5 Superstars who won the Royal Rumble match in their first attempt
The 2019 Royal Rumble is right around the corner and the build-up for the first pay-per-view of the year has already started. This past week on TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, we were introduced to the no. 1 contender for the Universal Title. In addition to that, no. 30 entrants in both Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches were also determined. A Top Superstar also announced his entry while the next week's edition of Raw was being taped. However, the name will not be mentioned here to prevent any spoilers.
Royal Rumble is one of the "Big 4" pay-per-views and has been around since 1988. The best thing about the event has got to be the namesake match. It consists of 30 Superstars trying to throw each other over the top rope in order to earn a World Title shot at Wrestlemania.
During the match, we get our first look at countless upcoming feuds. In addition to that, anticipating the return of legends as surprise entrants always makes for an amazing time.
As discussed before, the winner receives a World Title shot at Wrestlemania. Due to this, well-established Superstars end up winning the match most of the time. However, there have been some exceptions in the past. Although it is uncommon, there are a number of Superstars who have won the Royal Rumble match in their first attempt.
So without any further ado, here are 5 Superstars who ended up winning their Royal Rumble match debut.
#5 Alberto Del Rio (2011)
2011 was the year of Alberto Del Rio. Not only did he win the Rumble that year, but also ended up winning the Money in the Bank Ladder match and two World Championships.
What makes it even more interesting is the fact that Del Rio made his main-roster debut in the summer of 2010. So, WWE should have really seen something special in him before giving :"The Pride of Mexico" a monster push the following year,
2011's Royal Rumble match was the biggest Royal Rumble match (until 2018). It was the first-ever 40-man Royal Rumble match and marked the WWE returns of Booker T and Kevin Nash (Diesel).
Having Del Rio win a match of such a large magnitude in his first attempt was a clear sign that he was on his way to the top of the mountain. Del RIo then went on to face Edge at Wrestlemania 27 for the World Heavyweight Championship in the latter's final match.