10 WWE Undercard Matches That Outshone The Royal Rumble
9. Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker (1998)
Steve Austin's name dominated the Attitude Era so much that he was the focal point of 3 consecutive Royal Rumble matches from 1997-1999. His marked man saga was the most striking aspect of the 30-man melee in 1998, but it wouldn't end up being the main event or the show's lasting legacy.
That distinction goes to a Casket Match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. This would end up being Shawn's last match for close to 4 years; a nasty bump onto the coffin suffered when spilling out of the ring damaged HBK's back terribly, so much so that he was forced to retire from wrestling and wasn't expected to return.
If the Rumble had Austin's solo act, then 'Taker vs. Michaels had the Casket stipulation, some world-class exchanges between men who had perfected their act in prior matches and the notable image of Kane burning Undertaker's helpless body in his sarcophagus. Stellar stuff.