1. Royal Rumble 1992 – Ric Flair
As entertaining as the 2001 edition was, I don’t think there’s any question that even 25 years later, the 1992 Royal Rumble stands as the greatest in WWE history. And that’s not just because the commentary of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan that night may be the best call in the history of the business but it certainly didn’t hurt.
That night was full of stories but none was more important than the fact that ’92 Rumble was the first time ever that the title would be on the line after it was vacated late in 1991 following a series of matches between Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker that also saw Ric Flair get involved. Speaking of Ric Flair, this was his night as he turned in arguably the greatest performance in Royal Rumble history. Sure, there have been guys that have gone longer but I don’t know if anyone has done more in a Rumble match than Flair did that night. Entering at number three, Flair just did what Flair always does and that’s put on a show. But doing it as a cowardly heel takes some real talent and he played the part perfectly and took his opportunities when he had them. It was a brilliant performance.
Hulk Hogan, who had won the previous two years, was the obvious favorite here (and I’m not just talking kayfabe) and he did find himself in what still stands as one of the biggest final fours in history with Flair, Sid Justice and Randy Savage. And quickly on Savage, it’s really funny to listen to the announcers try to explain why he wasn’t out of the match when Macho Man accidentally eliminated himself from the match earlier in the night. But you’re not supposed to remember that.
In any event, this was a star-studded finale and Sid really got over here by eliminating Savage first and then taking out Hulk Hogan, much to the surprise of the live crowd, everyone at home and Hogan himself. Here was Ric Flair playing his role perfectly. As Hogan stayed at ringside, obviously upset with Sid for eliminating him and grabbing his arm, Flair just came up from behind and tossed him out to get the win and the title. It was a perfect ending to a perfect performance, perhaps bettered only by the backstage interview with Mean Gene Okerlund while Hogan and Sid argued in the ring, perhaps talking about why they should be the ones to close out WrestleMania VIII instead of Flair and Savage, which is still a travesty.
And there you have it, every single Royal Rumble match ranked from worst to first. So I asked you earlier and I’ll ask you again. What do you think I got right and what do you think I got wrong? Please feel free to discuss your favorite Royal Rumble matches and moments below and be sure to check in with FanSided all weekend long for all your NXT TakeOver: San Antonio and 2017 Royal Rumble coverage.