The Top 10 WWE Royal Rumble Non-Rumble Matches Since 2000 (with Highlights)

The Royal Rumble has been a staple for WWE pay-per-views since its exciting inception.

One of the greatest wrestling concepts of all time, the PPV remains one of the most anticipated events of each year and is the perfect way to kick off each new year.

While the Royal Rumble match itself is the most fun part of the show, let’s take a look back at some of the best undercard matches since 2000 as we gear up for the 2011 Royal Rumble, which will be held on Jan. 30.

10. Triple H vs. Randy Orton, World Championship, 2005

This was one of the more heated rivalries in the decade, highlighted by Triple H hitting the Pedigree following Orton’s attempt to hit him with the sledgehammer.

9. John Cena vs. Edge, WWE Championship, 2006

One of the best feuds of the decade, highlighted by Edge knocking Lita off the ring apron only to be hit with Cena’s FU and STFU for the win.

8. Edge vs. Shawn Michaels, 2005

Two of the best performers in WWE history, highlighted by Edge countering Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music with the electric chair drop.

7. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels, World Championship Last Man Standing Match, 2004

Easily one of the greatest rivalries in wrestling history, this was just another exciting chapter to their long book, highlighted by Shawn Michaels crashing into the announcer’s table and gushing blood from his forehead.

6. Chris Jericho vs. The Rock, WWE Undisputed Championship, 2002

Two of the best entertainers in wrestling history, they put on another fantastic back-and-forth match highlighted by Chris Jericho impersonating The Rock’s Peoples Elbow, only to be thrown out of the ring and Rock Bottomed through the announcer’s table.

5. Tazz vs. Kurt Angle, 2000

One of the most anticipated and greatest debuts in WWE history, Tazz dominated in the exciting bout, highlighted by him choking out Angle.

4. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit, WWE Championship, 2003

One of the top matches in all of 2003, these two stole the show on one of the grandest pay-per-views of the year with their back-and-forth bout.

3. Chris Benoit vs Chris Jericho, WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match

Still one of the best one-on-one Ladder matches in my opinion, highlighted by Chris Jericho locking Chris Benoit in the Walls of Jericho on top of the ladder.

2. Hardy Boyz vs. Dudleyz Boyz, Tag Team Tables Match, 2000

Still one of the premier tag team gimmicks matches in WWE history, highlighted by Jeff Hardy’s Swanton Bomb from the Madison Square Garden crowd onto D-Von Dudley.

1. Cactus Jack vs. Triple H, WWE Championship Street Fight, 2000

One of the most brutal matches in WWE history, highlighted by Triple H’s Pedigree to Cactus Jack on thumbtacks.