WWE Royal Rumble: 10 Most Surprising Entrants Of All Time

5. Rob Van Dam (2009)

ROb Van Dam In 2007, Mr Monday Night Rob Van Dam left WWE after a very successful six years with the organisation. In that time, Van Dam celebrated sixteen championship reigns as well as a Money in the Bank victory. The former WWE Champion left the company in 2007 due to personal issues, much to the dismay of his loyal fanbase. To the delight of that same fanbase, Van Dam returned for a one-off appearance at the Royal Rumble in 2009. Van Dam managed almost fourteen minutes in the match before being eliminated by fellow ECW original Chris Jericho. Since his surprise appearance in the 2009 Rumble, RVD has returned to full-time wrestling with TNA where he is the reigning X Division Champion. Although Van Dam is currently contracted to TNA, one would hope that the 42-year old will again return to WWE in the future, perhaps in a Rumble match.

4. Mr Perfect (2002)

Seven years before Rob Van Dam was the surprise 25th entrant in the Royal Rumble, €˜Mr Perfect€™ Curt Hennig returned in the same spot. Although Perfect€™s appearance had been previously announced and promoted, it still came as a surprise to the WWF audience. Not only did Perfect last over fifteen minutes in the match, but he was one of the final three men standing before being eliminated by Triple H. Perfect remained in WWF for four months having brief feuds with Steve Austin and Rob Van Dam. Unfortunately Perfect€™s second stint in WWF didn€™t match his first. The former 2-time Intercontinental Champion was released in May following personal issues. Perfect went on to work in TNA following his WWF release but sadly died in 2003 at the age of 44. Curt Hennig has been honoured by WWE in recent years and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. http://youtu.be/RRohri086cU
Contributor

Dave is an English Literature graduate and former WhatCulture contributor. He is an avid Evertonian, fan of film and live music. During his time with WhatCulture, his primary contributions were in the WWE section.