The Royal Rumble is more than just a match—it’s the launching pad to WWE superstardom. Let’s look back at every Rumble winner and what their journey has been like since—updated as of early 2025.
1988: Hacksaw Jim Duggan
The inaugural Royal Rumble match wasn’t on pay-per-view but aired as a special on the USA Network, featuring only 20 participants. Hacksaw Jim Duggan entered at #13, lasted 14 minutes, 48 seconds, and eliminated 3 opponents — including the One Man Gang to win.
Duggan enjoyed a solid WWE career in the late ’80s and early ’90s, best known for his patriotic character and trusty 2×4. After leaving WWE, he wrestled in WCW during the mid-to-late ’90s, holding the United States and Television Championships. In more recent years, Duggan has continued to make appearances on the independent scene and at WWE nostalgia events, while also overcoming serious health issues.
1989: Big John Studd
The 1989 Royal Rumble was the first to feature the now-standard 30 participants. Big John Studd entered at #27, lasted 12 minutes, 21 seconds, and eliminated 2 opponents before last tossing out Ted DiBiase to win.
This victory came during Studd’s return run with WWE after a hiatus, and it was part of his storyline feud with “The Million Dollar Man.” Despite the big win, Studd’s in-ring career was winding down; he transitioned into a special referee role later that year. Sadly, Big John Studd’s wrestling career was short-lived after this — he was diagnosed with cancer in the mid-’90s and passed away in 1995 at just 47 years old.
1990 & 1991: Hulk Hogan — Status Update
1991: Entered at #24, lasted 10 minutes 59 seconds, and eliminated 7 opponents, capturing the unique distinction of being the first back-to-back Royal Rumble winner.
1990: Entered the Royal Rumble at #25, lasting 8 minutes 39 seconds before eliminating 6 opponents—including Mr. Perfect—to become the first-ever WWF Champion to win from the title.
Hogan’s wins solidified his dominance in WWE’s golden era. After a storied career and reinvention as “Hollywood Hogan” in WCW’s nWo, he was honored multiple times in the Hall of Fame. Tragically, Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71—succumbing to acute myocardial infarction, compounded by longstanding health issues such as leukemia and atrial fibrillation . WWE and other wrestling companies worldwide marked his passing with emotional tribute shows, ten-bell salutes, and declarations of honor from state leaders
1992: Ric Flair
Ric Flair’s iconic 1992 Royal Rumble victory rocketed him into a headline match at WrestleMania VIII. Now 76 and retired since 2022, Flair has shown remarkable resilience in the face of health challenges. In early 2025, he was surprisingly diagnosed with skin cancer — his second bout in three years — but recently announced that he is now cancer-free, thanking his medical team and fans. He remains active as a Hall of Famer and mentor, continuing to embody “The Nature Boy” spirit.
1994: Bret Hart & Lex Luger
- Bret Hart emerged co-winner of the 1994 Royal Rumble, eliminating Lex Luger in a rare dual victory. Entering at #15, he lasted 31 minutes, 50 seconds, with 5 eliminations. Hart’s WrestleMania 10 WWF Championship match ended in drama—but his legacy as a ring master continued, eventually leading to surprise returns and Hall of Fame honors.
- Lex Luger, also co-winner, entered at #1, lasting 24 minutes, 12 seconds, eliminating 4 opponents before the shared victory. After his MMA and WCW years, Luger transitioned into a vital backstage role with WWE’s wellness program, helping younger talent since 2011.
1995 & 1996: Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels made history by winning the Royal Rumble twice—first in 1995, entering at #1 and lasting 38:41 with 8 eliminations, then in 1996 from #18, lasting 26:10 and again eliminating 8 opponents.
Now a WWE Hall of Famer and NXT mentor, Michaels remains active behind the scenes and is often on-screen on WWE NXT. At 59, he’s hinted at having “one or two matches left in him,” though nothing is confirmed.
1997, 1998 & 2001: Steve Austin
- 1997, the match lasted about 50 minutes 30 seconds; Austin entered at #5, lasted 45:07, and tied Hulk Hogan’s record of 10 eliminations while pulling off a sneaky return to eliminate Bret Hart.
- 1998, he won back-to-back, coming in at #24 last eliminating The Rock for his second windfall victory.
- 2001, Austin claimed his record-setting third win, entering as #27 and eliminating Kane—the man who had set an elimination record of 11 that year—smashing through the field to earn a WWE Championship shot.
Outside the ring, Austin remains a pop culture icon and boon for WWE merchandise. Though largely retired, he still makes special appearances and continues to influence the Rumble legacy.
1999: Vince McMahon
Vince McMahon shocked the wrestling world by winning the 1999 Royal Rumble from the #2 spot, outlasting Stone Cold Steve Austin in a controversial finish. He lasted 56 minutes, 38 seconds, an astonishing feat for a non-wrestler (He wasn’t there for much of the match…)
As of 2025, McMahon is no longer involved in WWE’s day-to-day operations, having stepped away from his corporate and creative roles in 2023 amid ongoing legal battles and multiple investigations. He remains a polarising figure in wrestling history, with his Rumble victory still considered one of the most infamous finishes of all time.
2000: The Rock
He entered at #24, lasted 14 minutes, 47 seconds, and officially eliminated 4 opponents. The finish saw The Big Show seemingly dump The Rock over the top, but The Rock’s feet did touch the floor before he pulled himself back up. Referees didn’t catch it (or ignored it), so they awarded The Rock the win, setting up his WrestleMania 2000 title shot. WWE later used the botch in storyline, with Big Show claiming he was the “real” winner.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returned for a high-profile appearance at WrestleMania 40, teaming with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Training for pro wrestling at 52 proved grueling, and backstage creative disagreements—especially with Triple H—led to him stepping away post-‘Mania. As of summer, there’s no confirmed WWE return, though speculation remains strong.
2002 & 2016: Triple H
Triple H is one of only a handful of men to win the Royal Rumble twice, with victories 14 years apart.
- In 2002, “The Game” entered at #22, lasted 23 minutes, 14 seconds, eliminated 4 men, and won after last eliminating Kurt Angle. This was his big comeback from a torn quad and led to him capturing the Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania X8.
- In 2016, he entered last at #30, lasted 9 minutes, 54 seconds, eliminated 4 men, and shockingly won the WWE Championship by last eliminating Roman Reigns. This was part of The Authority storyline, stacking the deck against Reigns.
Triple H is now WWE’s Chief Content Officer, running creative for both Raw and SmackDown. Health issues have ended his in-ring career, but his influence over WWE’s direction is arguably stronger than ever.
2003: Brock Lesnar
- Brock Lesnar’s 2003 Royal Rumble win was pure dominance. Entering at #29, “The Next Big Thing” lasted 8 minutes, 33 seconds and eliminated 4 opponents, including the final man, The Undertaker. This victory came less than a year after his WWE debut and punched his ticket to WrestleMania XIX, where he defeated Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship.
- Lesnar’s WWE appearances have become rare following a hiatus in 2023. He has not wrestled since SummerSlam 2023, with reports suggesting he is taking time away due to ongoing legal scrutiny around a broader lawsuit involving Vince McMahon. While still under contract, his return to WWE happened at SummerSlam 2025.
2005 & 2014: Batista
- 2005: Batista won his first Royal Rumble after entering at #28, lasting 10 minutes, 54 seconds, and eliminating 6 opponents. The controversial finish saw both Batista and John Cena tumble over the top rope at the same time, forcing a restart ordered by Vince McMahon (who famously tore both quads sliding into the ring). Batista went on to defeat Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 21, cementing himself as a top star.
- 2014: Batista returned from a 4-year absence to win his second Rumble, entering at #28 again, lasting 13 minutes, 24 seconds, and eliminating 4 opponents. The win was heavily booed by the WWE Universe, who wanted Daniel Bryan in the match. At WrestleMania 30, Batista lost in the main event Triple Threat when Bryan captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
- Since his retirement from wrestling, Dave Bautista has become a highly successful Hollywood actor, starring in franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers, and Dune.
2006: Rey Mysterio
- Dedicated his win to Eddie Guerrero. Returned in 2018, helped launch his son Dominik’s WWE run, and is still wrestling in 2025 as a beloved veteran.
2007: The Undertaker
- The only man to win from the final #30 spot. WrestleMania 36 was likely his last match. He now appears on his own podcast show – Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway/The Undertaker – and occasionally on WWE TV.
2008 & 2013: John Cena
- Two-time winner and still a crossover star. He balances a thriving Hollywood career with occasional, high-impact returns to WWE. In his last year as of 2025, and has won the WWE Championship for the 17th time.
2009 & 2017: Randy Orton
- “Legend Killer” and multi-time champion, still active in WWE. In 2025, Randy Orton remains a major WWE presence. Returning at Elimination Chamber, he’s wrestled high-profile matches against Cena, Rhodes, and McIntyre. Orton also serves as a respected locker room leader, guiding younger talent while still proving in the ring that The Viper hasn’t lost his edge.
2010 & 2021: Edge
- The “Ultimate Opportunist” won his first Rumble after unexpectedly returning. In 2021, drew #1 and went coast-to-coast to win. Edge—now wrestling under his real name, Adam Copeland—continues competing in AEW through mid-2025. He reclaimed the TNT Title in early 2024 but was sidelined by a legitimate tibia fracture. Outside the ring, he’s thriving as an Emmy-nominated actor and, as of July, officially retired the “Cope” alias.
2011: Alberto Del Rio
- The only winner of the expanded 40-man format. His post-WWE life includes legal controversies, making his legacy complicated.
2012: Sheamus
- First Irish Rumble winner, later sparked the Yes Movement by beating Daniel Bryan in 18 seconds at WrestleMania. Still a consistent WWE roster mainstay.
2015: Roman Reigns
- Roman Reigns, now known as “OTC1” (Only Tribal Chief), made a surprise return post–SummerSlam, attacking Seth Rollins’ faction. He’s scheduled to appear at Clash in Paris on August 31, but is also expected to take time away in September to film a new Street Fighter movie.
2018: Shinsuke Nakamura & Asuka
- Shinsuke Nakamura won the Men’s Royal Rumble after entering at #14, lasting 44 minutes, 38 seconds, and eliminating 3 opponents. He last eliminated Roman Reigns to secure a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 34, where he was defeated by AJ Styles. Nakamura has remained a regular in WWE, competing on SmackDown and vying for the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Championships.
- Asuka made history by winning the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble, entering at #25, lasting 19 minutes, 29 seconds, and eliminating 3 opponents — including Nikki Bella in the final moments. At WrestleMania 34, she unsuccessfully challenged Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, ending her undefeated streak. Asuka has since won multiple championships and continues to compete as one of WWE’s top female stars.
2019: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
- Seth Rollins is a dominant heel, leading The Vision faction and now a two-time World Heavyweight Champion after his thrilling Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam 2025. Meanwhile, Becky Lynch is the badass Women’s Intercontinental Champion, embroiled in a heated feud with Nikki Bella after a surprise win over Lyra Valkyria.
- Not married yet.
2020: Drew McIntyre & Charlotte Flair
- Drew stunned by eliminating Brock, then held WWE Title for nearly a year. Currently deep in championship feuds, including Seth Rollins in 2024 and a long grunge with CM Punk.
- Charlotte Flair made a triumphant in-ring return by winning the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, later claiming the Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Alexa Bliss
2021: Edge & Bianca Belair
- Edge made an emotional comeback to win the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble, entering at #1 and lasting 58 minutes, 28 seconds to become only the third man in history to win from the first entry spot. He eliminated Randy Orton last to secure his WrestleMania title shot. At WrestleMania 37, Edge competed in a Triple Threat against Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan for the Universal Championship, but Reigns retained. Edge has since remained active in WWE, engaging in major feuds and high-profile matches until departing for AEW in late 2023, where he now wrestles under his real name, Adam Copeland.
- Dominated from the #3 spot and set a longevity record at 56 minutes 52 seconds. Her WrestleMania opponent is still being determined as she continues her rise.
2022: Brock Lesnar & Ronda Rousey
- In 2022, Brock Lesnar won the Men’s Royal Rumble and headlined WrestleMania 38 against Roman Reigns in a title unification match, ultimately coming up short. Returned at SummerSlam 2025.
- Ronda Rousey captured the Women’s Royal Rumble the same year, challenging Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania before later winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania Backlash. Retired from the business now.
2023: Cody Rhodes & Rhea Ripley
- Cody Rhodes made his long-awaited return from injury to win the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble, challenging Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 39 but falling short in his bid to end The Tribal Chief’s reign…
- Rhea Ripley dominated the Women’s Royal Rumble from the number one spot, lasting 1 hour, 1 minute, and 8 seconds — the longest time ever recorded in a women’s Rumble match* — before defeating Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania to capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Still in the Championship conversation in 2025.
2024: Cody Rhodes & Bayley
- Cody Rhodes became the first wrestler since Stone Cold to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles. He started from #15, lasted 43 minutes 21 seconds, and eliminated 4 opponents. At WrestleMania 40, he defeated Roman Reigns to become Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
- Bayley won the Women’s Royal Rumble after entering at #3, lasting an impressive 1 hour, 3 minutes, 3 seconds—setting a new longevity record. She eliminated 7 competitors, including the final elimination of Liv Morgan. She then went on to capture the WWE Women’s Championship from IYO SKY at WrestleMania XL
2025: Jey Uso & Charlotte Flair
- Charlotte Flair, returning from a lengthy injury, won the Women’s Royal Rumble after entering at #27, becoming the first woman to win twice while eliminating Roxanne Perez in the finale. Nia Jax set a new eliminations record (9) during the bout, while Roxanne Perez broke the women’s longevity record (over 1:07:47)
- Jey Uso delivered one of the biggest shocks in Rumble history, eliminating John Cena to win the Men’s match and secure a title opportunity at WrestleMania 41 — the longest Rumble on record at 1 hour 20 minutes 15 seconds.
Outro:
From Hacksaw Jim Duggan & Big John Studd to Rhea Ripley and Jey Uso, Royal Rumble winners have carved wildly different paths — some launching into Hollywood stardom, some becoming locker-room leaders, others fading into obscurity or shocking the world with heel turns, and many that are no longer with us. As we race toward 2026’s Rumble, one thing’s certain: winning it is just the start of a journey that can go anywhere.
