Honestly, if you look at the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal today, it’s hard to remember just how much of a big deal it felt like back in 2014. Hulk Hogan stood in the middle of a Raw ring and announced this massive tribute to the "Eighth Wonder of the World." It was supposed to be WWE's version of the ARMBAR—a launchpad for the next big superstar. But then, things got weird.
The match has evolved from a WrestleMania main-card spectacle to a staple of the "WrestleMania SmackDown" special. Some fans hate that it’s not on the "Grandest Stage of Them All" anymore. Others think it’s the only way to give 20+ guys a decent payday and some TV time during the busiest week of the year.
Whatever your take, the history of this trophy is a wild ride of missed opportunities and genuine breakout moments.
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winner's List (2014–2025)
Winning this match doesn't always mean you're going to the moon. Sometimes, it means you're just the guy who gets to carry a massive, heavy trophy through an airport for six months. Here is who has actually stood tall:
- 2014: Cesaro (The inaugural win that felt like a superstar was born)
- 2015: Big Show (A legacy win for the literal successor to Andre)
- 2016: Baron Corbin (His main roster debut—talk about a strong start)
- 2017: Mojo Rawley (The Rob Gronkowski assist year)
- 2018: Matt Hardy (The "Woken" era peaked right here)
- 2019: Braun Strowman (Eliminating SNL's Colin Jost and Michael Che)
- 2021: Jey Uso (The "Main Event" Jey transformation starts here)
- 2022: Madcap Moss (Eliminated Finn Bálor in a genuine shocker)
- 2023: Bobby Lashley (The "Almighty" was just too big for the field)
- 2024: Bronson Reed (Finally got his win after being the runner-up previously)
- 2025: Carmelo Hayes (The most recent winner, outlasting Andrade in Las Vegas)
Why the Match Moved to Friday Night SmackDown
A lot of people think the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal was "demoted" when it left the WrestleMania card. It’s a fair point. Since 2021, the match has aired on the Friday night before Mania.
Why? Basically, WrestleMania became a two-night event. With the show already running 4+ hours each night, the producers realized that a 20-minute battle royal with zero active storylines was just too much "bloat" for the premium live event. By moving it to SmackDown, WWE gives the match its own main-event feel. It draws a bigger rating for the Friday show and keeps the WrestleMania pace from dragging. Plus, let’s be real—seeing 30 guys fall over the top rope is more fun when the crowd isn't already five hours into a show and exhausted.
The Legend of the "Andre Curse"
Is there a curse? Depends on who you ask. Look at Cesaro. He slammed Big Show in 2014—a moment that mirrored Hogan slamming Andre at WrestleMania III. The roof nearly blew off the Superdome. Then, the next night, he became a "Paul Heyman Guy." It should have worked. It didn't. He ended up in the mid-card for years before eventually finding massive success as a tag team specialist and then leaving for AEW.
Then you have guys like Mojo Rawley or Madcap Moss. For them, the trophy was the highlight of their WWE runs. They didn't "level up" to the world title.
However, Jey Uso is the proof that the curse might be a myth. He won the 2021 battle royal and used that momentum to become one of the biggest solo stars in the company. It’s all about what you do the Monday after you win the trophy.
What to Watch for in 2026
As we approach the 2026 edition, the field is wide open. Rumors are already swirling about guys like Kit Wilson or maybe even a returning legend looking for one last "Mania moment." The key to winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal isn't just being the biggest guy in the ring—it’s about survival and that one lucky elimination.
The trophy itself has become a bit of a character. It's huge. It's gold. It's a heavy reminder of the man who paved the way for every giant in the business. Whether it’s a "Main Event" moment or just a way to get the locker room on TV, the match remains the most prestigious battle royal outside of the Royal Rumble itself.
Your WrestleMania Weekend Checklist:
If you’re tracking the results this year, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the corners: Most eliminations happen when a guy is distracted by a third party.
- The "Big Man" Rule: Usually, the biggest guy (like Omos or Bronson Reed) gets teamed up on by 5-6 people early. If they survive that, they're winning.
- Look for the callback: WWE loves to reference the 2014 Cesaro slam. Whoever tries a big lift is usually the crowd favorite.
Keep an eye on the official WWE social channels and the "WrestleMania SmackDown" broadcast to see who adds their name to the legacy of the Eighth Wonder of the World. The trophy is waiting.
Next Steps for Fans:
Go back and watch the 2014 inaugural match on the WWE Network/Peacock. The ending sequence between Cesaro and Big Show is still, honestly, one of the best battle royal finishes ever filmed. Once you've seen that, compare it to Carmelo Hayes’ win in 2025 to see how the "speed vs. power" dynamic of the match has changed over the last decade.