Did Heath Slater Set New WWE Royal Rumble Record?

Sheamus' shame is Slater's gain.

Sheamus Heath Slater
WWE Network

While Heath Slater didn't exactly put forth a stellar effort in last night's Royal Rumble (the 'One Man Band' lasted just 34 seconds officially), he has emerged from the bout as a potential record-breaker.

In a post-match interview with Charly Caruso, Slater claimed to have eliminated new Raw Tag Team Champion Sheamus in just 0.8 seconds, which would break Santino Marella's one-second record as the shortest Rumble run of all time.

The elimination came about a third of the way through the bout. Heath, who'd been laid out on his way to the ring (and stomped down by all who passed him), was slid under the ropes by Sheamus. The Irishman mistook him for easy pray, and paid dearly, getting bundled over the top rope with embarrassing ease on his 40th birthday.

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Slater, of course, celebrated like he'd won the match. Bray Wyatt threw him out moments later, but did Heath break a legitimate record? The answer is unclear.

WWE.com has Sheamus's official time down as 20 seconds, which is nonsense. The big man was barely in the ring long enough to catch his breath before being thrown out, so let's hope the company clarify his actual time.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.