For WWE fans, Royal Rumble is always one of the main events that you will look forward to each year.
Even though every show is entertaining, and for many the pinnacle will understandably always be WrestleMania, there’s something about the Rumble that makes it special. From the unpredictability of not knowing who will be involved, to the scenes when all the athletes pack out the ring at one time makes for compelling viewing.
So, all eyes will be on Florida later this month for the next instalment, and a quick glance at the latest Royal Rumble odds shows it’s a pretty open field in terms of picking a winner. Daniel Bryan, one of the few confirmed entrants, is the early 6/5 favourite, but there are many other contenders who will feel they can emerge as victorious.
Of course, the later you enter, the more chance you have of being the last man standing in the ring. However, as we know, you should never rule anything out in WWE, and Shawn Michaels proved in 1995 that you can win the Rumble even if you’re the first man in.
The Heartbreak Kid was a truly special performer in the industry, and some of his outstanding moments came at Royal Rumble, as he recorded back-to-back victories in the mid-90s. As well as that, he ranks top for the number of all-time eliminations, has the second most appearances, and was only the second man to record consecutive wins.
WrestleMania V Flashback. Shawn Michaels vs The Big Boss Man: Order WrestleMania XXX here: http://t.co/wvtgK7KGTv pic.twitter.com/ZUDMNpCrvk
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) April 1, 2014
The first thing that comes to mind when you discuss Michaels and the Royal Rumble is that win in 95.
In front of 10,000 fans, Michaels and Davey Boy Smith were the first two participants in the ring, and they would continue to battle through as the big names came and went. As a result, the final four included those two, along with Crush and Lex Luger. Michaels would be deceived by Crush before eliminating him, meaning the first two entrants were the only ones left.
Again, more drama would ensue, as Michaels survived being thrown over the top rope to battle his way back by forcing Smith out, after he’d already thought he’d won. This was undoubtedly a defining moment in HBK’s career at the time and it gave him the platform and springboard to kick-on and cement his legacy as one of the leading names in the game.
It was a performance that remains in the history books of WWE. Even though the feat was repeated in 2004 by Chris Benoit, it’s only ever happened twice, and Michaels doing it first means he will always be remembered.
There have been many standout moments in Royal Rumble over the years, but that has to be up there as one of the best, and hopefully, there will be more great moments to follow. Whoever is the first entrant will have the unenviable task of trying to match Michaels’ achievement, and history says that they won’t be able to do it. Regardless of how that first competitor performs, we’re sure to see another thoroughly entertaining show once again.
