WWE Royal Rumble: Ranking Every Winner After Lynch, Rollins Wins

Credit: WWE.com

24. The Rock

The Rock had to win the 2000 Royal Rumble. With Steve Austin injured and Triple H and Mick Foley occupied elsewhere on the card, The Rock seemed like the only sensible choice to win the match who could sell a WrestleMania main event.

Entering at Number 24, The Rock tossed four men, last eliminating The Big Show. However, it was later revealed that The Rock’s feet had hit the floor first, and he was forced to put his title shot on the line against The Big Show at No Way Out. Show won the match, and the WrestleMania match became a four way pitting The Rock against The Big Show, Mick Foley, and WWE Champion Triple H. Rather than focusing on the talent in the match, WWE opted to go with the storyline that there was a “McMahon in every corner” with each member of wrestling’s royal family backing a different superstar.

The match came down to The Rock and Triple H, before Mr. McMahon betrayed The Rock, aligning himself with Triple H and Stephanie, and allowing “The Game” to become the first heel in WWE history to successfully walk out of WrestleMania as WWE Champion.

The Rock would later capture the Championship at Backlash, before losing it to Triple H again in an Iron man match at Judgment Day. He regained the belt yet again at King of the Ring and lost it to Kurt Angle at No Mercy. The Rock would spend the rest of the year in a crowded main event scene that featured Steve Austin, Triple H, Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, and… Rikishi.

As many things that The Rock achieved in 2000, he never seemed able to build lasting momentum, or to get a real reign as Champion. But, that’s the Attitude Era for you.