WWE Royal Rumble Spoilers, Recap, and Reactions
If you're like us, the new year doesn't actually begin until WWE uncorks the Royal Rumble. With [...]
WWE Championship Match Ends in Controversy
After a gusty effort, AJ Styles pinned Kevin Owens to retain his WWE Championship. But it wasn't without a dose of controversy.
The trio of SmackDown starts kept a torrid pace that lent itself to some creative spots. But the high-speed action may have contributed to an ending Owen and Zayn have already started complaining about.
In the final moments, Zayn just missed tagging in Owens before Styles tossed Sami out of the ring. Owens illegally hopped in the ring anyway, and before he could deliver a Pop Up Powerbomb, Styles stole a pin via roll up.
Owens and Zayn's problems continued when they made their plea to Shane McMahon who was happy to deny their claims - even though he acknowledged the evidence. From here, expect Owens and Zayn to double down on their vendetta against Shane.
prevnextPHENOMENAL FOREARM by @AJStylesOrg CONNECTS, but @FightOwensFight was lurking close by...#RoyalRumble #WWEChampionship pic.twitter.com/lON53MoSBv
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match
The Usos just swept Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin to stay atop SmackDown's tag team division.
It's probably not a good sign for Gable and Benjamin to get shut out in a 2/3 falls match, but that's exactly what happened. There wasn't too much to this contest other than the babyface crowd reaction the Usos continue to collect.
There was thought that because Jey Uso was recently busted for a DUI that WWE would punish he and his brother by removing their titles at the Rumble. That obviously proved to be fan fiction as it now looks like the Usos will carry that belts to Mania.
prevnextAnd just minutes later... The @WWEUsos SWEEP to retain the #SDLive #TagTeamTitles!#Usos - 2️⃣@WWEGable & @Sheltyb803 - 0️⃣#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/FbEEPySDDY
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Men's Royal Rumble
NXT has had a lot of promising talent make the move to WWE's main roster. But perhaps no one arrived in WWE with a more compelling potential than Shinsuke Nakamura. And he just got his first WWE moment - winning the Royal Rumble.
Entering from the #14 spot, Nakamura battled his way to the final four consisting of himself, John Cena, Finn Balor, and Roman Reigns. However, it was Nakamura and The Big Dog who were the final combatants.
With the Philadelphia crowd begging for his victory, Nakamura eliminated Reigns to a boom of elation. In true Shinksuska style, he celebrated like a mad man.
After his career-altering win, Nakamura told Rene Youg that wants AJ Styles at WrestleMania 34 - a match that could shut down the internet.
The 2018 Men's #RoyalRumble match winner has spoken...@ShinsukeN wants @WWE Champion @AJStylesOrg at @WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/ghJncoW39H
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
As fun as Nakamura's win was, here's a list of surprise entrants from the show that had the crowd ready to melt.
- The Hurricane
- Dolph Ziggler
- Rey Mysterio
- NXT's Champion Andrade Almas
- Adam Cole
prevnextRAW Tag Team Championship Match
Woe is he who follows Shinsuke Nakamura.
After the King of Strong Style's electric Rumble victory, the Philadelphia crowd was sapped of energy. So when Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan defended their RAW Tag Team Championship against the Bar, fans just couldn't muster the strength to care.
But, that didn't stop The Bar from becoming new RAW Tag Team Champions.
While Jason Jordan milked an injury, Seth Rollins had to fend off the wolves. It didn't take long for Cesaro and Sheamus to pick apart Rollins and steal his title.
Rollins will likely be furious with Jordan at RAW on Monday and this may set an up future match between them.
It doesn't look like @JasonJordanJJ can continue in this #RAW #TagTeamTitles match... #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/Q589M9xTGr
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
prevnextThey've done it AGAIN! @WWECesaro & @WWESheamus are now 3-TIME #RAW #TagTeamChampions as they defeat @WWERollins & @JasonJordanJJ at #RoyalRumble! pic.twitter.com/Kkkzp8k8Yk
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
WWE Universal Championship Match
Somehow, with a barrage of table spots and animalistic carnage that National Geographic wouldn't air, WWE's Universal Championship match was a snoozer.
Kane, Braun Strowman, and Brock Lesnar certainly trade their best to give the crowd an exciting show, but Philadelphia wasn't buying it. After an F-5 through a table, Brock Lesnar pinned Kane to retain his big red belt.
With Nakamura already setting his sights on AJ Styles, this means that we are all but guaranteed to get Reigns vs. Lesnar at WrestleMania 34.
???
A TORNADO just hit @BraunStrowman in the form of a @BrockLesnar #F5!#RoyalRumble #UniversalChampionship pic.twitter.com/FeIeviTAx3
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
prevnext#AndStill@BrockLesnar @HeymanHustle #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/PfF5ZNQDGP
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
Women's Royal Rumble
Asuka unprecedented career continues to rack up accolades: she is the first ever winner of the Women's Royal Rumble.
We're still writing this one up but here are some of the highlights:
Not only did we see history, but we saw loads of great comebacks: Nikki and Brie Bella, Trish Stratus, Lita, Kelly Kelly, Torri Wilson, Michele McCool, Jacqueline and Molly Holly all delighted the crowd with surprised entrances.
Not really the kind of #TwinMagic The @BellaTwins were hoping for...
DOUBLE STRATUSFACTION by @trishstratuscom! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/nlGlUYy6q9
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
prevIt took EVERYBODY, but @NiaJaxWWE is FINALLY eliminated!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/lVokLjNe0N
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018