WWE Royal Rumble: Santino Marella and five hilarious Royal Rumble eliminations

Santino Marella (2009)

There are very few people in the world of professional wrestling or sports entertainment who are able to become record holders. The Undertaker holds the record for the most wins at WrestleMania; Stone Cold Steve Austin the record for most Royal Rumble wins; and Braun Strowman for the most number of Royal Rumble eliminations.

Enter, Santino Marella.

The cocky Italian Superstar and pioneer of The Cobra technique – which itself has transcended wrestling – entered the 2009 Royal Rumble at the ideal 28th spot. He ran down to the ring proud and determined, seemingly shouting encouraging epithets to himself as he approached the ring. The King of the Unibrow, as JR dubbed him, entered the ring looking for a fight, and the opportunity to headline WrestleMania.

Instead, he found the powerful arm of Kane, which sent him tumbling back over the ropes exactly as his entrance music finished playing. Everyone from the crowd, to the commentators, to Marella himself were in shock, as Santino pleaded that he “wasn’t ready.” Many Superstars stopped fighting to observe the spectacle, witnessing as they were a moment of history. Even Kane himself – the Big Red Machine, the Devil’s Favorite Demon – was in hysterics, as Santino continued protesting to referee Charles Robinson in vain on the outside.

But that day, Santino Marella made history. The fastest elimination in Royal Rumble history, being thrown out of the match after just one second. A truly inspirational performance.