NEW DELHI: The
WWE Royal Rumble match
is not just a battle royal for the ages; it's a marathon of endurance, resilience, and often a showcase of individual triumphs and disappointments.
As
wrestling
fans eagerly await the annual spectacle, one aspect that adds to the excitement is the "Iron Man" or "Iron Woman" of the
Royal Rumble
– the competitor who lasts the longest in the ring.
While there may not be a specific prize for enduring the chaos, the accolade of spending the most time in a Royal Rumble is an achievement wrestlers cherish.
Let's delve into the history books and revisit the five longest individual performances in a single Royal Rumble match:
5. Triple H - 60:16 (2006)
In 2006, "The Game" Triple H entered as the first participant, lasting an impressive 60 minutes and 16 seconds. Eliminating six competitors, including heavyweights like
Ric Flair
, Kane, and The Big Show, Triple H's night ended in the final three, falling short of victory.
4. Bob Backlund - 61:10 (1993)
Bob Backlund's resilience in the 1993 Royal Rumble earned him a time of 61 minutes and 10 seconds. Despite finishing third, Backlund's performance became a career rejuvenation, leading to a
WWE Championship win the following year, setting a record for the longest time between title reigns.
3. Chris Benoit - 61:31 (2004)
In 2004, Chris Benoit etched his name into Royal Rumble history with a time of 61 minutes and 31 seconds. Breaking a decade-old record, Benoit not only set a new time standard but also secured a place in the final three before eventually claiming victory.
2. Rey Mysterio - 62:12 (2006)
Rey Mysterio, the underdog standing at 5'6" and 175 lbs., defied the odds in the 2006 Royal Rumble, lasting an astonishing 62 minutes and 12 seconds. Overcoming giants and entering the final three against Triple H and
Randy Orton
, Mysterio's victory marked a significant elevation in his WWE career.
1. Daniel Bryan - 76:05 (2018)
Recognized by WWE as the record holder, Daniel Bryan's 76 minutes and 5 seconds in the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble remains unmatched. While the legitimacy of the record may be debated due to the expanded 50-participant format, Bryan's endurance to reach the final three showcased his tenacity. Ultimately, it was Braun Strowman who emerged victorious with a staggering thirteen eliminations.