WWE Royal Rumble 2012: The Best Non-Royal Rumble Matches in Event History

Even though the Royal Rumble is the must-see event of the WWE's annual January pay-per-view, there have been other matches on the card through the years that were equal to or even overshadowed the 30-man battle royal at their respective Rumbles.

With a multitude of different stipulations in the contests, the following slideshow will reveal the best matches in the history of the Royal Rumble event that wasn't the actual Royal Rumble match through the years.

No. 8: The Dudley Boyz vs. the Hardy Boyz, Tag Team Tables Match

In what would be the precursor to the TLC match later in 2000, the Hardys were able to use their high-flying ability to defeat the Dudleys at their own game in the first-ever tag team Tables match as Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb on D-Von through a table for the win.

No. 7: Edge vs. Dolph Ziggler, World Heavyweight Championship Match

Even though Vickie Guerrero banned the use of Edge's signature move in the match, the Rated-R Superstar found his opportunity to hit the maneuver on Dolph Ziggler followed by Christian's finisher, the Killswitch, to retain his World Heavyweight Championship at last year's Royal Rumble.  

No. 6: John Cena vs. Umaga, Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Title

In a brutal match between John Cena and the now deceased Umaga at the 2007 Royal Rumble, the bloody WWE champion needed the aid of a unhooked turnbuckle and ring rope to retain his title and finally keep the Samoan Bulldozer down for the 10 count in their Last Man Standing match.

No. 5: Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit, Ladder Match for the IC Title

After sending Benoit falling from the top of the ladder to the floor, Jericho was able to seize the opportunity and win the Intercontinental title for a fourth time in this brutal ladder match that stole the show at the 14th Royal Rumble in 2001. 

No. 4: Shawn Michaels vs. the Undertaker, Casket Match for the WWE Championship

In the match that cost the Heartbreak Kid four years of his wrestling career due to a back injury, Shawn Michaels was still able to win the casket match with the Undertaker in 1998 with help from D-Generation X and Kane and retained his WWE Championship in his second to last match until SummerSlam 2002.

No. 3: Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels, Last Man Standing Match for the World Title

After fighting to a draw on Raw in December 2003, World Heavyweight champion Triple H and Shawn Michaels again fought to another draw at the Royal Rumble after neither men could reach their feet following Sweet Chin Music from the Heartbreak Kid in their brutal Last Man Standing match.

No. 2: The Rock vs. Mankind, I Quit Match for the WWE Championship

With the help of a recording made earlier in the night on Sunday Night Heat, the Rock won the WWE Championship after someone played the previous audio to act as if Mick Foley's persona of Mankind said "I quit" after the Great One hit Foley repeatedly with a steel chair out of the ring and up the entrance ramp in 1999. 

No. 1: Cactus Jack vs. Triple H, Street Fight for the WWE Championship

In what has to be the best match outside of the Royal Rumble in the event's history, WWE champion Triple H, even though bloody and battered, found a way to defeat Mick Foley's persona of Cactus Jack in a match that featured thumbtacks, barbwire and sheer brutality in their street fight at Madison Square Garden in 2000.

Chris Humphrey is a featured columnist for BleacherReport.com. He has covered everything from college football, college basketball, UFC, NFL, NBA and the WWE in his short time writing for the website. You can become a fan of him on B/R and follow him on Twitter @_CBH_.