By Shawn Valentino, PWTorch Specialist

Over the years, the Royal Rumble has provided wrestling fans countless memorable moments. While the original events focused completely on the Rumble itself, over the years, the undercard matches have provided some unforgettable encounters. This year, those types of magical moments were noticeably absent. My favorite moment from this year's event was the subtle encounter between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, which I feel is planting another seed to a WrestleMania dream-match between the two legends.

Today, we look at some of the top moments in the history of the Royal Rumble. Please feel free to send your own favorite memories from this annual tradition.

(10) Ax and Smash Face Off (1989)

This may not be what people think about when they recall their top Rumble moments, but back in an era where tag team wrestling was a big deal in WWF, fans were in awe of the top tag team in the company going at each other. Demolition was WWF's answer to the Road Warriors, and they became the most popular tag team in the company, and a hugely underrated duo in historical perspective. Since it was rare to see two tag partners face off in the Hulkamania era, seeing Ax and Smash draw one and two in the Rumble and proceed to bash each other with stiff hits was an incredible moment.

(9) The Rock Forces Mankind to "Quit" (1999)

Perhaps the most brutal match in the history of the Royal Rumble was the "I Quit Match" between Rock and Mankind. The multiple chairshots to the head of Mick Foley were "highlighted" in the documentary "Beyond the Mat." While it was a vicious battle between two top rivals of the time, it should also be a reminder of the devastating effects of violence in the wrestling world. Even the most hardened viewer had to wince at the pain inflicted on Mankind. No matter how you remember this epic match, one cannot deny that it left an indelible mark on the minds of anybody who saw it.

(8) John Cena Returns (2008)

Very rarely, in the modern wrestling world, do fans get a genuine surprise. The internet and the wide availability of backstage information usually ruin the chance of any major shocks. Cena was not scheduled to return until after WrestleMania, so when the top star in the company came back to win the Rumble, it was a legitimate surprise that rocked the wrestling world.

(7) Shawn Michaels Goes Coast to Coast (1995)

The nature of the Royal Rumble make it a match that can instantly create a new star or elevate a talent ready to break out to the next level. Throughout 1994, wrestling fans were subject to the atrocious title reign of Diesel and were clamoring for exciting new stars. "The Heartbreak Kid" was a dynamic performer and the most exciting wrestler in the company at the time. The WWF broke from their tradition and had one of their smaller, but most talented stars, put on an iron man performance to win the match. This match played a huge role in turning Michaels into a main-eventer, which he still is to this day.

(6) Hogan and Warrior Go Head to Head (1990)

As the decade of he nineties began, Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior were the top two superheroes of the WWF. At the time, two good guys squaring off against each other was unheard of, especially for the World Title. So when these two larger than life figures stood alone for two minutes in the middle of the Royal Rumble, fans were salivating to see these two in an epic match for the ages. It planted the seed for their legendary main event at WrestleMania just a few months later.

(5) Undertaker and Shawn Have a Dream Match (2007)

Amazingly, it took nearly 20 years for the Royal Rumble to feature an actual competitive match between the final two wrestlers left in the ring. The fact that it was the two biggest and longest tenured icons in the company made it a mesmerizing moment. Taker and HBK put on a show for the ages in a suspense-filled ending in Michaels' hometown that ended in The Dead Man winning his first Royal Rumble.

(4) Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle Put on a Wrestling Clinic (2003)

I was never a fan of Benoit as I felt he lacked the charisma and personality necessary to be a top star in the industry. Even after his horrific acts, however, I can appreciate the intensity and unparalleled quality of his matches. This was Benoit at his peak facing an even more talented performer in his prime. The result was a wrestling clinic that stole the show from the Rumble itself. This was the greatest pure wrestling match in the history of the Royal Rumble and one of the best in history period.

(3) Triple H and Cactus Jack Have Unforgettable Street Fight (2000)

This may have been the greatest Street Fight in the history of WWE. Cactus Jack and Mick Foley gave wrestling fans an unforgettable battle in the middle of a heated feud. The match resulted in the ascension of Triple H to main event performer. Everything but the kitchen sink was thrown into this ferocious combat and is one of the top matches on the resume of two of WWE's top stars of all time.

(2) "Stone Cold" Checks His Watch (1997)

The awesome thing about Steve Austin's rise to the pinnacle of the wrestling world was that it was a series of memorable moments that told the story of a legend in the making. While the "Austin 3:16 promo" at the King of the Ring the year prior put him on the map, his winning the Royal Rumble turned him into a future mega-star. When Austin eliminated a series of wrestlers and checked his watch waiting for the next competitor, it was the epitome of the ultimate bad-ass.

While he was a heel, he was so cool and intense that it was only a matter of time before the changing wrestling audience would turn him face. This was a crucial chapter in the creation of the Austin phenomenon as well as the Attitude Era.

(1) Ric Flair Wins the WWF Title (1992)

In the '80s, wrestling fans dreamed of what would happen if "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair would come to the biggest wrestling company in the world. When he finally entered the WWF, fans anticipated the multitude of dream matches that were possible. The WWF World Championship was vacant in early 1992, and for the only time in the history of the event, the title was up for grabs in the Rumble.

In the most star-studded cast in Royal Rumble history, Flair came out victorious beating out WWF legends like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. Flair's incredible performance, aided by Bobby Heenan's over-the-top commentary, made this an instant classic. The entire showcase, from the match itself, to the broadcasting, to the tear-filled interview with "The Nature Boy" after, was pure wrestling magic. Even after all these years, it stands as the greatest moment in Royal Rumble history.

Please seed questions, comments and feedback to valentino.torch@gmail.com

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