesnar, who entered first and eliminated an impressive 13 competitors. However, Drew McIntyre ended Lesnar’s dominance with a highly precise Claymore kick en route to his victory.
Context and Significance of Royal Rumble Outcomes
The Royal Rumble remains one of WWE’s most unpredictable events, with monumental impacts on title scenes and storylines. Victory secures a guaranteed championship opportunity at WrestleMania, often setting the stage for rivalries and title changes. The event’s surprise entrants and memorable eliminations add layers of excitement and uncertainty, fueling fan anticipation for both the matches and story arcs evolving toward WrestleMania.
This year’s wins by Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns not only continue the tradition of elevated stakes but also foreshadow compelling championship battles at WrestleMania 42. Reigns, a key figure with a history of title reigns and rivalries, and Morgan, representing the constantly evolving women’s division, signify WWE’s ongoing blend of legacy and fresh competition.
