WWE Royal Rumble 2008: Top 5 Moments from the Best Rumble Event of All Time

The WWE Royal Rumble is less than two weeks away. It features my favorite match of the year, but that does not take away from anything else on the show. Sometimes, events are just so good they stay with you forever.

This event in 2008 was one of those events. Without a doubt, the 2008 Rumble match was my favorite edition of the 30-man match. A few come close (1992), but this one takes the top spot. That being said, I enjoyed this entire show.

You knew with a show in Madison Square Garden, it would be classic. Here are my top five moments.

5. Ric Flair's Final Match?

If Ric Flair lost, he would have to retire. If MVP lost, the 16-time World Champion rolls on.

It was a nice match that began the event. The two worked hard, but nobody will ever call this match a "classic." In the end, Flair won with his figure four-leg lock.

The reason this meant so much was because of the history. Flair would only last a few more months in WWE, and this win in New York City was very memorable.

4. Jericho and JBL Feud

I am a big fan of JBL. I am a big fan of Chris Jericho.

To see these two feud for a few months was great. Their matches never clicked inside the ring, but that doesn't matter. Their promos more than made up for that.

Chris Jericho was playing the face here. JBL was playing the heel here. Both were returning to the ring at the same time, so it worked both of them back "into the groove."

While their match at the Royal Rumble had a fluky ending, these two always brought their best.

3. Edge vs. Mysterio

This was a great match for the World Heavyweight Championship. I do not think many gave Rey Mysterio a chance to win this one, but it was still a fun ride.

The match was short but sweet. No complaints there, as seeing these two lock up in the ring has always been great to watch. Of course, Edge was set to retain, but the way he won was surprising.

I suggest everybody watch this match. Even if you know who is going to win, they told a wonderful story.

2. Jeff Hardy's Hype

Forget about Mike Adamle screwing up his name. Forget the fact that I never gave Jeff Hardy a chance in the world to defeat Randy Orton for the WWE Title. Forget all of that for a second.

This night made Jeff Hardy a star. WWE made a few videos during the weeks leading up to this event and gave Hardy the "push" of a lifetime. He was always popular, but his stock had been slowly rising since 2007.

His time to main event had not arrived yet, but WWE knew what they had. As I always discuss, the company likes to give wrestlers a "test run" at the top first. Very rarely do guys go straight to the top.

They get a chance to succeed first. If they do well, WWE can trust them again down the line. Giving Jeff Hardy this opportunity made him. It gave him the spotlight without ever fully giving it to him. Great job, WWE, and it is paying off almost a year later.

They "pushed" Jeff Hardy perfectly from 2007 through his run in the summer of 2009. WWE knows what they are doing folks. More often that not, I trust them. Having Randy Orton defeat him here was clearly the right move, as we saw a few months later.

1. Greatest Rumble Ever

Yes, it is just my opinion! Remember that.

The 2008 Royal Rumble was excellent. I loved every second of it. From the match opening with Undertaker and Shawn Michaels to the absolutely shocking ending, everything was top notch for the viewing audience.

Add in Roddy Piper. Add in Jimmy Snuka. Add in some Hornswoggle fun. Add it all up, and you get an incredible Rumble that is topped off by the biggest WWE shocker of this generation.

Mark it down. The moment John Cena returned at No. 30 will likely never be duplicated in our lifetime. WWE proved once again who is king of this business the second his music hit.

Almost four years and many viewings later, you can still "feel" that moment. It was pure brilliance on everybody's part, and John Cena eliminating Triple H last was the icing on the cake.

Bravo John Cena. Kudos to the commentary team for a great call. Thank you, WWE!

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