Date: January 20, 2002
Location: Philips Arena - Atlanta, Georgia
The Rumble Match:
Entrants and Eliminations:
1. Rikishi (Entry #1, eliminated by The Undertaker)
2. Goldust (Entry #2, eliminated by The Undertaker)
3. Big Boss Man (Entry #3, eliminated by Rikishi)
4. Bradshaw (Entry #4, eliminated by Billy Gunn)
5. Lance Storm (Entry #5, eliminated by Al Snow)
6. Al Snow (Entry #6, eliminated by The Undertaker)
7. Billy Gunn (Entry #7, eliminated by The Undertaker)
8. The Undertaker (Entry #8, eliminated by Maven)
9. Matt Hardy (Entry #9, eliminated by The Undertaker)
10. Jeff Hardy (Entry #10, eliminated by The Undertaker)
11. Maven (Entry #11, eliminated by The Undertaker)
12. Scotty 2 Hotty (Entry #12, eliminated by Diamond Dallas Page)
13. Christian (Entry #13, eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin)
14. Diamond Dallas Page (Entry #14, eliminated by Christian)
15. Chuck (Entry #15, eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin)
16. The Godfather (Entry #16, eliminated by Chuck and Christian)
17. Albert (Entry #17, Chuck and Christian)
18. Perry Saturn (Entry #18, eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin)
19. Stone Cold Steve Austin (Entry #19, eliminated by Kurt Angle and Mr. Perfect)
20. Val Venis (Entry #20, eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin)
21. Test (Entry #21, eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin)
22. Triple H (Entry #22, Winner)
23. The Hurricane (Entry #23, eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H)
24. Faarooq (Entry #24, eliminated by Triple H)
25. Mr Perfect (Entry #25, eliminated by Triple H)
26. Kurt Angle (Entry #26, eliminated by Triple H)
27. Big Show (Entry #27, eliminated by Kane)
28. Kane (Entry #28, eliminated by Kurt Angle)
29. Rob Van Dam (Entry #29, Booker T)
30. Booker T (Entry #30, eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin)
Thoughts on the Match:
The 2002 Royal Rumble saw the surprising return of Mr. Perfect and showcased the resilience of Stone Cold Steve Austin, who secured his third Rumble victory.
Full Event Card:
1. Spike Dudley and Tazz vs. The Dudley Boyz for the Tag Team Championship (Spike Dudley and Tazz win)
2. William Regal vs. Edge for the Intercontinental Championship (William Regal wins)
3. Trish Stratus vs. Jazz for the Women's Championship (Trish Stratus wins)
4. Ric Flair vs. Vince McMahon in a Street Fight (Ric Flair wins)
5. Chris Jericho vs. The Rock for the Undisputed WWE Championship (Chris Jericho retains)
6. The Royal Rumble Match (Winner: Triple H)
Highlights and Aftermath:
- Mr Perfect's return generated immense excitement in the WWE Universe.
- The Street Fight between Ric Flair and Vince McMahon showcased the intensity of their longstanding feud.
Impact on Storylines:
Stone Cold Steve Austin's victory set the stage for his significant role in the build-up to WrestleMania X8.
- The return of Mr Perfect added an unexpected element to the Royal Rumble and sparked speculation about his future in WWE.
Conclusion:
The 2002 Royal Rumble was a pivotal event with the return of a legendary figure, surprising eliminations, and Stone Cold Steve Austin's triumphant hat-trick. As the road to WrestleMania unfolded, this Rumble match left an enduring mark on the landscape of WWE.
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