Iconic Battle Royals in Wrestling History

With the Royal Rumble coming up on February 2nd, we’re going to look at 10 battle royals in history that left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. From shocking debuts and legendary rivalries to unforgettable victories, these matches have showcased the drama, athleticism, and unpredictability that make battle royals a staple of the sport. Join us as we dive into the moments that defined these chaotic contests and explore how they shaped the careers of the superstars involved.

Battle Royals have long been a staple of professional wrestling, providing an unpredictable mix of chaos, strategy and surprise. Over the years, these matches have evolved, offering unique twists and themes that showcase different aspects of the sport. Here’s a look at ten iconic and memorable battle royals from across wrestling history

1. Tag Team Battle Royal, WrestleMania XV (1999)

This WrestleMania pre-show match featured 15 tag teams in a chaotic battle royal, with the last team standing earning a WWF Tag Team Championship match later that night. Among the teams were notable duos like The Hardy Boyz, The Acolytes, and the New Age Outlaws. The unlikely pairing of D’Lo Brown and Test emerged victorious. Despite their win, they couldn’t capture the titles in the subsequent match, but the battle royal was an entertaining way to showcase the deep tag division of the Attitude Era.

2. Hardcore Battle Royal, WWE ECW Debut (2006)

When WWE revived ECW as a brand, they paid homage to its hardcore roots with a battle royal featuring weapons as legal implements. Stars like The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, and Sabu brought the chaos ECW was known for, blending brawling with weapons and extreme spots. The match introduced new audiences to the violent, unorthodox style that defined ECW, while delivering nostalgia for longtime fans. This hardcore spectacle set the tone for the brand’s debut show, despite mixed reactions to WWE’s version of ECW.

3. Legends Battle Royal, WrestleMania X-Seven (2001)

WrestleMania X-Seven is widely regarded as one of the best WrestleManias ever, and this match added a dose of nostalgia to the event. Legends like Iron Sheik, Sgt. Slaughter, and Nikolai Volkoff squared off in a lighthearted affair. The slower-paced eliminations allowed the crowd to soak in the moments. The Iron Sheik’s victory was both surprising and fitting, as his slower mobility prevented him from taking bumps over the top rope. The match was a fun callback to wrestling’s golden era, delighting older fans.

4. Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal, WrestleMania 25 (2009)

This match featured WWE’s past and present female wrestlers vying for the title of “Miss WrestleMania.” Notable competitors like Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, and Torrie Wilson participated, alongside comedic entrant Santino Marella, disguised as “Santina.” The comedic angle, culminating in Santina’s win, overshadowed the athletic contributions of the women involved. While the match entertained, it also sparked criticism for undermining WWE’s women’s division at a time when it was already struggling for credibility.

5. Divas Gimmick Battle Royal, WWE SmackDown (2005)

As part of WWE’s lighthearted approach to the women’s division during this era, this battle royal saw Divas dressed in exaggerated costumes to reflect different gimmicks. While not a showcase of wrestling skill, it was a fun segment that catered to the more entertainment-focused side of WWE. Competitors like Stacy Keibler, Torrie Wilson, and Maria Kanellis added their charisma to the match. Though it lacked competitive significance, it remains a quirky entry in SmackDown history.

6. Raw 15th Anniversary Legends Battle Royal (2007)

This battle royal, celebrating Raw’s 15th anniversary, was a love letter to fans who had watched the show’s evolution. Icons like IRS, Doink the Clown, and Steve Blackman participated, providing nostalgia and humor. Ted DiBiase’s “victory” by paying off the final competitor added a clever callback to his Million Dollar Man persona. It was less about competition and more about celebrating Raw’s legacy.

7. Hardcore Battle Royal, WrestleMania 2000

This innovative match featured a time limit of 15 minutes, during which the Hardcore Championship could change hands multiple times. The action was fast and furious, with competitors like Hardcore Holly, Crash Holly, and Tazz trading pinfalls in rapid succession. Weapons such as trash cans, stop signs, and cookie sheets were used liberally. Crash Holly, the division’s standout underdog, entered as champion, but Hardcore Holly emerged as the winner, capitalizing on the final moments for a pinfall.

8. Scareway to Hell Battle Royal, NXT Halloween Havoc (2024)

NXT’s Halloween Havoc brought a spooky twist to the traditional battle royal. Competitors fought amid eerie props like fog machines and hanging skeletons, with an emphasis on the Halloween theme. Rising stars like Lyra Valkyria and Tiffany Stratton delivered standout performances, blending the spectacle with solid in-ring work. The match elevated the Halloween Havoc brand as one of NXT’s signature events, balancing theatricality with fierce competition.

9. TNA Knockouts Makeover Battle Royal, Sacrifice 2008

TNA took risks with its Knockouts division, often pushing innovative stipulations. This battle royal offered a title opportunity for the winner, but the runner-up faced the humiliation of a head-shaving stipulation. The match featured Gail Kim, ODB, and Roxxi Laveaux. While Gail Kim won the match, the post-match drama centered on Roxxi, who endured a forced head shave. This unique stipulation added emotional stakes and cemented the Knockouts division’s reputation for creativity and intensity.

10. Reverse Battle Royal, TNA Impact (2006)

The Reverse Battle Royal is infamous for its unconventional format. Wrestlers began outside the ring, fighting to enter it. Once a set number of competitors entered, a traditional battle royal ensued, eventually transitioning into a standard match. While the concept was meant to innovate, it left fans confused and was criticized for its clunky execution. Despite its reception, it stands as a bold attempt to rethink the traditional battle royal format and remains a talking point in TNA’s history.

Conclusion

Each of these battle royals holds a unique place in wrestling history, whether for their creativity, nostalgia, or chaotic energy. They highlight the adaptability of the format and its ability to provide entertainment across various eras and promotions. From comedic spectacles to hardcore showdowns, battle royals continue to be a cornerstone of wrestling storytelling.