The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the most highly anticipated events of the wrestling calendar. With its unique Battle Royal format, 30 participants compete to eliminate each other by throwing opponents over the top rope. The excitement builds as each wrestler enters the ring every 90 seconds, with the ultimate goal of securing a title shot at WrestleMania.
Over the years, entering the Royal Rumble as the first competitor has been both a curse and a badge of honor. While the odds of winning from this position are lower than those entering later, some legendary stars have defied these odds. Below is a detailed look at every WWE superstar who has ever entered the Royal Rumble at the coveted number 1 spot.
Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Number 1 Entrants in the
Since the inception of the Royal Rumble in 1988, several WWE legends have kicked off the match in the number 1 spot. While entering first typically poses a greater challenge, some have gone on to deliver iconic performances.
- Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart (1988, 1991): The first-ever number 1 entrant, Bret Hart set the tone for what was to come in future Rumbles.
- Shawn Michaels (1995, 2003): He is known for his high-flying maneuvers, Michaels won the 1995 Rumble after entering first, proving that resilience pays off.
- Chris Benoit (2004): Remarkable number 1 entrant Chris Benoit outlasted 29 others to claim victory, showcasing pure stamina.
- Roman Reigns (2016): Reigns battled from the first position, embodying the toughness required to start and survive the match.
- Gunther (2023): Most recently, Gunther showed grit as the number 1 entrant, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
Women’s WWE Royal Rumble Number 1 Entrants
The women’s Royal Rumble debuted in 2018, giving female superstars the same platform to shine. Here’s a look at the number 1 entrants in the women’s Rumble matches:
- Sasha Banks (2018, 2022): “The Boss” was the first woman to ever enter the Women’s Rumble, establishing her as a trailblazer.
- Rhea Ripley (2023): Ripley dominated from the start and also set an example for future participants with her powerful performance.
- Natalya (2024): She is known for her technical prowess, Natalya entered at number 1 in 2024, adding another milestone to her storied career.
The Legacy of Number 1 Entrants
Entering first in the WWE Royal Rumble may be one of the most difficult challenges in wrestling. Superstars who do so must rely on endurance, skill, and mental fortitude to survive the onslaught of 29 other competitors. While many have fallen short, a select few have defied the odds to win the match from the number 1 position.
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The Royal Rumble remains a prestigious event, and the list of number 1 entrants continues to grow. With each passing year, WWE fans eagerly await the announcement of who will start the match and attempt to etch their name into wrestling history.
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