By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Royal Rumble
Stream live February 1, 2025 on Peacock (and Netflix internationally)
Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium
WWE Royal Rumble Countdown Show Notables
-The countdown show was hosted by Michael Cole. Shots aired of Cody Rhodes (he had the WWE Championship belt with him), Kevin Owens, and CM Punk.
-Cole was joined by Big E, Pat McAfee, and Wade Barrett at a desk that was set up in the stadium’s concourse area. There were fans around the countdown show set.
-There were additional backstage shots of Seth Rollins, Rey Mysterio, Bayley, and Nia Jax.
-Byron Saxton and Cathy Kelley checked in as the backstage interviewers. Saxton spoke about the men’s Rumble match. Kelley spoke about the women’s Rumble and said that “one to two names from NXT” would be in the match.
-Peter Rosenberg checked in for his “Gorilla Walk.” He crossed paths with Carmelo Hayes, who said he was locked in because it’s not every day that you get to win the Royal Rumble. Hayes took verbal jabs at Indiana Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton. After wrapping up the interview, Rosenberg walked through the Gorilla Position and entrance area and onto the stage. He said it’s one of the longest entrance aisles that he’s seen. McAfee congratulated Rosenberg on becoming a new father.
-Joe Tessitore took Big E’s spot at the desk. Cole once again credited McAfee for being the reason that the Rumble is being held in Indianapolis. McAfee, who shrugged it off, previously noted that he was born in the Pittsburgh area, but Indianapolis became his adopted home when he was drafted by the Colts.
-Backstage shots aired of the “Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, as well as WWE Tag Team Champions “DIY” Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.
-Jackie Redmond’s sit-down interview with CM Punk aired. She said the 2014 Royal Rumble at one time appeared to mark the end of his WWE run. He said that there was a time that his name wasn’t allowed to be mentioned in WWE, and that Rumble was probably a big part of that. They spoke about the injury he suffered during last year’s Rumble match. Punk said he gave it a good eight-minute cry before he called home to let his wife know that he was injured. He said she told him to come home and she would take care of him.
Redmond asked him about the favor that Paul Heyman now owes him. Punk declined to say what the favor is or when he’ll need to cash it in. He said the sneaking suspicion is that it’s related to someone Heyman is close with (footage aired of Punk and Roman Reigns shaking hands after the WarGames match). Punk said we’d find out. Punk said he and Heyman spoke intermittently during his time away from the company. Punk said it was a rough time for relationships back then and Heyman was no exception. Punk said that their first interaction after his WWE return was a long hug that was probably uncomfortable for other people.
Redmond asked Punk if he thought about winning his first Rumble match and pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Punk said he had not until just then, but it scared him. He said he maybe what makes him great is the constant hunger. He questioned what it would be like if it was gone.
-Jackie Redmond took over as host with Big E, Wade Barrett, and Peter Rosenberg after Cole, McAfee, and Tessitore exited.
-World Heavyweight Champion Gunther was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley, who asked if there was anyone he was hoping would win and challenge him at WrestleMania. Gunther predicted that the Rumble winner will challenge Cody Rhodes rather than him because Cody is the easier opponent.
-Redmond said the women’s Royal Rumble match would open the show.
-Kelley stood backstage and said she was going to interview The Miz once he drew his number. The Miz showed up and declined to say what number he drew. Miz spoke about how no one expected him to win, but he’s at his most dangerous when he’s underestimated.
-Bubba Ray Dudley joined the panel in place of Wade Barrett. Bubba said The Dudley Boyz were the most decorated team. He shook hands with Big E and said that while he wasn’t happy with the other New Day members, he was happy that Big E broke their records.
-A “sneak peak” video aired for the WWE LFG show, which premieres February 16 on A&E. Bubba, who is a coach on the show, got the crowd to chant LFG. Rosenberg asked Bubba’s coaching style. Bubba said he’s not there to make friends and doesn’t even want to know the names of the entrants. Bubba said there’s no coddling when he’s involved. Big E said he heard that Bubba had issues with “Sexy” BJ Ray, who E dealt with during the WWE Next Gen show. Bubba indicated that was true, although he did say that Ray has talent and just needs to keep his mouth shut.
-Joe Tessitore checked in from the entrance aisle and said Michael Cole had just been introduced. He said the crowd would roar again because Wade Barrett was about to be introduced.
-Tom Rinaldi narrated a video on the creation of the Royal Rumble. Footage aired of the late Pat Patterson talking about trying to sell Vince McMahon on the match and meeting resistance. Patterson said he gave NBC executive Dick Ebersol the concept and he loved it. Rinaldi said the first Rumble drew viewership records and then it became a pay-per-view.
-Tessitore was at ringside next to the broadcast table and both Barrett and Pat McAfee had been introduced. Tessitore noted that it was Cole’s 28th Royal Rumble event.
-Lanie Gardner stood in the ring and performed the national anthem.
WWE Royal Rumble Main Show
Michael Cole checked in on commentary and was joined by Pat McAfee and Wade Barrett. Shots aired of CM Punk, Kevin Owens, Gunther, Seth Rollins, Bayley, Bianca Belair and Naomi, Roman Reigns, and Paul Heyman…
Stephanie McMahon was introduced by ring announcer Alicia Taylor. Stephanie walked out of the entrance area and said it was an incredible honor to be in the amazing city of Indianapolis, while streaming on Peacock and Netflix simultaneously. She said WWE grows because of the fans. She thanked the fans for making this the biggest Rumble in history. “Welcome to the 2025 Royal Rumble,” Stephanie said before pyro shot off inside the ring…
Pat McAfee narrated a Royal Rumble video package from the set of his show. He played up the event being in Indianapolis and explained the basics of the Rumble matches…
Cole welcomed viewers to the 38th annual Royal Rumble and said there were over 70,000 in attendance. Cole spoke with McAfee and Barrett. McAfee said it would be an honor to work with Barrett. He said there’s been too much about him and it should be about the city.
Ring announcer Alicia Taylor stood inside the ring and went through the rules of the Royal Rumble match. There were graphics for the entrants at the bottom of the screen with notes about their Royal Rumble history…
1. The 30-Woman Royal Rumble match. The No. 1 entrant was Iyo Sky. The No. 2 entrant was Liv Morgan. Sky threw a nice dropkick and played to the energetic crowd. Sky charged Morgan, who pushed her over the top rope to the apron. Sky wrenched Morgan’s leg over the top rope and returned to the ring moments later. Morgan went for Oblivion, but Sky stuffed it and shoved Morgan over the top rope to the apron.
The No. 3 entrant was Roxanne Perez. Cole noted that it was Perez’s third Rumble match. Perez performed a combo move on both opponents and then tossed Morgan over the top rope, but Morgan held onto the ropes while on the apron. Sky pushed Perez over the top rope, but she skinned the cat and then took Sky down with a head-scissors. Morgan hit a Codebreaker on Perez.
The No. 4 entrant was Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria. Cole said it was Valkyria’s first Rumble match. Perez performed a fisherman’s suplex on Sky. Valkyria had a wardrobe issue and struggled to tie the strings of her top behind her neck. She joined the others in pushing Sky over the top rope, but Sky held on.
The No. 5 entrant was Women’s U.S. Champion Chelsea Green. It’s her fourth Rumble match. Cole recalled that she lasted just five seconds in the Rumble two years ago. Green pointed at the WrestleMania sign that was hanging in the usual location. The other entrants all roughed her up.
The No. 6 entrant was B-Fab. Cole said it was her second Rumble match. The graphic at the bottom of the screen also listed the number of entrants who were active, eliminated, and the number of the next entrant. It also shows the countdown starting at ten seconds (I love it!).
The No. 7 entrant was Ivy Nile. It was her second Rumble match. Cole recalled that she lasted over 23 minutes in her Rumble debut last year. Nile hit a couple of German Suplexes, and then hit a double German Suplex on Green and Perez.
The No. 8 entrant was Zoey Stark. Cole said it was her third Rumble match and she lasted nearly 30 minutes in her first Rumble match two years ago. Morgan had Green on the apron, but was unable to eliminate her in a suspenseful moment.
The No. 9 entrant was Lash Legend. This was her Rumble debut. She entered the ring and dropped a couple of opponents with forearms. She followed up with a pump kick and also suplexed Valkyria. Legend pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Legend caught Nile and swung her into a couple of opponents before powerbombing her. Legend and B-Fab threw simultaneous pump kicks and stayed down. Green picked up B-Fab and eliminated her. She tried to do the same to Legend, but Legend was able to hang on.
The No. 10 entrant was Bianca Belair. Cole spoke about her 2021 Rumble win. Belair had a bit flurry of offense on various opponents and had the live crowd behind her. Sky cut her off and went to the ropes. Belair recovered and then grabbed Sky from the ropes and pressed her over her head, but she was unable to eliminate her.
The No. 11 entrant was Shayna Baszler. Cole played up the alliance between Baszler and Stark due to both women being in the Pure Fusion Collective faction. Stark went for a top rope move and slipped, but she followed through and was able to salvage the move. Nile eliminated Valkyria and there were some boos.
The No. 12 entrant was Bayley. Cole spoke about Bayley having an opportunity to win back-to-back Rumble matches. The bottom of the screen graphic also displayed the time that some of the early entrants had been in the match.
The No. 13 entrant was Sonya Deville. Cole noted that all three Pure Fusion Collective members were now in the match. Green tried to befriend Deville, but it didn’t work. The PFC trio worked together. Baszler and Deville hit simultaneous knee strikes to the head of Legend.
The No. 14 entrant was Maxxine Dupri. Cole said it was her second Rumble match. The PFC trio waited for Dupri, but Nile asked them to step aside, which they did. Dupri got the better of Nile, but the PFC trio was waiting for her. Belair, Sky, and Bayley spun the PFC trio around and threw punches at them. Dupri put Nile down and hit her with the Reverse Caterpillar. Dupri got Nile on the apron and then knocked her off with a kick to eliminate her. The PFC trio teamed up to eliminate Dupri.
The No. 15 entrant was Naomi. This was her seventh Rumble match. Belair and Naomi hit Stark with a Double KOD and then eliminated her together. Baszler and Deville were also eliminated seconds later, meaning the PFC faction members are all out of the match.
The No. 16 entrant was Jaida Parker. This was Parker’s first Rumble match. Parker and Legend shook hands. Belair and Naomi joined the for a moment. Green tried to join the group, but they all took turns working her over. Legend accidentally hit Parker. Green tossed Legend over the top rope to eliminate her. Belair and Naomi intimidated Green.
The No. 17 entrant was Piper Niven. This was Niven’s third Rumble. Green was on the apron and motioned for Niven to hurry up. Once Niven was in the ring, Green stood behind her and taunted Belair and Naomi. Green ducked under the bottom rope and went to the floor. Niven hit Belair and Naomi with a running crossbody splash. Niven also put Sky down with a uranage. Green returned to the ring and was tossed over the top rope by Naomi. Green and Naomi threw punches at the air while waiting for what came next, which was Belair pulling Naomi out of the way of a charging Niven, who inadvertently knocked Green off the apron to eliminate her.
The No. 18 entrant was Natalya. Cole said she’s been in all eight women’s Rumble matches.
The No. 19 entrant was Jordynne Grace, who apparently skipped her mother’s birthday party. It’s her second Rumble match and Barrett noted that she is officially with WWE now. “Thank God for TNA for introducing her to the world,” McAfee said. Grace eliminated Parker. Niven headbutted Grave, who responded by putting her down with a crowd pleasing Death Valley Driver. Green and Naomi hugged while Cole said they had history in TNA. Belair tried to eliminate Grace, but Grace held on.
The No. 20 entrant was Michin. This was her fourth Rumble match and she did not bring a kendo stick to the ring with her for a change. Bayley was down and flexing a knee. She got up and limped as she went after Naomi. Niven hit Michin with a Piper Driver. The bottom of the screen graphic listed that there were ten active wrestlers and ten eliminated wrestlers.
The No. 21 entrant was Alexa Bliss, who apparently decided not to stay home with her baby after all. The crowd popped huge even though she brought that stupid Lilly doll out with her (fortunately she dropped it before heading to the ring). A graphic noted that this was her first appearance since January 2023. “I thought she wasn’t coming back,” Cole said. “The internet said she wasn’t coming back.”
The No. 22 entrant was Zelina Vega. This was her sixth Rumble match. Vega hit a Code Red from the ropes.
The No. 23 entrant was Candice LeRae. This was her fifth Rumble match and this means I won’t be winning Brian Fritz’s Rumble game for the women’s match (my other numbers came up Piper Niven and Natalya).
The No. 24 entrant was Stephanie Vaquer. She received a nice pop for her first Rumble appearance.
The No. 25 entrant was Trish Stratus. She slapped hands with fans on her way to the ring. Trish hit a double bulldog on a couple of opponents and then hit another on Natalya. Niven knocked Trish down and was booed.
The No. 26 entrant was Raquel Rodriguez. Cole noted that Morgan was still in the match and now had an ally in Rodriguez, who was in her second Rumble match. Morgan hit a Codebreaker on Natalya and eliminated her. Rodriguez nearly eliminated Morgan, who then hit Bliss with a Codebreaker on the apron to eliminate her. The crowed booed loudly.
The No. 27 entrant was Charlotte Flair. Pyro shot off above her in the entrance area. “Pyro on a Royal Rumble entrance?” Barrett asked. He said you have to be pretty special to get that. Flair took her sweet time walking to the ring. She lit up Bayley with a punch of chops. Perez tried to stop her and also received chips, as did Belair and Grace. Flair did her up and over spot when Grace sent her toward the corner of the ring. Flair threw a kick at Michin while both were on the apron, causing Michin to fall to her elimination. Flair eliminated Niven moments later.
The No. 28 entrant was NXT Women’s Champion Giulia. There were cheers for Giulia in her Rumble debut, but Vaquer received a bigger reaction. Giulia booted Grace off the apron to eliminate her, which drew some boos. Giulia and Vaquer squared off while Cole labeled them the future of the women’s division. They ended up bumping fists.
The No. 29 entrant was Nia Jax. Cole said she is tied for the most eliminations of all-time with 20. She broke the record by immediately eliminating Vega. Stratus and Jax went face-to-face and jawed at one another. LeRae tried to eliminate Stratus, who spun LeRae around and eliminated her. Stratus got the better of Jax, who then had Stratus on the apron. LeRae tried to pull Stratus to the floor, but Stratus kicked her away. Jax knocked Stratus off the apron to eliminate her.
The No. 30 entrant was Nikki Bella, who got a nice reaction, er, worked the crowd into a frenzy (I’m auditioning for TMZ). Cole said it was her third Rumble match. Cole said Sky and Morgan set records for longest stays in a women’s Rumble match at over 64 minutes.
Perez got cocky with Bella, who slapped her and then hoisted her up and dumped her on the apron. Vaquer used her legs to pull Sky over the top rope. Perez tried to kick both women off the apron, but they were able to hang on. Belair and Naomi dumped Morgan and Rodriguez onto the apron. Jax pushed Belair, Naomi, and most of the others on the apron aside from Morgan and Perez. Jax eliminated Morgan moments later.
The six remaining wrestlers were Flair, Perez, Giulia, Bella, Bayley, and Jax. Perez and Giulia were on the ropes when Perez ran Giulia into the ring post casing, causing Giulia to fall to her elimination. Jax eliminated Bella and Bayley.
The final three were Charlotte, Jax, and Perez. Perez and Jax were fighting by the ropes when Flair shoved Jax over to eliminate her. Flair followed up by booting Perez off the apron to eliminate her for the Rumble match win.
Charlotte Flair won the 30-Woman Royal Rumble match in 70:20.
Flair, who wore a knee brace on her left leg, pointed to the WrestleMania sign and then pyro shot off. Flair motioned for someone at ringside. A referee jumped up on the apron and held the ropes open for her (ugh)…
Powell’s POV: Some things never change. I’m not surprised, but I am disappointed that they went with the ol’ reliable rather than something a little less predictable. I mean, they gave Charlotte pyro during her entrance. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really happy to see her back after a long absence due to a major knee injury. I just wish this didn’t feel so predictable.
Cole hyped Charlotte Flair for the post show that will stream after the Rumble…
The Godfather was shown in the crowd. Mickie James was shown next to Godfather. Kurt Angle was shown in the crowd with his daughter Nikoletta, who wore his Olympic gold medal and his medal from the world championships…
Locker room shots aired of Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn. Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman was shown in the crowd with his family. Actor Stephen Amell was also in the crowd…
Powell’s POV: I don’t know if we’ll get a Jack Spade appearance in the men’s Rumble match, but there better be a moment with Angle and Chad Gable. Why was Mickie in the crowd rather than in the Rumble?
A video package set up the WWE Tag Team Title match and then entrances took place…
2. “DIY” Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa vs. “Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin in a best of three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Titles. The Guns cleared DIY from the ring and hit them with simultaneous sliding kicks. Shelley held the ropes open while Sabin hit a suicide dive on Gargano and Ciampa.
Ciampa reached for a tag and his partner pulled his hand away. Gargano entered the ring despite not tagging in. Shelley, thinking there had been a tag, superkicked Gargano and set up for Sliced Bread, but legal man Ciampa drilled Shelley with a knee strike and then pinned him to win the first fall.
“DIY” Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa won the first fall in 3:15.
DIY hit Shatter Machine on Shelley for a near fall. Gargano went for a slingshot spear moments later and was caught by a Shelley kick. Sabin tagged in. A short time later, Sabin hit a tornado DDT on Gargano. Shelley tagged in and then the Guns hit Skull & Bones on Gargano before Shelley pinned him.
“Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin won the second fall in 9:05
Ciampa hit Project Ciampa on Sabin for a near fall. The Guns took offensive control and had Ciampa tied up in a tree of woe when they hit him with moves. Shelley and Sabin hit a Blockbuster and Powerbomb combo Ciampa. Shelley had Ciampa beat, but Gargano shoved Sabin into Shelley to break up the pin. Gargano accidentally took out Ciampa. The Guns hit some signature spots on Gargano. The Guns set up for Skull & Bones.
“The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins showed up at ringside wearing hoodies. Ford distracted the referee while Dawkins hit Shelley with a crutch. DIY hit Meet in the Middle on Shelley and then Ciampa pinned him.
“DIY” Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa defeated “Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin in a best of three falls match in 14:00 to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles.
After the match, Gargano and a bloody Ciampa were celebrating their win when the Ford and Dawkins attacked them and left them lying…
Powell’s POV: The sequence that led to the pin in the first fall was clever, but I just despise it when the first fall in a best of three falls matches happens so quickly. Why do a best of three falls match if you’re not going to give the wrestlers enough time? It’s good to see the Profits back. It’s hard to tell whether they are heels or if they simply have an edge and will feud with both teams.
The broadcast team spoke at their desk about McAfee’s history with the Colts. He said he became a different person in Indiana and met his wife there. Footage aired of McAfee playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He completed a pass during a fake punt play against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also showed McAfee hitting a Denver Broncos returner to knock him out of bounds…
Footage aired of Chelsea Green and then Bianca Belair meeting with a family in a sponsored segment. Green surprised them with tickets to the Rumble and then the family was shown in the crowd…
Ron Simmons was shown in the crowd. Yes, he said damn. Rick Steiner and Rob Van Dam were also shown in the crowd. UFC fighter Belal Muhammad, and musician John Mellencamp were also shown in the crowd…
A video package set up the WWE Championship match and then entrances took place. Kevin Owens made his entrance with the Winged Eagle belt over his shoulder and dressed in a “The Canadian Dream – Son Of A Security Systems Technician” t-shirt. Owens climbed up a ladder that was at the end of the entrance aisle. Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing the WWE Championship belt around his waist. Cody walked under the ladder at ringside…
3. Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens in a ladder match for the WWE Championship. Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. Dan Engler was the referee and he wore a ref cam on his head. Both men handed over their title belts and they were both hung on the hook, which was then raised above the ring.
The match quickly spilled over to ringside. Owens slammed Cody onto the bars in between the two sides of the ladder. Owens ran Cody into the barricade. Cody battled back and they fought into the crowd where Cody hit Owens with a beer. Owens may have returned the favor, but the director was all over the place with the camera shots. Owens grabbed a camera and pulled Cody’s head into it.
Back at ringside, Owens pulled a ladder out from underneath the ring and leaned it against the apron. Owens tossed Cody onto the ladder. Owens set up a ladder in the middle of the ring and made a play for the belt, but Cody returned to cut him off. Owens tossed Cody back to ringside, but Cody returned to stop him from climbing the ladder again. Cody ran Owens into the side of the ladder.
Cole said the Rumble drew the third largest gate in WWE history and it’s bigger than any WrestleMania event. Meanwhile, Owens went back on the offensive and pulled another ladder out and made a bridge over the apron and the broadcast table. Cody came to life and ran Owens into the ring steps.
Cody returned to the ring and set up a ladder under the title belts. Owens returned to the ring with a stepladder and battered Cody with it (please tell me Hornswoggle is returning as a mini version of KO or just shut up and let me dream). Owens set up the stepladder and climbed it while McAfee yelled that he was going high risk. Owens dropped off the ladder and was booed. Funny.
A short time later, Cody made a play for the title belts and got his hands on the hook when Owens pulled Cody’s feet off the ladder, causing Cody to hang from the swinging hook. Cody got back to the ladder, but Owens pulled him off it and slammed him on his back on the way down. Owens put a ladder over Cody and tried to climb it, but Cody tilted the ladder, causing Owens to drop down.
Barrett compared Owens to Mick Foley. Cole said he actually saw Owens and Foley having a conversation earlier in the day. The crowd actually chanted for tables right before Cody suplexed Owens onto a ladder that was lying in the ring. Cody set up a ladder and then kicked one of the rungs free. Cody battered Owens with the ladder run until Owens stopped him with a superkick.
Owens set up for a piledriver, but Cody backdropped him onto the top part of a ladder that was lying on its side. The crowd deservedly chanted “holy shit.” Cody made a play for the belts, but Owens pulled him off the ladder and powerbombed him onto another ladder that was lying over the bottom rope in a corner of the ring.
Owens went for the belts, but Cody got up and stopped him. Owens made a ladder ridge over a taller ladder in the middle of the ring and the bottom rope. Owens punched Cody and got him on the ladder bridge.
Owens went to the ropes, but Cody popped up and joined him on the ropes. Owens grabbed Cody and gave him a fisherman’s buster suplex onto the in-ring ladder bridge. Owens came up holding the back of his own head after it hit the ladder.
Smackdown general manager Nick Aldis, producers, and referees appeared at ringside and checked on both wrestlers. Sami Zayn showed up and also checked on Owens and then Cody. Zayn went back to Owens, who held the back of his head while getting back to his feet. Owens kicked Cody and went for a Stunner, but Cody countered into CrossRhodes.
Owens rolled to the floor and grabbed Cody’s foot to stop him from climbing the ladder. Cody went to ringside and slammed Owens’ head on the broadcast table repeatedly and then slammed it on the ring post casing. Owens came up bleeding.
Cody climbed on the broadcast table and hit Owens with repeated punches while asking if that’s what he wanted. Owens hit Cody with a low blow. Owens went for a package piledriver, but Cody blocked it and then performed an Alabama Slam on the ladder bridge that went over the broadcast table and the ring apron. Cody returned to the ring and pulled down both title belts to win the match while one referee held the ladder in place.
Cody Rhodes defeated Kevin Owens in a ladder match in 25:05 to retain the WWE Championship.
Owens was still down with his head through the ladder rungs while Cody climbed down the ladder in the ring. Zayn and others checked on Owens. Cody eventually climbed onto the broadcast table and celebrated while Owens was just sitting up below him…
Powell’s POV: Damn, that was a gritty ladder match. Both men worked really hard and took some big bumps. Cody seemed to be okay afterward, but it was hard to tell whether Owens was selling or legitimately injured. He head hit hard during that fisherman’s buster spot and then landed it on it again during the final ladder spot.
WWE Evolve will premiere Wednesday, March 5 at 7CT/8ET on Tubi. Cole said there will be a new episode each week…
Powell’s POV: Hey, that night and time look familiar. It’s Tubi, so it’s hard to imagine Evolve taking a bite out of AEW Dynamite’s numbers, but I’m sure it will get under the skin of a certain Jacksonville resident.
Indiana Pacers’ player Tyrese Haliburton, actor O’Shea Jackson, and streamer Kai Cenat were shown in the crowd… Cole thanked Charlie XCX for providing the “Von Dutch” theme song for the Rumble…
Joe Tessitore and Big E checked in from the countdown show desk… The Royal Rumble numbers video aired… Cole listed the attendance as 70,343…
Alicia Taylor read through the rules of the Rumble and then the initial entrances took place…
4. The 30-Man Royal Rumble match. The No. 1 entrant was Rey Mysterio. The No. 2 entrant was Penta. Nice. The crowd applauded when the bell rang. Rey offered a handshake, which Penta accepted. Penta spoke to Rey and then held onto his hand when he tried to pull away. Penta made his hand gesture. Rey made one of his own and then hit Penta.
Rey performed a huracanrana that pulled Penta over the ropes. It was tough to tell if Penta’s feet hit the mat, but they didn’t replay it, so that likely tells the story.
The No. 3 entrant was Chad Gable. The broadcast team played up the issues that Gable’s character has had with luchadores. Gable sent Rey over the top rope, but Rey skinned the cat. Penta caught Gable with a kick to the back. Penta served as a brace for Rey, who fell from Penta’s shoulders onto the knees of Gable.
The No. 4 entrant was Carmelo Hayes. This was his second Rumble match and Cole noted that he lasted 17 minutes last year. Hayes performed a springboard into a reverse DDT on Rey. Gable and Hayes teamed up for a springboard clothesline and German Suplex combo move on Penta. Gable and Hayes shook hands, but then Hayes tried and failed to eliminate Gable, who ended up suplexing Hayes.
The No. 5 entrant was Santos Escobar. This was his third Rumble match. Escobar hit Rey with a 619, which drew boos. Penta got in Escobar’s face and shoved him before doing his hand gesture. Escobar hit Penta with a Mexican Destroyer and then gave the crowd a crotch chop. Rey put Escobar down and hit him with a 619. Hayes tried to eliminate Rey, who hung on. Everyone but Gable ended up hanging from the ropes and he didn’t go after any of them. Rather, they all returned to the middle of the ring and went after him.
The No. 6 entrant was Otis. This was his fourth Rumble. Cole noted that things just went from bad to worse for Gable. Otis chokeslammed Escobar and then did the Caterpillar, but Gable stopped him by putting him in the ankle lock. Otis kicked his way out of it. Gable slapped Otis, who then slapped Gable. Otis tore off his t-shirt and then Gable lowered the straps before they threw punches. Gable put Otis down with a German Suplex. Otis got up and put Gable in a Torture Rack. Gable and Hayes tried and failed to toss Otis over the top rope.
The No. 7 entrant was Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker, who needs to go the distance so I can win Fritz’s Rumble game. It was listed as his second Rumble match. Breakker entered the ring and immediately speared Hayes and then tossed him over the top rope to eliminate him from the match. Breakker pulled Gable off the ropes with a Frankensteiner and then suplexed Otis. Breakker also eliminated Escobar.
The No. 8 entrant was Akira Tozawa, who ran past Carmelo Hayes and played to the crowd. Hayes hit Tozawa from behind. Adam Pearce and two security guards came out and escorted Tozawa to the back. Cole said Tozawa would not be entering the match. The camera followed Tozawa into the Gorilla Position where Paul Levesque said someone had to replace him. Levesaue told IShowSpeed that he was the replacement.
The No. 8 replacement entrant was IShowSpeed, who actually eliminated Otis by pushing him over the ropes when he was locked up with Breakker. Speed performed a flip. Breakker, who had congratulated Speed, ran the ropes and speared him. Breakker pressed Speed over his head and threw him at Otis, who caught him and then gave him a fallaway slam. Speed bounced off the broadcast table and fell behind it to thankfully be eliminated (Speed had one more elimination than Tozawa would have).
The No. 9 entrant was Sheamus. Cole said it was the eleventh Rumble appearance for Sheamus, who is a past winner. Sheamus dished out Ten Beats to a couple of opponents. When Sheamus entered the ring, Penta nearly clotheslined him over the top rope, but Sheamus hung on. Sheamus hit Breakker with a Brogue Kick that didn’t look very good.
The No. 10 entrant was Jimmy Uso. Cole said it was Jimmy’s third Rumble match.
The No. 11 entrant was Andrade. Yes, he did his black mask entrance that he seems to think is much cooler than the fans do. Andrade hit double knees on Gable and Sheamus. Penta tossed Andrade over the top rope, but Andrade skinned the cat. Sheamus joined Rey and Jimmy in trying to push Breakker over the top rope, but he ended up on the apron and survived.
The No. 12 entrant was Jacob Fatu. This was his Rumble debut (they must have forgotten to mention his MLW Battle Riot history). Fatu hit Gable with a hip attack and then went face-to-face with Penta, who tried to do his hand gesture. Fatu punched Penta. Fatu got Penta and Rey on his shoulders and performed a double Samoan Drop. Fatu eliminated Gable, Rey, and Andrade.
The No. 13 entrant was Ludwig Kaiser. This was his second Rumble match. Kaiser ran to the ring and then stood at ringside and watched. Kaiser picked his spot and charged Penta, who then spun him around and tossed him over the top rope to eliminate him. The broadcast team played up whether it was the shortest in-ring time ever. Cole said they were told that Santino Marella still holds that record.
The No. 14 entrant was The Miz. Cole said it was Miz’s 16th Rumble, which ties him for second in Rumble history. Miz jumped from the middle rope and hit a huracanrana on Penta. Miz hit Fatu and then realized his mistake and tried to run away. Fatu caught Miz and threw him over the top rope, but Miz survived. Fatu put Miz down with a Samoan Drop. There were “Fatu” chants.
The No. 15 entrant was TNA World Champion Joe Hendry. The crowd popped and sang Hendry’s entrance theme. Hendry wore his title belt and carried it to the ring. Hendry hit the Standing Ovation on Miz, but Fatu put Hendry down with a shoulder block. Cole said Fatu showed Hendry that it’s a different world. Sheamus confronted Fatu and told him that he was enjoying what Hendry was doing.
The No. 16 entrant was Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman walked out with Reigns, who wore the Ula Fala. Reigns received the pyro treatment, which worked for Charlotte Flair earlier. Heyman removed the Ula Fala and then walked to the ring with Reigns. Cole said it was the first time in five years that Reigns was in the Rumble.
Reigns speared and eliminated Miz (there goes another one of my entrants in the Fritz pool) and then did the same to Sheamus and Hendry. Reigns and Breakker locked eyes. They both ran the ropes and then Breakker put Reigns down with a spear. Breakker tried to toss Reigns over the ropes, but Reigns reversed it and eliminated Breakker (I’m down to only No. 25 in the Fritz pool for the millions of you who care). Fatu eliminated Jimmy.
Reigns and Fatu locked eyes while the only other active entrant, Penta, was down in the corner. Cole told viewers they were looking at a future WrestleMania main event. Reigns and Fatu traded blows. Reigns speared Fatu shortly before the countdown started for the next entrant.
The No. 17 entrant was Drew McIntyre. The 2020 Rumble winner was working his ninth Rumble match. Reigns held his arms out and said, “I’m right here,” while McIntyre walked intently to the ring. Reigns and McIntyre traded punches until Fatu blindsided Reigns. McIntyre and Fatu looked at each other. McIntyre smiled and then they both put the boots to Reigns.
The No. 18 entrant was Finn Balor. This was Balor’s fourth Rumble. Penta and Reigns worked together with Reigns elevating Penta into the ropes before Penta swung down and kicked a pair of opponents.
The No. 19 entrant was U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. The former Rumble winner went face to face with Penta. The heels used their numbers advantage to work over the two babyfaces, but Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer on Fatu. Penta went for another Mexican Destroyer on Balor, who stuffed it and eliminated him. Penta went over 42 minutes before his elimination.
The No. 20 entrant was Jey Uso. Jey made a rare entrance via the stage and actually headed right to the ring. Jey hit a Poison Rana on Fatu. Nakamura charged Jey, who pushed him up and over the top rope to eliminate him.
The No. 21 entrant was AJ Styles. This was listed as his first appearance since October. Cole recalled Styles making his WWE entrance in the 2016 Rumble. The fans cheered and many stood up when Styles and Fatu met in the middle of the ring. Styles hit Fatu with a Pele Kick. Fatu came back with a big back body drop.
The No. 22 entrant was Braun Strowman. This was his eighth Rumble match. Strowman eliminated Fatu, who threw a fit at ringside. Fatu tossed the top piece of the broadcast table and one of the broadcast team’s chairs. Referee Charles Robinson was nice enough to put the chair back.
The No. 23 entrant was John Cena. The fans popped big for the multi-time Rumble match winner. Yes, he stopped to show off his “The Last Time Is Now” towel and then looked into the camera and spoke about one last Rumble. “The Greatest of All-Time is here,” Cole said bright before Cena eliminated Strowman. Cena followed up by eliminating Balor. Reigns speared McIntyre and then looked up at Cena, who removed his t-shirt.
The No. 24 entrant was CM Punk. This was Punk’s eighth Rumble match. Punk entered the ring and there was a three-way staredown between him, Reigns, and Cena.
The No. 25 entrant was Seth Rollins. This is his seventh Rumble (and his first chance to win Fritz’s pool for me). Rollins entered the ring and tackled Punk. There was a whole lot of punching and kicking between the various entrants.
The No. 26 entrant was Dominik Mysterio. Believe it or not, this was Dom’s fifth Rumble match. Cena was down on the mat. Dom went right up top and frog splashed Cena. Dom tried to suplex Reigns, who stuffed it and then countered into a Samoan Drop.
The No. 27 entrant was Sami Zayn. Let’s go! Zayn ran to the ring and immediately hit McIntyre with a Helluva Kick. Zayn followed up with a Helluva Kick on Rollins. The crowd was too busy singing Sami’s song to react to the Helluva Kicks.
The No. 28 entrant was Damian Priest. This was his fifth Rumble match. Priest did his Old School rope walk into a crossbody block on McIntyre. Dom dropkicked Priest from behind and went for a 619, but Priest shot up and chokeslammed him. Priest tossed Dom over the top rope to eliminate him (now who in the hell is going to win?!?).
The No. 29 entrant was LA Knight. This was his Rumble debut. Yeah. Zayn helped Reigns to his feet. McIntyre shoved them together and then tossed Zayn over the top rope, but Zayn held onto the ropes. Jey threw a superkick that was meant for McIntyre, who moved, causing Zayn to take the superkick for his elimination.
The No. 30 entrant was Logan Paul. This was his second Rumble match. A graphic noted that five wrestlers have won from the No. 30 spot. Paul entered with a Buckshot Lariat that put down Styles and Rollins. Priest eliminated McIntyre, who stood at ringside and glared at Priest before making his exit.
The graphic noted that there were nine active wrestlers and 21 had been eliminated. Knight shoved Paul off the apron, but Paul jumped onto the broadcast table to stay alive. Knight clotheslined Priest over the top rope to eliminate him. Paul stood on the broadcast table and had one of his drinks tossed to him so that he could drink it. Styles eliminated Knight.
Paul moved to the barricade and then jumped to the ring steps. Styles set up for a Phenomenal Forearm on Rollins, but Paul grabbed Styles legs and pulled him out of the ring to eliminate him. The final six were Reigns, Punk, Cena, Rollins, Jey, and Paul.
Punk hit the GTS on Paul. Rollins superkicked Punk and then hit Jey with a Pedigree. Cena went for an AA that Rollins avoided. Reigns hit Cena with a Superman Punch. Rollins hit Stomps on Cena and then Punk. Reigns stood in the corner and stared at Rollins, who seemed to know who was waiting for him. Rollins got up and slowly turned around and then he and Reigns jawed at one another.
Rollins hit Reigns with a superkick and then charged, but Reigns moved and clotheslined him. Rollins held onto the ropes, but then Punk pushed Reigns and Rollins out to eliminate them both (that Fritz has always been a cheater except for that one year I won!).
Paul eliminated Punk. Rollins and Punk fought on the floor. Heyman yelled at Rollins, who flipped him off and then Stomped Reigns on the bottom piece of the ring steps. Punk went after Rollins again, but a group of referees pulled them apart. Rollins headed to the back. Punk stepped over Reigns and walked past Heyman, who was on his knees concerned for Reigns.
The final entrants were Cena, Paul, and Jey. All three men were down, but Jey and Paul got to their feet and traded blows while Cena slowly got up in a corner of the ring. Cena whipped Paul into Jey in the corner and then hit Paul with a running elbow. Cena gave a look to the crowd and then hoisted up both men for a double Attitude Adjustment, but Jey slipped away. Moments later, Cena clotheslined Paul over the top rope to eliminate him.
The final two were Cena and Jey. The fans rose to their feet. Paul was still seated at ringside. Both wrestlers looked to the cheering crowd and then traded punches in the middle of the ring. Cena put Jey down with a couple of shoulder tackles and then slammed him down. Cena looked to the crowd and then hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle.
Jey fought back and speared Cena. Cena dumped Jey over the top rope, but Jey held on. Cena charged Jey and ended up on the apron with him. Jey and Cena traded punches. Jey superkicked Cena, who held onto the top rope and dangled one foot over the side of the ring. Cena hoisted up Jey for an AA, but Jey slipped away and shoved Cena to the floor to win the match.
Jey Uso won the 30-Man Royal Rumble match in 80:15.
Cena landed with both feet on the floor and flashed a look of shock. Cena returned to the ring and spoke to Jey. Cena hugged Jey and then raised his arm. Jey celebrated his win and pointed to the WrestleMania sign while pryo shot off around it. A hoarse Cole said this was one of the biggest upsets in Rumble history.
Cole, McAfee, and Barrett stood on the broadcast table while Jey celebrated his win. The producers credits were shown while Cole said that Jey Uso is truly the main event to close the show. The screen went black for a moment and then the post show started. Jey helped his son over the barricade and then they headed to the ring and pumped their arms while playing to the crowd. Big E was emotional over seeing a fellow tag team wrestler that he has known for years win the Rumble…
Powell’s POV: Do you think Jey figured out that he would win a lot more matches if he just went to the ring and didn’t wear himself out with those prolonged entrances? Jokes aside, I love that they went with an upset, especially after going with a predictable Charlotte win in the women’s Rumble match. Jey is one of the most popular acts in the company and it’s a really cool story to see him win the Rumble.
Overall, I was a little concerned about this event after the first two matches, but the gritty ladder match and Jey’s upset win helped make this a memorable night. I will have a lot more to say about the Rumble when Jake Barnett and I team up for our same night audio review exclusively for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let us know what you thought of the Rumble by voting for the best match and by grading the overall show below.
Lanie did an amazing job on the anthem. She had two bad notes and they *didn’t* auto tune it. SHe was definitely live. And great pacing. Clearly, this old roadie thought it was noteworthy!
You could tell she was extremely nervous but worked through it like a pro.
Penta messed up 2 mins into the biggest match of his life. What a let down when both feet his the floor. They wouldn’t show a replay so we know he fucked it up. Oh well. He will have great speed matches w Andrade I guess
What a let down is what every woman who ever had sex with you says right after…..I”m just kidding, you have never had sex.
Watching on peacock and the audio is awwwwwful.
Yeah, the balance is way to far in favor of hearing the announcers over everything else. I see the crowd reacting more than I hear it.
Ugh. Bored of Charlotte already. She’s so stale.
Charlotte spends over a year away. Returns and gets a WrestleMania title shot. Probably the worst possible choice to win it.
Charlotte, Nia, and Roxanne?
No thanks.
Roxanne should’ve won.Another predictable finish.
Of those 3, she’s the least boring option but she shouldn’t have lasted to the final 3.
Almost 2 hours in and we’ve had a decent rumble match with a bad winner and now we’re getting a 2/3 falls flippy midget charisma vacuum match. Hopefully the ladder match and men’s rumble will be good.
Tag title should’ve kicked off the show.The fans here in Indy have zero interest in the match sadly.
“I thought the internet said she wasn’t coming back?!?”
Michael Cole cannot help himself and will always be the biggest tool in wrestling history. Is this 1999? 2005?
If Vince was still in charge, people would rightfully be shitting all over that line.
Tbh I’m surprised they didn’t book it so that the two people left did a Cena/Batista double elimination and Charlotte strolled out at 30 to an empty ring for the win.
Speed is in the Royal Rumble!! Waahaha
They teased Fatu and Breakker again, had a really fun run through the 8-17 entries, and currently have Roman and Fatu facing off. This has been much better than the women’s rumble so far.
That Miz stat is funny. Basically it’s the “guy who has never been champion entering Mania season, despite spending 20 years in the company” stat. Cf Reigns
But Miz has been champion.
Miz beat Cena to win the world championship at WM.
Miz didn’t win the title from Cena at Mania.He retained it by count-out.
Ladder match was good and men’s rumble saved the night.
Skeletor won the women’s and the mascot won the men’s…weak.
I’m shocked they went with Jey. Surely he won’t be one on one v Gunther. I could have sworn punk Cena and reigns are main eventing in some capacity. I guess we’ll see what’s next. Mixed bag of a show.
I am all for an upset in the Rumble, but why would you go with a guy that just lost a title match a week ago? It makes no sense.
To throw us all off track. And it worked.
A surprise only really works if it is a wanted surprise.
Based on that stadium’s reaction and the majority of the feedback I’ve seen so far, you might be in the minority on this one.
Not the first time I have been in the minority and won’t be the last. But it doesn’t make me incorrect either.
No, of course not, although I don’t really know how we assess right or wrong. It’s more of a personal preference since it’s a slam dunk that WrestleMania will clearly be a big financial success.
Where was solo?
I’ve never wanted Cena to win a match until it was down to him and “yeet.” Damn, that gimmick is so bad. He’s in the main event at wrestlemania because of “Yeet.” Really think about that.
Jey vs.Cody
Charlotte and Yeety McSuperkick are an absolutely ass pair of winners. Jey is nowhere near WM main event as a singles guy and Charlotte needs to learn she can in fact work programs without titles involved.
Bayley deserves a raise for making everyone look great.
Chelsea really is a star. The crowd was invested in her because of her great work.
I sincerely hopes Owens gets an MRI. That bump on his lower back looked the worst, then hitting and landing on his head?
Penta did not impress this viewer. He was outclassed, even in that midcard wrestler first half.
Great ending with lots of story points heading into the next two events.
Great. Chatlotte and Jay Superkick Uso will be in the main event matches at WM. *yaws*
The booking of the Royal Rumble has been generally very poor the last few years. They got this exactly the wrong way around – the men’s rumble had multiple legitimate favourites this year, so this was the one year we didn’t need or want a surprise winner. Even if they did go down that route, Sami Zayn would have been a way better choice than Jey Uso.
Where we did need a surprise was the women’s rumble. Instead we got Nia Jax throwing loads of people out again, the annual “ooh isn’t it surprising that someone lasted all the way through” spot went to Liv Morgan, already the most overpushed woman in wrestling history, and the win and accompanying opportunity was handed to Charlotte Flair again.