DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu #160 - All-Time 'Royal Rumble' Statistics + RR'06 Predictions
Submitted by DaveyBoy on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 2:34 AM EST






THE WRESTLING MENU #160

Welcome one and all to the 160th edition of The Wrestling Menu, the column that is sure to satisfy your taste buds when it comes to discussing all things wrestling.

Today will be a totally 'Royal Rumble' filled column, but before I get to that, this may be a good time to talk about some sport.

- In the English Premier League, Chelsea has as good as won the title with still 4 or so months remaining. Damn Russian Millionaires are ruining the game!!!

- In the NBA, the Pistons are dominating. But it really doesn't matter now, because 16 teams still make the playoffs & almost any one of them are a decent chance to go all the way come the end of the season.

- Speaking of lower seeds going all the way, the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL SuperBowl in 12 days time. I can say that I have been a fan of the way the Seahawks have gone about things this year. I saw them on tv a few times while I was in the States & enjoyed the way they played the game. They haven't been as good of late though & I think they are clearly the underdogs in Detroit. Having said that, I was pleased when Shaun Alexander was named MVP & if he can do something special on the day, then anything is possible. I'll be cheering for the Seahawks, but my prediction is Pittsburgh to win 24-13.

- Last but not least, my hometown of Melbourne has been hosting the Australian Open tennis over the past 10 days. I've been following it very closely this year, for one reason; I had money on the outcome. It was a bit of a long-shot, but I couldn't resist the 20-1 odds on offer (before the tournament started) for the big Croat, Ivan Ljubicic! He departed the competition yesterday & now we are down to the Semi-Finals. Probably another Federer grand slam win, I suppose.

Ok, let's get to it.


APPETIZERS

All-Time 'Royal Rumble' Statistics

Today is a bit of a special treat of a column, in that it actually provides information (in the form of statistics) concerning the Royal Rumble battle royal match, since it first made a splash on the WWE calendar in 1988.

A while back, I was fortunate enough to get a whole bunch of statistics for the big January battle royal from an LOP reader; Kevin Daly. I must make it clear that Kevin has gone to the trouble of noting these statistics in his own time & has since consented that I may use them in my column. I also make it clear that I have not checked up on Kevin's stats.

Kevin has passed on a few notes for those fussy people out there, as he obviously had to make some personal judgment calls on more than a few occasions. They are as follows:

- Time was credited for someone from when they went into the ring until they were officially 'eliminated'. So the likes of Austin and McMahon have inflated numbers due to the Rumble where they ran off for most of the time. This also includes time credited for the amount of time taken up getting into the ring after a wrestler's music plays. So if someone ambles to the ring, then good luck to them. Some would call that clever.

- With regards to eliminations; If someone whips someone into the ropes, and another person pulls the ropes down, both the 'whipper' and the 'rope puller' are awarded an elimination.

Depending on which way you look at it, I have 2 or 4 sets of stats to provide. I will look at both eliminations & time spent in the battle royal. With both categories, I will also break them down into yearly stats & career stats. Following the statistics, I will give you my predictions for this year's 'Royal Rumble' pay-per-view.....


ENTREE

'Royal Rumble' Elimination Stats

ELIMINATIONS IN THE 1 YEAR

1: Kane - 11 Eliminations in 2001
2: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 10 in 1997
3T: Hulk Hogan - 8 in 1989
3T: Shawn Michaels - 8 in 1995
3T: Shawn Michaels - 8 in 1996
3T: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 8 in 1999
7T: Hulk Hogan - 7 in 1991
7T: Yokozuna - 7 in 1993
7T: Lex Luger - 7 in 1994
7T: Kevin 'Diesel' Nash - 7 in 1994
7T: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 7 in 1998
7T: Rikishi - 7 in 2000
7T: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 7 in 2002


CAREER NUMBER OF ELIMINATIONS

1: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 36 eliminations from 6 appearances
2: The Undertaker - 25 from 7
3: Hulk Hogan - 24 from 4
4: Shawn Michaels - 24 from 8
5: Kane - 24 from 9
6: 'The British Bulldog' DaveyBoy Smith - 13 from 6
7: Rikishi - 12 from 10
8T: Lex Luger - 11 from 2
8T: Kevin 'Diesel' Nash - 11 from 2
10: 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase - 11 from 4
11: Yokozuna - 10 from 2
12T: The Rock - 10 from 4
12T: 'The Big Show' Paul Wight - 10 from 4
12T: Edge - 10 from 4
12T: Chris Jericho - 10 from 4
16: Chris Benoit - 9 from 2
17: Rick Martel - 9 from 7
18: Batista - 8 from 2
19T: Akeem/One Man Gang - 8 from 3
19T: Ric Flair - 8 from 3
21T: John 'Earthquake' Tenta - 8 from 4
21T: Brian 'Crush' Adams - 8 from 4
23: 'The Macho Man' Randy Savage - 8 from 5
24: Mick Foley - 7 from 3
25: Booker T - 7 from 4


MAIN

'Royal Rumble' Endurance Stats

ENDURANCE IN THE 1 YEAR

1: Chris Benoit - 61 minutes & 35 Seconds in 2004
2: Bob Backlund - 61:10 in 1993
3: Ric Flair - 60:10 in 1992
4T: Vince McMahon - 56:30 in 1999
4T: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 56:30 in 1999
6: Kane - 54:50 in 2001
7: Rick Martel - 52:30 in 1991
8: The Rock - 51:55 in 1998
9: Triple H - 48:05 in 1996
10: Chris Benoit - 48:00 in 2005
11: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 45:00 in 1997
12: 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase - 44:50 in 1990
13: Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine - 44:10 in 1991
14: Edge - 40:35 in 2004
15: Bob 'Hardcore' Holly - 39:45 in 1996
16: Chris Jericho - 39:05 in 2003
17: The Rock - 39:00 in 2001
18T: Shawn Michaels - 38:45 in 1995
18T: 'The British Bulldog' DaveyBoy Smith - 38:45 in 1995
18T: Rey Mysterio - 38:45 in 2005
21: Hercules Hernandez - 37:45 in 1991
22: 'The British Bulldog' DaveyBoy Smith - 36:50 in 1991
23: Jerry 'The King' Lawler - 36:30 in 1996
24: Bradshaw (aka JBL) - 36:00 in 1998
25: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper - 34:30 in 1992


CAREER ENDURANCE

1: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin - 3 hours, 00 minutes & 30 seconds from 6 appearances
2: Shawn Michaels - 2:13:10 from 8
3: 'The British Bulldog' DaveyBoy Smith - 2:06:40 from 6
4: The Rock - 1:57:55 from 4
5: Kane - 1:57:00 from 9
6: Chris Benoit - 1:49:35 from 2
7: Rick Martel - 1:44:40 from 7
8: Triple H - 1:43:25 from 4
9: Bob 'Hardcore' Holly - 1:30:05 from 5
10: Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine - 1:29:45 from 4
11: Rikishi - 1:28:45 from 10
12: Chris Jericho - 1:27:05 from 4
13: Tito Santana - 1:24:30 from 6
14: Ric Flair - 1:21:10 from 3
15: Edge - 1:18:50 from 4
16: Bob Backlund - 1:17:25 from 5
17: 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase - 1:17:05 from 4
18: Curt 'Mr Perfect' Hennig - 1:13:30 from 5
19: Jake 'The Snake' Roberts - 1:10:55 from 7
20: The Undertaker - 1:06:50 from 7
21: Owen Hart - 1:05:30 from 7
22: Bradshaw / JBL - 1:02:40 from 5
23: Test - 1:02:10 from 5
24: 'The Macho Man' Randy Savage - 59:20 from 5
25: Crush - 59:10 from 4


NOTE 1: For those who are either wondering or are into lucky numbers & sweeps, entrants #24 & #27 are the most successful. Those entrants have won the Rumble 3 times each!

NOTE 2: Kevin has also consented to answer any questions or concerns regarding the above statistics. So if there is anything technical that you have issue with or would like to clarify, please do not email myself. Please email Kevin Daly at the following email address: kevishguy@yahoo.com. Be nice people!


DESSERT

2006 'Royal Rumble' Predictions

JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD vs THE BOOGEYMAN: Ok, where do I start here? Ummm, this could be interesting (read: terrible). I just can’t see this match being good at all. The only thing it may be is entertaining and/or funny. But even then, I still have my doubts. It’s actually a strange first major feud for The Boogeyman full stop, as I was expecting it to be against someone a little lower on the card. This does put the result a little in question though, as I doubt the WWE would want JBL to look too weak. But then again, they have been notorious for not allowing rookies to not lose a ppv match in their first feud. So I’m thinking that we either get a DQ or countout, or possibly Jillian Hall playing a major role in the result. Maybe she will fall in love with The Boogeyman for ridding her of her blemish. Ummm, I really have no idea, but I’ll go with Boogey, just because I have more heels than faces winning the other bouts. Winner: The BoogeyMan

MICKIE JAMES vs ASHLEY MASSARRO with Trish Stratus as the Special Guest Referee: Hmmm, this isn't too bad of a way to further the feud, I suppose. It also takes some of the focus off of Ashley, who is still learning to wrestle. Mickie has actually shown enough talent to tell me that she may be able to carry Ashley anyway. This whole Trish/Mickie angle has been built up so well over the past 2-3 months, that I'm actually a little unsure as to how this bout will play out. I am even sensing some sort of possible swerve, but am unsure of what it could be. The safe booking has Mickie turning heel & I do feel that will eventually occur. But how... A loss here...??? Possibly, but I would rather not. I think the better booking would have Trish disapproving of what Mickie does to Ashley (tearing her apart basically), but still counting the pinfall. Don't rule out Trish disqualifying Mickie though. Winner: Mickie James

KURT ANGLE vs MARK HENRY for the World HeavyWeight Title: What do Hardcore Holly & Mark Henry have in common? No, “they suck” is not the correct answer. The correct answer is that they have both had title matches at a Royal Rumble pay-per-view & had absolutely no chance of winning. While this bout just doesn’t seem a good match-up, I think most of it has to do with the predictability factor. The match may actually be quite decent, as Angle can usually carry anyone, while I can see the 2 meshing fairly well with one another in the ring. But don’t get me wrong, this isn’t going to be a classic. I believe it’s main objective is to get Angle over as a face. Winner: Kurt Angle

EDGE vs JOHN CENA for the WWE Championship: Oh man, this will be a test for these 2. If this bout falls flat on it’s face, you can pencil in Triple H winning the title at WrestleMania 22 right now. This is Edge’s first ppv match as WWE Champion, while Cena is in some sort of transition phase that makes this bout super important for him. No matter who comes out on top, I think it’s fair to say that 1 of these 2 will be main-eventing WrestleMania, so it’s extremely important that the WWE book this match carefully. Two weeks ago in my column, I gave an early prediction that John Cena would regain the title here. But with each day, I have become less certain of that suggestion. If the WWE are in any way unsure of future plans, the easier & more flexible thing to do is to keep the title on Edge for now. I’m really uncertain of myself on this one, but I just get the feeling that these 2 plus Triple H have been isolated at the top of the Raw card & that could mean a triple-threat main event at WM22. As for the quality of the match, I am quietly confident. I think as much depends on the bookers, as on the 2 men themselves. Winner: Edge

ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH: Usually I do a big write-up when predicting this battle royal, but I’m unsure I need to this year. The match will be fun & entertaining, as always. It’s a sure thing. Usually there are about 5-7 main chances. In my opinion, this year there are only 2-3. I will give The Undertaker some sort of chance (if he is even in it), just because there have been rumors (not to mention the emails I received a few months back) concerning Angle vs Taker at WM22. But due to the WWE seemingly going with an Angle face turn, I doubt he will actually win here. This leaves Triple H & Randy Orton. Right now, I am undecided as to who the WWE will go with as winning here. The uncertainty of the Edge vs Cena result could put a doubt over a Triple H win, but if the WWE are heading towards a triple-threat match, then it really doesn’t matter. My main concern with H winning is that it may seem too obvious, if anything. Orton could be the safer bet, but then again, there may be doubt there because of Angle’s character basically being able to wrestle anyone. So basically I’m flipping a coin & it’s coming up tails….. Or is that a nose? Winner: Triple H


Ok, that's all I have for edition #160 of 'The Wrestling Menu'. Please don't hesitate to let me know what you thought of my 'Royal Rumble' Predictions. And how about those all-time 'Royal Rumble' statistics. Did anything surprise you...??? I get the feeling that there are a few entrants in this years event that are going to take a fair leap up those standings. As per usual, I will reply to everyone. My e-mail address is DaveyBoy123@bigpond.com

But please remember that if you have any specific questions concerning the statistics themselves, please direct them to Kevin Daly at kevishguy@yahoo.com

Or alternately, if you are an LOPForums member, you may also leave feedback by clicking on the following link: http://www.lopforums.com/showthread.php?t=4889

Next Wednesday's 'Wrestling Menu' will obviously include my 'Royal Rumble' Review. It's consistently one of the better WWE events of the year, so hopefully it will come through with the goods once more. I will also speak on something the WWE seemed to change last year & it has received both praise & criticism from fans. This topic really does seem to divide opinion, so I'm certain it will be a good read. I'm unsure on the 3rd topic at this stage, but if the Royal Rumble clears up some of my thoughts on the WrestleMania 22 card, I may revisit my booking of that huge event in the first week of April. So look out for that column same Wednesday time & same LOP channel next week. Until then, this is DaveyBoy signing off & asking you to remember that dinner is best served in 3 courses.


DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu. 2002-2006

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