Ten Surprising Facts About The Royal Rumble

Playing the Percentages

The more important percentage in the long-run is the percentage of Royal Rumble winners who are successful at WrestleMania. Since the Rumble winner started being awarded a WrestleMania title shot in 1993, only 16 of the 27 winners who earned a title shot won their match at WrestleMania. This results in a Royal Rumble-WrestleMania winning percentage of just 59%

That isn’t even a passing grade in some countries. Of course if that number seems a little wonky it is important to remember that the Rumble winner did not receive a WrestleMania title shot in 1997, 1999 or 2016.

Both of last year’s winners won their matches at WrestleMania 35, boosting this stat ever so slightly.

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All the Glory, None of the Work

As if it would be anyone else. Mr. McMahon holds the dubious distinction of being the Royal Rumble winner with the fewest number of eliminations. The 1999 Royal Rumble was a bizarre one as WWE was knee deep in Attitude Era wackiness.

The match began with Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon as entrants one and two. Then through all matters of tomfoolery, Austin and McMahon lasted until they were the final two. In the time between, McMahon did not eliminate a single participant.

His only elimination came when he dumped Austin out of the ring to win the match. So unless there is an incident with copious interference, it would be difficult to imagine someone topping this record by winning the match with ZERO eliminations. I think this record is yours Vinnie Mac.

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No Loitering Permitted

The 1996 Royal Rumble marked the first Rumble appearance for Hunter Hearst Helmsley, who later became known as Triple H. In the years that would pass, Triple H was able to win two Rumbles in 2002 and 2016. His first appearance, however, saw him pick up an interesting record.

With 48:01 between his entrance and his elimination, Triple H holds the record for the longest time spent in a Royal Rumble match without an elimination. That’s right. In over 48 minutes, the young Triple H failed to eliminate even one person.

You ever just have a lazy day at work? I think we can all relate to Helmsley’s performance here.

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Thank You, Next

Almost the complete polar opposite from the last entry, MVP holds the record for the least time spent in a Royal Rumble by someone who got an elimination. Another example of a record you probably do not want to hold, MVP achieved the honour in 2010.

Following their United States Championship match earlier in the night, The Miz attacked MVP during his entrance. Later in the match, The Miz began to make his entrance when he was then attacked by MVP. Montel Vontavious Porter slid in the ring and clotheslined The Miz over the top rope, eliminating him and himself.

After a grueling night of action, MVP’s time in the Royal Rumble clocked in at a cool seven seconds. Be proud of your records MVP.

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