Wrestlers who have won back-to-back Royal Rumbles: Complete list

Royal Rumble is a PLE where two of the biggest attractions are the men's and women's rumble matches, which are more unique than normal matches. It is nothing but a Battle Royal of 30 members. The only way to win a Royal Rumble match is to be the last man standing in the ring. To do so, a wrestler must eliminate his/her opponents from the match.

Eliminating a wrestler in a Royal Rumble match is possible by throwing them from the top of the apron. Winning a rumble match is not easy for an individual. Not a lot of wrestlers have won it multiple times. Only four wrestlers have won the Rumble matches in consecutive years. While three of them achieved the feat in the 20th century, only one wrestler won the Royal Rumble back-to-back in the 21st century.

Also check: WWE Royal Rumble: Top 10 WWE Superstars with most eliminations in Royal Rumble

Wrestlers who have won back-to-back Royal Rumbles

4. Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is the only wrestler from the 21st century to win the Royal Rumble in two consecutive years. The American Nightmare did it in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The top star of the company chose Roman Reigns as his opponent on both instances. While Cody lost in 2023, he won in 2024 to end a historic reign of the tribal chief that lasted for 1316 days.

3. Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels was the second wrestler to win the Royal Rumble in two consecutive years. The WWE Hall of Famer won his first Royal Rumble in 1995 and followed it up with yet another win in 1996. In the period, he delivered great matches with Bret Hart, especially at WrestleMania. Hence, he came to be known as Mr. WWEania for his abilities to deliver great matches.

2. Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan was the first wrestler to win the Royal Rumble in two consecutive years. The veteran won his maiden Royal Rumble in 1990 and backed it up with another win in 1991. Hogan was responsible for the huge growth of WWE across different parts of the world. At his prime in the 1980s and 1990s, it seemed like he was an invincible wrestler.

1. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin is the only wrestler to date to win three Royal Rumble matches. The star wrestler won it in 1997, 1998, and 2001, respectively. In 1998, he became the third wrestler to win the Royal Rumble in two consecutive years. Stone Cold made history in 2001 when he became the first wrestler to win three Royal Rumble matches.

WWE has four wrestlers with back-to-back Royal Rumble wins. Stone Cold Steve Austin won it three times, including back-to-back wins in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Hulk Hogan was the first to achieve the feat in 1991. Shawn Michaels joined the elite league in 1996. In 2024, Cody became the only wrestler from the 21st century to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has won the Royal Rumble the most number of times? 

Stone Cold Steve Austin has won the Royal Rumble the most number of times. The Texas Rattlesnake won the men's wrestling match three times: in 1997, 1998, and 2001, respectively.

Who is the wrestler with the most number of eliminations in Royal Rumble?

Kane has the most number of eliminations in the Royal Rumble history. The Big Red Machine eliminated 46 wrestlers in his 20 appearances.

How many times has Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble?

Cody Rhodes has won the Royal Rumble twice. The American Nightmare won it in two consecutive years, in 2023 and 2024.

Who won the Royal Rumble in 2024?

In the Men's Division, Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble in 2024. In the women's division, Bayley won it. Both went on to become world champions at WWE XL.

Who are the favourites to win the Royal Rumble in 2025?

In the men's division, John Cena, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk are the favourites to win the Royal Rumble 2025. In the women's division, Iyo Sky, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair are the favourites to win the Royal Ruumble 2025.