WWE Royal Rumble 2015: Most Underrated Individual Performances in Battle Royal

The Royal Rumble match is typically one of the most anticipated and popular matches on the WWE schedule, thanks to the array of talent that shares the ring at the same time.

Throughout the long and illustrious history of the bout, there have been numerous performances that have become synonymous with the match. Whether it was Ric Flair's hour-long performance in 1992 that led to his first WWE title, Kane and Roman Reigns dominating the opposition and tossing more than 10 stars in 2001 and 2014, respectively, or Bob Backlund's improbable run in 1993, the contest is dotted with memorable showings from some of the top stars the industry has ever seen.

Anytime those performances capture the attention of fans the way they have, there are sure to be Superstars whose contributions to the legacy of the match are overshadowed and underrated, both by fans and historians.

They may have eliminated a bunch of Superstars or lasted nearly an hour, but whatever the case is, they deserve to have their accomplishments in the annual 30 man over-the-top-rope match recognized.

With the 2015 edition of the bout rapidly approaching and the potential for more stars to deliver performances sure to be underappreciated in years to come, relive some of the most underrated individual performances in the history of the Royal Rumble match.

Credit: WWE.com

1990: "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase

By the time 1990 rolled around, Ted DiBiase was, arguably, one of the best workers in the industry. Thus, it was only natural that bookers would want him to form the backbone of the Royal Rumble match, just as Mr. Perfect and Bret Hart had in years prior.

Entering at No. 1, DiBiase outlasted the likes of Randy Savage, Jake Roberts and Andre the Giant, while notching four eliminations during his 44:47 in the match.

Sadly, money could not buy him a win in the contest as DiBiase ran into the unstoppable juggernaut that was The Ultimate Warrior, becoming the the eighteenth man to be eliminated in that year's contest.

His record for longevity in the contest would last just one year before being eclipsed by another prominent heel of that era.

Credit: WWE.com

1991: "The Model" Rick Martel

Rick Martel was in the midst of a major feud with Jake "the Snake" Roberts by the time January 1991 rolled around. Still, at that point, he was recognized as little more than a midcard heel at best. So to see his performance in the Royal Rumble match, where he lasted 52:17 and eliminated four of his fellow Superstars, was a bit of a surprise.

The British Bulldog ended Martel's then history-making performance on a sour note, but it was difficult to take away the feat that The Model had accomplished that evening.

It was, arguably, the finest performance in the history of the Canadian's WWE career. 

Credit: WWE.com

1996: Hunter Hearst Helmsley

On the heels of a midcard rivalry with Henry Godwinn, a young Hunter Hearst Helmsley entered the 1996 Royal Rumble at No. 1, the result of a pre-show loss to Duke "the Dumpster" Droese. Despite being one of the top young stars in the company, little was expected out of the Connecticut blue blood as he stepped foot inside the squared circle.

A classic heel, he repeatedly staved off elimination, just long enough to fight for another minute, another second. Seizing opportunities was what he did best, proving himself a cerebral competitor even way back then.

Unfortunately, the arrival of former WWE champion Diesel spelled the end of Helmsley's night but not before he established himself as someone capable of achieving great things in Vince McMahon's promotion.

Credit: WWE.com

2009: Triple H

Some 13 years after making his first Royal Rumble appearance a memorable one, Triple H was now a grizzled veteran. While no one expected much from him in 1996, he was a clear favorite to win the 2009 edition of the match. To do so, he would have to overcome rival Randy Orton and his Legacy teammates Ted DiBiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes.

For nearly 50 minutes, Triple H proved to the WWE fans why he was one of the greatest Superstars of all-time, dumping six Superstars to the arena floor. Unfortunately, the numbers game proved too much for the King of Kings, who found himself tossed over the top rope by his protege Orton.

It was a disappointing conclusion to one of Triple H's finest performances, one that established him as one of the elite Rumble performers.

2012: Cody Rhodes

Young Cody Rhodes had seemingly been bred for success from the moment he debuted on WWE television in 2007. An array of different gimmicks, however, had stunted his movement up the roster. Still, he was widely considered one of the best young workers on the roster.

As is tradition with the Rumble, guys that Vince McMahon and Co. trust to carry the action are typically put in a position to enjoy lengthy runs in the match. That was the case for the then Intercontinental champion.

Rhodes entered at No. 4 and eliminated six Superstars during his stint. Proving himself a marathon performer, The Dashing One lasted 41:55 before being eliminated by the man he would battle at WrestleMania XXVIII, The Big Show.

To this day, it ranks as one of the star's signature performances.