One of the most prolific performers in Royal Rumble history is Roman Reigns. The Big Dog has stamped down his authority in Royal Rumble matches, and he won the match once in 2015. Moreover, no man has finished in the runner-up position more times than Reigns, who has achieved that feat on four occasions.
Reigns also held the record for the most eliminations in a single Royal Rumble match in 2014 for six years until Brock Lesnar broke his record in 2020 with 13 eliminations. The Big Dog has also pulled double duty twice in 2017 and 2020, which has shown his endurance. While he has had some low moments at the Rumble, it is certainly one of his most successful PPVs.
8 Royal Rumble Match - 2017
The 2017 Royal Rumble match was full of star-power with former world champions aplenty. However, it was one of Roman Reigns' worst outings in a Royal Rumble match, clocking in just five minutes. Reigns lost his Universal Championship clash with Kevin Owens, and he entered the Rumble match as the 30th entrant trying to redeem himself.
Reigns set up his feud with The Undertaker in the main event of WrestleMania 33 by eliminating the Phenom. Fans were disgusted with it and booed Reigns. It was a quick cameo from the Big Dog, who eliminated the United States Champion Chris Jericho, who beat him for the title. Bray Wyatt was also eliminated by Reigns and fans were praying for Randy Orton to win the match. Although Orton wasn't all that popular with fans, they were delighted to see him RKO Reigns and win his second Royal Rumble match.
7 Royal Rumble Match - 2018
At the 2018 Royal Rumble, Reigns was determined to go one step better as Randy Orton eliminated him to win the 2017 Royal Rumble match. Reigns entered the match to a chorus of boos as the 28th entrant.
Fans were sick and tired of Reigns being shoved down their throats which is why they booed him. Nonetheless, Reigns eliminated Titus O'Neil and The Miz. He also gained his revenge on Orton by tossing him over. However, Reigns also turned on Rollins and sent him packing. Reigns proved to be a threat in the latter stages once more but fans were rooting for Shinsuke Nakamura. Much to their delight, Nakamura won the Royal Rumble with another runner-up finish for Reigns.
6 Royal Rumble Match - 2020
Reigns entered the first Royal Rumble match of the new decade at the 2020 Royal Rumble. Reigns overcame King Corbin in a brutal Falls Count Anywhere match in the first match of the night. Entering 26th, Reigns mixed it up with Edge, who returned after a nine-year absence which was exciting.
Once again, the Big Dog was unpopular with fans and he reached the final four again. He only eliminated Dolph Ziggler and the returning Edge, which fans booed heavily. However, Drew McIntyre got the better of Reigns to win the Royal Rumble.
5 Roman Reigns Vs. King Corbin - 2020
Mercifully, Roman Reigns and King Corbin's dreadful feud was coming to an end at the 2020 Royal Rumble event. Reigns suffered a shock loss to Corbin in a TLC match at TLC 2019. They lacked in-ring chemistry together which made their matches a bore-fest.
Their encounter at the Rumble was a Falls Count Anywhere match which suited both men. Surprisingly, the Big Dog was cheered by fans, who hated Corbin more. It was a brutal affair with the duo fighting amongst the crowd. Moreover, Corbin's allies Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode interfered to give him the advantage. However, Reigns' cousins The Usos got involved to even up the odds. Reigns won the match with a Spear in an unexpectedly good opener at the Rumble.
4 Royal Rumble Match - 2015
2015 was a banner year for Roman Reigns. The Big Dog was extremely popular when he was a member of The Shield but once they parted ways, fans turned their back on Reigns. WWE wanted Reigns to become the new face of the company.
Reigns entered the 2015 Royal Rumble match at number 19 and was a force to be reckoned with. He was unable to replicate his 12 eliminations from a year prior but managed a respectable six. Rusev was his final elimination to win the Royal Rumble match for the first time and face off with Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31. The Rock returned and helped Reigns fight off Big Show and Kane but not even Rock's presence could stop the jeers from the disappointed audience.
3 WWE World Heavyweight Championship Royal Rumble Match - 2016
The deck was stacked against Roman Reigns at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Reigns was feuding with The Authority, and they did not want him to represent the company as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The Big Dog failed to regain his title from Sheamus in a TLC Match at TLC 2015 but a few weeks later on Raw, Reigns became a two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
The McMahons punished Reigns for viciously assaulting Triple H, and Reigns had to defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the Royal Rumble match from the unenviable number one position. By orders of Mr. McMahon, the League of Nations injured Reigns with Rusev putting him through the announce table. However, Reigns had an outstanding performance by lasting almost an hour and eliminating five superstars. The returning Triple H eliminated Reigns and went on to capture his 14th World Championship by lastly eliminating Dean Ambrose.
2 Royal Rumble Match - 2014
Euphoria was surrounding Daniel Bryan at the 2014 Royal Rumble. The leader of the Yes Movement's popularity was at an all-time high which marred the Rumble when he wasn't included. Nevertheless, this was a breakout moment for Roman Reigns, who was still a member of The Shield.
Reigns' debut Royal Rumble match was one of the best in WWE history. The Big Dog created history as he broke Kane's elimination record which stood for 13 years by eliminating 12 superstars. It was a valiant effort from Reigns, who had the fans backing as they did not want Batista to win the Rumble. Ultimately, the Animal overcame Reigns to win his second Royal Rumble match.
1 Roman Reigns Vs. Kevin Owens - 2017
While the 2015 Royal Rumble match victory is Reigns' finest hour at the Rumble, his Universal Championship match with Kevin Owens at the 2017 edition was his best match. Reigns and Owens had a No Disqualification match with Owens' ally and reigning United States Champion Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage.
This was an enthralling and violent affair from start to finish. Both men used weapons to inflict punishment on the other, and the crowd was thoroughly invested in and pleased with the outcome. Owens can thank Braun Strowman for the huge assist which was Owens' final successive title defense on PPV before he dropped the gold to Goldberg at Fastlane.