WWE Royal Rumble 2018: 5 Underrated Individual Performances in Battle Royal

Whenever WWE puts together highlight reels in anticipation of the Royal Rumble, those clips tend to feature the same Superstars putting on the same iconic performances.

Put money on this: before the 2018 Royal Rumble, you will definitely see the following clips in highlight reels: 

• Kane eliminating 11 competitors in 2001
• Kofi Kingston using a handstand to stay alive in 2012
• John Cena entering at No. 30 in 2008
• Shawn Michaels winning in 1995 after entering at No. 1

These are iconic moments that deserve their lofty reputations. But there have been many unsung heroes beyond these obvious choices.

Here are the five most underrated individual performances in Royal Rumble history.

2002: Mr. Perfect

Credit: WWE.com

For older fans, the best part of any Royal Rumble is seeing which veterans make a cameo. Of course, an aging veteran will never win the whole thing, but they'll always survive long enough to pull off their iconic moves and make all the 40-year-old fans feel like they're 12 again—like when Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka stared each other down in 2008.

But there's also an equally great, less-celebrated moment from 2002, when Mr. Perfect entered the Rumble at No. 25.

As it is, it's rare for a veteran/legend to enter a battle royal that late. But when Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig lasted until the final four, his run became unprecedented.

Hennig died in 2003, a little over a year after this final, exceptional performance. And as far as career cappers are concerned, it was simply perfect.

1993: Bob Backlund

Credit: WWE.com

Bob Backlund was one of WWE's greatest champions, but he had the misfortune of peaking prior to the wrestling boom of the late '80s.

Muscle men like Hulk Hogan and giants like Andre the Giant were all the rage, and Backlund's fresh-faced "boy from next door" ethos didn't go over well with fans who wanted to see cartoon superheroes do battle.

But when Backlund entered the Rumble in 1993, he lasted 61 minutes and 10 seconds, a record endurance that stood until 2004. He would ride the momentum from that showing into a respectable midcard run; he even won the WWE championship, albeit for a few days.

1990: "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase

Credit: WWE.com

The Million Dollar Man was at the height of his notoriety at the 1990 Royal Rumble. He looked angry as he walked to the ring, with manservant Virgil leading the way. And why wouldn't he? He was entering at No. 1, which, from a kayfabe perspective, was a distinct disadvantage.

DiBiase did not win the entire Rumble, but he did extremely well; he lasted close to 45 minutes before being eliminated by The Ultimate Warrior.

Usually, it's good practice for bookers to leave a veteran wrestler in the ring at all times. Rumbles can get hectic, and the veteran, even if he's just lying there, can relay instructions and direct traffic. That was a role that a veteran like DiBiase was well-qualified for.

2014: CM Punk

Credit: WWE.com

This was CM Punk's final WWE match. He was sick, injured and concussed after an errant kick by Kofi Kingston, but he still managed to last 49 minutes, despite entering at No. 1.

During an interview on Colt Cabana's podcast, Punk recalled a backstage conversation with Rusev, where he implored the younger Superstar to do something dramatic in the ring. He gave some sage, veteran advice: that no one is looking out for you, and you have to get yourself over instead of waiting for perfect opportunities.

Even at a time when Punk was mentally and emotionally checked out, he was still a voice of caring and reason in WWE's notoriously tough locker room.

2015: Bray Wyatt

Credit: WWE.com

The 2015 Royal Rumble is largely remembered for being a train wreck. Once Daniel Bryan was eliminated, the crowd got angry and hostile. The fans booed eventual winner Roman Reigns, even when The Rock raised his hand to endorse him. 

But it's important to remember who eliminated Daniel Bryan; it was the Eater of Worlds, Bray Wyatt. It should have been a moment that cemented his heel status. But fans are too smart to the business now; they'll get mad at the promotion that booked the match over the wrestlers who were participating in it.

Unfortunately, nothing about that year's Rumble worked the way it should have. None of the fans hated Bray Wyatt for what he was scripted to do. And he didn't even win the Rumble, which would have somewhat rationalized Bryan's elimination. But then again, WWE has never promoted Bray Wyatt the way he deserves to be promoted. And hopefully, sooner rather than later, that will change.