WWE Royal Rumble 2017: Most Controversial Moments in PPV's History

As one of WWE's biggest pay-per-view events, the Royal Rumble is never short on controversy. The drama typically comes in the event's marquee 30-man Battle Royal.

With shock returns, dramatic eliminations and the possibility for anything to happen, the Royal Rumble match is one of the most anticipated contests of the year for good reason.

Thankfully, the 2017 edition looks set to be one of the most intriguing in years.

And it's a safe bet that there will be another addition to this list of the most controversial moments in the event's history this year.

But for now, here's a look at some of the most striking decisions WWE has made in the history of the event. 

Bret Hart and Lex Luger Both Win the Royal Rumble (1994)

Going into the 1994 Royal Rumble, it seemed to be a straight choice between Bret Hart and Lex Luger as to who would win the show's main bout. As it turned out, both of them did in a shock twist that left fans stunned.

Backstage, Vince McMahon seemingly couldn't make his mind up whether it should be the babyface Luger or the babyface Hart who would win the match. Therefore, he decided they should both win it.

So a finish was booked where both men would hit the floor at the same time, forcing WWE President Jack Tunney to come out and declare both men the winners.

Did it work? It didn't look like it would at the time, but with the way that year's WrestleMania was booked, both men got their title opportunities.

Amazingly, it probably did pay off. At the time, however, it was a brave, bold decision which had all the risk of backfiring. 

John Cena and Batista Repeat the Trick (2005)

Credit: WWE.com

Just over a decade after WWE's controversial decision to have Lex Luger and Bret Hart both win the 1994 Royal Rumble, it seemed the company was about to the pull the same trick in 2005.

When Batista and John Cena both went over the top rope at almost exactly the same time, it seemed certain WWE would copy the finish of 1994—but instead, the match went down a different path.

The most obvious difference between this finish and the one in 1994 was that, simply put, it wasn't supposed to end this way.

Batista's attempted powerbomb went wrong, and both men landed on the floor below. What happened next was more infamous than famous, as Vince McMahon strode down the ramp, tried to slide into the ring and tore both of his quadriceps.

Now, WWE had a bizarre scenario where both men, visibly confused about the finish, were being directed on the spot by a man sitting on the floor with two torn quadriceps.

Ultimately, the match started again, and Batista won the bout, but the 2005 Royal Rumble match will forever be remembered for the botch, not the result. 

Steve Austin Cheats to Win the Rumble (1997)

The feud between Bret Hart and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was one of the hottest in WWE in the 1990s—so much so that, in reality, it was bigger and more interesting than Shawn Michaels' run as the company's top guy in early 1997.

When the Royal Rumble show occurred that year, it was clear Austin and Hart would lock horns once again. They brawled during the bout before Austin was eliminated, allowing The Hitman to stand tall.

However, in a classic heel moment, Austin sneaked back into the match since his feet never touched the floor in sight of the officials. 

Amazingly, he came back in, eliminated everyone in sight and won the Rumble for the first time. It was a moment that showed Austin off as a true heel, but he would turn babyface just a few months later in one of the all-time classic WrestleMania moments, again in a match against Hart.

Vince McMahon Wins the Rumble (1999)

The most controversial Royal Rumble decision of all time was the result of the 1999 match.

By the time the first pay-per-view of 1999 arrived, the Steve Austin-Vince McMahon rivalry was on fire. McMahon had made Austin the No. 1 entrant in the Rumble match, and commissioner Shawn Michaels hit back by deciding McMahon would be No. 2.

What followed was pure chaos. Austin and McMahon brawled all across the arena before the former was placed on a stretcher and in an ambulance. 

However, in the closing stages, Austin suddenly returned and ensured he and McMahon were the final two. Surely Austin would win, right?

No. In a shocking, controversial move, WWE had The Rock come down and distract Austin, allowing McMahon to toss him over the top rope and win the Royal Rumble match. It was one of the most striking images in Rumble history.

Batista Returns and Wins the Royal Rumble (2014)

Credit: WWE.com

History and WrestleMania 30 show that this decision to have Batista win the 2014 Royal Rumble didn't impact the future of Daniel Bryan as a main event star that much.

But at the time of the Rumble that year, Batista standing tall and winning the 30-man bout looked like a major smack in the face for the up-and-coming Bryan. In reality, it could have been the best thing that happened for the Yes! Movement.

Batista's return to the company was disastrous from the minute he stepped foot in a WWE ring. Fans couldn't relate to the fact that The Animal was thrust straight into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture, and it backfired.

Luckily, Bryan continued to gain momentum, and he eventually forced his way into the plans for the WrestleMania main event, beating both Batista and Randy Orton.

But this decision was as controversial as they come.