Royal Rumble 2004: Full 30-Man Match Highlights

Hey wrestling fans! Today, we're diving deep into a classic – the Royal Rumble 2004. This match is legendary, packed with surprises, intense moments, and unforgettable performances. We’re going to break down everything that made this Rumble so special, from the surprise entrants to the nail-biting final moments. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of wrestling, get ready for an exciting ride through one of the best Royal Rumble matches ever.

The Buildup to the Rumble

Before we jump into the match itself, let's set the stage. The Royal Rumble is always a highly anticipated event, marking the beginning of the road to WrestleMania. In 2004, the stakes were even higher with several ongoing storylines and rivalries heating up. The main focus was on then WWE Champion Brock Lesnar on SmackDown and World Heavyweight Champion Triple H on Raw. Speculation was rife about who would challenge them at WrestleMania. The Royal Rumble match offered a golden opportunity for any superstar to earn a title shot on the grandest stage of them all.

Key storylines leading into the event included the rivalry between Bill Goldberg and Brock Lesnar, which was a major talking point. Goldberg had been a dominant force since his debut, and a clash with Lesnar was inevitable. On the other hand, Triple H was embroiled in a bitter feud with Shawn Michaels over the World Heavyweight Championship. The tension between these top stars added an extra layer of excitement to the Rumble, as fans wondered how these conflicts would play out in the match.

The Royal Rumble match itself had its own set of mini-narratives. Superstars like Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, and Big Show were all eager to prove their dominance and secure a WrestleMania main event spot. The unpredictability of the Rumble, with its surprise entrants and unexpected eliminations, made it a must-see event. Everyone was wondering who would emerge victorious and which new rivalries would ignite. Going into the event, the anticipation was palpable, setting the stage for a truly memorable night.

The Entrants and Early Action

The Royal Rumble 2004 kicked off with a bang! The first two entrants were Chris Benoit and Randy Orton, setting the tone for a grueling match right from the start. Benoit, known for his technical prowess and never-say-die attitude, was a clear favorite among many fans. Orton, a rising star and member of Evolution, had a lot to prove. Their clash was a perfect blend of experience and youthful aggression.

As the clock ticked down, more superstars entered the fray. Mark Henry brought his immense size and strength, immediately becoming a formidable obstacle. Tajiri added his unique brand of offense, with his quick strikes and innovative moves. These early entrants set a diverse stage, showcasing a variety of wrestling styles. The initial minutes were a battle of attrition as each competitor fought to establish dominance and avoid elimination. Alliances formed and quickly broke, highlighting the every-man-for-himself nature of the Royal Rumble.

One of the early highlights was the arrival of Matt Hardy, who immediately targeted Orton, continuing their ongoing feud. This personal animosity added drama to the match. As more wrestlers piled into the ring, the chaos intensified. Eliminations started to occur, with superstars like Rico and Charlie Haas being tossed over the top rope. The early action was fast-paced and unpredictable, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The initial entrants battled it out, setting the stage for the surprises and showdowns to come.

Mid-Match Mayhem and Surprises

As the Royal Rumble 2004 progressed, the mid-match action brought even more chaos and surprises. The entrance of Spike Dudley marked a turning point, as he was immediately confronted by his brothers, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley. However, their reunion was short-lived when they turned on Spike and eliminated him, showcasing the ruthless nature of the Rumble. This moment highlighted that even family ties couldn't be trusted in this high-stakes battle.

The crowd erupted when Mick Foley's music hit. Foley, known for his hardcore style and unpredictable behavior, entered the match with a vengeance. He immediately went after his longtime rival, Randy Orton, reigniting their feud with brutal intensity. Their exchange was one of the most memorable moments of the match, as they brawled both inside and outside the ring. Foley’s entrance injected a dose of hardcore action into the Rumble, exciting the fans.

Another significant moment was the surprise entrance of Goldberg. His arrival sent shockwaves through the arena, as he immediately targeted Brock Lesnar, who was also in the match. Their confrontation was brief but explosive, with Goldberg quickly eliminating Lesnar, much to the delight of the crowd. However, Goldberg's celebration was cut short when Kurt Angle eliminated him, setting the stage for their WrestleMania encounter. These surprise entrants and unexpected eliminations added to the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble.

The Final Showdown

The final stages of the Royal Rumble 2004 were nothing short of epic. As the field thinned out, the remaining competitors were a mix of established stars and rising talents, all vying for a shot at the championship at WrestleMania. Chris Benoit, who had entered the match at number one, was still going strong. His incredible endurance and determination were on full display.

Kurt Angle also emerged as a major threat, using his technical skills and relentless aggression to eliminate several opponents. The tension in the ring was palpable as each superstar fought tooth and nail to secure their spot in the final moments. Big Show's dominant presence made him a force to be reckoned with, as he used his size and power to toss opponents over the top rope. The crowd was on their feet, anticipating every move and elimination.

The final four consisted of Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, Big Show, and Randy Orton. Orton was quickly eliminated, leaving Benoit, Angle, and Big Show to battle it out. The intensity reached its peak as Benoit and Angle worked together to eliminate the massive Big Show. The final showdown between Benoit and Angle was a classic wrestling clinic. Both men exchanged submission attempts and near eliminations, showcasing their incredible skill and determination. In a shocking turn of events, Benoit managed to trap Angle in a Crippler Crossface, forcing him to tap out and eliminating him from the match. Chris Benoit emerged as the victor, defying the odds and earning a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XX.

The Aftermath and Impact

Chris Benoit's victory at the Royal Rumble 2004 was a monumental moment in his career. Entering the match as the first participant and lasting until the very end, Benoit displayed unparalleled endurance, skill, and determination. His win was celebrated by fans worldwide, who had long admired his technical prowess and unwavering commitment to the sport. This victory propelled him to the main event of WrestleMania XX, where he faced Triple H and Shawn Michaels in a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship.

At WrestleMania XX, Benoit achieved the pinnacle of his career by winning the World Heavyweight Championship. In an emotional and unforgettable match, he forced Triple H to submit with the Crippler Crossface, capturing the title and fulfilling a lifelong dream. The image of Benoit celebrating with the championship as confetti rained down is etched in the memories of wrestling fans. His victory was seen as a triumph of hard work and perseverance, inspiring many aspiring wrestlers.

The Royal Rumble 2004 had a lasting impact on the careers of several other superstars as well. Randy Orton's performance in the match solidified his status as a rising star, setting the stage for his eventual ascension to the main event scene. The confrontations between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar, as well as Mick Foley and Randy Orton, led to high-profile matches at WrestleMania XX, further elevating their careers. The event as a whole was a catalyst for several significant storylines and rivalries that shaped the landscape of WWE in the months that followed. The Royal Rumble 2004 remains a memorable chapter in wrestling history, celebrated for its surprises, intense action, and the crowning achievement of Chris Benoit.