WWE Royal Rumble: Best Performances From Every Entry Slot
13. Hacksaw Jim Duggan - 1988
Just one man's name deserves to be in this spot on the list. Entering the inaugural Rumble in 1988 at unlucky No. 13, Hacksaw Jim Duggan lasted all the way to the end, becoming the first ever Royal Rumble winner.
When Duggan walked to the ring with his trademark 2x4 in hand, no one knew that just 15 minutes later he would be crowned the winner. Since there were just 20 paricipants in 1988 it is by far the shortest Rumble match at just over half an hour, but in no way does this diminish the winner's achievement.
On his way to victory, Duggan eliminated Nikolai Volkoff and Danny Davis, before making the final three with One Man Gang and Dino Bravo. Throughout the match, the latter two had formed an alliance, leaving Hacksaw outnumbered. Yet once One Man Gang inadvertently eliminated his partner after Duggan dodged a clothesline, it was down to the last two.
Not only did The Gang have the size advantage, he was the fresher man, and had completely dominated the match, eliminating six men in just six minutes. Duggan used this against his opponent however, taking the advice of commentator Vince McMahon, using the big man's momentum against him, pulling down the top rope low enough for The Gang to fall right over it.
Winning from this position has never been equalled since this incredible day in 1988.