WWE’s Royal Rumble Match works because of several factors. A legend making a surprise return, an established star getting shockingly eliminated by a rookie, the anticipation of who starts the Royal Rumble – all important things that make the Royal Rumble great. But at the end of the day, everyone knows it will all come down to the biggest stars on the roster.
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The multiple-time world champions and WrestleMania headliners are usually expected to win the Royal Rumble, but that doesn’t mean their success is guaranteed. Some WWE legends have had truly awful showings in the Rumble over the years. Here are some of the most notable examples. Enjoy!
Kurt Angle
Royal Rumble 2005
| Entrant Number | 20 |
|---|---|
| Time In The Match | 0:37 |
| Number Of Eliminations | 1 (Shawn Michaels) |
| Eliminated By | Shawn Michaels |
Kurt Angle was an absolute wrestling machine in his prime. A five-time WWE world champion at the time, Angle was one of the favorites to win the 2005 Royal Rumble Match. But the company had other plans for the Olympic Gold Medalist at that year’s WrestleMania: a dream match for the ages against Shawn Michaels.
Because of the brand extension, their feud began during the annual Royal Rumble Match, with HBK shockingly eliminating Angle just 37 seconds after the latter had entered the ring. Angle would come back to the ring and return the favor by eliminating Michaels as well. That explains Kurt Angle’s poor performance at WWE Royal Rumble 2005.
