By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Royal Rumble
Stream live January 27, 2024 on Peacock (and pay-per-view)
St. Petersburg, Florida at Tropicana Field
WWE Royal Rumble Kickoff Show Notables
-Hulk Hogan was featured in the opening video. He said people shouldn’t be just any ready, they need to be Rumble Ready.
-The Kickoff Show panel of Jackie Redmond, Wade Barrett, Booker T, and Peter Rosenberg hosted from the main floor. My Pro Wrestling Boom Live co-host Jonny Fairplay and his fiancee Jessica were among the fans standing behind Booker T. Listen live on Monday at 1CT/2ET.
Powell’s POV: For a guy who has appeared on two seasons of Survivor and most recently on House of Villains, Fairplay sure looks giddy about appearing on the pre-show. Kick his ass, Wade Barrett!
-Footage aired of Kayla Braxton interviewing Rhea Ripley, who was seated in the empty stadium. Ripley said she was wondering which woman would pull it off this year and who they would challenge. Braxton noted that Ripley started a number one and won the Rumble match. She asked if Ripley had any advice for the woman who draws number one this year. Ripley laughed and indicated that no one else could pull it off. Ripley dismissed Braxton.
-Fairplay is no longer standing behind Booker T. My guess? Wade Barrett took my advice! Or they found out Fairplay snuck in and kicked him out of the stadium. Either way, Jessica will enjoy the show so much more without him.
-Paul Heyman was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the backstage area. Heyman welcomed fans to the final night of Roman’s reign. He said that’s what WWE wanted. Heyman said WWE didn’t want a dynasty. He vented about they created a second championship. Heyman took issue with Nick Aldis putting Roman Reigns in a four-way. Heyman said the last time Heyman was put in a similar position, he stacked and pinned Daniel Bryan and Edge. Heyman said it was a spoiler that Reigns would retain his championship.
-Jelly Roll joined the panel and took Rosenberg’s seat.
-Rosenberg took a stroll through the backstage area and encountered Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. They claimed they would be co-winners. They started running through a list of people they would eliminate. Waller said he would eliminate Theory, then stopped and corrected himself. Rosenberg met up with R-Truth in a batting cage area and couldn’t figure out why the baseballs didn’t open like the Royal Rumble ball that he drew for his number.
Rosenberg caught up with CM Punk, who said he was Facetiming his dog Larry. Punk said he never imagined he would be in another Rumble match, “but here we are.” Rosenberg walked through the backstage area and onto the entrance ramp. Rosenberg noted that it was a much shorter path to the ring than it was last year.
-Paul “Triple H” Levesque was interviewed by Braxton, who asked what makes the Rumble so special. Levesque said the road to the biggest WrestleMania of all-time would start tonight. He played to the 40,000-plus in attendance and then closed with the “Are You Ready” bit.
-It was announced that the women’s Royal Rumble match would open the show.
WWE Royal Rumble Main Card
Michael Cole welcomed viewers to the show and said they had a sold out crowd over 40,000 in attendance. Cole hyped the four-way match for the WWE Universal Championship… The full-length version of the Hulk Hogan video package on the Rumble was shown…
The WrestleMania XL sign was shown. Michael Cole said were are 70 days away from the event. He played up Cody Rhodes and CM Punk attempting to finish their story. Cole noted that the show would feature Punk’s first television match in WWE in over a decade. Corey Graves joined Cole on commentary at ringside.
Pat McAfee’s entrance theme interrupted Graves, who acted annoyed. Cole said it was a surprise last year and this year he “knew all about it.” McAfee was introduced by ring announcer Samantha Irvin and then slapped hands with fans at ringside before joining the broadcast team. Irvin stood in the ring and explained the rules of the Royal Rumble match…
1. The 30-Woman Royal Rumble match. The No. 1 entrant was Natalya. Cole noted that it was Natalya’s seven Rumble match and said there have been four winners from the first spot. The No. 2 entrant was Naomi (a/k/a Trinity Fatu). Cole acknowledged that Naomi won the TNA Knockouts Title during her time away from WWE. The crowd chanted “welcome back.” Natalya and Naomi shook hands before locking up.
The No. 3 entrant was Bayley. She acted friendly toward both opponents and then went after them. Natalya and Bayley tried to eliminate Naomi, but their alliance didn’t last long. Bayley put Natalya down.
The No. 4 entrant was Candice LeRae, who entered to a flat reaction. LeRae went after Bayley and put the boots to her in the corner until Natalya pulled her off. LeRae put Natalya down on all fours. LeRae performed a Codebreaker on Bayley and intentionally landed on Bayley.
The No. 5 entrant was Jordynne Grace. Cole acknowledged her as the TNA Knockouts Champion and she wore her title belt during her entrance. It was also acknowledged that Grace beat Naomi to win the title. Grace and Naomi hugged and then traded punches. Grace put Naomi down with a Grace Driver.
The No. 6 entrant was Indi Hartwell. Cole pointed out that Hartwell and LeRae are tag team partners. Hartwell put Bayley down with a spinebuster and then slammed LeRaw onto her. Hartwell and LeRae mugged for the crowd and got a minor pop.
The No. 7 entrant was Asuka. Bayley didn’t look pleased to see her Damage CTRL ally, but they worked together initially. Bayley went for a high-five, but Asuka didn’t follow through with it. Bayley saved Asuka from being eliminated and eliminated Hartwell in the process.
The No. 8 entrant was Ivy Nile. She struggled to pick up Naomi before pulling it off on her second try. Bayley taunted Cole by holding the ropes open for him. Cole boasted that he lasted 84 seconds in his only Rumble match appearance.
The No. 9 entrant was Katana Chance. Grace and Nile performed double vertical suplexes on two opponents and then fought. Nile caught Grace with a kick and then Grace knocked Nile down.
The No. 10 entrant was Bianca Belair. Belair nearly eliminated Bayley and Asuka, but they both held on. Belair performed a handspring into the ropes and then moonsaulted onto three opponents.
The No. 11 entrant was Kairi Sane. She joined Bayley and Asuka in targeting Belair. They ultimately eliminated LeRae.
The No. 12 entrant was Tegan Nox, who came out to a quiet crowd. Grace got Nox up in powerbomb position near the ropes, but Natalya intervened. Natalya put Grace down with a clothesline. Natalya checked on Nox and then tried to throw her over the top rope, but Nox reversed it and eliminated her. Bayley eliminated Nox.
The No. 13 entrant was Kayden Carter. Sane was eliminated after struggling to hold onto the apron. Asuka was eliminated seconds later.
The No. 14 entrant was Chelsea Green. Cole noted that she was eliminated in five seconds last year. Belair nearly eliminated Green immediately, but Green held on. Belair tossed Grace over the top rope, but Grace was able to skin the cat. They ended up fighting on the apron. Belair hit Grace with a KOD on the apron and then Grace fell to the floor to be eliminated.
The No. 15 entrant was Piper Niven, who immediately caught Green when she was booted off the apron. Niven teased dropping her and instead put her on the ring steps.
The No. 16 entrant was Xia Li. She threw kicks at several opponents and slammed Carter to the mat.
The No. 17 entrant was Zelina Vega. She hit Carter with a Meteora and then launched Naomi into Belair. Niven picked up Vega, who countered into a tornado DDT.
The No. 18 entrant was Maxxine Dupri. Cole said she was “heavily improved” and said it was her first Rumble match. She went for a spinning head-scissors on Bayley, who didn’t move initially and then slowly walked around in a circle before taking the bump. Awkward. Niven, whose gear appeared to be a tribute to Awesome Kong, eliminated Carter.
The No. 19 entrant was Nia Jax. She quickly eliminated Li and Nile. The fans booed Jax. Jax avoided a charging Niven, who splashed Green accidentally. Jax followed up with a corner splash on Green. Jax tried to bodyslam Niven, but it didn’t really work out.
The No. 20 entrant was Shotzi, who had short green hair. Niven, Naomi, and Shotzi took turns performing dives onto Jax. Dupri performed a reverse Caterpillar on Jax. All of the entrants tried to eliminate Jax, who threw them all off. Bayley eliminated Dupri. Jax eliminated Niven. Jax pressed Chance over her head and threw them onto eliminated wrestlers at ringside to eliminate her from the match.
The No. 21 entrant was Becky Lynch. Jax and Lynch squared off. Lynch performed a missile dropkick on Jax. Lynch eliminated Green, who apparently had not been eliminated earlier.
The No. 22 entrant was Alba Fyre. Isla Dawn walked out with Fyre but did not follow her to the ring.
The No. 23 entrant was Shayna Baszler, who performed suplexes and takedowns on a few opponents, including Jax.
The No. 24 entrant was Valhalla. Cole was thrilled because Valhalla wore her antlers. R-Truth ran out and looked at Valhalla before rushing past her to the ring. Once in the ring, Truth came face to face with Jax, who tossed him over the top rope. Adam Pearce was there to tell Truth that it was the women’s Rumble, so he was out while Valhalla was in. Valhalla was quickly eliminated. Cole said Valhalla lasted five seconds, tying Chelsea Green’s record time for quickest elimination in a women’s Rumble match.
The No. 25 entrant was Michin. Naomi eliminated Fyre. A graphic listed Naomi as being in the match for over 48 minutes.
The No. 26 entrant was Zoey Stark, who immediately hit Michin with a springboard dropkick. Stark and Baszler teamed up to eliminate Vega.
The No. 27 entrant was Roxanne Perez. Jax eliminated Baszler, Michin, and Shotzi. Jax played to the crowd.
The No. 28 entrant was Jade Cargill. “The storm has arrived at the Royal Rumble,” Graves said. Cole called her one of the most sought after free agents in sports entertainment history. Cargill arrived at ringside and smirked at Jax, who was looking down at her from the ring. Jade and Jax met in the middle of the ring and a “holy shit” chant broke out. Jade caught Jax with some forearms. Jax tried to hoist her up, but Jade slipped away and put her down with a spinebuster. Jade powered up Jax and tossed her over the top rope to eliminate her. Lynch taunted Jax. Bayley tried to sneak attack Cargill, who didn’t budge. Jade went after Lynch. Jade went for a shoulder block, but Lynch moved, causing Jade to crash into the ring post casing.
The No. 29 entrant was Tiffany Stratton. Cole noted that it was Stratton’s first Rumble match. Stratton went up top and performed a Swanton onto a group of opponents in the ring. Stratton put Lynch down and then put Perez down with an Alabama Slam.
The No. 30 entrant was Liv Morgan. She hit Oblivion on Bayley. Stark caught Morgan with a kick, but Morgan eliminated Stark moments later. Stratton eliminated Perez. The graphic showed that Naomi had passed sixty minutes in the match with Bayley not far behind.
Belair and Jade pressed opponents over their heads and then dumped them before staring at one another. They were cut off by others before they could make contact. Cargill eliminated Lynch and then Naomi. Morgan and Belair pulled Stratton onto the apron. Morgan hit Stratton with a Codebreaker. Stratton grabbed Belair’s braid to stay alive, but Bayley eliminated both women.
The final three were Bayley, Cargill, and Morgan. All three wrestlers ended up on the apron. Morgan performed Oblivion on Cargill to eliminate her, and then Bayley eliminated Morgan to win the match…
Bayley won the women’s Royal Rumble match in 65:00.
Pyro shot off while Bayley stared at the WrestleMania sign. Backstage shots aired of Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky…
Powell’s POV: There were some fun surprises (even if some leaked) and I ultimately enjoyed the match, but it definitely dragged in the middle. I hope the company can get over more women in time for next year’s Rumble match. I mentioned some of the quiet entrance reactions, but I actually gave up on listing them all because there were so many. Bayley became the favorite to win, but the crowd was definitely surprised when Lynch was eliminated. Cargill had a strong first showing, and Stratton also had a strong first Rumble match. I assume we’ll get Bayley vs. Sky, Ripley vs. Lynch, and Cargill vs. Belair at WrestleMania.
Entrances for the WWE Universal Championship match took place. Cole noted that Reigns’ title reign was at 1,245 days. Cole played up the idea that Reigns had only a 25 percent chance of retaining in a four-way match…
2. Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles in a four-way for the WWE Universal Championship. Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Reigns expected the challengers to go at one another. Rather, they all put the boots to him in the corner to start the match.
All four wrestlers ended up at ringside. Knight slammed Styles’ head on the broadcast table several times. Orton dumped Reigns on the table. Knight did the same to Styles. Knight and Orton squared off. Knight slammed Orton’s head off the table repeatedly. Orton came right back by dumping Knight onto the table, which did not break. Orton ran Reigns into the ring steps.
Orton got Reigns back inside the ring and stomped him Ron Garvin style and then clotheslined him to ringside. Styles went after Orton, who came right back with two clotheslines and a powerslam. Knight returned to the ring and caught Orton with a kick to the face. Reigns returned and was put down by a side Russian leg sweep by Knight.
Reigns had his first run of sustained offense when he worked over Knight while Orton and Styles were down on the floor. Styles returned and clipped the back of Reigns’ knee. Knight worked over Reigns and put him down with a DDT. Orton charged Knight, who slammed him and covered him for a two count.
A short time later, Styles hit the Styles Clash on Reigns and had him pinned, but Knight broke it up. Orton put Knight down with a Draping DDT. Orton sold a shoulder injury and winced when he struck the Viper’s Pose. Styles hit Orton with a forearm from the apron. Styles set up for a springboard move, but Orton caught him with an RKO. Orton followed up with RKO’s on Knight and then Reigns.
Orton covered Reigns and had him pinned, but Solo Sikoa pulled the referee out of the ring. Cole reminded viewers there are no disqualifications in a four-way. Sikoa hit Orton with a Samoan Spike. Sikoa followed up with a Samoan Spike on Knight. Sikoa stacked Knight on top of Orton.
Sikoa went to ringside where Styles was down. Sikoa charged Styles and went for a hip attack, but Styles moved, causing Sikoa to crash through the barricade into the timekeepers area. Reigns got to his feet and looked around. Styles hit Reigns with a Phenomenal Forearm. Reigns fell onto Knight and Orton. Styles tried to pin them all, but Orton kicked out. A “this is awesome” chant broke out.
Styles pulled a chair out from underneath the ring and brought it back to the ring with him. Styles worked over Reigns with the chair. Styles turned his focus to Knight and battered him with the chair. Styles tried to hit Orton with the chair, but Orton caught him with a shot before he could. Reigns speared Orton, who rolled to the floor.
Knight slammed Reigns to the mat and hit him with an elbow drop. Knight went for the BFT. Styles set up for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Reigns shoved his way out of the BFT, sending Knight into the ropes, causing Styles to take a tumble. Reigns hit Knight with a Superman Punch and then speared and pinned Styles…
Roman Reigns defeated AJ Styles, LA Knight, and Randy Orton in a four-way in 19:30 to retain the WWE Universal Championship.
Powell’s POV: The live crowd enjoyed the match. The interference by Sikoa was disappointing and yet hardly surprising, which is part of the problem. Orton was protected by not factoring into the finish. Styles taking the pin was the most predictable route.
Cody Rhodes was shown stepping out of a tour bus while Cole played up the possibility that he could become the first man in 26 years to win back-to-back Rumble matches…
The broadcast team hyped Vengeance Day, touted Jelly Roll being in attendance, and thanked The Black Keys for providing the event’s theme song…
Entrances for the U.S. Championship match took place. Kevin Owens had his hands taped but did not sport his cast. Owens stopped and stared at a guy in the front row who was holding up a sign in support of Logan Paul, and then entered the ring. Logan Paul made his entrance and brought one of his energy drinks out with him. Paul slapped hands with a friend in the crowd…
3. Logan Paul vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S. Championship. Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Paul offered a handshake. Owens kicked him instead. Owens chopped Paul and then put the boots to him. Paul rolled to the floor. Owens followed and ended up running Paul into the barricade twice.
Paul eventually came back by slamming Owens’ bad hand on the apron. Owens clotheslined Paul and then performed a senton on the floor. Owens chopped Paul twice before throwing him back inside the ring. When owens tried to follow, Paul stomped Owens hand. Paul dove onto Owens at ringside and then slammed his hand into the ring post casing twice. Paul ran Owens into the ring steps.
Back in the ring, Paul executed a top rope crossbody block and followed up with a standing moonsault that resulted in a two count. Paul put Owens in an Octopus hold briefly. Paul pinned Owens’ hand on the mat and threw punches at it before removing the tape from Owens’ hand. Paul threw a series of uppercuts at Owens, who fell to the mat. Paul mugged for the crowd and was booed before he executed a leg drop.
Owens avoided a 619 and then drilled Paul with a clothesline. Owens went for a senton, but Paul put his knees up. Owens came back by slamming Paul onto his knee. Both men stayed down momentarily. Owens held his bad hand at his side and worked over Paul with left chops and kicks. Owens performed two cannonballs in the corner on a seated Paul.
Owens hit Paul with a top rope frog splash for a two count. Graves pointed out during the replay that Owens winced when he landed due to his hand hitting the mat and hesitated before making the cover. Owens went for a Swanton, but Paul put his knees up. Paul went for a Swanton of his own, but Owens rolled out of the way.
Paul rolled to the floor. Owens tried to pull him back inside the ring, but Paul clotheslined him over the top rope and then hit him with a Buckshot Lariat. Paul, whose nose was bleeding, hit a top rope splash for a near fall. Paul set up Owens on the ropes and then barked at Graves for previously stating that no man could superplex Owens. Paul went for it, but Owens countered and slammed Paul instead.
Owens kicked Paul and sent for a Stunner, but Paul grabbed his bad hand and kicked it. Paul removed the tape from his hand and wound up for a knockout punch, but Owens cut him off. Paul dropped Owens with a knockout punch and covered him, but Owens kicked out. Paul acted stunned.
Paul’s buddy hopped the barricade. The referee spotted the guy and ejected him before he could get involved. Security showed up and motioned for the man to leave. Paul went up top and jumped over Owens and then both wrestlers hit simultaneous clotheslines.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory ran out to talk to security. Theory slid brass knuckles to Paul, who was rolled up for a two count by Owens. Owens ripped the brass knuckles away and hit Paul with an elbow to the face. Owens hit Paul with the brass knuckles. The referee counted to two and then spotted the brass knuckles and called for the bell.
Logan Paul defeated Kevin Owens by DQ in 14:00 to retain the U.S. Championship.
After the match, Paul celebrated with his title belt. Owens returned to the ring and worked over Paul. Owens took Paul to ringside and powerbombed him through the broadcast table. Owens teased doing more to Paul, but then reached down and picked up a cough drop or a piece of candy before leaving…
Powell’s POV: An enjoyable match with a finish that was half disappointing, yet also somewhat pleasing for those of us who can’t stand when referees are made to look incompetent. This was clearly intended to set up a rematch. Heels have won the three matches so far. I assume they will close the show with something more satisfying to the masses.
Hulk Hogan narrated a St. Petersburg/Clearwater tourism video… Rhea Ripley narrated the Elimination Chamber video for the February 24 event that will be held in Perth, Australia… The WrestleMania XL video aired. Graves noted that The Weeknd’s song will be the official theme…
Samatha Irvin announced the attendance as being 48,044… CM Punk was shown stretching out in his dressing room… The Royal Rumble by the numbers video aired while ad-based Peacock subscribers saw advertising… Samantha Irvin read through the rules of the Rumble match…
4. The 30-Man Royal Rumble match. The No. 1 entrant was Jey Uso. The No. 2 entrant was Jimmy Uso. Love it. Cole said it was the first time that the Usos were going face to face since Jimmy cost Jey the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam.
Jey and Jimmy went face-to-face after the bell rang to start the match. They traded punches. Jey got the better of the exchange and knocked Jimmy over the top rope, but Jimmy held on and then caught Jey with a kick. Jey dropped Jimmy with a superkick. Jey went for a top rope splash and landed on his feet because Jimmy put his knees up.
The No. 3 entrant was Grayson Waller, who came out with a mic in his hand. Waller said no one cared about the sibling rivalry. Waller climbed onto the apron and said Yeet is the most cringe thing he’s ever heard. Jey superkicked Waller off the apron. Jey and Jimmy went at it, but Waller returned and sided with Jimmy. The heels tried to dump Jey over the top rope, but he fought them off.
The No. 4 entrant was Andrade. Cole said Andrade was making his return after three-and-a-half years. Andrade squared off with Waller and dropped him with a back elbow. Andrade put Jimmy down with a flying forearm. Andrade hit double knees on Jimmy and Waller in opposite corners. Andrade went for the Three Amigos on Waller, who blocked the third suplex near the ropes.
The No. 5 entrant was Carmelo Hayes, who clotheslined Waller over the top rope to eliminate him.
The No. 6 entrant was Shinsuke Nakamura. Graves told McAfee he would be wise to remain seated because things have changed with Nakamura since McAfee was around last. McAfee stood up and danced and then acted baffled by Nakamura not acknowledging him. McAfee said everyone else can hate him, but Nakamura has to like him.
The No. 7 entrant was Santos Escobar. He tried to buddy up to Andrade, who didn’t look interested. Escobar tried to eliminate Andrade, who fought him off.
The No. 8 entrant was Karrion Kross. He stared Jimmy down and then went after Jey. Kross and Jimmy double teamed Jey briefly.
The No. 9 entrant was Dominik Mysterio, who took his time before entering the ring. Once he did, he went after Kross, who suplexed him. Cole noted that Dom was wearing purple dyed cow skin boots. PETA is going to be pissed!
The No. 10 entrant was Carlito. He wanted to go after Escobar, but he rolled under the bottom rope and watched from the floor. Carlito put Dom down and then pulled an apple out of his tights and took a bite. Escobar threw Carlito over the top rope. Escobar indicated that he had Dom’s back, then turned around and had apple spit in his face before Carlito eliminated him.
The No. 11 entrant was Bobby Lashley. Dom took cover when Lashley approached him. Dom threw a cheap shot at Lashley, who speared him. Lashley went after Ross and accidentally eliminated Carlito by knocking him off the apron. Lashley followed up by eliminating Kross. Paul Ellering led “AOP” Akam and Rezar to ringside where they were stopped by referees. Kross pulled Lashley off the apron to eliminate him. Lashley went after Kross, but the AOP duo attacked him. “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins ran out and fought AOP.
The No. 12 entrant was Ludwig Kaiser, who walked through the curtain and then avoided Lashley, Ford, and Dawkins brawling with Kross and AOP to the back.
The No. 13 entrant was Austin Theory. Cole played up Theory’s history with McAfee.
The No. 14 entrant was Finn Balor. Hayes was tied up with Dom. Balor eliminated Hayes and then helped Dom to his feet.
The No. 15 entrant was Cody Rhodes. Once in the ring, Cody hit Theory with a Cody Cutter and then eliminated him. Cody tossed his belt into the crowd.
The No. 16 entrant was Bronson Reed. He put Dom and Balor on his shoulders and then performed a double Samoan Drop. Reed eliminated Andrade and then stood in the ring and stared down at him. Nakamura did his “come on” bit with Cody and then they traded blows. Nakamura dropped Cody with a kick.
The No. 17 entrant was Kofi Kingston. Cole said it was Cody’s 15th Rumble match, leaving him behind only Kane, who was in 18 Rumble matches. Cody hit CrossRhodes on Nakamura and eliminated him. Kingston caught Kaiser with a kick that knocked him off the apron and eliminated him.
The No. 18 entrant was Gunther, who scolded the eliminated Kaiser at ringside before entering the ring. Gunther dropped Kingston, Balor, and Dom with big chops. Jimmy tried to buddy up to Gunther after Gunther hit Jey, but Gunther smiled and then chopped Jimmy. Gunther bodyslammed Reed. Cody spun Gunther and dropped onto his back and hit him with an uppercut punch. Gunther quickly dropped Cody and then eliminated Kingston.
The No. 19 entrant was Ivar. Gunther put Ivar in a sleeper, but Ivar backed him into a corner and then threw elbows at him. Jimmy tried to form an alliance with Ivar, who put him down with a kick. Ivar and Reed fought and ended up colliding with simultaneous running crossbody blocks.
The No. 20 entrant was Bron Breakker. After a flurry of offense on multiple opponents, Breakker eliminated Jimmy Uso and Balor. Gunther turned his focus to Breakker and chopped him. Gunther set up for a powerbomb, but Breakker slipped away. Breakker pressed Gunther over his head. Gunther slipped away and then took a spear from Breakker.
The No. 21 entrant was Omos, who was accompanied by MVP. A graphic listed Jey as being in the match for 36 minutes. Cody was second at just eleven minutes. Omos hit Reed with a big boot and then shoved him over the top rope to eliminate him. Ivar dove off the ropes and ate a spear from Breakker, who then eliminated him.
The No. 22 entrant was Pat McAfee. Cole fired up McAfee, who removed his headset and entered the ring in non-wrestling attire. Cole admitted he would like to see a Gunther chop. McAfee acted intimidated once he entered the ring. He teased eliminating himself and then tried to sneak back in, but he abandoned that plan once he was spotted. McAfee opted to eliminate himself and then returned to the broadcast table. Breakker eliminated Omos. Dominik snuck up behind Breakker and threw him over the top rope to eliminate him.
The No. 23 entrant was JD McDonagh, who was speared at ringside by the eliminated Breakker. Cole boasted that his time in the Rumble match is longer than the 38 seconds that McAfee lasted.
The No. 24 entrant was R-Truth, who threw McDonagh inside the ring. Jey clotheslined McDonagh over the top rope to immediately eliminate him. Truth stood on the apron and wanted Dom to tag him in. Dom escaped Gunther and, well, made the hot tag to Truth, who actually put Gunther down. Truth went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Gunther caught him with a big boot.
The No. 25 entrant was The Miz. He went right after Gunther and put him down with a DDT and then dropped Dom with a big boot. Miz and Truth came face to face and then performed a double hip-toss on Jey. Miz tried to eliminate Dom, but Truth stopped him. Gunther hit Truth from behind. Dom hit the 619 on Miz.
The No. 26 entrant was Damian Priest. Cole played up that Priest could win the Rumble and hold the Money in the Bank contract. Priest went right for Truth and eliminated him, which drew boos from the crowd.
The No. 27 entrant was CM Punk. Punk worked over Miz and Priest and then removed his t-shirt and tossed it into the crowd. Punk mugged for the hard camera. Dom tried to throw him out from behind, but Punk stuffed it and eliminated Dom.
The No. 28 entrant was Ricochet. Miz was on the ropes when Gunther blasted him with a chop that sent him to the floor to eliminate him.
The No. 29 entrant was Drew McIntyre. A graphic showed that Jey Uso had topped the 50-minute mark. McIntyre dropped Jey and then put Priest down with a spinebuster. Jey recovered and put McIntyre down with a superkick. Jey superkicked Gunther, who pulled Jey over the top rope and eliminated him.
The No. 30 entrant was Sami Zayn. The crowd sang his song briefly. McIntyre eliminated Ricochet. The last six were Cody, Punk, McIntyre, Gunther, Zayn, and Priest. Cody hit a Pedigree on Priest. Gunther dropkicked Cody. Punk hit a running knee on Gunther. McIntyre put Punk down with a Future Shock DDT. Zayn performed an exploder and a Helluva Kick on McIntyre. Zayn eliminated Priest. McIntyre eliminated Zayn.
The final four were Cody, Punk, McIntyre, and Gunther. Seth Rollins was shown watching from a luxury box. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman were shown watching from another luxury box. Cody hit a Cody Cutter on Gunther, who came right back with a clothesline.
McIntyre put Punk down with a neckbreaker. McIntyre went for a Claymore Kick that Punk sidestepped. Punk motioned for the GTS. Punk hoisted up McIntyre, who slipped away and then dropped Punk with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre went for a Claymore Kick on Cody, but he hit Gunther instead. McIntyre followed up with another Claymore Kick on Gunther.
McIntyre went to the corner and counted down before putting Punk down with a Claymore Kick. McIntyre kipped up and then looked at the WrestleMania sign. McIntyre grabbed Punk and told him that he’s not the same kid he was ten years ago. McIntyre said Punk’s ass belongs to him now. Punk got McIntyre on his shoulders and sent him over the top rope to eliminate him.
Gunther put Cody and Punk down with kicks. Gunther powerbombed Punk and then tried for another on Cody, who slipped away. Cody went for a Cody Cutter, but Gunther caught him and put him on the apron. Cody pulled Gunther over to eliminate him.
The match came down to Punk and Cody. They cut to shots of Reigns and Heyman, and then Rollins. Cody and Punk traded punches and then hit simultaneous clotheslines. Both men traded punches once they got to their knees and continued to trade them once they got to their feet.
Cody put Punk down with a powerslam. Cody went for a Cody Cutter, but Punk countered into a German suplex. Punk held on and performed two more German suplexes. Punk signaled for his finisher. Cody countered into position for CrossRhodes, but Punk avoided it with a snap mare.
Cody put Punk down with a bionic elbow and then looked up. Cody set for CrossRhodes, but Punk avoided it and threw a kick at Cody. Punk pushed Cody over the top rope and onto the apron. Cody slipped under the bottom rope. Punk showed some frustration and then threw a couple of kicks at Cody.
Punk pointed at the WrestleMania sign and made the throat slash gesture. Punk hoisted up Cody for his finisher, but Cody slipped away and hit CrossRhodes. Cody played to the crowd and then dropped to his knees for a moment. Cody got back to his feet and a “Cody” chant broke out.
Cody picked up Punk, who grabbed Cody and hit him with the GTS. Punk was unable to eliminate Cody. Punk smirked before performing a Pedigree. “If you know you know,” Graves said. Punk motioned for the GTS again. Punk said he didn’t wait ten years to lose to Dusty’s kid. Punk went for the GTS, but Cody blocked it and then threw Punk over the top rope and eliminated him to win the match.
Cody Rhodes won the men’s Royal Rumble match in 68:25.
Cody was emotional as he celebrated his win. Punk was shown watching from the floor. Cody stood on the ropes and pointed to the WrestleMania sign and then pyro shot off. Cody spotted Roman Reigns in his luxury box and pointed at him. Reigns barked back and held up his title belt while Paul Heyman stood by. Cole wondered “what inning are we on anyway” and then a video package recapped the event to close the show…
Powell’s POV: A very good Rumble match with a satisfying finish. Cody’s character can now try to finish his story at WrestleMania, while Punk still needs to find his path to Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. Punk will gain something in the eyes of the fans if he endorses Cody on Raw. Of course, he could also be a poor sport if they want him to be a heel, but I don’t think that’s the plan. The Rumble match felt loaded with more realistic contenders than usual (and that was without Brock Lesnar).
Overall, the men’s Rumble match put the show over the top for me. I will have a lot more to say when Jake Barnett and I team up for our same night audio review of the Royal Rumble for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let us know what you thought of the show by voting for the best match and grading the overall event below.
Holy shit, I didn’t have Jordynne Grace anywhere on the surprise appearance list. That’s one hell of a good one.
Nice to see Bailey win this one.
Yep. The right result and a pretty good women’s rumble match.
Absolutely
Agreed. I think it was a nice payoff for what I thought was kind of a yawner. IMHO.
That was a lot of fun. I like Piper Niven dressing as Pretty Good Kong. Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill could easily be main eventing WM a few years down the road. Nia Jax seems like she’s actually trying to be good this time around. They did a good job of putting the entrances together in a way that didn’t let people down too much when neither AJ or Sasha were entrants.
I’m assuming Bayley ends up getting turned on by the Midget Patrol when she doesn’t immediately choose Rhea as the champion she’s going to challenge and then takes the belt for Iyo at WM.
BIIIIIIIIIIG BACK BODY DROP!
Logan Paul is the fastest learner we’ve seen since Kurt Angle.
Ludwig Kaiser is a much better Alex Wright.
I usually dislike thegreatestone’s comments, but I couldn’t help but laugh at the Ludwig Kaiser/Alex Weigh comparison.
Is mcafee always this bad on commentary?
Before he got the ESPN payday he wasn’t nearly this bad.
Pat was off tonight. Graves was equally awful
Okay, so do they go with Punk or Gunther winning Elimination Chamber to challenge Seth?
The women’s Rumble was the better of the two.
Good night overall, but nothing really special.
I really think they screwed up by not having a mild surprise winner like Gunther here. Punk v Cody was the most predictable outcome and just did nothing for me. Especially with the “been there done that” Cody win. Just very disappointing.
Anyone stop to count how many men in the Rumble either started or spent significant time in NXT? That system seems to be successful generally
Biggest winners of the night were Grace, Jade, Naomi and Bron (who clearly was given Brock’s spot and made the most of it). They all came out looking stronger than when they came in
They did the classic Demolition spot with the Usos’I see.
To this day, I never understood why Demolition didn’t stay on the same page and double team everyone that came out afterward and toss them before the next guy came out. THEN fight with each other after double teaming everyone.
Obviously I know WHY they didn’t do that. But it just makes sense without the suspension of disbelief.