The history of the Royal Rumble is one rich in tradition. Every year, 30 of the top stars in sports-entertainment battle for the right to head to WrestleMania and challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. One man emerges victorious, their ticket to the biggest show of the year cashed. The other 29 competitors see their dreams crumble before their very eyes, coming to a disappointing end the moment they are thrown over the top rope and their feet hit the ground. Elsewhere on the card, main event talent vies for championship glory, hoping to become the top dog entering the Showcase of the Immortals. A win will not only put them atop the company as its standard bearer, it will also enter them into the marquee match at WrestleMania. The road to the grandest stage the industry has to offer is rarely one lacking bumps. Throughout the near three-decade history of the event, fans have watched in shock and awe at some of the events that have unfolded. Whether it was Vince McMahon's stunning upset win in the 1999 battle royal, Kane's unprecedented dominance in the 2001 main event or the company exploiting the Gulf War by crowning Iraqi turncoat Sgt. Slaughter its heavyweight champion, the show is rich with moments that made the jaws of many a fan drop. The 2015 edition of the annual spectacular is sure to follow suit, especially taking into consideration the wild and chaotic scene the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match is sure to be, not to mention the Rumble match itself. In preparation for what is sure to be an event that inspires buzz and stuns the fans watching via WWE Network and other pay-per-view outlets, relive these 10 most shocking moments in Royal Rumble history.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
