10 Biggest WWE Royal Rumble Innovators
1. First 'Iron Man' Performance (Ric Flair)
#1 to #30 doesn't make you a Rumble 'Iron Man' unless it lasts for over an hour.
Ric Flair almost managed the whole lot in 1992. That year, he followed The British Bulldog and Ted DiBiase by entering as #3, but, unlike his predecessors in the match, the 'Nature Boy' would be there come the end. His famous Rumble and WWF Heavyweight Title win is roundly considered one of the best matches in the event's history.
In total, Flair lasted 1:00:02. That's right, he was two seconds past the hour mark, and so he became the first 'Iron Man' in Royal Rumble folklore. To put Ric's shift into perspective, the next one back from him on the list that year was Roddy Piper (34:06), and the longest single Rumble performance until his had been Rick Martel's 52:17 in 1991.
Flair's record would be beaten in 2004 by Benoit then in 2006 by Rey Mysterio (who lasted 1:02:14 from the #2 position). Finally, in WWE's Greatest Royal Rumble last year, Daniel Bryan went a knee-knocking 1:16:05. That won't be beaten any time soon.
What other Royal Rumble innovations can you think of? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section!