10 WWE Royal Rumble Betrayals You Didn't See Coming
6. Kane Eliminates Rob Van Dam (2003)
Kane and Rob Van Dam had a tumultuous relationship in the ring, alternating between enemies and allies depending on circumstance. The monster and the high-flyer had natural chemistry: their personalities and wrestling styles, while complete opposites, complimented each other well.
During the 2003 Royal Rumble match, the two formed an ad-hoc alliance. They were united when they were both attacked by A-Train. After Van Dam saved Kane from a Train Wreck, the ‘big red machine’ grabbed Van Dam’s hand and the two double clotheslined A-Train out of the match. Having won Van Dam’s trust, Kane suggested a gorilla press spot where he’d launch RVD at an opponent. However, once Van Dam was up, Kane hurled RVD to the outside. Van Dam was surprisingly understanding and gave Kane a “you got me” shrug.
By the match’s conclusion, Kane would join RVD in nursing a betrayal. In the final three, Kane’s kayfabe brother The Undertaker offered his sibling a helping hand and a fake alliance against Brock Lesnar. Kane was agreeable and for his mistake was thrown over the top rope by ‘Taker.