The following are The Top 10 Male Royal Rumble Match Performers in The Last 10 Years
10. Triple H
Triple H won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the 2016 Royal Rumble Match. He entered #30, lasted 9:03, and eliminated Dolph Ziggler. He then teamed with Sheamus to eliminate Bray Wyatt. HHH concluded by eliminating defending champion Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose to win the championship.
A previous heart issue will all but finalize Triple H's in ring career, but his influence will certainly be felt this year.
9. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura won the 2018 Royal Rumble to earn a shot at AJ Styles' WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34. He entered #14, lasted 44:38, and eliminated Sami Zayn, John Cena, and Roman Reigns to win it.
It is unknown if Shinsuke Nakamura will be appearing at this year's Royal Rumble. Maybe we'll see a rematch between him and Keiji Muto during the Rumble.
8. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar dominated the first half of the 2020 Royal Rumble. He entered as the reigning WWE Champion #1, lasted 26:24, and eliminated 13 superstars before being eliminated by eventual winner Drew McIntyre.
In 2022, Lesnar won the event to earn a shot at Roman Reigns Universal Championship at WrestleMania 38. He entered #30, lasted 2:32, and eliminated 5 men including former foe Drew McIntyre to win.
Brock has entered the 2023 Royal Rumble. He's certainly a favorite, but I think his rivalry with Bobby Lashley will cost Lesnar the repeat.
7. Sheamus
The Celtic Warrior would be higher on this list if we included his 2012 win. However he followed up the victory with two strong performances. In 2013, Sheamus entered #11, lasted 37:23 and eliminated 5. In 2014, he entered # 17 and lasted 28:22.
Sheamus has entered the Rumble this year. He could be a dark house candidate to win given his career resurgence in 2022.
6. John Cena
John Cena won the 2013 Royal Rumble to earn a WWE Championship Match at WrestleMania XXIX. He entered # 19, lasted 26:39, and eliminated 4 superstars including Ryback to win the event. Cena also had a strong performance in 2018. He entered #20 made the Final Three, lasted 29:14, and eliminated three.
It is unknown whether or not John Cena will enter this year's event, but his appearance on The December 30th Smackdown makes a Rumble appearance a possibility
5. Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins won the 2019 event to earn an opportunity to challenge Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 35. He entered #10, lasted 43 minutes, and eliminated 3 superstars including Bruan Strowman to win. In 2021 Rollins entered #29, lasted 8:48, and eliminated 4 superstars. He would fall in the Final Three to eventual winner Edge.
Rollins has entered this year's event, and he definitely should be considered a favorite.
4. Edge
Edge made an inspiring return after a 9 year retirement in the 2020 event. Even though he didn't win, Edge entered #21, lasted 23:43, He lasted all the way to the Final Three before being eliminated by eventual Runner Up Roman Reigns. Edge would capture the victory the next year. He entered #1, lasted an outstanding 58:30, and eliminated Seth Rollins and Randy Orton to win.
Edge is currently injured after an I Quit Match against Finn Balor at Extreme Rules 2022. However Edge has returned at the Rumble before.
3. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre won the 2020 Royal Rumble to earn a match against WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36. McIntyre entered #16, lasted 34:11, eliminated Lesnar and eventually Roman Reigns to win.
Drew McIntyre has entered the Rumble, and I wouldn't be surprised if he won it again this year.
2. Randy Orton
As a temporary member of the Wyatt Family, Orton won the 2017 Rumble. He entered #23, lasted 20:52, and eliminated Roman Reigns to win.
Orton's career is in danger after a serious back injury. But does he have enough for one more run against career rival Roman Reigns?
1. Roman Reigns
Roman's resume is extensive. He was the runner up in 2014 eliminating a tjen record 12 superstars. He won in 2015 with seemingly the world against him. He almost successfully defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 2016. He lasted to the Final Three after entering #1. And that was only his first three Rumbles
It's safe to say, 30 superstars are relived that The Tribal Chief will be preoccupied defending the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship against Kevin Owens. It's unlikely Roman will enter the Rumble this year, but anything can happen.
Well that's my list. Let me know what you think by commenting or emailing me directly at geminijoe2023@gmail.com.
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