3. “The Living Legend” Bruno Sammartino
The former 2 time WWWF World Wide Wrestling Federation World Heavyweight Champion (1963–1971 & 1973–1977) and now WWE Hall of Famer, Bruno Sammartino was never a participant in a Royal Rumble match.
After being the biggest Pro-Wrestling star in the 1960s and 1970s, Bruno retired in 1981, but would return to the World Wrestling Federation for one more small run during the mid-80s.
This run included competing for the better part of 1987, his last year ever as a professional wrestler.
Bruno had his last ever match in August of 1987, but wasn’t forced to retire by an injury or anything similar and actually still did commentary for WWF TV until march 1988.
While still being in good physical shape, Sammartino could have easily competed in the very first Royal Rumble match in January of 1988, but unfortunately that didn’t happen.
