How many times has Roman Reigns been in the Royal Rumble?

How many times has Roman Reigns been in the Royal Rumble
Roman Reigns


Royal Rumble is easily one of the most exciting match types in all of pro wrestling. Thirty men enter the ring but only one reigns supreme. It does not get better than this inside the squared circle. Every year, thirty superstars enter the fray to punch their golden ticket. However, outlasting every other wrestler is easier said than done.


Not many wrestlers have had the chance to call themselves a Royal Rumble winner. Among those who have, is the future Hall of Famer Roman Reigns. The Big Dog is a behemoth in WWE and has etched his name in the annals of sports entertainment. The Tribal Chief holds many records in WWE related to many PPVs. From winning the Elimination Chamber match and headlining multiple WrestleMania to dominating SummerSlam and surviving the WarGames, Reigns has done it all.


One event holds a particular allure for the Big Dog: the Royal Rumble. This gladiatorial arena of pure chaos has seen Reigns enter the fray numerous times, leaving a trail of eliminations and near-victories in his wake.


But how many times has the Tribal Chief graced the rumble with his presence? How many times has he tested his might against 29 other hungry superstars? And, most importantly, has he conquered the storm and secured his ticket to WrestleMania's main event?


Every Roman Reigns appearance in the Royal Rumble Match


Royal Rumble 2014 - Runner-up


The 2014 edition of the Royal Rumble was the first time the three members of The Shield had entered the free-for-all extravaganza. Seth Rollins opened the match against CM Punk, Dean Ambrose entered #11 and Roman Reigns then followed at the 15th spot. The debut of The Big Dog was surely a memorable one.


In a dominating fashion, Reigns broke the record for the most eliminations in a single match, throwing 12 superstars off the top rope. Surprisingly, this tally also included his fellow Shield brethren whom he threw off in anger. The perfect fairytale for Reigns did go off track at the conclusion when he got eliminated at the hands of Batista.


Royal Rumble 2015 - Winner


Roman Reigns picked off right from where he left last year. He entered the Royal Rumble match at number 19. The Big Dog scored six eliminations in the battle royal. Just like the previous year, he reached the final two once again. This time, however, he was not alone in his efforts.

The Rock came out to fight off The Big Show and Kane to save his cousin. Reigns then did the rest of the work to throw Rusev out and punch his ticket to The Grandest Stage of Them All.


Royal Rumble 2016 - Third Place


Roman Reigns entered his third Royal Rumble in 2016 in the most disadvantaged way possible. Not only did he have to enter the match despite being the world champion, but he was also forced to defend his gold inside the free-for-all. All thanks to the cunning Vince McMahon.


The Big Dog entered the first spot and was soon brought out of the match by the League of Nations. He returned late into the match but was shocked by the return of Triple H. While Roman Reigns made 5 eliminations in the match, it wasn’t enough to get into the final two.


Royal Rumble 2017 - Runner-up


Roman Reigns entered the 2017 edition of the Royal Rumble in the last spot. The Big Dog threw off three superstars over the top rope including The Undertaker. He made it to the ultimate two once again and had to overcome Randy Orton as the final obstacle.


The Viper’s movements were too much for Reigns to understand. The Legend Killer countered a spear into an RKO to seal the deal and get his ticket to WrestleMania.


Royal Rumble 2018 - Runner-up


Roman Reigns came marching to the ring at the 28th spot in the 2018 Royal Rumble. Just like his other appearances in the free-for-all, Reigns soon started dominating the match. In the 21 minutes he spent inside the ring, The Big Dog threw a total of 4 superstars over the top rope. Once again, Roman Reigns ended up being in the final two. He failed to win, however, and was eliminated by Shinsuke Nakamura.


Royal Rumble 2020 - Runner-up


The 2020 Royal Rumble is one of the most memorable ones in recent years. From Brock Lesnar’s utter dominance to Edge’s inspiring return, the Rumble had it all. Roman Reigns entered the event at number 26 and eliminated 2 superstars to book his place in the final two, once again.


This time, Drew McIntyre was in front of The Big Dog. Reigns ended up being the runner-up for the fourth time, the most by any superstar. Further, there is no superstar who has been in the second place thrice as well. The 2020 edition of Royal Rumble was the last time Reigns entered the battle royal.

Roman Reigns Royal Rumble FAQ's

Q. Has Roman Reigns won a Royal Rumble?

A. Yes, Roman Reigns won the Royal Rumble match in 2015 after last eliminating Rusev.

Q. Who will Roman Reigns face at the Royal Rumble 2024?

A. Roman Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight in a Fatal 4-Way match.

Q. Did Roman Reigns win the Royal Rumble 2023?

A. Roman Reigns retained his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in 2023 against Kevin Owens. 

Q. Will The Rock fight Roman Reigns?

A. While no match has been officiated, an encounter between Roman Reigns and The Rock is very likely down the line.

Q. Is The Rock coming back to WWE?

A. The Rock came back to WWE at RAW Day One in January 2023.