Top five WWE stars who should have won Royal Rumble but never did ft. CM Punk
(Courtesy : WWE)
The Royal Rumble match is a cornerstone of WWE!
With Royal Rumble 2026 just around the corner, anticipation is once again at its peak. The iconic match remains one of WWE’s most powerful career-makers, capable of instantly elevating a Superstar to WrestleMania main-event status.
History has proven that point with stars like Drew McIntyre and Bianca Belair, whose Rumble wins reshaped their trajectories.
Yet for every success story, there are equally compelling “what ifs.” WWE history is filled with elite performers who, despite perfect timing, overwhelming fan support, and career-defining momentum, never won the Royal Rumble.
Some were victims of long-term booking plans, others of missed opportunities. Here are five WWE stars who, by all logic and circumstance, should have won, but didn’t.
5. Shayna Baszler (2020)
Fresh off a dominant NXT run, Shayna Baszler entered the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble as a legitimate monster. Entering at No. 30, she eliminated eight competitors and looked unstoppable.
Her elimination at the hands of Charlotte Flair shocked many, especially since Flair didn’t need the win. For Baszler, it marked the start of a main-roster run that never reached its full potential.
4. CM Punk (2011)
2011 marked the beginning of CM Punk’s historic rise, and the Royal Rumble felt like the ideal launchpad. Entering at No. 1 as the leader of The Nexus, Punk lasted over 35 minutes and eliminated seven competitors. The crowd response was undeniable.
Despite that momentum, WWE opted for Alberto Del Rio instead. Punk’s popularity was already peaking, and a Rumble win would have amplified the movement that soon followed. In hindsight, it remains a glaring missed opportunity.
3. Sasha Banks (2022)
By 2022, Sasha Banks was already a generational talent. Fans desperately wanted her back at the top, and the Women’s Royal Rumble felt like the perfect reset.
Instead, WWE handed the win to Ronda Rousey, sparking a harsh backlash. Many now view that moment as a turning point that preceded Banks’ eventual departure from the company.
Also Read: WWE Royal Rumble List of all winners
2. Chris Jericho (2012)
Chris Jericho’s WWE resume is nearly flawless, except for one glaring omission. In 2012, many believed Y2J was destined to win the Rumble and headline WrestleMania. Instead, WWE chose Sheamus.
Jericho went on to challenge CM Punk for the WWE Championship later that year, but a Rumble win would have elevated that program significantly. Even now, it feels like a spotlight moment that slipped away.
1. Daniel Bryan (2015)
No omission stings more than Daniel Bryan. In 2014, he wasn’t even entered in the Rumble, leading fans to loudly reject Batista’s win. WWE ultimately corrected course at WrestleMania 30, but the damage was done.
Bryan competed again in 2015, only to be eliminated early as Roman Reigns faced fan resistance. Two Rumbles, two missed moments, and a legacy defined as much by fan passion as company hesitation.
When and where will Royal Rumble 2026 take place?
The 39th edition will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season.
Where can fans tune in to catch all the action live?
Fans in the United States can tune into ESPN, while international fans can watch it live on Netflix (excluding some markets).
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.