The Royal Rumble is one of the best events of the year and we sometimes see some things that completely take us by surprise. As a result, we have put together a list of Royal Rumble surprises that were shocking. These are some of the best moments in the history of the Royal Rumble match.
The Best Royal Rumble Surprises Of All Time
5) Diesel & Booker T
— Royal Rumble 2011
The 2011 Royal Rumble was the first time 40 competitors were used instead of the traditional 30. The match also featured 2 Royal Rumble surprise entrants.
Booker T was a surprise at the number 21 spot. This was his first time in a WWE ring for over 3 years after spending time in TNA. He cleared the ring, delivering some of his patented moves, including a spin-a-roonie. He was eliminated quickly by Nexus member Mason Ryan, but it was a nice return.
The second surprise return of the match was Kevin Nash (as Diesel), who came out in the 32nd spot. Nash had previously been with TNA and there were rumors that he had re-signed with TNA before this match. It turns out that Nash had re-signed but quickly asked for his release after being contacted by WWE. This also marked the first time he was billed as Diesel on WWE TV since 1996.
All the announce crew could say was: “Holy S***”. Nash was eventually eliminated by Wade Barrett but it was a great moment none-the-less.
4) Chris Jericho
— Royal Rumble 2013
In August of 2012, Dolph Ziggler defeated Chris Jericho on RAW. As a stipulation for the match, Jericho’s WWE contract was terminated. This was a way to write him off WWE TV so he could tour with his band: Fozzy.
During his time away from WWE, Jericho constantly denied that he would be returning to the company in interviews and on social media. He was adamant that he wouldn’t be back in the ring anytime soon but it turns out that he was just trolling us.
Jericho returned to a big pop at the 2013 Royal Rumble. He entered in the number 2 spot, going up against Dolph Ziggler, who entered at number 1.
Jericho would put on a great performance, lasting over 47 minutes in the match until he was eventually eliminated by Dolph Ziggler. It was a great surprise and due to the misdirection from Jericho, not many fans saw his return coming.
This is a moment that is constantly brought up when discussing some of the greatest surprise entrants in the history of the Rumble. Jericho also proved that he is a master when it comes to trolling fans.
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