John Cena

The 16 (at the time of writing) time World Champion, John Cena is one of the most consistent performers in the Royal Rumble. Oddly never really excelling (he’s had the most eliminations in one match, but never been the Iron Man), he has picked up two wins: and being involved in some of the matches’ most memorable moments.

Cena’s early Rumbles weren’t particularly memorable, making his debut with a near 20 minute stint in 2003, and going less than half that in 2004, it took until the 2005 event before even recording his first elimination: powering out Viscera single handedly from the match. He finished second in a botched ending, that saw Vince McMahon tear both his quads. An ending that has been played multiple times on video packages.

John Cena’s next Royal Rumble – the 2008 event in the history Madison Square Garden – also made the highlight reel. Cena had been sidelined with an injury and prognosis was not great. Somehow, he recovered 6 months ahead of schedule, taking out Triple H to win and enter the main event of Wrestlemania.

Since then, Cena has been a regular name towards the latter stages, only finishing as low as fifth in the 2011 event. He won his second event in 2013, last eliminating Ryback, in a forgettable event. His last appearance in the match whilst a full time competitor was at the 2018 event, finishing third after being eliminated by eventual winner Shinsuke Nakamura.

Cena announced his retirement tour and his last Royal Rumble match is scheduled to be the 2025 event. One of the favourites to win, Cena ultimately finished one short, in second place to Jey Uso.