WWE Royal Rumble 2012: How Randy Orton Has Done in Each Royal Rumble Appearance

With the rumors of Randy Orton returning from his injury in time for the Royal Rumble this Sunday, the Viper will be a heavy favorite if the former WWE Champion enters the Royal Rumble match, having his sights set on headlining another WrestleMania this April in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

As we're only four days away from Rumble, here's a quick list of how Orton has fared in his each of his appearances in the Royal Rumble match over his WWE career since joining the company in 2002.

2004 Royal Rumble Match

In his first appearance in the Royal Rumble match, Randy Orton didn't receive the luck of the draw in 2004, as he entered the match with the No. 2 draw alongside eventual winner Chris Benoit, eliminating five superstars before being eliminated himself by Mick Foley.

2006 Royal Rumble Match

After unsuccessfully challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship the prior year, Orton once again participated in the Royal Rumble.

However, he was unable to use his No. 30 draw to his advantage, as Rey Mysterio eliminated the Viper last with a quick hurricanrana over the top rope to win the Rumble from the No. 2 draw in 2006.

2007 Royal Rumble Match

Following being the No. 2 and No. 30 entrant in previous years, Randy Orton entered the 2007 Royal Rumble right in the middle of the list with the No. 16 draw. He eliminated just two superstars during the match before being sent over the top rope by Rumble veteran Shawn Michaels.

2009 Royal Rumble Match

In the 22nd edition of the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, Randy Orton won his first Royal Rumble match of his career from the No. 8 draw.

The Viper spent more than 48 minutes in the match before finally eliminating Triple H, the same person he would face later in the year for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania XXV.

2011 Royal Rumble Match

Unless the WWE brings back the concept they used at last year's event, Randy Orton will likely be the only superstar to draw No. 39 in the history of the Royal Rumble. He was eliminated by the only superstar to ever draw No. 38 and the eventual winner of the 2011 Rumble, Alberto Del Rio. 

2012 Royal Rumble Match

With the Royal Rumble just four days away, where do you see Randy Orton entering the match this Sunday?

Will Orton enter the match at an early draw like he did in 2004 and 2009, or will he enter the match later like in 2006 and 2011?

Drop down to the comments section and join the discussion about what you think will happen Sunday night with Randy Orton and the Royal Rumble match as a whole at the 25th anniversary of the WWE's January staple.

Chris Humphrey is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. In his time before joining the WWE section, he has wrote for multiple sections on B/R like college basketball, the UFC, the NBA, the NFL and college football in a short period of time with the site. You can become a fan of him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @_CBH_.