WWE Royal Rumble: Every First Elimination in History

The WWE Royal Rumble has been an important event in the world of wrestling since its debut in 1988. As one of the biggest matches of the year, it features 30 participants who attempt to eliminate each other by tossing opponents over the top rope. With new wrestlers entering every 90 seconds, the Royal Rumble often delivers unexpected moments. However, for some, the excitement is cut short, as they face the disappointment of being the first eliminated.

The first elimination in any Royal Rumble match is often memorable, whether it’s due to the surprise factor or the wrestler’s unlucky fate. From WWE legends to rising stars, the list of first eliminations features names from across the wrestling spectrum, each sharing one thing in common: an early exit from the Royal Rumble.

First Eliminations in Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Matches (1988-2024)

Let’s dive into the history of the men’s WWE Royal Rumble first eliminations, beginning with Butch Reed, who had the misfortune of being the first competitor eliminated in the inaugural 1988 match:

1988: Butch Reed
1989: Smash
1990: Koko B. Ware
1991: Dino Bravo
1992: Ted DiBiase
1993: Papa Shango
1994: Samu
1995: Jimmy Del Ray
1996: Bob Backlund
1997: Razor Ramon
1998: Tom Brandi
1999: Golga
2000: Mosh
2001: Bull Buchanan
2002: Big Boss Man
2003: Shawn Michaels
2004: Bradshaw
2005: Daniel Puder
2006: Simon Dean
2007: Ric Flair
2008: Santino Marella
2009: The Great Khali
2010: Evan Bourne
2011: Justin Gabriel
2012: Alex Riley
2013: Santino Marella
2014: Damien Sandow
2015: The Miz
2016: Rusev
2017: Jack Gallagher
2018: Rhyno
2018 (Greatest Royal Rumble): Sin Cara II
2019: Jeff Jarrett
2020: Elias
2021: Jeff Hardy
2022: Robert Roode
2023: The Miz
2024: Grayson Waller

First Eliminations in Women’s WWE Royal Rumble Matches (2018-2024)

The Women’s Royal Rumble, introduced in 2018, has also seen its share of early eliminations. Here’s a look at those who were the first to be eliminated in the Women’s Royal Rumble history:

2018: Mandy Rose
2019: Liv Morgan
2020: Lana
2021: Shotzi
2022: Melina
2023: B-Fab
2024: Indi Hartwell

Predictions for 2025

With 2025 on the horizon, fans are already buzzing about the potential first eliminations in both the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches. Will a newcomer be the first to go, or will a veteran find themselves out early? Only time will tell.