Royal Rumble Losers: Wrestlers’ Botched Moments
The Royal Rumble stands tall as one of WWE’s premier events, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide and earning its place as one of the big four spectacles of the year. Whether enthusiasts are live in the arena, eagerly counting down from 10, or comfortably cheering from their homes, this event has held a special spot in the hearts of WWE fans for nearly four decades. The 2024 edition marks the 37th chapter in the illustrious history of the Royal Rumble, where Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg/Tampa will host 30 men and 30 women vying for a coveted opportunity to headline WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia.
Conceived by the visionary Pat Patterson in 1988, the Royal Rumble has witnessed the participation of hundreds of competitors, creating a legacy that resonates even beyond 2023. From awe-inspiring comebacks to star-studded celebrity appearances, the Royal Rumble has etched some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history. Yet, not every moment is celebrated for its glory; the Rumble has seen its fair share of mishaps and missed chances. From the debacle of 2022 to lightning-fast eliminations and unfortunate injuries, let’s delve into the tales of some of the biggest disappointments in the extensive history of the Royal Rumble.
The Notorious Legacy of Santina Marella in WWE Women’s Wrestling
One of the most infamous moments in the history of women’s wrestling within WWE didn’t unfold at the Royal Rumble; instead, it took place at WrestleMania 25 during the Women’s Battle Royal. This unforgettable incident is etched in memory not because it was won by one of the women, still referred to as “Divas” back then, but by Santino Marella disguised as his “twin sister” Santina. As WWE transitioned through “The Women’s Revolution,” this match and character left a lingering distaste among many fans.
In an unexpected twist, Santina Marella made a comeback in the 2020 Royal Rumble, only the third women’s Rumble match in history. However, this return was met with groans from fans who believed Marella’s character occupied a spot that could have been better utilized by a more deserving woman, especially as she entered at the number 29 position. Upon entering the ring, Marella found herself cornered by Natalya and attempted to employ the Cobra sock, but in a surprising turn of events, she leaped over the top rope, leading to her elimination. This allowed the genuine women wrestlers of WWE to continue their pursuit in the match.
Titus O’Neil’s Unforgettable Moment at the Greatest Royal Rumble
Renowned WWE Ambassador and humanitarian, Titus O’Neil, became the talk of the town during the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia. Stepping into the ring as the 39th participant out of 50 men, O’Neil’s entrance turned into a viral sensation when his exuberance led to an unexpected slip, propelling him under the ring. This now-iconic moment, playfully dubbed the “Titus World Slide,” pays homage to the wrestling star’s past association with the Titus Worldwide faction. Despite not being part of the official Royal Rumble, O’Neil’s slide has left an indelible mark, sparking a wave of memes and GIFs that continue to circulate online.
In a 2023 interview with Fightful, O’Neil reflected on the incident with grace, stating, “Life is filled with ups and downs, much like my journey. I’ve faced countless challenges, but I always find a way to get back on my feet. As an entertainer, I see it as just another part of the show. There’s no need for embarrassment; after all, I got paid well to take that unexpected dive under the ring and emerge unscathed.”
Unveiling John Cena’s Royal Rumble Mishaps
Often hailed as the epitome of “Super Cena,” the wrestling icon, John Cena, has had his fair share of unexpected twists in Royal Rumble matches. In a surprising turn of events in 2004, Cena found himself soaring over the top rope, courtesy of the Big Show, and landing awkwardly on his leg. Despite the apparent setback, Cena, true to his resilient nature, didn’t miss any TV time and was back in the wrestling ring shortly after. In a later interview, he unveiled the hidden truth that he had actually torn his MCL during the botched move.
However, the most unforgettable glitch in Cena’s Royal Rumble career unfolded in 2005 during the infamous ending. Both Cena and Batista went over the top rope simultaneously, with both of their feet touching the floor at the exact same moment. A dramatic sequence ensued, as Batista attempted a Batista Bomb, only for Cena to counter with a headscissors. The ensuing momentum propelled both superstars over the top rope. Originally, Batista was meant to be the victor, but a twist of fate occurred when Vince McMahon stormed down the ramp, intervened, and ordered the final segment of the match between Batista and Cena to be restarted.
Vince McMahon’s Unforgettable Rumble Moment
While he wasn’t an official participant in the 2005 Royal Rumble match, Vince McMahon emerged as one of its most memorable figures. The chairman of WWE found himself on the receiving end of misfortune when he tore both of his quads while attempting to restart the match with the last two competitors, Cena and Batista. McMahon rushed down the ramp after the simultaneous elimination of both wrestlers, leading to a dispute among “Raw” and “SmackDown” referees about the match’s winner. Unfortunately, as McMahon tried to enter the ring, his knees got caught on the apron, resulting in the painful injuries. Fans were left with a lasting image of McMahon sitting in the ring, clinging to the ropes, and directing the action as well as the officials.
In a later interview with Pat McAfee, McMahon reflected on the incident with a touch of humor. “Not too many people can sever the quad tendons at the same time. That takes talent … You have no use of your legs at all,” he remarked.
The Evolution of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in Royal Rumbles
Surprisingly, one of the unexpected entries on the list of Royal Rumble mishaps involves the legendary “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. This incident dates back to a time when he was still recognized as “The Ringmaster.” The pivotal moment occurred in 1996 when Austin, originally slated to finish fourth in the Rumble match, faced an unforeseen challenge. In interviews, Austin revealed that during the match, Rikishi delivered a clothesline, causing him to slip on the unusually slippery ropes, coated with wrestlers’ baby oil. This resulted in Austin being eliminated “way early.” Fortunately, this unexpected setback paved the way for the transformation of Austin’s persona into the iconic “Stone Cold” character.
However, Austin’s encounters with Rumble misfortune did not end there. In 1999, he experienced another setback when his arch-nemesis, Mr. McMahon, strategically eliminated him, ultimately securing an unexpected victory. Despite the initial shock, the outcome worked in Austin’s favor. McMahon, instead of advancing to face The Rock at WrestleMania that year, saw Austin stepping in to claim the WWE Title.
Randy Savage’s Unfortunate Royal Rumble Moments
When it comes to WWE legends with less-than-stellar Royal Rumble performances, Randy Savage takes the cake. In the 1991 Royal Rumble, Savage, originally slated as entrant number 18, never even stepped into the ring. His focus on helping Sgt. Slaughter secure the WWE Title from the Ultimate Warrior earlier in the night led to a chaotic chase that caused Savage to miss the Rumble entirely. Fast forward to 1992, and Savage found himself eliminating Jake “The Snake” Roberts only to awkwardly exit over the top rope, unintentionally eliminating himself. Commentator Gorilla Monsoon quickly provided cover, claiming that wrestlers needed external assistance for elimination.
However, it was in 1993 that Savage’s Rumble misfortune reached its peak. In a memorable moment, he seemed to momentarily forget the Rumble rules. Instead of attempting to throw Yokozuna over the top rope, Savage tried to secure victory with a pinfall. Predictably, this unconventional strategy never earned Savage a Royal Rumble win throughout his career.
The Mystery of Bastion Booger’s No-Show at the 1994 Royal Rumble
In the intriguing world of professional wrestling, unexpected twists and turns are not uncommon. The 1994 Royal Rumble stands out as one such event, marked by its share of no-shows and last-minute substitutions. Among the notable absentees was Bastion Booger, a wrestler scheduled to make a memorable entrance at number 28.
Before the match, Booger had his own pre-match vignette, where he excitedly drew his number and announced his planned entry point. However, this turned out to be a breach of Royal Rumble protocol, prompting officials to enforce the rules and compel Booger to choose a different number.
As the Royal Rumble unfolded, fans eagerly awaited Bastion Booger’s appearance, only to be met with disappointment as he was nowhere to be seen. The storyline quickly explained his absence, attributing it to Booger falling ill. This unexpected turn of events added a layer of mystery to the already unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble.
CHELSEA GREEN: A Quick Exit but a Lasting Legacy in the Royal Rumble
Since her return to WWE with the intriguing “Karen” gimmick, Chelsea Green has undeniably left her mark in the women’s tag team division. However, her initial Royal Rumble appearance in 2023 didn’t quite go as planned. Surprisingly entering as the number 20 entrant, Green’s run was cut short when she was swiftly eliminated by Rhea Ripley. In just five seconds, Green secured a somewhat unconventional record for the shortest time in a women’s Royal Rumble match.
Despite the unexpected outcome, Green approached the situation with a positive perspective. “Look, that five seconds of fame is gonna last forever because I did set a record. It might not have been a record that I wanted, but I set a record, and I’m about to be in the record books, and they are about to have to replay clips of me for years to come,” Green shared with POST Wrestling.