Since 1988, the Royal Rumble has become the premier match for WWE to start the new year. The event, a WWE original, and the bout itself means that the road to WrestleMania has arrived. On the line is the chance to fight for championship gold.
The event features a men’s and women’s Royal Rumble match, with 30 participants competing in an over the top rope challenge. Up until 2018, there was only a men’s match. The last person standing in the ring in the men’s and women’s Rumble matches earns an opportunity at a championship at WrestleMania.
The match has been won by a who’s who of WWE legends. Eight competitors have won the bout twice, and one, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, has won it three times.
This year the Royal Rumble will be inside Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on January 27. Who will walk out the winner and have a date with destiny?
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Before looking to the future, we must honor the past. Here is a full list of Royal Rumble winners since its inception.
Who has won the men’s WWE Royal Rumble match?
| Year | Winner |
| 1988 | Jim Duggan |
| 1989 | Big John Studd |
| 1990 | Hulk Hogan |
| 1991 | Hulk Hogan |
| 1992 | Ric Flair |
| 1993 | Yokozuna |
| 1994 | Lex Luger and Bret Hart |
| 1995 | Shawn Michaels |
| 1996 | Shawn… |
