One of the greatest things about the Royal Rumble "best" debate is that, unlike with classic singles matches, the 30-man gimmick has taken on many forms and has adapted its formula numerous times. Thus, fans may agree on the top two or three in history, but there are a wide variety of opinions on the "others." 2001 is a Rumble that often finds itself right in the thick of things at the top of the heap. Though it features many notable performances that arguably outweigh its negatives, the overall result was a Rumble that better fits the middle of the pack, interchangeable perhaps with the best of the rest but not the best of the best. The Rock, Kane, and Steve Austin were all marvelous. They were the primary highlights. Up until last year, Kane earned from this match the record for most eliminations in a single Rumble. It was one of the biggest nights of his entire career and a feather in his cap that was noted on commentary for a decade plus. The Rock and Austin seemed the obvious top choices for the winner, but Kane did a good job of making it seem like there might well be a third candidate. At the end of the day, Rock and Austin were the heavy favorites for a reason and, when Rock was eliminated, it made it clear that the Rattlesnake's journey to regain the title was going to be the Mania focal point. Drew Carey made the '01 Rumble similar to 2012, in that it had outstanding work in the climax, particularly, but had a giant moment of comedy that was hit or miss to some sects of the audience. In a comparative analysis, such things stand out.
"The Doc" Chad Matthews has written wrestling columns for over a decade. A physician by trade, Matthews began writing about wrestling as a hobby, but it became a passion. After 30 years as a wrestling fan, "The Doc" gives an unmatched analytical perspective on pro wrestling in the modern era. He is a long-time columnist for Lordsofpain.net and hosts a weekly podcast on the LOP Radio Network called "The Doc Says." His first book - The WrestleMania Era: The Book of Sports Entertainment - ranks the Top 90 wrestlers from 1983 to present day, was originally published in December 2013, and is now in its third edition.
Matthews lives in North Carolina with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
