What does 'Iron Man' mean in WWE Royal Rumble?

Royal Rumble is one of the most interesting matches in WWE

WWE fans all across the world are looking forward to the upcoming Royal Rumble, which is scheduled for February 1, 2025. In the world of WWE, the term “Iron Man” holds a special significance when it comes to the Royal Rumble match.

It refers to the superstar who spends the longest time in the match, showcasing unparalleled endurance, resilience, and strategy. While the ultimate goal is to win by being the last competitor standing, the Iron Man of the match often earns respect and admiration for their grit, even if they don’t emerge victorious.

The concept of the Royal Rumble Iron Man dates back to the inaugural event in 1988. Bret “The Hitman” Hart set the tone, lasting an impressive 25 minutes and 42 seconds. Since then, several superstars have taken this mantle, carving their names in history by lasting over an hour or more.

For instance, Ric Flair’s legendary performance in the 1992 Royal Rumble not only saw him survive for 1 hour and 2 seconds but also claim the WWE Championship.

In 2004, Chris Benoit redefined the Iron Man role by starting the match at No. 1 and lasting over an hour to win the Rumble, a feat also accomplished by Shawn Michaels in 1995.

Rey Mysterio was the second to win a traditional 30-man Royal Rumble, clocking in at 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 12 seconds in 2006 coming in at number 1, a performance fueled by his tribute to the late Eddie Guerrero.

Over the years, notable Iron Men include Triple H (1996), Steve Austin (1997), and Chris Jericho, who has set multiple records in Rumble matches.

In recent years, stars like Bianca Belair (2021 Women’s Rumble) and GUNTHER (2023) have proven their mettle. Gunther entered at No. 1 and lasted an astonishing 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 40 seconds before being eliminated by the winner, Cody Rhodes.

This year’s pay-per-view will include two Royal Rumble fights, one for men and one for women, as it has done since 2018. Some of the high-profile superstars who have declared their participation in the 30-person contest include CM Punk, John Cena and Roman Reigns.

One singles match is also confirmed for the program. The trilogy between undisputed WWE champions Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens included a ladder match. The undisputed WWE championship and retired Winged Eagle belt will be suspended above the ring.

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