10 WWE Royal Rumble Betrayals You Didn't See Coming

10. Cody Rhodes Eliminates Goldust (2009)

Cody and Dustin ‘Goldust’ Rhodes had a storied rivalry as the successors of their legendary father.

While successful as a tag team, excluding Cody’s casting as the abominable Stardust, they have arguably found the most in-ring success beginning matches at opposing corners. For now, their rivalry is over, having concluded with their brilliant but brutal match at AEW Double or Nothing 2019.

It is no surprise the two have history at the Royal Rumble.

The first time the brothers crossed paths during the Rumble was in 2009. With Cody and his Legacy stablemates already in the match, Goldust entered at #17 and went straight for Ted DiBiase Jr., clobbering him to the mat. When Cody pulled his brother off his ally, Goldust realised family loyalty wasn’t making a showing and threw the first shot. Cody was saved when Randy Orton hit an RKO on Goldy. Rather than rack up another elimination for himself, the sadistic Orton forced Cody to prove his loyalty by dumping his brother over the top rope.

In 2013’s match, despite teaming for a time, Cody again eliminated his brother. Dustin returned the favour the following year.

In short, these guys loved screwing each other over.