WWE: The Top 15 Greatest Moments in Royal Rumble History

10. AJ Styles’ WWE Debut: January 24, 2016

The Royal Rumble match has made a habit of surprise returns over the years that excite fans everywhere.  But most of the time, the surprise entrants are just one-off appearances for the Royal Rumble match and nothing more.

However, in 2016, a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match would go on to make a lasting impression on the WWE landscape that is still being felt to this day.  AJ Styles had a decorated career in TNA and NJPW, but never got a chance to shine on the grandest stage of them all in the WWE.

That all changed at the Royal Rumble in 2016.  Styles made his unexpected WWE debut in the Royal Rumble match to a big pop from the live crowd in attendance.  Although Styles didn’t win the rumble that year, he has had a great career in the WWE in not even two full years that has featured several championship reigns and many standout matches.

The Phenomenal One has already carved out a likely WWE Hall of Fame career in a short amount of time after many thought he wouldn’t get the chance to make his impact in the WWE.  And as WWE moves forward in 2018, Styles will remain a key component in the main event scene with likely a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 34 on deck.

But none of his WWE accomplishments would have taken place had he not made a phenomenal debut at the Royal Rumble in 2016.