Then there are the returning legends and NXT call-ups who have been sprinkled throughout the history of the match. While The Ninth Wonder of the World's entry was expected, no one would have thought The Glamazon would hit the ring, lure The Great Khali into a kiss and pull him over the top rope for a memorable elimination. Six years earlier, Beth Phoenix followed Chyna's lead to become only the second woman to enter a Rumble match. He and the rest of the WWE Universe were stunned when AJ Styles made his long-speculated debut and changed the course of the company. In 2016, Roman Reigns found himself awaiting the next entrant into the Rumble match. Though that is not to say WWE has not tried. In 2008, fans were treated to one of the most unforgettable moments in Rumble history when John Cena returned from a serious pectoral injury some five months ahead of schedule to win the 30-man match.ĭrawing a huge ovation from the Madison Square Garden fans, the franchise star of WWE eliminated Triple H to cash his ticket to The Showcase of the Immortals and set the standard for surprise entries, which has yet to be eclipsed. The Royal Rumble has become as much about the surprise entries as giving fans a taste of what to expect from the Road to WrestleMania. The moment that a brand-new Superstar shocks them, making their way to a WWE ring for the first time, is even more magical. The visual of the audience rising to its feet and holding its collective breath in anticipation of a Superstar's theme music is awe-inspiring.
![wwe royal rumble logo wwe royal rumble logo](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dXqrX6rtRGY/maxresdefault.jpg)
There is something about the excitement of not knowing who is coming through the curtain next that creates a giddiness among fans. The suspense surrounding the next Superstar out is a huge reason fans have fallen in love with the event since its inception in 1988.
![wwe royal rumble logo wwe royal rumble logo](https://www.wwe.com/f/styles/og_image/public/rd-talent/Bio/Stephanie_McMahon_bio.png)
It is ironic that a countdown clock is so closely associated with the Royal Rumble event.