The Royal Rumble is always an exciting event for WWE fans, featuring memorable moments that have become iconic in wrestling history. Fans eagerly anticipate the winner who will headline WrestleMania, with attention often on which Superstar racks up the most eliminations.
One record that stands out is Santino Marella’s incredibly brief appearance in the 2009 Royal Rumble, where he was eliminated by Kane in just 1.9 seconds—an amusing moment frequently highlighted in WWE promotions. This record still stands after 17 years, though WWE continues to track near-record eliminations to engage the audience. The open entry format means a variety of names, from commentators like Michael Cole to veterans like The Godfather, take part in the Rumble.
Since Triple H assumed creative control, the event has featured fewer comedic spots, but surprises and embarrassing moments are always possible. This year, betting odds suggest The Miz might have the shortest time in the ring, favored at 4/1, followed closely by his former tag partner R-Truth at 5/1. Grayson Waller’s participation remains uncertain as he is missing from this week’s NXT show, with Santos Escobar taking his place. Waller and Truth share second place odds alongside three other contenders.
Omos, who rarely competes in WWE but is active in AAA, along with Chad Gable and El Grande Americano—who may return soon—are tied at 10/1 odds. Notably surprising picks include Brock Lesnar, who declared for the Rumble and holds 12/1 odds, matching Austin Theory of The Vision. Trick Williams and Kofi Kingston, known for their creativity during the Rumble, are both at 14/1 odds.
Marella, known for his humorous persona, perfectly embodied the shortest Royal Rumble appearance when Kane eliminated him in 2009. Speaking with a cheerful Italian accent, he famously said, “I wasn’t ready.” Given WWE’s collaboration with TNA, Marella currently serves as an on-screen authority figure and might make a surprise return. Reflecting on his quick exit in 2017, he cheekily hinted at knowing how to break his own record but chose to keep the secret (via Sports Illustrated):
“I hope that record lasts a long time. In fact, I know how to break it, but I’m not going to tell anyone. I found a way to shave half a second off, but I don’t want anyone else to break it.”
Marella almost claimed victory in the 2011 Rumble, spending most of the match outside the ring before returning to try and eliminate Alberto Del Rio, who countered and ultimately won the match.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans because it highlights both the competitive spirit and the entertaining unpredictability of the Royal Rumble. Knowing which Superstars are favored to be eliminated quickly adds an extra layer of excitement and speculation, keeping fans invested in every moment of this high-stakes event.
