Shawn Michaels was the first wrestler to win a Royal Rumble match from the number-one entry position.
Michaels achieved the feat at the 1995 Royal Rumble in Tampa, Florida. He entered first and lasted the entire match, ultimately eliminating The British Bulldog to win. The finish was especially dramatic because both men fell over the top rope, but officials determined that Michaels touched the floor second.
The victory earned Michaels a WWF Championship match at WrestleMania XI against Diesel. It also became one of the most frequently cited endurance performances in Royal Rumble history.
Winning from number one is different from entering early but not first. Vince McMahon won from number two in 1999, while Chris Benoit won from number one in 2004. Michaels therefore holds the distinction for the inaugural number-one-entry victory.