2003
| Date | January 19, 2003 |
|---|---|
| Longest time in the match | Chris Jericho (39:00) |
| Shortest time in the match | B-2 (0:24) |
| Most eliminations | Chris Jericho (6) |
| Winner | Brock Lesnar |
The first Royal Rumble Match of the Ruthless Aggression Era also got off to an explosive start. Shawn Michaels was #1 – competing in his first Rumble Match since 1996! – and his then-rival, Chris Jericho, was #2. It was Christian who came out wearing Jericho’s gear, though, allowing Chris Jericho to attack HBK with a steel chair from behind.
Moments later, three SmackDown Six members entered the Rumble (Rey Mysterio at #4, Edge at #5, Chavo Guerrero at #7) to elevate the in-ring action. Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy had a cool little interaction, John Cena made his Royal Rumble debut, and Maven tried to eliminate Undertaker for the second consecutive year, only to get tossed out this time around.
Speaking of The Undertaker, it all came down to him, his “brother” Kane, and Brock Lesnar in the end. The Brothers of Destruction started fighting each other, with The American Badass getting the upper hand by eliminating Kane. However, Lesnar capitalized as soon as Kane’s feet hit the floor, eliminating Undertaker to win the 2003 Royal Rumble Match.
