Chris Benoit won the 2004 Royal Rumble match.
Held on January 25, 2004, at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, this iconic WWE event saw Benoit enter at #1 and outlast 29 other competitors, a rare feat matched only by Shawn Michaels in 1995 at that time. His endurance lasted 1 hour, 1 minute, and 30 seconds, shattering Bob Backlund's previous record.

Key Match Details

Benoit eliminated six wrestlers, including The Big Show as the final opponent, after surviving intense battles with stars like Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and Booker T. The match featured dramatic moments, such as Kane's rampage after a fake Undertaker gong tricked him, leading to Spike Dudley's knockout on the entrance ramp. Final four included Benoit, Big Show, Angle, and Jericho, with Benoit's resilience earning him MVP nods from fans.

Historic Significance

Entering first and winning made Benoit the second ever to do so, setting up his WrestleMania 20 World Heavyweight Championship win over Triple H. This victory capped a gritty performance amid a star-studded field, boosting his legacy before later controversies. WWE's official records confirm Benoit's triumph, last eliminating Big Show after a grueling finale.

Fan Reactions Over Time

Reddit discussions highlight Benoit's endurance as legendary, with users praising his six eliminations against giants like Big Show and Rhyno. Some threads revisit spots like Spike Dudley's botched heat moment for Kane, sparking debates on booking. Even in 2024 reviews, it's called an "often- overlooked" classic for its pacing and surprises.

TL;DR: Chris Benoit won from the #1 spot, setting records and launching his 'Mania main event.

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