Royal Rumble Rewind 2006: Booyaka Booyaka

Event: Royal Rumble 2006
Date: January 29, 2006
Location: American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida
Time: 1:02:12
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Last Eliminated: Randy Orton
Iron Man: Rey Mysterio
Quickest Out: Booker T/Sylvan
Most Eliminations: Rey Mysterio

This was an emotional match because it came so soon after the death of Eddie Guerrero. Mysterio's victory was in tribute to him, as Rey came out from the number two position with an Eddie shirt driving a lowrider.

Viva La Raza!

Mysterio also set a new mark for time spent in a Rumble at 1:02:12, a staggering number. Triple H, who entered at number one, lasted all the way to the final three and also went for over an hour in the match. He was in rare form here, too, almost looking as good as he did in his best years around 2000 and 2001.

The first half of this Rumble featured a few storylines play out and very little chaos in the ring. If two guys were going at it, the rest of the ring was selling injury. This was done mostly so everyone could stay fresh, especially in the case of Mysterio and Triple H. Big Show looked great early, as did Bobby Lashley. Kane came in and helped get rid of Lashley but ended up going at it with Show, his tag partner at the time -- they were champions, actually -- and Triple H snuck up and eliminated them both.

A few big returns occurred in the match as well. Tatanka showed up at number 15 and hung around for 14 minutes. Road Warrior Animal was a surprise entrant at number 19 but he only lasted for a couple minutes. Rob Van Dam had been out for a year and returned here at number 20, lasting for nearly 24 minutes. And don't forget about Goldust at number 29, though he was out in just over three minutes.

Again, though, the story was Mysterio overcoming the odds with the announcers putting over that he must have had help from above. It was a real nice feel good story and helped make this a fine match.

Enjoy!