10 Fascinating WWE Royal Rumble 2016 Facts
6. It Marked The First Time That The WWE Champion Was In The Rumble Since 1990
Randy Savage. Hulk Hogan. Roman Reigns. A lot of jaded fans will tell you that one is not like the others, but in regards to the history of the Royal Rumble, they all share a common bond.
The trio listed are the only three men that have participated in the Royal Rumble match while reigning as WWE Champion. Unlike both Mega Powers, however, Reigns was the only one to have been forced to defend the championship. The 2016 match was also the first Rumble since 1992 where the belt was the winner's prize.
A full 26 years had passed since the champion worked the Rumble match. The belt wouldn't be defended at the event for the first time until 1991, with defenses becoming standard for the ensuing years.