WWE Royal Rumble: 5 Most Impressive Performances in Match History
By Tim Sherry
Credit: wwe.com
1. Ric Flair – 1992
This just has to be number 1. The best wrestler in the world at that time, winning the best Royal Rumble of all-time, for the biggest championship in the world on the line, well it really was a perfect match. When Ric Flair signed with the then WWF he was already an 8-time world champion between the AWA, the NWA, and the WCW. He was the most decorated wrestler on the planet at that time not named Hulk Hogan and he appeared to be destined to accomplish that same feat in his new company.
The Nature Boy wasted little time in becoming world champion, winning the 92 Rumble just 5 months after signing with the promotion. His performance in the match proved that the WWF was justified in signing Flair, as he was a revelation that night in Albany, New York. Flair, as the 3rd entrant was magical, tangling with the likes of The British Bulldog, Shawn Michaels, Tito Santana, Hulk Hogan, and Sid Vicious, the who’s who of the WWF’s baby faces. From a booking point of view, it was perfect as the story told was all about Flair. A side story would occur, but then right back to Flair. A baby face would enter and get all fired up, then back to Flair again. He was the focal point of the entire match and he earned every second of the victory.
Next: 5 Worst Rumble Winners Ever
Flair’s first run with the WWE would end rather abruptly a year later as he returned to WCW but the mark he left on the Royal Rumble match was undeniably. The greatest performance from one of the best of all-time The Nature Boy reminded the world that night of his in-ring mastery and set the bar for any future winner.