Get it while you can. With Netflix a year away from getting sports entertainment, Peacock is still a goldmine for WWE fans, offering a vast library of iconic wrestling events, including some of the most unforgettable Royal Rumble matches. As you settle down to watch this year’s edition of the big event (Stream The 2024 Royal Rumble on Peacock here), why not enjoy some of the greatest Rumbles of years gone by? With this year’s road to WrestleMania about to begin, it’s a good time to relive the past glory of this major event. Below is an expanded list of great Royal Rumbles available for streaming on Peacock, each with a detailed description to reignite the excitement and relive the epic moments:
Royal Rumble 1992: The Ric Flair Showcase
The 1992 Royal Rumble is etched in wrestling history as a classic, not just for the star-studded lineup but for the high stakes involved, with the vacant WWE Championship on the line. Entering at number three, Ric Flair delivered a masterclass in endurance and ring psychology, navigating through the chaos and outlasting the likes of Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Sid Justice. The match is a time capsule of wrestling’s golden era, showcasing the charisma and talent of some of the industry’s biggest legends.
Perhaps the most special aspect of all this was seeing Flair, a longtime WCW star, battling nearly every member of the WWF roster less than three months after his in-ring debut. The commentary by Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, who passionately rooted for Flair throughout the match, adds another layer of entertainment to the viewing experience. Flair’s victory and the subsequent promo, where he declared, “With a tear in my eye, this is the greatest moment in my life,” solidified this Royal Rumble as a timeless classic and a must-watch for any wrestling fan.
Stream The 1992 Royal Rumble on Peacock
Royal Rumble 2008: John Cena’s Surprise Return
The 2008 Royal Rumble is best remembered for its jaw-dropping finale when John Cena made an unexpected return, entering as the 30th contestant. Cena, who had been sidelined with a pectoral tear, was not expected to return for several more months. His entrance theme hitting the speakers sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy, creating one of the most electric moments in Royal Rumble history. It was the most shocking Rumble entry ever.
Cena’s return shifted the dynamics of the match, and his face-off with Triple H in the final moments kept fans on the edge of their seats. Cena’s victory, mere months after his injury, was a testament to his resilience and the unpredictable nature of WWE storytelling. This Royal Rumble is a compelling watch, not just for Cena’s return, but for the overall energy and drama that unfolded in the ring.
Stream the 2008 Royal Rumble on Peacock
Royal Rumble 2001: The Austin Threepeat Edition
It wasn’t the best year for wrestling with WCW shutting down and the Alliance storyline hitting the skids, but still the 2001 Royal Rumble is a testament to the grit and intensity of the dwindling Attitude Era, with Stone Cold Steve Austin securing his third Royal Rumble victory in a match filled with memorable moments. The match was a showcase of endurance and resilience, with superstars like Kane delivering standout performances. Kane’s domination, where he eliminated a record-setting 11 competitors, added a layer of drama and unpredictability to the match.
However, it was Austin’s tenacity and strategic maneuvering that ultimately earned him the victory. The match was not just about brawling. It featured a mix of hardcore elements, including the use of weapons, that amplified the intensity. The 2001 Royal Rumble is a perfect blend of storytelling, action, and the raw energy that defined an era, making it an essential watch for fans of the Attitude Era and beyond. Featuring, what would become, the final hurrah for Stone Cold makes this the final chapter on one of wrestling’s most prolific eras.
Stream The 2001 Royal Rumble on Peacock
Royal Rumble 2010: Edge’s Ultimate Opportunist Return
We thought we knew him and we thought he was injured. The 2010 Royal Rumble was a showcase of resilience and strategy, with Edge making a triumphant return after months of recovery from an Achilles tendon injury. Entering at number 29, Edge’s surprise appearance was a well-kept secret that left fans and competitors alike in shock. His return was a defining moment in the match, instantly changing the dynamics and elevating the excitement to new heights.
Edge’s ability to outlast the competition and secure victory after such a lengthy hiatus is a testament to his enduring appeal and tactical acumen. His win not only marked a successful comeback but also reignited his career, paving the way for future championship pursuits. The 2010 Royal Rumble stands out for its emotional depth, thrilling action, and the unforgettable moment when Edge proved why he is the ultimate opportunist. He would repeat his shocking Rumble entry moment a decade later when he did the same thing again and returned from retirement to enter the 2020 Rumble.
Stream The 2010 Royal Rumble on Peacock
Royal Rumble 2020: Drew McIntyre’s Breakthrough
Mere weeks before WWE was plunged into the claustrophobic COVID era, the 2020 Royal Rumble marked a significant milestone in Drew McIntyre’s career, as he clinched victory in a match that was as much about talent as it was about storytelling. McIntyre’s performance was a defining moment, establishing him as a main-event superstar. The match also featured the much-anticipated return of Edge after a nine-year absence due to injury, adding an emotional layer to an already intense competition.
McIntyre’s elimination of Brock Lesnar, the reigning WWE Champion at the time, was a turning point in the match, signaling his readiness to take on the top spot in the company. The Scot’s victory set the stage for his future championship reign and solidified his position as one of WWE’s leading figures. The 2020 Royal Rumble is a testament to McIntyre’s perseverance and skill, and it’s a must-watch for fans who appreciate the blend of athleticism and narrative that defines modern wrestling.
Stream The 2020 Royal Rumble on Peacock
Royal Rumble 2016: The Roman War
The 2016 Royal Rumble was unique, as it placed Roman Reigns in an unprecedented situation, defending his WWE Championship against 29 other competitors. Reigns entered at number one, facing the daunting task of outlasting every other superstar to retain his title. The match was filled with tension and drama, as Reigns battled not just the competitors but also the mounting pressure of the “One vs. All” scenario.
The debut of AJ Styles, a TNA legend and New Japan main eventer, added a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the match. Reigns’ struggle to maintain his championship amidst the chaos, coupled with Styles’ impressive debut, makes the 2016 Royal Rumble a captivating watch. It’s a match that exemplifies the high stakes and intense action that the Royal Rumble is known for.
Stream The 2016 Royal Rumble on Peacock
Royal Rumble 2005: The Batista-Cena Showdown
The 2005 Royal Rumble is infamous for its controversial and dramatic conclusion. The showdown between John Cena and Batista in the final moments of the match was a heart-stopping sequence, with both superstars being eliminated simultaneously in a rare and unexpected twist. The confusion and subsequent decision to restart the match added an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability.
The restarted match between Cena and Batista was intense and hard-fought, with both competitors giving it their all to secure a victory. Batista’s eventual triumph was a significant moment in his career, marking the beginning of his rise to the top of the WWE roster. The 2005 Royal Rumble is memorable not only for its dramatic ending but also for the sheer athleticism and determination displayed by the superstars, making it a must-watch for fans of high-stakes wrestling drama.
Stream The 2005 Royal Rumble on Peacock
These Royal Rumble matches, available to stream on Peacock, offer a mix of unforgettable returns, career-defining victories, and dramatic storytelling, capturing the essence of WWE’s most thrilling and unpredictable event.