As we round the corner and race full-tilt down the straightway toward The Royal Rumble, thoughts are flying on who the winner will be. This pay-per-view sets the stage for WrestleMania and places the victor squarely in the middle of all the action. Where does KANE stand? What are his chances of pulling out a win? If his history in this type of match-up is any indication, he stands as good a chance as any of leaving the ring victorious.
Over the past couple of weeks, the color-commentators have done much to remind viewers of the history of many of the top contenders in the Royal Rumble match. It's a well hashed topic on may fan-forums and in commentaries on wrestle-news sites around the web. I found the following piece in my email this afternoon, and thought to share ~
Historically Speaking: The Rumble Elite
Posted By Mark Allen on 01.18.2008
The Opening Chapter
In the storied career of the Royal Rumble there are certain performers that have become synonymous with the event. Some performers always shine at a certain event. Undertaker is, of course, the best at WrestleMania. Big Show has usually done well at Survivor Series. Triple H thrives in Hell in a Cell. Shawn Michaels has become eternally linked to the ladder match.
And likewise, to look at the Royal Rumble there are a group of men who have always brought their best or provided memorable moments. And as a prelude to the 21st anniversary Royal Rumble event I will look back at those men who have made a significant impact on the January flagship event.
(5) Nine performances as Kane, an appearance as "Diesel" and another as Isaac Yankem, DDS puts the man Jacobs as all-time leader in Rumble match performances. In the last decade Kane has become almost synonymous with the Royal Rumble. He was in the final four as "Diesel" in 1997 but really hit his stride as Kane. His shining achievement was in 2001, where he eliminated 11 men, last over 40 minutes and was runner up to eventual winner Steve Austin. Since that performance Kane has always built up as a legitimate threat in Rumble matches, including final four appearances in 2000 and 2003, and an impressive one-man elimination of The Big Show in 2002.
Allen places KANE squarely in the middle, between Mick Foley and Hulk Hogan. Given their entertainment popularity and heralded eventer status, that ain't a bad place to be. Read the Full Article
