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| The biggest moment of the entire Rumble event... may have happened on the Pre-Show?! From: WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Kickoff (YouTube; WWE Network) |
WWE Royal Rumble 2019
January 27, 2019
Pre-Show
It is announced that John Cena is out due to injury. His spot has been awarded to Braun Strowman.
Later, it is announced that Akum and Scott Dawson will face the Raw Tag Team Champions later tonight. If they win, they'll earn title shots for their teams down the road.
Daniel Bryan cut a promo earlier today from the stands. He talks about how empty the arena is and will be tonight because the audience's lives are empty. Daniel Bryan cuts a promo about the Chase Field Royal Rumble burger. "How many animals died for this burger? SHAME! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!!!" Daniel Bryan just absolutely kills it yet again with this insanely awesome promo. He drops the burger and steps on it, promising to destroy the fans' hopes and dreams tonight.
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable vs. Rezar and Scott Dawson
During the entrance, the poor cameraman falls over trying to cover the entrance for Roode and Gable. The entrance is different than usual as there is no huge video wall, the fans can be seen behind the wrestlers, and the aisle bends before getting to the ring. This is almost something I would expect from a mix of 1992 Superstars and modern wrestling. For myself, I think this is an awesome switch-up. Well done, WWE.
The bell rings. Gable and Dawson are going at it in the ring. Both trade roll-ups and pin attempts early on. Backslide is countered by Gable. Gable misses a dropkick as Dawson tags in Rezar. Rezar just throws Gable to the mat. Dawson tags himself in and goes back to work on Gable. Northern Lights Suplex for a 2 by Dawson. Gable overshot the sunset flip on Dawson, allowing Dawson to tag in Rezar. Rezar assaults Gable in the ring with punches and raking the eyes. Rezar and Dawson tag again, allowing Dawson to legally continue the offense. Gable and Dawson smack heads sending both to the mat. Rezar tags in and lifts Gable up. Gable is able to get an armbar over the ropes. Dawson gets tagged in, as does Roode.
Roode does some hot-tag offense with a spinebuster on Dawson. Blockbuster from Roode on Rezar. Dawson gets a roll-up for a 2. Dawson accidentally dropkicks Rezar. Dawson is left alone with Roode and Gable. Neckbreaker/Moonsault ends it.
Winners: Gable and Roode
Match Grade: D. This was just not a good match for anyone involved. I felt bad for all of them as it seemed like no one could get their usual rhythm going. It wasn't a complete failure, but this wasn't good.
Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley interrupt a WWE Network plug to go off about tonight's Royal Rumble Match.
WWE United States Championship
Rusev (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
The bell rings. Rusev attacks Nakamura viciously in the corner. Elbow drops to Nakamura. Suplex by Rusev, who is still selling motivation from what happened to Lana a few weeks ago. Nakamura gets clotheslined over the top rope to the floor. Nakamura jumps off the steel steps and kicks Rusev on the floor. He puts Rusev on the apron and hits the running knee. Both are back in the ring as Nakamura continues the attack. Bad Vibrations in the corner. Running knee to the midsection of Rusev in the corner. 2 count only for the pin attempt. Kick to the mouth of Rusev (camera caught that one) followed by a headlock. Faceplant and a DROPKICK by Rusev!
Rusev starts firing off punches at Nakamura. Fall-away Slam. Spin kick by Rusev. Nakamura BARELY kicks out at 2. Rusev sets up the Machka Kick, but Nakamura rolls to the apron. Rusev knocks him down. Rusev goes running to the ropes, but Nakamura kicks him. Big kick by Rusev. 1-2-KICKOUT! (Nakamura is mastering these close 2 counts in the match.) Rusev CRUSH! Accolade escaped. Kick to the back of the head. Sliding knee to Rusev's head only gets 2 for Nakamura. Nakamura sets up for Kinshasa. He runs at Rusev and ducks the Machka Kick. Double Ax Handle to the body of Nakamura. Machka Kick by Rusev!!!! Armbar by Nakamura! Rusev is turned into a triangle hold. Rusev tries to deadlift Nakamura. After a few tries, he does it. Guillotine Lock by Nakamura now. JACKHAMMER BY RUSEV! 1-2-KICKOUT BY NAKAMURA!
Rusev grabs at Nakamura and pushes him into the corner. He puts him on the corner and climbs up. Nakamura slids out and throws Rusev down on the turnbuckle! LANDSLIDE! 1-2-KICKOUT BY RUSEV!!!! Nakamura removes the protective covering on a corner. Lana yells at the ref and is on the apron. RUSEV HITS LANA BY ACCIDENT SENDING LANA TO THE FLOOR! KINSHASA TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!!!! 1-2-3!!!! NEW CHAMPION!!!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura (NEW U.S. Champion)
Match Grade: B+. Nakamura and Rusev continue to have great matches against the other no matter what environment they find themselves in. There were about 3-4 false finishes in this match, and I half expected Rusev to kick out of the Kinshasa at the end. Is it a little early to mention that Nakamura is pulling an IWGP Intercontinental Championship trick with the U.S. Championship: winning the championship from the guy who beat him for it. It's good to see this continue, and I hope these guys find their place on the main cards going into WrestleMania. Or maybe Rusev is leaving the company? I don't know. But I'm glad to see Nakamura regain some gold.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami vs. Kalisto
The bell rings. Hideo Itami rolls out of the ring, allowing the other three to go at it first. Murphy throws Kalisto into a corner. Tozawa goes for an Octopus Lock. Kalisto goes for a hurricanrana on Murphy, but Murphy stops the momentum. Outside, Tozawa gets thrown into the barricade. Kalisto dives at Murphy and gets caught in a suplex for his trouble. Itami finally gets in the ring and invites Murphy into the ring. They trade shots and kicks to the back. Itami keeps the ring clear of the other competitors until he gets to Kalisto. Kalisto hurricanranas Murphy into the barricade after Tozawa spears Kalisto off of Murphy's shoulders. Itami remained unscathed by all of this.
Itami and Tozawa go at it in the ring. Murphy gets dumped to the floor by Itami. Kalisto launches Tozawa into Murphy on the floor. Kalisto is flying and flipping all over the place, attacking Itami. Salina del Sol avoided as Murphy Lawn Dart Throws Kalisto into Itami. Snap Back Suplex by Tozawa to Murphy. Tozawa climbs the corner, but Itami stops him. Itami gets spiked on his head in the hurricanrana by Tozawa. Tozawa dives at Itami on the floor. Murphy sends Kalisto onto the other two and then dives out himself onto his three challengers. "This is what 205 Live is all about." You mean unsafe botches and spots to get interest? Yep. That's 205 Live.
Murphy gets spiked himself by Kalisto during a hurricanrana attempt. This is not entertaining. This is patently unsafe. Sorry, folks. I'm not a fan. Kalisto is on the corner and gets kicked by Murphy. Tozawa breaks up a pin attempt. Tozawa dives off a corner onto Murphy. Inverted Rana by Tozawa. The challengers spend time rolling each other up. Salida Del Sol only gets a 2 count as Itami kicks out. All four men trade punches and kicks to each other. Jumping Knee to Tozawa and Kalisto who flew into that one from the top rope. Itami goes for GTS. Jumping Knee to Itami. Kamigoye by Murphy. Murphy's Law. 1-2-3.
Winner: Buddy Murphy (still WWE Cruiserweight Champion)
Match Grade: C. I get that people like these matches. But this just didn't do it for me. These guys were literally killing each other instead of telling a good story in this match. The spots were too much for my taste, and I never got invested in the match. If it was Murphy vs. one of the three competitors, I would have enjoyed this a lot more. Instead, it just seemed to be a spot fest. I'm for spot fests when they are well executed and seem safe (as safe as possible anyways) for the competitors. This did not.
Main Show
We get a video package highlighting the classic Rumbles of the past and hype for this year's event.
As stated earlier, this stadium looks awesome for this show. I'm all for baseball fields and football stadiums hosting Royal Rumbles going forward
1) SmackDown Women's Championship
Asuka(c) vs. Becky Lynch
LOUD Ovation for Becky Lynch coming out. We get the 3D graphics for both Asuka and "The Man." Both get good reactions during the ring introductions.
The bell rings. Dropkick by Asuka in the early going. Slap by Lynch. Shoulder Tackle by Lynch. "FIGHT ME!"- Becky Lynch. Uppercuts by Lynch. Asuka kicks the legs and back of Lynch. Paintbrush kicks by Asuka. Lynch grabs the leg and unloads with some forearms. Running forearm by Lynch sends Asuka to the floor. Asuka avoids an attack by Lynch and hits a Hip Attack to Lynch sending her to the floor. Asuka gets on the apron and misses. Instead, Lynch kicks Asuka down to the floor. Both women fight on the floor. Asuka rolls in to break the count as Becky recovers. Becksploder Suplex to the barricade by Lynch.
Both women back in the ring as Lynch covers for a 2 count. Lynch continues the attack with stomps in the corner and a suplex in the ring. Lynch tortures the left arm of Asuka as Asuka screams in pain. Kick to the back of Lynch's leg. Asuka kicks Lynch away from her. Asuka gets an Asuka Lock on Lynch while in the ropes. Asuka runs into the steel ring post, allowing Lynch to hit the Disarm-Her on the top rope. Lynch dives off at Asuka, but she eats a knee from Asuka coming down.
Asuka is getting hyped up as Lynch continues to punch at her. Dropkick from the corner by Asuka, who screams in Japanese at Lynch. Hip Attack into the corner. German Suplex by Asuka. Another Hip Attack. 1-2-Kickout. Asuka rolls to the apron and climbs to the top rope. Dropkick misses. Becky drives her to the mat for a 2 count. Asuka gets an arm lock on Becky. ASUKA LOCK! Becky gets to the ropes. Both women fight on the apron. Asuka gets Becky in position for a German Suplex off the apron, but Becky fights her off. Becksploder is avoided by Asuka. ASUKA NAILS BECKY WITH A TWISTING NECKBREAKER OFF THE APRON! Becky barely gets in the ring by 9. Running kick by Asuka! 2 count only.
Becky and Asuka fight on their knees and eventually to their feet. "Yeah/Boo" from the audience. Spinning Back Kick by Asuka gets a 2 count. Becky catches Asuka on the corner with a kick. She climbs up after Asuka. SHE NAILS A SUPER BECKSPLODER!!!! 2 COUNT ONLY! Asuka is put in the corner as Becky climbs up. A leg drop misses as ASUKA GETS THE ASUKA LOCK! DISARM-HER BY ASUKA! ASUKA LOCK BY BECKY LYNCH!!!! She rolls through for a 2 count. Buzzsaw Kick by Asuka! DISARM-HER BY BECKY!!!! Reversals out of it. ASUKA LOCK IN THE CENTER OF THE RING BY ASUKA!!!!! Becky tries to roll out! ASUKA BUTTERFLIES IN THE LOCK! BECKY TAPS OUT!!!! WOW!
Winner: Asuka (Still SmackDown Women's Champion)
Match Grade: A-. That was a really good match to start off the show here. I loved the back and forth that both women had in this match. Asuka had to unveil a new variation of the Asuka Lock in order to get Becky to tap out. This was a MUCH NEEDED win for Asuka here on the main roster as she has been booked to look strong in the last couple months. Now, the question has to be asked: Where is Becky Lynch going from here? And is this the last we will see of her tonight?
2) SmackDown Tag Team Championships
The Bar(c) vs. The Miz and Shane McMahon
The Miz and Shane are wearing baseball jerseys to get their matching attire down. Miz's dad is at ringside. Both Shane and Miz hug him, and Miz tosses his glasses at him. The Bar come out in matching attire too, looking like a cross between The Dudleys and The Headbangers.
The bell rings. Shane spears Sheamus right at the start and unloads with punches. Cesaro pulls Sheamus to the floor. Tags to Cesaro and The Miz. Roll-ups by The Miz to start things off. Each only getting a 2. Cesaro gets some advantage going. Miz gets caught in The Bar's corner, and the double-team begins. Shane runs in to help his partner, but the referee puts him back in the corner. Sheamus gets a cheap shot on Shane, sending him to the floor. Cesaro and Sheamus take advantage of the ref to continue beating down Miz. Miz almost gets powerbombed through a table, but Shane stops it from happening. Shane puts Cesaro on a table and climbs up the corner in the ring. Miz gets beat up by Sheamus. Shane dives off the top rope onto Sheamus on the floor, but he gets up to eat a European uppercut by Cesaro. Cesaro throws Shane into the barricade for a little more garnish on the punishment.
The Bar continue to beat down on The Miz in the ring. Frequent tags. Knee drop off the corner by Sheamus gets a 2 count. Arm Lock by Sheamus. Miz tries to get some offense going, but Sheamus just plants him on the ropes. He rips the shirt and starts pounding on the chest. Double suplex into the ring by The Bar. Cesaro covers for 2. Shane is back on the corner and smacks the ring post to get the crowd involved. Tag to Sheamus who continuously stomps down on The Miz. The beatdown continues for another few minutes with frequent tags and double-team maneuvers.
Cesaro gets backdropped by The Miz, and Shane gets tagged finally by The Miz. Sheamus gets tagged in as well. Potato Punches by Shane followed by a flying back elbow. Right hands to The Bar followed by the Float-Over DDT. 2 count only. Shane puts Sheamus in the corner of The Bar. Cesaro tags in, but Shane knocks him down onto Sheamus. Shane climbs up the corner for Coast-2-Coast. HE JUMPS INTO THE CESARO SWING!!!!!!! CESARO SWINGS HIM FOR A GOOD 20 SECONDS! Shane grabs the arm and locks in a Triangle Lock! Cesaro powers up Shane, but he crumbles back down. Shane squeezes with everything he can. Sheamus drops down with the knee from the corner onto Shane. Sheamus clotheslines Miz on the floor. Tag to Sheamus by Cesaro. Double Team White Noise! 1-2-KICKOUT! Sheamus is shocked!
Brogue Kick called for! Miz shoved Cesaro into the way! Skull Crushing Finale to Sheamus! Shane climbs up the top! SHOOTING STAR PRESS ONTO CESARO!!!! 1-2-3!!!!
Winner: Shane McMahon and The Miz (New SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
Match Grade: C. This wasn't great by any stretch of the imagination, but the last few minutes were entertaining at least. Shane McMahon in his late 40s doing a Shooting Star Press continues to be very impressive. I'm interested to see where this goes.
After the match, Miz and Shane celebrate with Miz's father. Miz also hugs Dana Warrior as Miz and Shane head to the back to Miz's music.
48,193 is the announced attendance for tonight's Royal Rumble.
3) Raw Women's Championship
Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Sasha Banks
Sasha promises to make Ronda Rousey tap out as she goes through the backstage area and into the arena. Sasha looks to be classic Sasha Banks as she comes out to the ring with an attitude I feel has been missing from her character for quite some time. Ronda comes out to a good ovation as well. Nice ovation for both women. Ronda gets in Sasha's face before the bell rings.
The bell rings. They are jawing at each other from the start. Sasha avoids the armbar early on. Sasha goes for the arm drag, but Sasha gets flipped over. BOSS POSE BY ROUSEY! Burn! Knees to Sasha. Rousey looks at the fans. "I can't wrestle, huh? Watch this!!!!" Snap suplex by Rousey! THREE AMIGOS BY ROUSEY TO BANKS!!!! (That's what Sasha does to honor her hero, Eddie Guerrero!) Banks stops the third suplex, and Banks gets to the ropes. Rousey gets slapped, and Rousey goes off on Sasha on the floor. A right hand misses by Rousey, meeting the ring post instead. Sasha hits a Suicide Dive through the ropes to Rousey. 1 count in the ring.
In the ring, Sasha continues the attack on Rousey. Knee attacks into the corner on Rousey. The crowd is unsettled and invested in this match. Sasha has a headlock on Rousey. Rousey runs into a boot by Sasha, but Rousey gets a running elbow on Sasha. 2 count. Sasha is smacking the hell out of Rousey now. Armbreaker on Rousey followed by a running knee. 2 count. Sasha continues the attack on Rousey in the corner. She misses the knees into the corner, allowing Rousey to go for Piper's Pit. Sasha is ripping at the shoulder and fingers of Ronda Rousey!!!! Ronda rolls through. Bank Statement by Banks!!! Rousey is able to get out of it. Piper's Pit to Banks.
Armbar to Banks over the top rope by Rousey. Rousey climbs the corner. Banks saddles her on the corner and climbs up. Banks and Rousey continue to fight for position. SUPERPLEX BY BANKS! 2 count only! Banks goes back to work on the arm of Rousey. (Really good match at this point, perhaps the best of Banks's WWE stint.) Takedown by Rousey only gets a 2. Arm Drags by Rousey! Sasha slings Rousey to the floor to break up the offense. Banks flies out onto Rousey, but Rousey catches her! ARMBAR!!!! She slings Sasha into the ring. Rousey is getting hyped up. Lefts by Rousey. Banks fights back, but Sasha is no match. Arm Drag. Running Knee by Rousey gets a 2. (This is an awesome match. Great work by both women. I'm loving this.)
Rousey goes after Banks but gets sent into the bottom turnbuckle. Double Stomp to the bad arm of Rousey. Bank Statement blocked! ARMBAR BLOCKED!!! PIPER'S PIT COUNTERED! BANK STATEMENT! Sasha tries to choke her with her own hair!!! Rousey had her hand on the ropes, but Sasha flips her into the middle. Fujiwara Armbar by Sasha!!! Rousey flips out! GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!!!! PIPER'S PIT!!!! 1-2-3! WOW! Great Great Match here.
Winner: Ronda Rousey (STILL Raw Women's Champion)
Match Grade: A. That was incredible. Rousey continues to impress on big stages like this, and this might be the best of her matches up to this point. For Sasha Banks, this may not have been the best match she's ever had. But this was perhaps the most important match in her WWE career up to this point. She needed this match to make people remember just how great she can be in big time matches. I've loathed how Sasha has been booked for the past couple years. Thankfully, this put The Boss back in the spotlight where she belongs. I bought Banks winning this match, and that's something I didn't expect to say earlier today.
After the match, Rousey offers a handshake to Banks. They shake hands. Rousey holds the ropes open for Banks to leave the ring. Sasha comes back to ringside and shakes Ronda's hand again. She holds up a "Four Horsewomen" sign in Rousey's face and walks off.
4) Women's Royal Rumble Match
Entrant #1- Lacey Evans
Lacey gets on the mic. She cuts a mockingly Southern promo. She calls herself the only true lady of WWE. She will clean up the entire Women's Division.
Entrant #2- Natalya
The bell rings. Evans and Natalya trade dropkicks and kip ups. Evans gets on the apron and flips over Natalya to get back into the ring. She tries to eliminate Natalya, but Natalya hurricanranas Evans down.
Entrant #3- Mandy Rose
Corey Graves goes nuts on commentary. Mandy boots down Natalya and picks her up for elimination. But Natalya knocks her down instead. Natalya plants Mandy on Evans and dropkicks them both. Double Sharpshooter!!!!
Entrant #4- Liv Morgan
(Are we introducing all the blondes first? Oh, come on! Someone had to ask the question.)
Liv charges at Natalya, and she is eliminated!!!!
Liv Morgan is eliminated.
Mandy and Lacey team up on Natalya until Lacey decides to beat down on Mandy.
Entrant #5- Mickie James
Definitely a reversal of fortune for James as she enters towards the beginning of this year's Rumble match. Mickie goes after everyone in the ring. Neckbreaker to Evans. Mick Kick to Natalya. Mickie tries to flip Mandy Rose to the floor, but Rose holds on for dear life. She avoids elimination.
Entrant #6- Ember Moon
Another case of falling stock in the Rumble. Ember dives off the ropes on James and Natalya. Evans gets faceplanted by Moon. Mandy is almost dumped out by Ember Moon. Mandy holds on and avoids elimination. Moon almost gets dumped out as well.
Entrant #7- Billie Kay
Billie puts on the brakes and refuses to get in the ring. She's waiting for Peyton. Several of the women are fighting near the ropes at the same area.
Entrant #8- NIKKI CROSS!!!!
SHE RUNS TO THE RING!!!! She sees Billie Kay and throws her into the barricade. Cross dives off the top rope and takes out everyone. The crowd is going nuts for her! Lacey Evans almost gets eliminated, but she saves herself. Bulldog to Mickie James. (For the record, I love everything about Nikki Cross.) Billie Kay comes into the ring and goes after Nikki.
Entrant #9- Peyton Royce
She picks up Nikki and dumps her on the mat. Peyton and Billie team up on Nikki. Ember goes after Peyton. Peyton and Billie team up on Ember. Lacey and Nikki are going at it as Ember teases elimination.
Entrant #10- Tamina
The ring is about to clear, one way or another. Mickie goes after Tamina and gets a headbutt. In fact, everyone goes after Tamina and suffers. Nikki hits Tamina, and Tamina no sells it. Nikki spears Tamina through the ropes, but Tamina runs back in and superkicks Nikki. Tamina gets put on the apron. Tamina climbs the corner! SUPERFLY SPLASH TO NIKKI CROSS! Mickie James jumps off the corner onto Tamina. Mickie gets caught on the apron and is kicked down.
Mickie James has been eliminated.
Entrant #11- Xia Li (NXT?)
I've never seen her on NXT, but... OK. I guess she's in developmental. She knocks down many of the women in the ring with spinning kicks. Li is the first Chinese women's wrestler to compete in a WWE ring.
Entrant #12- Sarah Logan
The ring is too crowded at the moment as bodies are literally just lying around the ring. Ember is almost eliminated by Morgan, but she uses her feet on the bottom ropes to stay in. Nikki Cross gets dumped out by The IIconics, which gets boos from the audience.
Nikki Cross is eliminated.
Entrant #13- Charlotte Flair
The Chosen One aka The Queen has arrived. And Dear God, she looks stunning in her robe. Bow down to The Queen. She enters in the match and gets attacked by every woman in the match. The IIconics have been eliminated by Lacey Evans.
The IIconics are eliminated.
Xia Li goes after Charlotte Flair, but she gets a big boot for her trouble. She's on the apron and gets booted to the floor. Now, Xia Li is the first Female Chinese wrestler to be eliminated from a Royal Rumble.
Xia Li is eliminated.
Entrant #14- KAIRI SANE!
Yo-ho! The Pirate Princess has a surprise entrance into this match. Charlotte Flair eliminates Tamina.
Tamina has been eliminated.
Kairi goes after Charlotte with heavy chops and forearms. Charlotte Flair goes back at her. Kairi climbs back on the top rope and eats the INSANE ELBOW on Sarah Logan. Natalya and Kairi eliminate Sarah Logan.
Sarah Logan has been eliminated.
Entrant #15- MARIA KANELLIS (I thought she was leaving, Internet!!! LOL.)
Maria comes into the ring and faces off with Charlotte and Lacey Evans. Lacey and Charlotte argue about beating up Maria. Double Bulldog by Maria. X-Factor by Maria on Ember. Bronco Buster is stopped with a Spear by Charlotte.
Entrant #16- Naomi
Naomi gets a nice 3D entrance. Naomi goes after Mandy Rose, Rose almost dumps her to the floor, but Naomi stops herself on the apron. Both women are on the edge of the ring now. Rose gets kicked and dumped to the floor. Rose goes to powerbomb Naomi, but Naomi puts her feet on the barricade. She climbs up it, walks the barricade, and JUMPS A HUGE DISTANCE TO THE RING STEPS! BUT MANDY ROSE ELIMINATES NAOMI BY PULLING HER FEET DOWN AFTER ALL THAT!
Mandy Rose and Naomi are eliminated.
During all of this, Lacey is dumped out.
Lacey Evans is eliminated as well.
Entrant #17- Candice LaRae (NXT)
Candice nails a missile dropkick as she comes into the ring. Lacey Evans lasted 30 minutes. Great debut for her. LaRae goes after Ember Moon. Gutbuster by Ember.
Entrant #18- The Captain Alicia Fox
She's finally in a Royal Rumble after missing last year's due to injury. She gets in the ring and nails a few dropkicks. Maria begs to work with Alicia. Alicia has no friends. Her words, folks. Dropkick to Sane by Fox. Maria gets the captain hat. Alicia puts it on Maria. MARIA STOMPS IT! "THAT'S MY HAT!!!" Temper tantrum by Fox. Maria is getting attacked and is eliminated.
Maria is eliminated.
Entrant #19- Kacy Catanzaro (sp?) (American Ninja Warrior? THAT'S A BRAND NOW?!!!!)
Kacy goes after everyone in the ring. Kacy almost flips Alicia to the floor. Alicia stops herself on the apron. Backbreaker through the ropes by Fox.
Entrant #20- Zelina Vega
Zelina Vega gets a decent ovation from the crowd. Zelina and LaRae face off and start going at it. An NXT rivalry renewed. Running double knees by Vega into the face of LaRae in the corner.
Entrant #21- Ruby Riott (w/ The Riott Squad)
So, are the Riott Squad just allowed to come to the ring because...? All three women go after Charlotte Flair, pull her under the bottom rope, and attack her. They do the same to Alicia Fox. Vega goes under the ring to hide from the Riott Squad. Ruby Riott eliminates Alicia Fox, and later, Riott ends up dumping LaRae out on the floor. (The Riott Squad had dumped LaRae on the floor, but she didn't go over the top. So Ruby had to redo the elimination.)
Alicia Fox and Candice LaRae are gone.
Entrant #22- Dana Brooke
The Riott Squad go after Dana Brooke. Meanwhile, Kairi Sane gets eliminated by Ruby Riott.
Kairi Sane is eliminated.
Entrant #23- Io Shirai (NXT)
Io goes after The Riott Squad as they attack her friend Kairi. Io climbs up the top rope and moonsaults off the top onto The Riott Squad. That is not an elimination as she was never officially in the match. Zelina is still underneath the ring. Io and Rubi are fighting on the apron after going over the top rope. Both get back in the ring.
Entrant #24- Rhea Ripley (NXT UK)
The first ever NXT UK Women's Champion is here. She kicks down and takes down every woman in the match. Moon takes her down. Kacy Catanzaro is gone, thanks to Dana Brooke. No.... her feet never hit. She uses the barricade and does a damn situp using the ring post to climb back up the top rope!!!! She dives off into the arms of Ripley! Ripley and Catanzaro go back and forth until she gets officially eliminated.
Kacy Catanzaro is eliminated.
Entrant #25- Sonya Deville
She goes after Ripley with some heavy shots. Knee to Riott. Dana gets caught by Deville with some knees to the body. Dana knocks her down and sentons her. Enziguri to Ripley by Brooke. Handspring Elbow by Dana to Ripley. Ripley puts Dana out.
Dana Brooke is eliminated.
Zelina Vega is under the ring... AND SO IS HORNSWOGGLE!!!!! Swoggle chases Vega around the ring and back into the ring! Ripley gets Vega and eliminates her. Hornswoggle chases her to the back.
Zelina Vega is eliminated.
Entrant #26- Alexa Bliss
Great ovation for Alexa Bliss. She goes after Ember Moon immediately. Standing moonsault to Moon. Charlotte takes down Bliss. Code Red to Charlotte. Sonya Deville goes after Bliss. Bliss puts Deville on the apron and forearms her to elimination.
Sonya Deville is eliminated.
Entrant #27- Bayley
She goes after Charlotte and the rest of the women. Ruby gets caught on Bayley's shoulders and is thrown on the top rope. Ruby gets sent to the floor by Bayley. Ripley is eliminated as well by Bayley.
Riott and Ripley are both eliminated.
Entrant #28- Lana
Lana's music plays. Lana limps to the entrance ramp. She walks gingerly to the ring as her ankle is wrapped up. "Becky" chants are starting up. Lana can't get to the ring. Trainers check on her. Loud "BECKY" chants! The countdown is back on.
Entrant #29- Nia Jax
Nia comes out and kicks down Lana. She smacks the leg of Lana down and throws her against the rail. Nia comes into the ring. Nia just destroys everyone in the ring. Natalya now has the record for longest record for a Women's Royal Rumble. Jax throws Shirai out.
Io Shirai is eliminated.
Natalya goes after Nia. Natalya tries to throw her out, but she gets dumped out.
Natalya is eliminated.
Entrant #30- Carmella
She moonwalks on the stage and runs to the ring. Carmella hurricanranas Jax down. Jax just steamrolls Carmella down. Wait.... BECKY LYNCH IS OUT! She asks Finlay to be put into the match. Finlay tells her to go in! THE CROWD IS ERUPTING!!!!! NIA JAX IS STUNNED!!!!
Entrant #28 is now... BECKY LYNCH!!!!
The crowd is going nuts. Charlotte dumps Becky onto the apron, but Becky goes back in. Nia does the same to Becky. Becky climbs the corner to loud applause! Dropkick to Jax! Alexa goes after Ember Moon. Bliss gets face planted. Bliss and Moon are going at it on the apron. They both tease eliminating the other. Alexa is kicking Moon down. Moon gets leg swept onto the floor by Bliss.
Ember Moon is eliminated.
Carmella knocks down Bliss and moonwalks into the Bronco Buster. Bliss gets up and goes back after Carmella. Superkick to Bliss. Buckle Bomb by Bayley to Bliss. Bliss gets eliminated by Carmella and Bayley.
Alexa Bliss is eliminated.
Becky and Nia are going at it. Charlotte kicks Nia down. Bayley goes after Nia. Fast paced action here. Carmella is holding her own, but she climbs the top rope. She dives off onto Charlotte, but Charlotte rolls through and gives a backbreaker. Charlotte goes for a moonsault. Carmella goes to throw out Charlotte. She goes for her head scissors, but Charlotte puts her on the apron. Carmella gets back in the ring and goes back after Charlotte. Charlotte eliminates Carmella. Charlotte rolls back in the ring.
Carmella is eliminated.
Bayley is going after Charlotte. Bayley delivers a neckbreaker. Nia picks up Bayley and gets dumped by Nia and Charlotte.
Bayley is eliminated.
It's Nia Jax, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch. The crowd is going NUTS for Becky Lynch! Flair and Lynch are going at it. Jax splashes them both. Lynch rolled out to the floor. Charlotte and Nia argue back and forth. Nia picks up Charlotte. Charlotte fights out and goes after Nia. Big boots to Nia. Charlotte tries to pick up Nia. She does it, but she can't keep her up. She falls to the mat. Nia and Charlotte are going at it again. Charlotte puts Nia on the apron, and Becky pulls her down!!!!
Nia Jax is eliminated.
It's Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for the Rumble. Are we getting Luger and Hart? Or are we getting a true winner in this? Nia runs down Becky, and Becky is holding her knee. Charlotte is smiling from ear to ear in the ring. Becky clutches at her knee and tries to stand up. Crowd is chanting loudly for Becky. Charlotte waits for Becky to get into the ring. Becky rolls into the ring. "I can go!" Charlotte chop blocks Becky down and goes after the knee. Flair kicks the leg. Tree of Woe followed by kicks to the knee of Becky. Becky has Charlotte on the apron, but Charlotte kicks the leg. Back in the ring, Charlotte goes after Lynch! Lynch dumps Charlotte to the apron and knocks her down to the floor!!!! BECKY IS GOING TO WRESTLEMANIA!!!!
WINNER: BECKY LYNCH!!!!
Match Grade: B. Barring the last few minutes, this was a good Royal Rumble all things considered. Becky Lynch coming in for an injured wrestler makes a bit of sense. The bottom line is that Becky Lynch is the most over act in wrestling, and it makes all the sense in the world to put her in a big championship match at WrestleMania. And I think we all know who she's going after! I enjoyed the longevity of some of the women in this match, in particular Moon, Natalya, and Charlotte Flair.
One has to wonder though what will come of Finlay adding Lynch to the match. Last I looked, he wasn't a "matchmaker" on TV. This could be a backdoor way to put Charlotte Flair in the match at WrestleMania. Why can't we just get Charlotte vs. Asuka II and Lynch vs. Rousey in the main event at WrestleMania? I think that'd work for everyone involved.
Lynch hobbles around the ring and points at the WrestleMania sign.
5) WWE Championship
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles
The bell rings. Bryan and Styles start going at it immediately in the corner. Bryan slides out of the ring. (It's 9:54 and we still have three big matches left. Can you say "Long Night Ahead?") Bryan and Styles continue to vie for dominance in the early going. Headlock by Styles. Big Deep Arm Drag (ala Ricky Steamboat) by AJ Styles. Bryan goes to the floor. Styles and Bryan end up going at it with shots in the ring. Chops by both men. Big Back Body Drop by Styles. Headlock again by Styles. Bryan fights out. Moments later, Styles gets thrown chest first onto the ring post. Styles is in pain on the floor as Bryan looks on like an animal seeing weakness. He smacks Styles into the ring post, and then he brings him in the ring.
Bryan begins dissecting Styles in the ring with a variety of kicks and arm-focused attacks. Butterfly Underhook into an Armbar by Bryan. Styles holds his hands to keep the hold from being locked in. Styles is assaulted by Bryan after the hold as well. Bryan continues to fight off Styles, but Styles gets some nice shots in and a dropkick. The crowd is silent after the last match. AJ gets a Pumphandle Backbreaker. Suplex into a Neckbreaker by Styles for a 2 count. Styles and Bryan trade roll-up attempts. Dragon Screw by Styles to the leg of Bryan. Another one. Styles runs into a Drop Toe Hold into the middle turnbuckle. Styles' nose is busted open. Dropkick into the corner by Bryan. Styles avoids a second one. Snap Dragon by Bryan. 2 count.
Bryan gets Styles in the corner and lifts him up to the top. Bryan goes for the hurricanrana. AJ stops it! Bryan avoids the Styles Clash attempt and kicks him down to the floor. (Crowd apathy is killing this match.) Bryan misses a dive, and AJ hits him with a sliding knee using the apron. MOONSAULT REVERSE DDT ON THE FLOOR BY STYLES (while using the barricade)! Bryan is rolled into the ring. AJ goes for Springboard 450, but Bryan gets the knees up! LaBell Lock IS ON! Bryan is ripping at the nose of Styles with the lock on. AJ rolls out of it. Calf Crusher! BRYAN IS SCREAMING IN PAIN, but he gets to the ropes.
Enziguri by Daniel Bryan. He used the bad leg, but Styles falls limp on the mat. Former Yes Kicks to Styles. Buzzsaw Kick misses, but he rebounds with a kick to Styles's arm. CALF CRUSHER is countered with a Buzzsaw Kick. 2 count for Bryan. Bryan grabs the arms and starts stomping on the head of Styles. His leg gives out. Bryan climbs up the top rope. AJ punches him while on top. AJ climbs up with Bryan. Several headbutts by Styles. Bryan sends Styles crashing onto the metal part behind the turnbuckles. Bryan climbs back up. Back Suplex doesn't work! Styles lands on his feet! CALF CRUSHER AGAIN BY STYLES! HE SINKS IT IN! He rolls over Bryan who kicks out at 2.
Styles gets up on his feet. Backslide attempt by both men. Bryan gets flipped over into a Brainbuster. 2 count. This has gone on for 20 minutes by this point. (And we still have Suplex City and the Rumble to go.) Styles goes for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Bryan kicks Styles' arm while he was leaping up. Bryan tries again to get to Styles. Styles fights him off. He jumps off, but Bryan knees him in the head. Pele Kick to Bryan. Erick Rowan is coming out. He's staring at the ring. Bryan and Styles continue to go at it. Styles knocks Bryan down by kicking the leg. The referee gets knocked down. Styles Clash. Rowan comes in and chokeslams Styles. Bryan covers. 1-2-3. Wow. We needed to sit through a lifeless 23 minute match for that?!
Winner: Daniel Bryan (still WWE Champion)
Match Grade: C-. This is an example of a crowd literally sucking the life out of a match. This wasn't Styles or Bryan's fault, though nothing they did won the crowd over. They were put in the bad position of trying to follow up the Women's Rumble and Becky's big win. At this point, the show is starting to get long-in-the-tooth, and there's only so much a live crowd can keep up for. Here's hoping WWE has good plans for the last two matches to win over this crowd.
Halftime Heat commercial is played. Adam Cole and DIY team up to face Velveteen Dream, Ricochet, and Aleister Black. (Sorry, Maroon 5. I know what I'm watching.)
6) Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Finn Balor
Finn Balor gets an All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Suplex City. Brock comes out to some cool 3D effects over the entrance way. (It's 10:30. Over/under ten minutes for this match? Let's find out.) Nice pop for Balor on the ring introductions. And of course, we get Paul Heyman introducing Brock Lesnar.
The bell rings. (10:33 now. Over/Under 10 minutes?) Balor charges Lesnar and dropkicks him. Balor is going right after Lesnar with vicious attacks. Kicks to Lesnar. Stomp to the spine. Another dropkick into the corner. Lesnar catches him. Belly to Belly Suplex. Suplex City has just been opened. Balor is on the floor. Lesnar assaults Balor on the floor, whipping him into the barricade. Belly to Belly Suplex on the floor. 2 suplexes. (I wonder if we can get the Sesame Street Count to call a Lesnar match. 16. 16 suplexes. Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!) Balor throws Lesnar into a corner of an announce table again and again right to the gut. Knee to the midsection of Balor. Balor is tossed back in the ring. Balor charges Lesnar as soon as he gets into the ring, but Balor gets thrown right into the corner. Balor gets attacked with shoulders into the midsection over and over again.
Belly to Belly Suplex again. 3 suplexes. Balor gets the shoulders again. Another Belly to Belly Suplex. 4 suplexes. (4 minutes up to this point.) Balor catches Lesnar coming into the corner. Sling Blade to Lesnar. Dropkick attempt met with a CLUBBING LARIAT! Good night, Sweet Prince (Devitt). Lesnar is getting hyped up again. Lesnar is still selling the hurt gut from earlier. He can't German Suplex Balor. F-5 REVERSED INTO A DDT! 1-2-kickout. Stomps to the gut of Lesnar. Lesnar rolls to the floor as he gets a baseball slide. Balor hits the big dive over the ropes onto Lesnar over and over again! (Lesnar is selling for Balor. I'll give him that.) A third time for Balor now connects. Balor is in the ring. Lesnar climbs back in. Dropkick into Lesnar in the corner. Balor climbs up the top. Coup de Grace! 1-2-Kickout! KIMURA LOCK! Tap out Balor! He taps out. 8 minutes.
Winner: Brock Lesnar (Still Universal Champion)
Match Grade: C. I'll give Lesnar this: He sold for a few moments for Balor, but I never bought for one moment that Balor had a snowball's chance in hell of winning this match. We've seen this formula once too many times for Lesnar matches. We're supposed to congratulate Brock Lesnar for being so awesome to put over talent in 8 minute matches. They get offense in on Lesnar before Brock eventually just gets an F-5 or a Kimura Lock in. I'm sick of the Lesnar style of match at this point. Don't get me wrong: I love watching Lesnar wrestle. I am just sick of this whole format. No one looks any better for this match except for The Almighty Brock Lesnar.
German Suplex to Finn Balor again and again. 3 at this point. F-5 to Balor just to bury him one more time.
Main Event
Men's Royal Rumble Match
Entrant #1- Elias
And for God's sakes, we get Elias already in the ring with the guitar doing his schtick. (Hasn't this show run long enough?! Some of us have work tomorrow!) He digs on the Diamondbacks to some applause and a light amount of boos. He's going to start and finish the Royal Rumble. He promises to sing a song he's written for the Royal Rumble! OH MY GOD!!!!
Entrant #2- JEFF JARRETT!!!!!!
OH MY GOD! This is amazing! Jarrett gets in the ring and does the strut! He does his own schtick. Ain't I Great?! Elias: Wow! Elias talks about getting interrupted all the time, but he loves getting interrupted by someone who brings something to the table. He suggests singing with Jarrett. The crowd says "YES!!!" Jarrett does his name schtick one more time, and Elias punches him in the mouth
The bell rings. Jarrett avoids elimination early on and fights back with Elias. Elias gets the guitar and smacks it over the back of Jarrett. Jarrett is gone.
Jeff Jarrett is eliminated.
Entrant #3- Shinsuke Nakamura
This is a surprise. Nakamura and Elias go at it while the crowd serenades them with their chant. COME ON!!!! Nakamura gets good vibrations on Elias on the mat. Nakamura runs into the elbow of Elias. Elias climbs the ropes and walks the ropes like Undertaker. Shinsuke gets dumped to the apron. But he's still in.
Entrant #4- Kurt Angle
German Suplex to both men. Belly to Belly to Elias. German Suplex to Nakamura. Angle has Elias in trouble, but Elias avoids elimination. Elias goes back after Angle
Entrant #5- Big E
German Suplex for Nakamura a couple times over. A Belly to Belly Suplex for Nakamura. Big Splash to Nakamura. Big E puts Nakamura on the apron. Angle Slam to Big E. Angle is sent into the ring post. Nakamura puts Angle on the apron and eliminates him.
Kurt Angle is eliminated.
Entrant #6- JOHNNY GARGANO (NXT)
WOW! That's awesome! He goes after Elias. Elias and Gargano go at it near the edge of the ring. Slingshot Spear by Gargano. Loud NXT chant.
Entrant #7- Jinder Mahal (w/ The Singh Brothers)
Gargano ELIMINATES MAHAL WITHIN SECONDS!!!!
Jinder Mahal has been eliminated.
One of the Singh Brothers gets caught in the ring. Big E stuffs "Underwear Pancakes" into his mouth and gives Big Ending.
Entrant #8- Samoa Joe
Loud "Joe" chants. Joe goes after everyone. Corner splash and kick by Joe on Elias. Gargano goes for a dropkick, and Joe just walks away from it. Big E goes to suplex Joe, but Joe just dumps him out.
Big E is eliminated.
Entrant #9- Curt Hawkins
Face the facts. This man is not winning this match. Hawkins just goes to the floor and walks around. He goes back in and hits Joe. Then he rolls back out. Hawkins goes back in and gets a stomp. Clutch on Hawkins as the crowd was chanting for Hawkins. Hawkins rolls under the ropes to the floor and pulls a Zelina Vega by rolling under the ring.
Entrant #10- Seth Rollins
Springboard Clothesline to enter the match. Falcon Arrow to Gargano. Kick to Nakamura. Elias goes after Rollins. Elias is put on the apron. And Elias is gone. If you want to Walk with Elias, you have to head to the back.
Elias is eliminated.
Entrant #11 - Titus O'Neil
Titus O'Neil does prayers as he runs to the ring and puts on the break as he gets to the ring. LOL. No Titus World Slide. Titus goes under the ring after Hawkins! Lol! Hawkins comes out from the other side. Hawkins eliminates O'Neil. Joe eliminates Hawkins!
Titus O'Neil and Curt Hawkins are eliminated.
Entrant #12- Kofi Kingston
Kingston dives off the top onto Nakamura. Rollins and Nakamura go back at it in the ring. Rollins knocks him down.
Entrant #13- Mustafa Ali
Samoa Joe and Ali go at it. Rolling X-Factor to Joe. Nakamura goes after Ali. Ali tells Nakamura to come on! Ali dropkicks Nakamura over the top rope to the floor!
Shinsuke Nakamura is eliminated.
Tornado DDT by Ali to Gargano.
Entrant #14- Dean Ambrose
Seth Rollins sees him coming and goes at it with Dean as soon as he gets in the ring. Kofi and Ali are going at it. Dean knocks Kofi to the floor. One leg hits. The other lands on the other one. He rolls his feet on the apron and onto the steps. He's alive. Meanwhile, Dean knocks out Gargano.
Johnny Gargano is eliminated.
Entrant #15- No Way Jose
Jose is coming out with a Congo Line. Jose jumps over the ropes, and Joe just eliminates him immediately. Jose doesn't care as he parties to the back.
No Way Jose is eliminated.
Entrant #16- Drew McIntyre
The mood just changed! Glasgow Kiss to No Way Jose. McIntyre attacks other members of the Congo Line before getting to the ring. Claymore Kick to Ambrose and Rollins. Joe and McIntyre go at it to the crowd's approval. CLAYMORE KICK TO JOE!
Entrant #17- Xavier Woods
Kofi and Xavier do some goofy stuff on the outside. Drew McIntyre proceeds to dump them out as soon as they get in the ring.
Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston are eliminated.
Entrant #18- Pete Dunne (NXT UK)
This is another great entrant! The Bruiserweight is Here! Dunne works with many of the wrestlers in this match, including Ali, Joe, and McIntyre. Dunne wows the crowd with some of his hard hitting moves.
Entrant #19- Andrade
Oh. This is about to get awesome. Andrade goes after Dunne. Bitter End turned into a DDT by Andrade! Ambrose and Andrade are going at it in the corner.
Entrant #20- Apollo Crews
This is a good array of talent in this ring. Apollo goes after everyone and hits some nice moves.
Entrant #21- ALEISTER BLACK (NXT)
OH MY GOD! This is great! Black and Dunne go at it immediately. Moonsault onto Dunne and Ali. Ali jumps into the knee of Black. Ambrose jumps on Black. BLACK MASS TO AMBROSE!!!! AMBROSE IS OUT!
Dean Ambrose is eliminated.
Entrant #22- Shelton Benjamin
Benjamin and Apollo go at it. Dunne goes to dump Benjamin, but Benjamin gets out of it. Pay Dirt. Ali gets caught in the clutch. Knee to Joe by Benjamin. SAMOA JOE IS DUMPED OUT BY ALI!
Samoa Joe is eliminated
Entrant #23- Baron Corbin
The life in the arena is sucked out. Corbin goes to work on Ali. Apollo is eliminated by Corbin.
Apollo Crews is eliminated.
Entrant #24- Jeff Hardy
Hardy goes after everyone. Twist of Fate to Benjamin. Whisper in the Wind to a crowd of people in the ring by Hardy. Black boots down Hardy. Dunne twists the fingers of Black. Dunne and Black exchange hard hits. Black just pops his fingers back into place. Dang! Baron Corbin eliminates Aleister Black.
Aleister Black is eliminated.
Pete Dunne grabs Corbin's fingers. Claymore Kick to Dunne. Dunne is eliminated.
Pete Dunne is eliminated.
Entrant #25- Rey Mysterio
Mysterio goes after Corbin. Corbin catches Mysterio and hits a backbreaker. Andrade stomps the hell out of Mysterio. Powerbomb by Andrade to Mysterio.
Entrant #26- Bobby Lashley
Lashley goes after Rollins. Rollins goes under Lashley, and Lashley falls out over the top to the floor! He pulls out Rollins, clears off a table, and slams Rollins through another announce table!!!!
Bobby Lashley is eliminated.
Entrant #27- Braun Strowman
Seth is out on the announce table as Strowman comes down to the ring. Corbin and Strowman go at it. Corbin is gone.
Baron Corbin is eliminated.
Shelton goes after Braun. Braun dumps him out.
Shelton Benjamin is eliminated.
Entrant #28- Dolph Ziggler
While this goes on, Drew McIntyre dumps Jeff Hardy out.
Jeff Hardy is eliminated.
Dolph Ziggler dumps out McIntyre thanks to Strowman.
Drew McIntyre is eliminated.
Strowman is the last man standing among a bunch of lifeless bodies.
Entrant #29- Randy Orton
Randy and Braun are face to face. RKO blocked. POWERSLAM by Strowman. Andrade gets caught superplexing Ali. Strowman deadlifts both men up as Mysterio dives off onto everyone!!! Strowman spears the ring post, and he falls to the floor.
Entrant #30- R-Truth
Nia Jax attacks R-Truth from behind!!!! She smacks him against the video wall and around the entrance area. Nia is entering into the Rumble?! Nia goes in the Rumble. She attacks everyone. Elbow drop on Mysterio. Mustafa Ali looks at her. Headbutt to Ali. Nia Jax eliminates Mustafa Ali. Randy Orton is looking from behind!!!! Nia sees it coming! Nia and Randy Orton stare off. He goes for it, but Nia throws him off. Rey looks at Nia while Randy is in position. She picks up Rey! Superkick by Dolph! 6-1-9 to Nia Jax!!!!! RKO TO NIA JAX!!!!! OH MY GOD!!! Rey and Randy stare at each other. Nia is crawling up the ropes. Nia is dumped on the apron, but she holds on!!! Mysterio kicks her off.
Nia Jax has been eliminated!
RKO TO REY MYSTERIO! Mysterio is eliminated. Andrade dumps out Orton!
Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton are eliminated.
Dolph and Andrade are the only two in the ring. Seth and Braun are still in this as well, but they are on the floor. Headbutts from Ziggler. Strowman runs in and knocks both men down. Andrade gets smashed in the corner. Same for Ziggler. Braun realizes Seth is still on the floor. He bulldozes him on the floor and throws him back in the ring.
The three smaller men go after Strowman. Zig Zag. Running Knees by Andrade. Frog Splash by Rollins. All three look at each other. They pick up Strowman. Strowman dumps out Andrade!
Andrade is eliminated.
Ziggler and Rollins are put on the apron. Strowman dumps out Ziggler. Strowman holds on as Rollins almost knocks him out. Chokeslam to Rollins by Strowman as he reenters the ring.
Ziggler is eliminated.
Strowman gets back in the ring. Rollins pulls a Chris Benoit by holding on to the head to put Strwoman on the apron. Strowman gets knocked into the ring post. CURB STOMP TO STROWMAN! Strowman falls to the floor.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Match Grade: B+. I didn't care for all the outside of the ring shenanigans on the outside of the ring. Rollins was laying on the table for a few minutes, but he was involved in the majority of the match. So, I can't really complain too much. Good spotlights for the NXT crew as well throughout this.
Show Grade: B. The two Men's Championship matches disappointed. If anything, I felt like the women came through and proved why they should main event WrestleMania. They stole this show. It's great to see Becky get the spotlight to go on to Mania, but you just have to feel that Charlotte is going to be inserted into this match by hook or crook. Seth winning the Rumble is likewise not a big surprise, but I was surprised to see him go from #10 to win it. I felt like he'd get #18 or #20 to lighten his load. Overall, this was a fun show with the first half being really good. The Men's Rumble was also very good. I'd just skip the WWE and Universal Championship matches.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
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