Five Royal Rumble winners who didn’t main event WrestleMania

Royal Rumble winners get the privilege of not just facing the world champions at WrestleMania, but also get the attention of everyone by headlining the Main Event of the night. It is a feat achieved not by many, sometimes not even by multiple-time world champions. Hence, it is regarded as one of the tick boxes to be achieved for many wrestlers.

Also Read: Top 5 Greatest WrestleMania Matches of All Time

Over the years, Royal Rumble winners have mostly been the ones revolving around the major feuds during the time of WrestleMania. However, some matches were not deemed worthy enough to headline the Main Event of WrestleMania. While some of them started the night, others were inserted into the mid-show. Some of the Royal Rumble winners did not get what they deserved.

5 Royal Rumble winners who didn’t main event WrestleMania

5. Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio was at the peak of his WWE career in 2011 when he was the world champion. Before becoming so, he won the Royal Rumble and earned himself a shot at the world title. However, his match wasn't compelling enough to headline the Main Event of WrestleMania.

Instead, John Cena's match against The Miz ended up as the Main Event of WrestleMania 27. The match had factors in it that deserved to be the Main Event of the night. The Rock helping The Miz to beat John set up the 'Once in a Lifetime' feud between Cena and The People's Champ.

4. Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio, in 2006, entered the Men's Royal Rumble as the second entrant and claimed a massive win. He was the first wrestler to become the Iron Man and win the Royal Rumble in the same year. It was one of the most emotional moments, as Rey dedicated the win to his friend, the late Eddie Guerrero.

However, the WWE management did not see his shot at the world title as worthy enough to headline the Main Event of the night. Instead, John Cena headlined the Main Event of the night, where he faced Triple H for the world title and became the new champion in a match that was received well.

3. Sheamus

Sheamus was at his prime in the PG Era and was booked well. He won the Royal Rumble in 2012 and earned himself a shot at the world title. His match against Daniel Bryan started the show, instead of ending it. In one of the craziest moments, Sheamus delivered a Brogue Kick and beat Bryan in just 18 seconds.

While a title change started the night, the end witnessed an epic feud of a lifetime. It was the match between The Rock and Cena, a feud which had unreal hype. Quite obviously and deservedly, their match headlined the Main Event of the night. The People's Champ beat Cena in one of the most dramatic endings in front of his home crowd in Miami.

2. Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura had the time of his WWE career in 2018. He was one of the most 'over' wrestlers of the time and ran Smackdown along with AJ Styles. Nakamura's hype ensured he won the Royal Rumble 2018 and set himself a match against the Phenomenal One for the world title at WrestleMania 34. 

However, their match could not headline the Main Event of the night. Instead, Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar faced each other for the Universal Championship in the Main Event. The Beast beat the Big Dog to end the show. Styles vs Shinsuke's match probably deserved to headline the Main Event of the night.

1. Jey Uso

Jey Uso is the latest addition to the list, as despite winning the most star-studded Royal Rumble in WWE history, and being termed as the 'Main Event Jey', the most 'over' Superstar hasn't been able to headline the Main Event of the night. Jey won the Royal Rumble 2025 in what can be termed the most shocking Rumble winner.

Jey overcame many stars like John, Roman, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and others to win the Rumble. However, the buildup to his WrestleMania match against Gunther hasn't been deemed enough to headline the Main Event of the night. Instead, the Triple-Threat match between Roman, Punk, and Rollins will headline the Main Event of Night One, while Cena will face Cody in the Main Event of Night 2.