Royal Rumble Participants

The WWE's January pay-per-view, the Royal Rumble, features a 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal. Its participants are announced between the WWE's December event, Armageddon, and the Rumble itself.

Fast Facts

1. First Royal Rumble: 1988
2. First Rumble winner: Jim Duggan
3. Winner of Royal Rumble faces world champion at WrestleMania
4. 2008 marks the 21st Royal Rumble
5. 2008 Location: Madison Square Garden, NYC
6. 2008 Winner: John Cena

Winning the Rumble

Unlike a typical battle royal, each participant of the Royal Rumble draws a number to dictate his/her entry into the match. Those who draw numbers one and two start, and at predetermined intervals, a new wrestler enters until all 30 go to the ring.

The last man standing after the other 29 have been thrown over the top rope (with both feet hitting the floor) wins the match.

Championship Opportunity

The winner of the Royal Rumble gets a world championship shot at WrestleMania, the company's premier event. Of the 21 Rumble winners from 1988 to 2008, 12 have gone on to win the championship at 'Mania.

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