The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the “Big Four” events in the wrestling world, held annually alongside WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. Known for its thrilling Royal Rumble matches as well as engaging undercard bouts, the event has produced some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history, making it a must-watch for fans of the best WWE Royal Rumble shows.
Royal Rumble 2009: Steady and Entertaining
Royal Rumble 2009 delivered a solid card with competitive undercard title matches, such as John Cena defending against JBL and Edge facing Jeff Hardy for the WWE Title. Melina’s standout victory over Beth Phoenix also marked a rare highlight in the Divas division. The Royal Rumble match itself featured top names like Randy Orton, The Undertaker, and Triple H. Randy Orton claimed the win, adding to the event’s strength, even if it didn’t rise to legendary status.
Royal Rumble 2018: Two Unforgettable Rumbles
The 2018 event made history by hosting the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble, won by Asuka, alongside a men’s match won by Shinsuke Nakamura. Both were praised for their quality and storytelling, with the men’s match earning recognition as one of the greatest of all time. AJ Styles overcame both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a memorable WWE Title match, while The Usos defended their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable, rounding out a very strong event.
Royal Rumble 2021: Triumph Amidst Adversity
Held without fans due to the pandemic, Royal Rumble 2021 faced challenges but showcased remarkable performances. Bianca Belair won the women’s Royal Rumble, establishing herself as a rising star, while Edge impressed everyone by entering first and winning the men’s match. The show also featured a hard-hitting Last Man Standing match between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens, despite a controversial finish, and Drew McIntyre earned a significant boost by defeating Goldberg.
Royal Rumble 2008: Historic Atmosphere at Madison Square Garden
The event took place in the legendary Madison Square Garden, bringing incredible energy to the show. John Cena’s surprise victory in the Royal Rumble matched the memorable appearances of numerous stars throughout the match. The undercard was packed with solid performances, including Jeff Hardy’s strong showing against Randy Orton for the WWE Title and Edge defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Rey Mysterio, making this event a reliable success.
Royal Rumble 2020: Outstanding Men’s Match and Strong Undercard
Although the women’s Royal Rumble, won by Charlotte Flair, was less enjoyable, the men’s match elevated the night with Drew McIntyre’s rise to stardom after his victory. Key undercard matches stood out, such as Roman Reigns and Baron Corbin’s exciting Falls Count Anywhere bout, Becky Lynch’s impressive defense against Asuka, and Daniel Bryan helping Bray Wyatt reach new heights in his role as The Fiend. This balance of storytelling and athleticism made 2020 a standout year.
Royal Rumble 2000: Legendary Undercard at Madison Square Garden
While the main Royal Rumble match, won by The Rock, was predictable, the event earned praise for its high-quality undercard. Tazz’s debut victory over Kurt Angle energized the audience, followed by the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz in a thrilling Tag Team Tables match. The brutal Street Fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack added historical significance, marking this edition as one of the best due to its overall match quality.
Royal Rumble 2007: Iconic Moments and a Competitive Show
The 2007 Royal Rumble match is highly regarded, highlighted by an intense finish featuring Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. The event also featured a brutal WWE Championship Last Man Standing match between John Cena and Umaga. The Hardys triumphed over MNM in an acclaimed tag team match, while Bobby Lashley’s bout with Test was less notable. Overall, the event offered consistent excitement and memorable performances.
Royal Rumble 2001: The Pinnacle of the Attitude Era
Widely considered the greatest Royal Rumble of all time, the 2001 event was filled with star power and unforgettable moments. Steve Austin secured his record third Royal Rumble win in a match brimming with energy. The undercard was equally impressive, featuring a standout ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship, Kurt Angle battling Triple H for the WWE Title, and The Dudley Boyz defeating Edge & Christian. The atmosphere and match quality created a historic event that still resonates today.
The WWE Royal Rumble continues to be a defining event in professional wrestling, blending intense competition, memorable storylines, and historic moments. Each of these eight shows demonstrates how the event has evolved while maintaining its status as a must-watch spectacle, ensuring fans remain excited for future editions that continue to shape wrestling history.
