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First things first
Before I get in to what happened in this year’s Royal Rumble matches and the pay-per-view as a whole, I wanted to say a few things about Kobe Bryant. My husband is a huge Lakers fan and I became a fan while we were dating. We got to experience several NBA title wins with Kobe at the helm and also got to see him play in San Antonio against the Spurs in his last season.
The loss of Kobe today was a shock and the sadness the world feels cannot be put into words. As a Laker fan and a sports fan in general, Kobe’s legacy will live on and he will be severely missed.
Women’s Royal Rumble
As you and I may have thought, it seems there weren’t any true surprises in the Women’s Royal Rumble. Naomi got a huge pop with her return. Besides this, most of the entrants were NXT superstars or legends who had been in a previous rumble (Beth Phoenix, Molly Holly, Kelly Kelly).
We got some blood as well. The back of Beth Phoenix’s head got cut somehow and continued to pool in her hair as the match went on. Naomi with some mad hops.
And with the entrance of Shayna Baszler, I really thought the win was going to NXT. But appropriately, Charlotte Flair wins and gets another opportunity at WM36. With Becky retaining, I’d love another Charlotte/Becky match-up.
I am surprised we didn’t see Nia Jax back. I know her injuries and surgeries were going to keep her out for about a year, but lots have made quicker returns that projected.
Men’s Royal Rumble
I really thought Brock was going to go all the way after entering number 1. That was not the case, but he still put on an amazing performance that showed off his athleticism and his ability to truly entertain. The stories of this Rumble were Brock Lesnar initially then became Drew McIntyre and Edge.
Edge was the most surprising entrant and was able to remain in the match until the final 3 entering at the 21 spot. He looked great too and was able to keep a very physical match going right up until his elimination. Brock was exciting as number 1 entering and eliminating a record-tying 13 men before being eliminated by Drew McIntyre. And then it was Drew.
Drew entering at number 16 was able to eliminate 6 men in total and win his first Royal Rumble. I’m hoping he challenges Brock to a match at WrestleMania, but only time will tell.
The rest of the card
Roman Reigns defeated Baron Corbin in a Falls Count Anywhere match
Bayley retains the Smackdown Women’s Championship against Lacey Evans
The Fiend versus Daniel Bryan in a Strap Match
I’ve never seen one of these before. I liked the idea of it, but I wish the win would’ve been determined as it was traditionally held. Typically, a win is determined by touching each turnbuckle in succession without stopping or by pinfall rather than the pinfall or submission like we have in most other match types. Bray Wyatt retains the Universal Championship in a very good and physical match.
Asuka versus Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship
This for me was the match of the night. Asuka is an amazing competitor and I’m glad she’s back in the fray because she puts on one hell of a match. The kick from Becky to have Asuka blow the green mist out of her mouth was so perfectly timed, it was beautiful. I’m glad in the end that Becky Lynch retained, but had Asuka left champion, I wouldn’t have been disappointed.
