Greatest WWE Wrestlers Who Have Never Participated in a Royal Rumble Match
The Royal Rumble, a legendary survivor match in WWE, has been captivating audiences for decades. However, not every great wrestler in WWE's history has the honor of participating in this icon. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable wrestlers who, for various reasons, never made it into a Royal Rumble match. From legendary figures like Scott Hall and Bruno Sammartino to lesser-known wrestlers like Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, join us as we dive into their fascinating careers.
Scott Hall: A Name Shrouded in Intrigue
Scott Hall's career with WWE was remarkably short but incredibly impactful. He first joined WWE in mid-May 1992, lasting until May 1996. During this time, there were several significant matches that defined his tenure. In 1993, Scott Hall, known under the ring name Razor Ramon, challenged Bret Hart for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Championship at the Royal Rumble event. Interestingly, this match was considered one of the best for that belt in the entire year. The following three years saw Hall reign as the WWF Champion, but unfortunately, the Royal Rumble event was not part of his second stint with the company in 2002. A unique situation with Hall was when he participated in the Royal Rumble in 2015 as a random entrant, but his twin brother D-Von was not included. This left fans wondering what might have been if Hall had been a regular part of the Royal Rumble.
The Dudley Boys' Royal Rumble Absence
The Dudley Boyz, comprising Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley, were also notable absentees from the Royal Rumble. Active from 2000 to 2004, the Dudleys were often seen either challenging for or defending tag team titles in the undercard of the Royal Rumble, yet were never part of the match itself. In 2005, while still with WWE, the Dudleys were not seen on televised shows. Bubba Ray Dudley managed to appear in the Royal Rumble in 2015 as an unexpected entrant, but D-Von Dudley was notably absent. The Dudleys returned to WWE full-time in August 2015 and were present for the 2016 Royal Rumble, but again, D-Von was missing. Their unique absence from the Royal Rumble added to the mystique and intrigue of their career.
Other Notable Absences
Beyond the Dudleys and Hall, several other wrestlers are notable for their absence from the Royal Rumble. Bruno Sammartino, one of the most iconic figures in WWE history, never participated in the Royal Rumble. Similarly, Paul Orndorff (Cowboy Bob Orton) and Dick Slater were also absent from these matches. While others did have brief appearances, such as Sting, who did not participate in the Royal Rumble in WWE, there were also spectacular individual wrestlers like Ricky the Dragon Steamboat and Dean Malenko who were notable within their time but missed out on this classic match. Additionally, Shane McMahon, a prominent figure in WWE despite his career not being limited to the ring, also never made it into a Royal Rumble match.
While these wrestlers may not have participated in the Royal Rumble, their legacies in WWE speak volumes about their remarkable contributions to professional wrestling. Each has a unique story, whether it be due to personal factors or the unique paths their careers took. Whether remembered as legends or enigmas, their absence from the Royal Rumble adds to the rich tapestry of WWE history.
Conclusion
From Scott Hall to Bruno Sammartino and Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, many of WWE's most iconic and influential wrestlers have never participated in a Royal Rumble match. Each one of them brings a unique story to the table, contributing to the storied history of WWE. Their absence from these match events adds a layer of intrigue and respect to their legacies, inviting fans and historians to remember them with admiration and fondness.