The Royal Rumble has become a WWE tradition since 1988. Legends have been born thanks to the match the event is named after. The road to any WrestleMania must first make a pitstop at the Royal Rumble, where underrated workhorses enter the spotlight and fan favorites duel for a shot at immortality.
The 2024 Royal Rumble is at Tropicana Field in Florida on January 27. The event airs on Peacock in the U.S. and the WWE Network outside it.
There will be a men's and women’s Rumble match. The last person remaining in both Rumble matches earns an opportunity at a world title at WrestleMania 40 in April. There is an unpredictability factor, as there are always several surprises, returns, and familiar faces.
Who will be the first wrestler to enter the ring when the Royal Rumble match starts? What about the last spot, known for the most wins in the men’s match?
MORE: Who has won WWE's Royal Rumble match?
The Sporting News looks into the entrant order in both Royal Rumble matches.
Who will enter the WWE Royal Rumble first, last?
In previous years, there was an idea of who would go on first or last. WWE announced those decisions via the outcome of a match or by an authority figure. For example, Roman Reigns was forced to enter the 2016 Royal Rumble at number one, where he defended the WWE World Heavyweight Title. Shawn Michaels voluntarily entered at number one in the 2003 Royal Rumble.
This year, there is no order until the actual event.
WWE may have a backstage segment at the actual Royal Rumble event where participants pick a number, which has been done in the past. However, not every participant has been revealed, making this an unpredictable Royal Rumble event.
MORE: How to bet on the 2024 Royal Rumble
UPDATE: Per PW Insider, TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace is expected to appear in the Royal Rumble match.
Royal Rumble order, format and rules
30 wrestlers are assigned, at random, a spot in the Royal Rumble match. The first two participants kick things off. After 90-second or two-minute intervals (it can vary by year), another wrestler enters the ring. That continues until all competitors have entered the match.
There are no pinfalls, DQs, or submissions. To be eliminated, a wrestler must be tossed over the top rope, and both feet must touch the floor. The only way to win is by being the last person in the ring.