Top 5 Royal Rumble returns of all time
The Royal Rumble is the WWE's most popular PLE. The Rumble match is full of surprises, with the crowd not knowing who would enter the arena after the time interval. Many WWE superstars have used the matches to show that they have recovered from injuries or that they have joined the company.
Follow Us
Edge and Booker T returning at Royal Rumble (via WWE)
The Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated and exciting PLEs for pro wrestling fans. As exciting as it is for the fans, it’s also exciting for the wrestlers, as winning the Rumble match has brought glory to numerous superstars.
The event has seen iconic moments that have lived with fans forever. Every single edition of the Rumble has produced some fun action and great moments. The matches have proved to be a perfect mesh of storytelling and in-ring action.
One of the best things about the event is the ambiguity of the superstars; one never knows who will pop up after the time interval. Over the years, there have been many surprises from different wrestlers, with many yesteryear superstars popping up at the event. In anticipation of this year’s event, let’s take a look at some of the best Royal Rumble returns of all time.
RELATED: Top 5 superstars with the most eliminations across all Royal Rumbles
Mr. Perfect at the Royal Rumble 2002
Mr. Perfect is one of the finest heels of all time. The late wrestler’s first run in the company lasted from 1988 to 1996. The former Intercontinental Champion then switched to WCW and wrestled at the promotion until 2000. Thereafter, he wrestled for various independent promotions. Mr. Perfect chose to return to WWE after his stint at the independent circuit.
WWE chose Royal Rumble 2002 as the event for Mr. Perfect’s return to the company. His return was hyped prior to the event. The Former Intercontinental champion entered at No. 25, and as his music hit, he was welcomed by a huge pop. He, along with Kurt Angle, eliminated Stone Cold Steve Austin. Perfect lasted for 15 minutes and was one of the last three men in the match. He was eliminated by Triple H, who won the event by eliminating Kurt Angle. Mr. Perfect’s performance received positive reactions from the crowd, which earned him a full-time contract with WWE.
Booker T at the 2011 Royal Rumble
Booker T is one of the most decorated WWE superstars of all time. The former World Champion had a great first run in the WWE, which lasted until 2007. WWE’s demanding and hectic schedule caused him to leave the company in 2007. Thereafter, he wrestled at TNA and at several promotions in Mexico and Puerto Rico.
However, at the 2011 Royal Rumble, Booker T made his return to the WWE. He entered the Royal Rumble as entrant number 21 and displayed some of his special moves. He also gave a treat to his fans with the Sopinarooni. Booker T didn’t last for long and was eliminated by Mason Ryan. Although he didn’t eliminate anyone, he received a considerable pop for his return, and the crowd surely got what they wanted.
Rey Mysterio at the Royal Rumble 2018
Rey Mysterio’s first run in the WWE lasted until 2015. Mysterio ended his 13-year association with the company and went on to wrestle for Lucha Libre AAA. Before returning to WWE, he wrestled on various independent circuits, such as Lucha Underground and NJPW. Mysterio’s return was set for Royal Rumble 2018, and he surprised everyone by entering at No. 27.
Mysterio being one of the best Rumble performers in history, the event was ideal for his return. The 2006 Royal Rumble winner’s comeback thrilled the crowd. They appeared to have been waiting a long time to see their favorite WWE superstar. Rey Mysterio eliminated Adam Cole at the event and was eventually eliminated by Finn Balor.
Edge at Royal Rumble 2020
WWE Hall of Famer Edge had achieved everything in the WWE when he announced his retirement in 2011. Due to cervical spinal stenosis, the Rated R Superstar was forced to retire. Over the next few years, Edge would make sporadic appearances for the company but never compete in the ring. However, in late 2019, it was announced that Edge had been cleared to wrestle.
However, it was not known where he would make his return. He surprised the WWE Universe by returning as entrant No. 21 at the Royal Rumble 2020. The Ultimate Opportunist received the loudest pop that night. It was so loud that people could barely hear his entrance music. He eliminated AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Randy Orton at the event. He was eliminated by Roman Reigns, but he made sure that he won the next year’s Royal Rumble.
John Cena at the Royal Rumble 2008
In October 2007, John Cena suffered a pectoral injury during a match with Mr. Kennedy on RAW. Cena relinquished his WWE Championship and began his road to recovery. Pectoral injuries are estimated to take nine months to recover from, but Cena managed to make a comeback in just four months. John Cena chose the Royal Rumble 2008 as the venue for his comeback.
Cena returned to the Rumble at No. 30 and shocked the crowd. The crowd literally exploded at Madison Square Garden as Cena’s music hit the arena. When John Cena entered the arena, not only was the audience astounded, but so were the wrestlers, who kept their eyes glued on Cena. The Cenation leader eliminated Chavo Guerrero, Carlito, Mark Henry, and Triple H at the event. He eliminated Triple H at the end to win the first Royal Rumble match of his career.
In case you missed it:
Top 5 Royal Rumble surprise entrants of all time
Top 5 Superstars who have sustained longest time in WWE Royal Rumble matches
Stay Updated!
Rahul Amare
(825 Articles Published)