WWE Royal Rumble 2012: 11 Greatest Championship Matches in Wrestling History

The Royal Rumble is known for its annual battle royal-style main event.

However, it's not always the main event that steals the show.

Many times it's the return of a former WWE star, while in others it's about how long an individual lasts during that match.

This article will showcase the greatest championship matches at the event.

The very first title defense was the women's title in 1989 as Rockin' Robin squared off against Judy Martin. On the flip side, the WWE title was not disputed until 1991, while the IC and tag titles were contested in 1992.  Which coincidentally is the same year that the WWE title was crowned to the winner of the Royal Rumble for the first and only time.

I am sure you have your favorites, so if I missed them feel free to mention it in the comments section.

Now onto the show.

Bret Hart vs. Razor Ramon (1993)

This match marked what is now known as the glory days of Scott Hall's career.

During this time Hall was involved in several classic matches for the WWE, and this was one of them.

Even though Hall gave Bret Hart a run for his money, he was no match for the sharpshooter.

Kurt Angle vs. Triple H (2001)

Angle and Triple H were at the top of their game.

Each man had something to prove, and both went above and beyond to make this match amazing.

Luckily for Angle, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin came out and assured Angle would score the win.

Triple H vs. Cactus Jack (2000)

The McMahon-Helmsley Era was going full steam, and Mick Foley found himself in the cross hairs of the power couple.

The match was contested as a street fight and was very physical and bloody. 

It even bolstered a special appearance from The Rock as he came out with an assist for his fellow teammate.

Unfortunately for Foley, "The Cerebral Assassin" would go on to get the win.

Jeff Hardy vs. Edge (2009)

Ah... the match that was supposed to mark the return of Christian.

Instead, the WWE universe was treated to a Matt Hardy heel turn.

Nonetheless, Hardy and Edge put on a masterpiece and gave fans an amazing title match.

The Rock vs. Chris Jericho( 2002)

Jericho was the first and current undisputed champion as he stepped into the ring against The Rock.

Both men had an amazing feud and Jericho played the perfect antagonist. In the end, Y2J would win, scoring a cheap pin.

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit (2003)

Any time you put these two in the ring, you knew something epic was bound to happen.

Obviously, 2003 was no different as these two battled it out for the undisputed title.

Even though this match could have gone either way, in the end Angle proved victorious.

Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (2004)

The former D-X mates squared off in the ring for the world title.

This match was filled with big spots and lots of blood.

Ultimately, there would be no winner as the two were laid out for a 10-count.

John Cena vs. Edge (2006)

Cena and Edge were just beginning their storied feud.

Edge came into the Rumble as champ, but would not leave that way.

The PG and Super-Cena era was on the verge of beginning.

The Rock vs. Mankind (1999)

The Rock and Mankind were slated to have an epic battle in an "I quit" match for the WWE title.

However, Mankind's mic skills got the best of him, as he cut a promo prior to the match stating that he would make the Rock say, "I quit, I quit, I quit!"

Towards the end of the match, Mankind was handcuffed and laid out by several chair shots.

The Rock saw his opportunity and put the mic next to an unconscious Mankind. This is when fans heard the isolated audio from the earlier interview, and the rest was history.

2006 Cruiserweight Invitational

Sadly, this was one of the last real showcases of the cruiser-weights.

Many of the WWE's best came out and gave their all to try and win the coveted title.

In the end, Gregory Helms would prove victorious.

A Flair for the Gold

In 1992 the vacant WWE title was contested for the first and only time during the Rumble match.

From the start it seemed the odds were stacked against "The Nature Boy" as he entered the Rumble at No. 3.

However, after some outside interference from Hulk Hogan—yes, I said Hulk Hogan—Flair was able to oust Sid and become the champ.