WWE’s Royal Rumble, a cornerstone among the big four annual events, holds a special place in the hearts of fans globally. Whether enthusiasts are in the live arena, eagerly counting down from 10, or at home cheering from their couch, this event has been a beloved tradition for nearly 40 years.
The 2024 edition, the 37th installment in the Royal Rumble saga, is scheduled to unfold at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg/Tampa, featuring 30 men and 30 women vying for a coveted opportunity to headline WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia.
The brainchild of the visionary Pat Patterson in 1988, the Royal Rumble has witnessed the participation of hundreds of competitors, leaving an indelible legacy that transcends 2023. From triumphant comebacks to star-studded celebrity appearances, the Royal Rumble has etched some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history.
Yet, not every moment is celebrated for its glory; the Rumble has had its share of mishaps and missed opportunities. From the tumultuous events of 2022 to rapid-fire eliminations and unfortunate injuries, let’s delve into the stories of some of the Royal Rumble’s most significant disappointments.
Santina Marella’s Return: A Polarizing Moment in WWE Women’s Wrestling
One of the most polarizing incidents in the annals of WWE women’s wrestling took place not at the Royal Rumble but in the Women’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25. This notable moment diverges from the norm, as it wasn’t one of the women, still identified as “Divas” during that period, who emerged victorious, but Santino Marella disguised as his “twin sister” Santina. As WWE traversed through “The Women’s Revolution,” this particular match and character choice left a lingering discord among fans.
The return of Santina Marella in the 2020 Royal Rumble, the third women’s Rumble match in history, stirred audible groans among fans. Critics argued that Marella’s character took up a spot that could have been better allocated to a more deserving female wrestler, particularly as she entered at the number 29 position. Once inside the ring, Marella found herself cornered by Natalya and attempted to utilize the Cobra sock. However, in a surprising twist, she leaped over the top rope, resulting in her elimination. This, in turn, allowed the authentic women wrestlers of WWE to reclaim the spotlight in the match.
Titus O’Neil’s Epic Blunder: The Viral Legacy of the ‘Titus World Slide’
Titus O’Neil, renowned WWE Ambassador and humanitarian, found himself at the center of a viral sensation during the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Coming in at number 39 out of 50 participants, O’Neil’s infectious enthusiasm took an unexpected turn as he tripped and slid under the ring, creating what is now famously known as the “Titus World Slide.” This amusing incident, a nod to O’Neil’s past involvement with the Titus Worldwide faction, has become a lasting memory, giving rise to countless memes and GIFs circulating on the internet.
In a reflective interview with Fightful in 2023, O’Neil shared his perspective on the incident, stating, “Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, much like my time in the ring. I’ve stumbled, but I’ve always found my way back up. As an entertainer, I took a unique trip under the ring, got handsomely compensated, and lived to share the laughter with my fans.
Unmasking John Cena’s Royal Rumble Quandaries
In the high-stakes world of WWE’s Royal Rumble, the indomitable John Cena has faced his fair share of unforeseen challenges. Rewinding to 2004, Cena experienced an unexpected setback when Big Show tossed him over the top rope, leading to an awkward landing on his leg. Remarkably, Cena demonstrated his resilience by swiftly returning to the wrestling ring, despite secretly nursing a torn MCL from the incident.
However, the zenith of Cena’s Royal Rumble escapades unfolded in the climactic conclusion of the 2005 edition. In a truly unforgettable moment, both Cena and Batista went over the top rope simultaneously, their feet making contact with the floor in perfect unison. The ensuing chaos saw Batista attempting a Batista Bomb, only to be countered by Cena’s headscissors, propelling both competitors over the top rope. Initially set for victory, Batista’s triumph was derailed when the authoritative Vince McMahon stormed into the ring, demanding a restart for the final segment of the match between Batista and Cena.
Vince McMahon’s WrestleMania Blunder: A Quirky Quad Saga
The 2005 Royal Rumble will forever be etched in WWE history, not just for the athletic feats in the ring but also for an unexpected twist involving Vince McMahon. Though not an official participant, McMahon became a central figure when he tore both of his quads while trying to restart the match featuring the last two competitors, Cena and Batista. Pandemonium ensued after both wrestlers were eliminated simultaneously, leading to a heated debate among “Raw” and “SmackDown” referees about the rightful winner. McMahon’s attempt to enter the ring went awry as his knees got entangled on the apron, resulting in the painful injury. Despite the physical setback, fans witnessed McMahon seated in the ring, orchestrating the unfolding events.
In a subsequent interview with Pat McAfee, McMahon displayed his resilience and wit, stating, “Not too many people can sever the quad tendons at the same time. That takes talent … You have no use of your legs at all.
Navigating Royal Rumble Missteps: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s Resilience
Delving into the intriguing world of Royal Rumble mishaps, the resilient “Stone Cold” Steve Austin emerges as an unexpected protagonist in his own narrative. Rewind to 1996 when Austin, then identified as “The Ringmaster,” encountered a career-altering moment. A slippery twist of fate occurred when Rikishi’s clothesline, amidst the wrestlers’ baby oil-coated ropes, led Austin to an early exit from the Rumble match. However, this unforeseen stumble became the catalyst for Austin’s transformation into the iconic “Stone Cold.”
Austin’s Royal Rumble journey continued to be marked by twists. In 1999, the relentless rivalry with Mr. McMahon took center stage as Austin was strategically eliminated, allowing McMahon to clinch a surprising victory. Yet, fate favored Austin, with him stepping into the spotlight at WrestleMania to claim the WWE Title. Austin’s resilience in the face of Rumble setbacks remains a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
Randy Savage’s Royal Rumble Foibles: Navigating the Pitfalls
In the tapestry of WWE’s Royal Rumble history, Randy Savage’s missteps stand out prominently. The 1991 Rumble saw Savage, slated as the 18th entrant, completely missing the match due to his involvement in Sgt. Slaughter’s victory over the Ultimate Warrior earlier in the evening. A chaotic pursuit ensued, leaving Savage absent from the Rumble action. The following year brought its own set of challenges, as Savage eliminated Jake “The Snake” Roberts only to inadvertently self-eliminate by hopping over the top rope. Commentator Gorilla Monsoon stepped in, emphasizing the need for external assistance for a legitimate elimination.
The climax of Savage’s Royal Rumble woes materialized in 1993 when he momentarily lost sight of the Rumble’s format. Instead of attempting the traditional over-the-top-rope elimination, Savage opted for a pinfall attempt to secure victory. Predictably, this unorthodox approach failed to clinch a Royal Rumble triumph for Savage throughout his storied career.
Behind the Curtain: Bastion Booger’s Mysterious Disappearance at the 1994 Royal Rumble
In the annals of wrestling history, the 1994 Royal Rumble stands out as an event rife with unpredictability. Among the enigmatic occurrences of that night was the sudden disappearance of Bastion Booger, originally slated to make a splash as the 28th entrant.
Building anticipation, Booger had his own pre-match vignette, revealing his carefully chosen entry number. However, a breach of Royal Rumble protocol led to a last-minute adjustment, forcing Booger to select a different number.
As the Royal Rumble unfolded, fans eagerly awaited Booger’s entrance, only to be met with bewilderment as he failed to make an appearance. The storyline quickly offered an explanation, citing Booger’s sudden illness as the reason for his absence. This unexpected twist added a layer of mystery to the already drama-filled night, leaving fans to ponder the untold story behind Bastion Booger’s disappearance.
CHELSEA GREEN’s Brief but Impactful Royal Rumble Moment
Chelsea Green’s resurgence in WWE’s women’s tag team division, marked by her intriguing “Karen” gimmick, has been noteworthy. However, her entry into the 2023 Royal Rumble had an unexpected twist. Appearing as the surprise number 20 entrant, Green’s journey was cut short by Rhea Ripley, resulting in a record-setting five-second stint – the shortest time in a women’s Royal Rumble match.
In the face of this unconventional record, Green chose to see the positive side. “Look, that five seconds of fame is gonna last forever because I did set a record. It might not have been a record that I wanted, but I set a record, and I’m about to be in the record books, and they are about to have to replay clips of me for years to come,” Green expressed in an interview with POST Wrestling.”
Santino Marella’s Lightning-Fast Royal Rumble Exit: A Tale of 1.09 Seconds
In the fast-paced world of the Royal Rumble, records are made and broken in the blink of an eye. Santino Marella’s 2009 appearance stands out as one of those unforgettable moments. Entering from the 28th spot, Marella’s time in the ring was astonishingly brief, lasting only 1.09 seconds before Kane’s rapid elimination.
Marella’s frustrated declaration, “I wasn’t ready!” to the ringside referee remains etched in the memories of wrestling fans, adding a humorous twist to his lightning-fast exit.
In a contrasting twist, Marella’s “twin sister” Santina made her mark in the 2020 women’s match, lasting a comparatively longer 61 seconds. The Royal Rumble continues to be a showcase of both triumphs and, in Marella’s case, comically brief endeavors.
Shane McMahon’s Royal Rumble Debacle: A Behind-the-Scenes Unraveling
Shane McMahon, often referred to as “O’Mac,” has been a familiar face in Royal Rumble matches, but the 2022 edition unfolded as one of the most controversial in the event’s history, primarily due to McMahon’s alleged backstage politics. The fallout from this incident was so significant that McMahon found himself terminated by his own father after the contentious match.
While McMahon’s in-ring prowess was evident in the Royal Rumble, his additional roles as lead producer and writer drew criticism. The prevailing sentiment was that McMahon had taken undue control of the match’s booking, with allegations that he aimed to make it a showcase solely for himself.
Scheduled to enter at number 28, McMahon’s appearance was intended to follow Randy Orton’s. However, a mix-up occurred when McMahon’s iconic “Here Comes The Money” theme unexpectedly played. Orton, who was supposed to enter, refused to make his appearance to McMahon’s music, leading McMahon to enter the match prematurely. Interestingly, the botched entrance provided backstage amusement, with Orton reportedly finding the situation so comical that he was nearly in tears.
McMahon’s time in the Royal Rumble was short-lived, lasting only about five minutes before he was eliminated by Brock Lesnar. The twist in the tale is that McMahon had initial plans for WrestleMania 38, plans that were abruptly dashed following his unexpected termination.
The Great Khali’s Royal Rumble Misadventures: Navigating the Big Stage
For a wrestler as imposing as The Great Khali, one might expect a dominant record in Royal Rumble matches. However, history tells a different story. In 2007, amidst the chaos of eliminations, Khali momentarily lost his bearings, engaging with the crowd without realizing the hard camera’s location. It was a surreal moment as Shawn Michaels, lying in the center of the ring, had to break character and guide Khali back on track.
Fast forward to 2010, and the Royal Rumble witnessed an unprecedented move. Beth Phoenix, only the second woman after Chyna in 1999 to enter a men’s Royal Rumble match, utilized a clever distraction. A well-timed kiss from Phoenix diverted Khali’s attention, leading to his eventual elimination as “The Punjabi Playboy” exited the grand stage.”
Rey Mysterio
In the 2014 Royal Rumble, Rey Mysterio found himself in a peculiar situation, not due to any missteps or mistakes in the ring, but because of the circumstances surrounding his entry at number 30. The fans, deeply invested in the Yes! movement and hoping for Daniel Bryan, were left disappointed by Mysterio’s unexpected appearance.
As Mysterio entered the ring, a chorus of boos greeted him, a stark contrast to the continuous chants for Bryan that had filled the arena throughout the match, featuring clashes between CM Punk, Batista, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns. Unfortunately, Mysterio’s time in the match was short-lived, lasting just over two minutes. Compounding the frustration, Bryan had already faced Bray Wyatt earlier in the show and was notably absent from the Rumble match. Ultimately, Batista secured his second Rumble victory after a four-year hiatus from the company, leaving fans longing for the presence of Daniel Bryan.
KOFI KINGSTON: A Rumble Veteran Faces a Rare Setback
Known for his spectacular stunts in Royal Rumble matches, Kofi Kingston has carved out a niche with gravity-defying moves that keep fans on the edge of their seats. From handstands to creative use of commentator’s chairs, Kingston’s antics have been a staple of Rumble excitement for over a decade. However, the 2022 Rumble marked an unexpected turn of events for Kingston. In a lackluster match, a mistimed shove from Kevin Owens sent him tumbling off the top rope, and for the first time in years, both of Kingston’s feet touched the floor. Despite the disappointment, Kingston maintained a philosophical perspective, acknowledging the inevitability of occasional slip-ups. As he shared with the New York Post, ‘You’re bound to mess one up; that’s just the way things go.'”
When Plans Go Awry: Alex Riley’s 2011 Royal Rumble Misstep
The 2011 Royal Rumble took an unexpected turn as Alex Riley became an unwitting participant in a turn of events that threatened to disrupt The Miz and John Cena’s escalating feud. Tasked with the role of The Miz’s protégé, Riley found himself at the center of a poorly executed elimination that threw a wrench into the carefully crafted storyline.
As the match unfolded, Riley, cornered by Kingston and Cena, experienced an untimely fall from the apron to the floor, deviating from the planned sequence of events. Originally, Riley was meant to eliminate Cena, intensifying the animosity between the two rivals.
The unplanned twist left Cena visibly bewildered, seeking guidance from the referee on the next steps. In a bid to salvage the narrative, The Miz, reigning as WWE Champion and not actively participating in the Rumble, intervened. Exploiting the distraction caused by Riley’s unexpected return to ringside, The Miz took the opportunity to eliminate Cena and keep the feud on its intended course.
Glitches and Gaffes: WWE’s Royal Rumble Production Fails
Beyond the electrifying action inside the ring, WWE’s Royal Rumble has had its fair share of production blunders that left fans scratching their heads. Let’s revisit some of the most notable moments when the cameras failed to capture the magic as intended.
The 2016 Royal Rumble marked the surprise debut of AJ Styles, but the production team missed a beat. Instead of showcasing “The Phenomenal One” making his entrance, the cameras were fixated on Roman Reigns’ confused expression in the ring. Fortunately, extra footage on Peacock and the WWE Network has corrected this lapse, preserving the excitement of Styles’ WWE debut.
Fast forward to the 2020 Royal Rumble, and another production glitch stole the spotlight. Edge’s sensational return and his first spear since his forced retirement were tragically missed by the cameras. Despite this setback, the WWE has taken steps to ensure fans don’t miss out on such crucial moments, delivering an enhanced viewing experience across different platforms.
The final chapter of production mishaps unfolded during the 2023 women’s Royal Rumble match. Nia Jax’s return at the prestigious number 30 spot was marred by a premature play of her entrance music before the countdown even began. In post-match interviews, Jax playfully suggested that someone was a little too eager for her return, causing a chuckle among fans as they reminisced about this unexpected production hiccup.
CM Punk’s Royal Rumble Comeback: A Decade in the Making
Prepare for a wrestling spectacle as CM Punk’s journey within WWE comes full circle at the Royal Rumble 2024. Since his stunning return at Survivor Series: War Games, Punk is gearing up for a significant milestone – his return to the Royal Rumble, exactly ten years after his last appearance in 2014.
A decade ago, Punk entered the Rumble match as the first participant, showcasing his tenacity by lasting nearly 50 minutes – the longest in the match. However, his quest for victory was cut short by Kane’s ruthless elimination, culminating in a chokeslam through the announcer’s desk.
On January 27, 2014, Punk bid adieu to WWE amid a multitude of issues, including reported concerns about his health. Now, in 2024, “The Second City Saint” is back in the ring, officially announcing his participation in the Royal Rumble.
In a serendipitous twist of fate, the 2024 Royal Rumble is scheduled for January 27 – precisely the tenth anniversary of Punk’s departure. As fans eagerly await this momentous event, the question lingers: Can Punk secure a victory, completing his decade-long journey with a triumphant return to the Royal Rumble stage?
