Twenty-five years ago, the dream of modern-day WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon was made manifest with the birth of the squared circle’s most celebrated spectacle, WrestleMania. One quarter of a century later, 30 Superstars will have the ultimate opportunity to realize their dream of performing in the World Championship main event match on the Grandest Stage of Them All at the momentous 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania.

But first, one man will need to surpass the efforts of 29 opposing competitors with the same aspiration in the 2009 Royal Rumble Match. (2009 Rumble participants)

A test of endurance, athleticism and survival at all costs, the Rumble Match is the definitive Battle Royal, where each Superstar’s prime objective is to propel their opponents over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor. Every 90 seconds, one of 30 elite ring warriors with randomly drawn Rumble entry numbers joins the fray. Though luck of the draw can be a critical factor in such a high-stakes situation (ideally, entering at No. 30 like 2007 winner Undertaker and 2008 victor John Cena), past Rumble winners have included Superstars who kicked off the Battle Royal at No. 1 (as seen in 1995 with Shawn Michaels). Still, with bodies being tossed out every moment and fresh competitors coming in at such a rapid pace, it’s really anyone’s match.

In the end, the last Raw, SmackDown or ECW Superstar standing can officially punch a gold-embossed ticket to Houston’s Reliant Stadium where they will contend for a World Title of their choosing at WrestleMania XXV.

However, as the saying goes, “You have to be in it to win it.” Tune into WWE programming and stay logged on to WWE.com as entrants are named for the 22nd annual Royal Rumble Match. Then be sure to witness this historic event live on pay-per-view on Sunday, Jan. 25, as the 2009 Royal Rumble emanates from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.