Royal Rumble 2012: Most Eliminations and More Records in Serious Danger

The Royal Rumble pay-per-view is rare because there are actual records to break. Instead of just fighting for a spot in a title match at WrestleMania, there are secondary accomplishments to chase. It adds some extra intrigue to an already terrific show.

Here are three records that will be challenged on Sunday night in St. Louis.

Most Eliminations (Kane: 11 in 2001)

Kane was at his dominant peak in 2001. He ran through 11 different superstars, including The Rock, to set the record for most eliminations by a single wrestler in one Rumble. He didn't finish the job, however, as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin picked up the victory.

My pick to challenge the record this year is Sheamus. The Great White is in need of a big push to take him back to the main-event level after his recent feud with Wade Barrett. Eliminating 12 guys would allow him to get that boost without having to win the match.

Another possibility is Kane himself. If he loses to John Cena earlier in the night, he might enter with a vengeance and start cleaning house.

Longest Time Spent in Rumble (Rey Mysterio: 1:02:12 in 2006)

Rey Mysterio won the 2006 Rumble after spending more than an hour in the ring. It's a tough record to break because the wrestler needs to enter at an early point and manage to stay occupied for an extended period of time without it becoming obvious he's going to win.

The Miz, who will be entering first, could make a similar run. He's still one of the WWE's best heels, but has been stuck in a feud with former tag team partner R-Truth in recent weeks. While entertaining, it isn't helping him get back in the main-event picture. A deep Rumble run will.

Somebody else to consider is Dolph Ziggler. He's going to play a supporting role in the WWE Championship match because of CM Punk's feud with John Laurinaitis. A long Rumble stay will make everybody forget about that.

Shortest Time Spent in Rumble (Santino Marella: 1.9 seconds in 2009)

Santino has always been used for comic relief more than anything else, so it's not a surprise to see him hold this record. He had just entered the ring when Kane clotheslined him right back out to break The Warlord's previous record of two seconds.

Drew McIntyre could very well set the new standard on Sunday. He's been getting crushed on SmackDown recently, which would make a further burial seem likely. Being immediately eliminated from the Rumble would certainly serve that purpose.

Ultimately it would help his character because he could return with a mean streak, but he would also be in the record books for futility. Not the greatest trade off.