WWE Royal Rumble: Best Performances From Every Entry Slot
9. Danny Davis - 1989
Danny Davis, entrant No. 9 in the first ever Royal Rumble, technically holds the record for the best ever finish from this position. In 1988, Dangerous Danny Davis lasted just under 20 minutes, eliminating no superstars, before being eliminated by Hacksaw Jim Duggan for an eighth place finish. However, since there were just 20 men in the first Rumble, rather than the typical 30, there were fewer men for Davis to outlast.
In terms of a full 30 man Royal Rumble, no one has ever placed higher than 15th, with two men achieving this. In 2010, Drew McIntyre lasted 15 minutes before being eliminated by Shawn Michaels and Triple H, with no eliminations to his name. Incredibly, with one elimination in 26 minutes, Hornswaggle trumps McIntyre’s performance.
Granted, Hornswaggle spent most of his time in the match under the ring rather than in the ring, yet he did manage to eliminate The Miz, and was never actually thrown over the top rope himseld. After two monsters, Mark Henry and Viscera, double teamed Hornswaggle, Finlay ran out before his number was called to save his friend, disqualifying himself in the process, taking him out of the match to safety.
If history is anything to go by, don’t expect whoever enters the Royal Rumble at No. 9 in 2018 to last too long.