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Over the last decade, numerous wrestlers have showcased their skills by winning the Royal Rumble, often leading to headlining matches at WrestleMania. However, some of these victories were not as well-received due to disappointing storylines. This article highlights the Royal Rumble winners from the past ten years who not only impressed audiences but were also seen as deserving challengers for the world title at WrestleMania.
From the debut of the Women’s Royal Rumble to January’s event, multiple winners have left a lasting impression on WrestleMania, whether they excelled in the final match or were celebrated for their earlier performances in the over-the-top-rope competition. With this year’s results now in, let’s explore the top 10 Royal Rumble winners from the last decade, ranked.
#10: Bayley (2024)
Bayley, crowned the first WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion, won the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble, a triumph that led to a highly praised match against IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40. Her victory also served as a turning point in the narrative, initiatng the breakup of the Damage Control faction, reinforcing her status as a viable champion.
#9: Seth Rollins (2019)
Seth Rollins dominated WWE throughout 2018, making the Intercontinental Championship a highlight of WWE RAW. By winning the 2019 Men’s Royal Rumble, he returned to the title scene, setting up an epic clash with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 35, much to the delight of fans eager for his championship redemption.
#8: Liv Morgan (2026)
Liv Morgan’s win in this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble was a testament to her growth, transitioning from mid-card to main event status. Despite a mixed reception of the match, her victory now sets her up for a significant championship opportunity at WrestleMania, establishing her comeback story after two near-misses over recent years.
#7: Rhea Ripley (2023)
Rhea Ripley’s historic win marked the first time any woman won the Royal Rumble from the number one entry, a status she defended fiercely with multiple eliminations. Her performance laid the groundwork for a memorable match against Charlotte Flair for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania, solidifying her position in WWE history.
#6: Shinsuke Nakamura (2018)
The 2018 Royal Rumble showcased an exciting array of talent, culminating in Shinsuke Nakamura’s surprising victory. Anticipation was high for his title match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 34, but the match did not meet expectations, overshadowing his monumental Rumble win.
#5: Cody Rhodes (2024)
Cody Rhodes’ 2024 Royal Rumble win positioned him for a high-stakes encounter against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, where the narrative was driven by a powerful storyline. Despite some early doubts about his trajectory, the buildup proved to be one of WWE’s finest storytelling arcs.
#4: Asuka (2018)
In a groundbreaking moment for women’s wrestling, Asuka won the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble, following her exceptional reign in NXT. Her showdown against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34 displayed her talents and set a new standard for future Rumble winners.
#3: Edge (2021)
In an emotional return to wrestling, Edge won the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble after a nine-year hiatus. His victory was a powerful culmination of his comeback story, signaling a potential final chapter in his illustrious career and earning him a title match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
#2: Becky Lynch (2019)
Becky Lynch emerged as a fan favorite in 2019, becoming the Women’s Royal Rumble winner amidst a highly charged environment. Her victory not only set the stage for a historic WrestleMania main event but also marked a pivotal moment in WWE’s evolving women’s division.
#1: Drew McIntyre (2020)
Drew McIntyre’s 2020 win is celebrated as one of the greatest in Royal Rumble history. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, his triumph against Brock Lesnar significantly altered his career trajectory, reinforcing his role as a leading star in WWE.
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### Fan Take:
This ranking highlights the significant storytelling and character development within WWE, which resonates deeply with wrestling fans. The Royal Rumble not only sets the stage for WrestleMania but also plays a crucial role in defining the future of superstars, making each victory a pivotal moment in the narrative landscape of wrestling.
