Since we’re still in January, it’s no surprise that a Royal Rumble winner made this list. It’s expected, it’s logical, it makes sense, but that’s where all of that ends. Normally, a Rumble winner is vicious, backstabbing, or extra large wrestlers like Kane. This time, it was one of professional wrestling’s diminutive legends, Rey Mysterio winning the Royal Rumble. Though, to be fair, Mysterio’s heart is as big as any wrestler to lace up their boots.
What made this special wasn’t just that Mysterio won it, but that he set a record doing so.
Accolades abound
As strange as this sounds, it makes sense. Mysterio’s size actually worked in his favor as he could hide among the larger bodies easier than expected. Mysterio even said his strategy was to duck down in a corner to catch his breath and allow the rest to pummel each other.
By taking his time and waiting, he amassed a record time of 62 minutes, 12 seconds after he eliminated Randy Orton to wi his choice of championship match at WrestleMania 22. He also broke Chris Benoit’s previous record of 61 minutes, 30 seconds from two years previous.
Know what’s even better? This record still stands. At least, as far as Mysterio is concerned. He only counts matches on US soil, so Daniel Bryan’s record setting performance in Saudi Arabia doesn’t count in his book.
Pick whichever side works best for you. They both earned the distinction.
Not to rest on a single record, Mysterios is also the second man to win the Royal Rumble from the number 2 spot. The only other person to do so was Vince McMahon in 1999.
On top of this, it’s the only Royal Rumble match that had two wrestlers last an hour each, with Triple H coming in second with a time of 60 minutes, 15 seconds. Rey also had the most eliminations with 6 to Triple H’s 5.
In Rey’s own words
Special thanks to awrestlinghistorian for the quoted excerpt.
“Never had a big man–little man match gone so well for a little man. Not only did I win, I set a record for the longest Rumble turn, clocking in at 1:02:12. I raised my hands to the sky, dedicating my match to Eddie. Many things helped me in my run for the belt. The crowd and the push that I’d gotten from Eddie were certainly on my side. And I really have to give credit to Pat Patterson, who played a big role behind the scenes pushing for me, vouching that I would make a good champion.” – Rey Mysterio Behind The Mask book.
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope to see you tomorrow for another This Day in History.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
