5 WWE Legends Who Never Won Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble bout is one of WWE’s most anticipated and legendary events. Winning the Royal Rumble not only awards the winner a moment of glory but also a golden ticket to the main event of WrestleMania, where they will contend for the WWE World Championship. Legendary wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and John Cena have won this prestigious competition throughout the years. However, there are a few WWE icons who, despite their enormous contributions to the wrestling industry, were never able to win the Royal Rumble.
This article will look back at five WWE icons who, for various reasons, never won the Royal Rumble.
- Kane
Kane, commonly known as the Big Red Machine, is a WWE legend. Kane has made a lasting impression on the industry throughout his career, terrifying opponents and generating unforgettable moments. Despite his superiority, Kane has never won a Royal Rumble bout.
Kane’s most famous Royal Rumble performance was in 2001, when he eliminated a record 11 Superstars, breaking a record that stood for years. He came agonisingly close to victory that year but was defeated by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Kane’s Royal Rumble triumphs eluded him despite being a dominant force and one of the most intimidating personalities in WWE history. His unrivalled ability to remove Superstars, along with his tenure in the wrestling industry, make his absence of a Rumble triumph a curious omission in his stellar career.
- Mick Foley
Mick Foley, also known as Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love, is famous for his hardcore wrestling style and willingness to sacrifice his body for the amusement of the crowd. Foley’s WWE championships made him a true legend. However, winning the Royal Rumble remained just out of reach for him.
Foley made Royal Rumble history in 1998 by competing three times as Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love. This one-of-a-kind achievement demonstrated his adaptability as well as fans’ affection for his many identities. Despite his popularity and tenacity, Foley never won the Royal Rumble.
During the Attitude Era, luminaries like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock frequently took centre stage, but Mick Foley’s Rumble triumph felt like a wonderful underdog narrative, beating the odds and establishing his moment in the sun.
- Diesel
Kevin Nash, better known as Diesel to WWE fans, had a big effect in the mid-1990s. He was a commanding figure with a commanding presence, which resulted in unforgettable moments during the Royal Rumble. Despite his strength and might, he failed to win the Royal Rumble.
Diesel dominated the Royal Rumble bout in 1994, defeating seven Superstars and demonstrating his authority. Despite his strong performance, he was not the last man remaining, with Bret Hart and Lex Luger as the top contenders. In 1995, he finished second against Shawn Michaels thanks to a superkick.
Nash’s Royal Rumble outings showed his star power and in-ring abilities. He would have won the Rumble if he had been in WWE longer. However, his last appearance in the Royal Rumble in 2011 was more of a cameo, as his WCW World War 3 triumph was not a legitimate Royal Rumble victory.
- Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho, often known as Y2J by fans, is one of WWE’s most dynamic and entertaining superstars. Throughout his career, he has held multiple championships and captivated the WWE Universe with his in-ring abilities and microphone talent. Despite this, Jericho never had the distinction of winning the Royal Rumble.
One of the most blatantly wasted opportunities occurred in 2012, when Chris Jericho returned to WWE after a lengthy layoff and was considered a heavy favourite to win the Royal Rumble. Instead, Sheamus won, resulting in a fast 18-second bout with Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXVIII.
Despite his enormous popularity and amazing momentum, Jericho never won the Royal Rumble throughout his WWE career. His departure from WWE and membership in AEW have further reduced his chances of winning a Rumble match in the future.
- Big Show
Big Show is one of the most powerful superstars to ever compete in the WWE ring. With his enormous stature and power, he has been a dominant force for decades. Despite his towering height, he never won a Royal Rumble match.
Big Show came agonisingly close to victory in 2000 but was beaten by The Rock. In 2004, Chris Benoit outlasted him, earning Big Show a runner-up for the second time.
While the huge Superstars were generally considered favourites in the Royal Rumble owing to their size advantage, Big Show’s victories remained elusive. Despite two runner-up finishes and a championship-laden career, he remains one of the most prominent Superstars to never win the Royal Rumble.
The Royal Rumble is an event that defines the history of WWE Superstars. It’s a test of endurance, strategy, and resolve that leads to a championship opportunity on the greatest platform of all, WrestleMania. The Rumble triumph eluded Kane, Mick Foley, Diesel, Chris Jericho, and Big Show.
These WWE veterans have made an unforgettable impact on the wrestling world with memorable events, spectacular storylines, and title triumphs. While they may not have won the Royal Rumble, their effect on the business is unmistakable, and their careers will be remembered by wrestling fans throughout the world.
