WWE once again pits 30 men and 30 women in THE Royal Rumble match! Who will come out at what number? And who will win a title shot at Wrestlemania?

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff Show – Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS Rezar & Scott Dawson; Roode & Gable win.
• Kickoff Show – WWE United States Championship: Rusev w/ Lana VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
• Kickoff Show – WWE Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way: Buddy Murphy VS Kalisto VS Akira Tozawa VS Hideo Itami; Murphy wins and retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
• SmackDown Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Becky Lynch; Asuka wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
• SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bar VS The Miz & Shane McMahon; The Miz & Shane win and become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
• Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey VS Sasha Banks; Rousey wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
• Women’s Royal Rumble: Becky Lynch wins and will challenge for a women’s championship at Wrestlemania 35.
• WWE Championship: Daniel Bryan VS AJ Styles; Bryan wins and retains the WWE Championship.
• WWE Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman VS Finn Balor; Lesnar wins and retains the WWE Universal Championship.
• Men’s Royal Rumble: Seth Rollins wins and will challenge for a world title at Wrestlemania 35.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the WWE Royal Rumble Kickoff Show!

The star studded panel of Jonathan Coachman, Beth Phoenix, Booker T and Jerry “The King” Lawler help us start the coverage of today’s massive Pay-Per-View event!

JBL and Charly Caruso are also on hand to talk the matches, such as Ronda Rousey VS Sasha Banks! John Bradshaw Layfield looks forward to seeing the intensity in this match between the Baddest Woman and the Legit Boss later tonight.

 

Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville speak.

Obviously anyone would want to be with her over her great hair, lovely face and hot body, but she only went after Jimmy Uso to get on Naomi’s nerves. The Royal Rumble isn’t about last names, it’s about making a name for yourself. Mandy and Sonya have each other’s back, until they don’t. Tension mounts already, but will either of them make it to the final two of the Women’s Rumble?

 

Backstage interview with Drake Maverick.

The 205 Live GM just talked with Mr. Vince McMahon. Maverick loves tonight’s Cruiserweight Championship match that’s coming, but there are a lot of stirring going on in the Raw Tag Team Division. Akam is hurt but Rezar is okay. The Revival want a title match just as bad as Rezar, so Scott Dawson will team with Rezar to have a match with the champions. It isn’t for the titles, but it is a rather unorthodox contender’s match in Maverick’s mind. Will this hybrid of Revival and Authors of Pain work against the GLORIOUS Duo?

 

The FABULOUS Truth joins the panel!

Fans chant “What’s Up? What’s Up?” for Truth as he has breaking news! Truth is proud to announce that he and Carmella are the 30th entrants for their respective Elimination Chamber matches! No, Truth, wrong PPV and match. But if they happen to win their Rumble matches tonight, Wrestlemania Dance Break is on the way! Booker definitely wants in on that. Now, to business. Do these two have advantages as #30? Well everyone wants to bet on Charlotte Flair or Nia Jax, but #MellaIsMoney. Amen to that! Carmella and Truth will be the last ones out to take advantage of whoever is left.

King won’t rain on parades, #30 is the best possible advantage, but the stats show that only 3 out of 31 previous years have won from there. Will they really win and go to Wrestlemania? “Yes, we do!” Where else would you want to be but 30th? Fans want that dance break, so the Fabulous Truth gives it to them! Hit that Fabulous Flossing! Phoenix is fired up, but will there be a dance break headlining Wrestlemania 35?

 

Alexa Bliss speaks.

She is very excited to be back in the ring, and especially in the Women’s Royal Rumble. The Goddess couldn’t be part of the Rumble being a champion, #humblebrag, but now she’s getting a great shot back at the title. Alexa wants a title, but will she make it to the end?

 

Samoa Joe speaks.

“Mustafa Ali was right when eh said that my eyes do not lie.” Joe’s eyes tell a true story. A story fueled by anger and rage but not held back by morality. A story of a merciless combination of strength and speed to destroy a Viper who foolishly thought to bite him. This story’s next chapter is the Royal Rumble match, but will it have a happy ending for the Destroyer?

 

Daniel Bryan was in Chase Field hours ago.

He knows that thousands of tons of humanity will be “herded” into the arena to cheer for AJ Styles. Yet this place will be empty. The WWE Universe lives empty lives that they fill with cheap consumer goods and social media affirmation. They never get enough, so that’s what leads to the “Royal Rumble Burger”.

Does anyone how many animals have suffered to be made into this?! SHAME! Yet hundreds and thousands of people will clog their arteries with empty calories! But then, they’ll live vicariously through a hero like AJ Styles. Daniel Bryan might be the Planet’s Champion but Styles is the People’s Champion. And when Styles wins, maybe there’s still some good left in the world! But Bryan looks at the Rumble Burger, and knows all hope is lost. He steps on the bun, bacon and beef patty just as he steps on all our dreams, but will Styles fight back against Bryan’s rhetoric?

 

Kickoff Show – Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS Rezar & Scott Dawson!

A truly unconventional situation starts the action off for tonight as the GLORIOUS Raw Tag Team Champions will face a makeshift duo. One half of the Authors of Pain joins one half of the Revival, but can these mismatched halves work better than Roode & Gable?

Teams sort out and Dawson starts against Roode. They tie up and Dawson gets a headlock. Roode powers out but Dawson runs him over. Things speed up and Dawson slides under, but Gable tags in. Roode whips Dawson and Gable whips Roode, poetry in motion monkey flip! Cover, TWO! Gable keeps on Dawson with an arm wrench. Dawson pulls hair to whip Gable but Gable goes up and over for a sunset flip. ONE and Dawson covers, ONE! Gable jackknife but Dawson bridges out to a backslide. Gable flips through and springboards for a crossbody! TWO, and things speed up again. Gable arm-drags then headscissors Dawson. Dawson swings on Roode but Gable whips him. Dawson holds ropes, then tags in Rezar! They work together for a catapult to the choke slam!

Rezar then runs Roode over while Maverick fires up at ringside. Rezar puts Gable on the ropes for crossface forearms, but the ref keeps Dawson away. Dawson tags in as Maverick insists they work together. Dawson dropkicks Gable then wrenches the arm. Northern Lights to a bridge, TWO! Dawson drags Gable up and drives elbows into the forehead. He keeps on Gable with a chinlock but fans rally up. Gable feeds off the energy with body shots and forearms, then he runs and leaps for a sunset flip! Rezar tags in and stomps Gable down! Rezar rains down fists and covers, TWO! Maverick wants Rezar to work with Dawson but Rezar rips at Gable’s face.

Rezar whips Gable hard into buckles, and Dawson does like that. Rezar drags Gable up and tags Dawson. Gable gets thrown into boots, then Dawson snap suplexes. Float to a cover, TWO! Dawson keeps on Gable with kicks but Gable hits back. They brawl with forearms and CHOPS, but Gable gets the edge. Dawson whips him but they collide heads! Both men go down but fans rally up. Tag to Rezar, and he intercepts Gable. Rezar choke lifts Gable, but Gable makes it a hanging armbar! Gable lets up at 4, but Dawson tags in to deny Gable his tag to Roode. Gable rolls to break free, tag to Roode! Roode rallies on Rezar and Dawson! He whips and back drops Dawson! He hits Rezar for good measure before hitting Dawson with a spinebuster!

Fans fire up with Roode as he rams a shoulder into Dawson. Roode hops up but Rezar gets the Blockbuster instead. Dawson rolls Roode with tights, TWO! Dawson knees low, Rezar is right on Roode! They work together but Roode gets free. Dawson dropkicks Rezar, then the champs shoulder Rezar out! Dawson hits Gable, Roode rolls but Dawson sits on it! TWO, and Gable tags in! Roode grabs Dawson, Gable climbs, GLORIOUS COmbinatoin! Cover, Roode & Gable win!

Winners: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable, Gable pinning

No makeshift duo can win against a GLORIOUS team like Roode & Gable! Will another team have better luck down the line?

 

Lio Rush & Bobby Lashley find JBL and Charly.

Does anyone know what it means to be Almighty? No. Does anyone know what it means to be a champion? JBL does, he lost his United States Championship to Lashley back in the day. Lashley is champion, is here to dominate and to eliminate in the Royal Rumble match! Lio leaves it at that, but will the Rocky Mountain Machine make light of 29 other superstars tonight?

 

The Kickoff Show’s second hour tags in David Otunga and Shawn Michaels!

Phoenix loves the two-time Royal Rumble winner, the Heartbreak Kid! HBK knows there are a lot of great matches tonight, but as a winner of the Rumble match, what advice does he have for the 60 total superstars competing tonight? He doesn’t know anymore. There could be any number of surprises tonight, from returns to debuts. Prepare as best you can, but also adjust on the fly. Will trusting skill, luck and instinct be enough for the superstars to make it to the end of their respective Rumbles?

 

Kickoff Show – WWE United States Championship: Rusev w/ Lana VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The Bulgarian Brute won the title from the King of Strong Style on a very merry Happy Birthday Rusev Day Christmas! But that only made Nakamura into a Grinch, who threw nothing but Kinshasa knees into Rusev’s face. Things escalated when the Ravishing Russian, Lana, was collateral damage, and now things will be settled in Phoenix! Will this be a Royal Rusev Rumble Day with a win? Or will another #Knee2Face mean the United States of Nakamerica rises from the ashes?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Nakamura goes right at Rusev but Rusev powers him to a corner! Rusev rams shoulder after shoulder in, then roundhouses Nakamura down! Cover, ONE! Fans cheer for “Rusev Day!” as Rusev drops elbows on Nakamura. Cover, ONE, but Rusev keeps his cool. Rusev drags Nakamura up for a big suplex, then glares as he looms over him. He suplexes Nakamura again, and then Rusev clotheslines Nakamura out. Fans cheer as Rusev goes out to fetch Nakamura. Rusev whips but Nakamura goes over the steps to come back with a dynamic dropkick! Nakamura whips Rusev into barriers then into the ring. He has Rusev on the apron to refresh the count, and gives him a top shelf knee! Nakamura puts Rusev in to cover, but Rusev gets a ropebreak.

Nakamura toys with Rusev before puts him in corner. He gives Rusev Bad Vibrations, then hauls him onto the top rope. Nakamura backs up for another Top Shelf Knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura keeps his cool as he stomps and knees Rusev down. He puts on a facelock to grind Rusev down. Fans rally up and Rusev powers out! Rusev dropkicks Nakamura down! Lana likes what she sees as Rusev and Nakamura slowly stand. Nakamura swings but Rusev counter punches! Rusev throws haymakers then scoops Nakamura for a Fall Away Slam! Rusev runs corner to corner for a big back elbow, then keeps moving for the spinning heel kick! Cover, TWO! Rusev grits his teeth as he fires himself up. Fans cheer “Rusev Day! Rusev Day!” as Rusev stomps the mat.

Nakamura gets to the apron but Rusev rocks him off it with a right. Rusev builds speed, but runs into a kick! Nakamura kicks but Rusev ducks and shoves to roundhouse back! Cover, TWO!! Rusev grows frustrated but he fires himself back up. “Rusev, CRUSH!” But Nakamura escapes the Accolade to heel kick then ax kick! Then sliding knee! Cover, TWO! Rusev lives and Nakamura grows frustrated. Nakamura aims from a corner and fans know what’s coming. Lana warns Rusev as he staggers to his feet. Nakamura runs but dodges the Machka Kick, only to get double ax handles! MACHKA Kick hits! Rusev scoops, swings and slams Nakamura down, but Nakamura makes it an armbar! Nakamura has Rusev down but Rusev gets a grip. They roll to a triangle hold, but Rusev fights it.

Rusev feeds off the fan rally to deadlift. Nakamura pulls Rusev back down, but Rusev gets a second wind! But Nakamura slips down to a guillotine! Rusev fades but he gets a third wind for a HUGE suplex! Cover, TWO!! Lana is beside herself as Nakamura survives! The referee checks on both men as the fans fire up. Rusev gets going first and puts Nakamura on the top rope. Rusev throws hands then climbs up. He wants a superplex but Nakamura slips under to trip him up! Nakamura fireman’s carry to Landslide Driver! Cover, TWO!! Now Nakamura is furious as Rusev survives! Nakamura undoes a buckle pad but Lana gets on the apron to point it out. The referee tells Lana to stop that and Nakamura trash talks in Japanese. Rusev runs in but Nakamura moves, Lana gets blasted off the apron! KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall; NEW WWE United States Champion

The King of Strong Style takes advantage of Lana’s presence, and now he has the title back! With no rematch clauses now, will Rusev ever get back to the title? Will Lana be okay to still compete in the Women’s Rumble?

 

Nikki Cross is ready to play.

“Let Nikki Play! Let Nikki Play!” The Loony Lass is ready to take on 29 other women as they’re all trapped in that ring. Those others will fly, my pretties, fly~! No one knows what’s happening but Nikki knows. And tonight, Nikki knows that she’s gonna win that Rumble, “because chaos always wins!” Will Nikki have the last laugh in Phoenix?

 

Kickoff Show – Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way: Buddy Murphy VS Kalisto VS Akira Tozawa VS Hideo Itami!

The Juggernaut wants to show he is not just the best Cruiserweight today, but the best Cruiserweight of all time! As such, he asked for a challenge like this, and Drake Maverick obliged. Can Murphy still be unstoppable against the Lucha Dragon, the Stamina Monster and the Lethal Legend? Or will one of them take the title from him and prove they’re better than the best?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! The four men approach carefully, but Itami bails out. Murphy most of all wants Itami to get in this fight, but Tozawa rolls him up! Kalisto rolls TOzawa, but Murphy rolls Kalisto. Tozawa rolls Murphy again, ONE! Murphy pushes Tozawa to a corner, then back drops Kalisto. Kalisto sunset flips but Murphy breaks free to put him i a corner. Tozawa tilt-o-whirls to an Octpus Stretch! But Murphy powers out to a backbreaker! Kalisto CHOPS Murphy, then acrobatically springboards but his headscissor is blocked! Murphy goes to bomb but Kalisto slips out to headscissor Murphy this time! Kalisto runs into Tozawa’s kick, then Tozawa runs to step stool off Kalisto to dropkick Murphy. Tozawa fetches Murphy but Murphy sends him into barriers! Murphy catches Kalisto’s leap into a suplex!

Itami slithers into the ring to stand alone, and he soaks up the heat from the Phoenix fans. Murphy sees Itami and finally these two meet 1v1. Itami forearms fast then snapmares and kicks. But Murphy stands to snapmare and kick Itami back. Itami snapmares and kicks then SLAPS Murphy. Now it’s a slap fight! Itami lights Murphy up into a corner then stomps a mudhole into him. Itami wants everyone to respect him, but fans boo instead. Tozawa returns but gets a boot. Kalisto returns but gets a kick. Itami goes to suplex Kalisto but Kalisto resists. Itami climbs up to get leverage but Murhpy takes Kalisto away with a bomb lift. Tozawa rusn in a DIVES to blast Murphy and Kalisto into barriers!

Itami again stands alone, so he has his pick of them all. He stomps Kalisto and puts him in, then puts Tozawa in. Itami stomps both then covers Kalisto, TWO! He goes to Tozawa for a cover, TWO! Itami keeps on Tozawa with haymakers and more stomps. He also stomps Kalisto but Murphy returns to go after Itami. Murphy whips but Itaim reverses and sends Murphy out. Kalisto kicks Itami back, but then monkey flips Tozawa onto Murphy! Kalisto kicks Itami away, then springboards to seated senton! He keeps moving, Mexico City Twister! Kalisto rams a shoulder in, rolling Death Valley! Cover, TWO! This match has been so fast but Kalisto slows down long enough to rally the fans. Fans echo “Lucha! Lucha!” but Murphy grabs Kalisto. Kalisto fights back with forearms, Salida del Sol turns into a long dart!

Tozawa leaps at Murphy with a shouting missile dropkick! Tozawa kicks, swings, slides under and saido suplexes! Shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Tozawa keeps his cool as he drags Murphy to a drop zone. Fans echo “AH! AH!” as Tozawa climbs. But Itami intercepts with a fireman’s carry! Itami pops Tozawa up but Tozawa makes it a huricanrana. Tozawa builds speed and DIVES! The Tozawa Torpedo hits Itami! Kalisto runs at Murphy but is TOSSED onto Itami and Tozawa! Murphy sees his challengers all lined up, and so he FLIES onto them all! Strike from the Juggernaut! Phoenix loves this as Murphy puts Kalisto in the ring. Murphy catches his breath while he returns, but he gets a SPIKE-RANA in the ropes! Kalisto covers, TWO!! Murphy lives and Kalisto can’t believe it!

Kalisto sees he’s the only one up and decides to climb. Fans fire up with him, but Tozawa grabs Kalisto’s leg. Kalisto elbows Tozawa away but Itami gets Kalisto. Kalisto elbows him away but MUrphy tucks him in for a cheeky SUPERKICK! Murphy hits a sit-out bomb on Kalisto! But Tozawa breaks the cover! Tozawa grits his teeth as he drags Murphy up for CHOPS! Murphy pushes Tozawa away but walks into a boot. Tozawa climbs and leaps, crossbody but Murphy rolls through! Murphy pops Tozawa up, but gets a REVERSE-RANA! Cover but Itami shoves Tozawa. Cover but Kalisto rolls Itami, TWO! SALIDA DEL SOL!! Cover, TWO!! All four men are down but fans are firing up for this kickoff show closer!

The fans rally up as the four men stand. they start brawling, Murphy and Tozawa hitting while Itami has Kalisto. Itami and Murphy stay standing and go after each other! Itami hits a strike fest but misses the back hand to get a knee. Kalisto enziguris at Murphy but it hits Itami! Murphy boots at Tozawa but Tozawa sends it into Itami! DOUBLE SUPERKICK on Murphy! Tozawa has Kalisto but standing switch to Liost Kick! Kalisto runs, but misses, rolling roundhouse from Tozawa! Murphy strike fest lights up Tozawa but Tozawa fakes the chop to get the jab! Tozawa runs into the knee trigger! Kalisto springboards INTO a knee trigger! But both Tozawa and Kalisto roll away. Itami dodges to fireman’s carry, but Murphy denies Itami, only to get a back hand! Murphy denies Sakura Knee to knee trigger, then point blank knee trigger! Pumphandle, Murphy’s Law!! Cover, Murphy wins!!

Winner: Buddy Murphy, by pinfall; still WWE Cruiserweight Champion

Unstoppable is truly unstoppable! Murphy overcomes the odds to retain his title! Will anyone ever slow the Juggernaut down?

 

Drew McIntyre speaks.

“Plenty of men tell you they will do whatever it takes to succeed.” They could convince you that they’re willing to endure anything for a chance at forever. But they’re lying. McIntyre has faced extreme pains from physical to mental, and he hurts people back. He has hurt many to make it to the top. He has a question: Where is Dolph Ziggler? Where is Kurt Angle? The Shield? John Cena? You really can’t see him, huh? McIntyre isn’t just living destiny, he’s living certainty. He is going to win tonight, and at Wrestlemania, because McIntyre is the King of the Jungle.

 

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!

30 men or 30 women, only one will be left standing each time. And only one will be headed to the grandest stage of them all! There will be chaos. There will be change. And there will be challenges and opportunities. The Road to Wrestlemania starts here!

 

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Becky Lynch!

Phoenix gets #StraightFire to open the night! The Man wants her title back because The Empress didn’t beat her to get it. Will the Lass Kicker kick enough lass to take the title from Asuka? Or is she still not ready?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and fans are thunderous as we begin! Becky and Asuka stare down before circling. They tie up and go around the rings. Asuka shoves Becky away and the two go again. Fans duel as Becky gets a headlock. Asuka fights out but Becky bumps shoulders. Auska comes back with a dropkick and Becky’s reeling! Becky steadies herself as Asuka talks trash in Japanese. Becky shoves Asuka but dodges a back hand! She rocks Asuka with a right then trash talks in English. Becky runs but Asuka follows. Asuka’s dropkick misses but Becky knocks her down. Becky dares Asuka to fight her! Asuka swings but Becky gets the arm. Asuka rolls and Becky throws European Uppercuts. Becky tries again but Asuka blocks and counters with kicks. Asuka trips Becky to kick her down. Cover, TWO!

Asuka toys with Becky but both women grin. Even as Asuka kicks Becky in the mouth! Becky gets mad now, and grabs that leg to throw forearms! Becky mule kicks then runs, but Asuka follows. They speed up and Becky hits Asuka down with forearms! Fans fire up while Asuka bails out of the ring. Becky dares her to return, but Asuka takes her time. Becky decides to slide out but Asuka slides in. Asuka hip attacks Becky down! Becky rolls around the corner but Asuka goes to the apron. Asuka kicks but Becky dodges. Becky’s up and boots Asuka off the apron! Becky fetches Asuka up and into the apron, and bumps her off. The ref counts but Becky refreshes at 5. Asuka drags Becky back out to throw forearms of her own! Asuka bumps Becky off the apron, then kicks her around.

The ref counts again but Asuka throws Becky into the LED apron board! Asuka refreshes the count at 6, but it’s Becky who throws her with a becksploder! Both women are down and the count rises again. Becky drags up and in at 7, covers, TWO! Becky keeps her cool while fans continue to duel. She drags Asuka up and into a corner to stomp a mudhole! Fans like the fire even as Becky backs off at 4. Becky drags Asuka up to club her down. She bumps Asuka in a corner then snap suplexes her out. Cover, TWO! Becky keeps on Asuka with an armbar, but Asuka endures. Fans rally up as Becky wrenches back hard. Asuka stands but Becky wrangles her back down. Becky wants her signature but Asuka slips out. Asuka fights Becky off with fast feet, then blocks a kick to give a kick!

Asuka runs but Becky dodges the hip attack! Becky fires off EuroUppers against the ropes! The ref backs Becky off, but Asuka comes back with an ASUKA LOCK in the ropes!! Asuka lets go at 4 but fans are dueling again. Asuka runs in at Becky, but hits the post! Becky hops up to get around, for a DISARM-HER in the ropes! Becky lets go at 4 but the damage is done. Asuka is down, Becky takes aim, leaping ax handle into Asuka’s knee strike! Both women are down but stirring. Fans cheer as the two start brawling. Becky hits but Asuka fires up. Becky whips but Asuka goes up and hits back with a dropkick! Asuka runs in at Becky for a BIG hip attack! Asuka wants a German but Becky elbows. But Asuka hits a back hand, and the German Suplex! Asuka runs, another hip attack! Cover, TWO!!

Asuka keeps her focus while fans rally up. Becky stands while Asuka climbs. Asuka aims and leaps, but Becky dodges the dropkick! Becky pumphandles for a body slam! Cover, TWO!! Asuka escapes and Becky is shocked! Becky goes after Asuka but gets caught to an armbar! She makes it a cover, TWO and ASUKA LOCK returns! Asuka and Becky roll, ropebreak! Becky and Asuka end up on the apron, and Asuka headbutts. Becky forearms and now they brawl again! Asuka blocks a kick to fire off on Becky’s back! Asuka wants a German but Becky holds on for deal life! Becky elbows free of Asuka, and wants another Becksploder! Now Asuka holds on for dear life, and turns things into a Fisherman Neckbreaker to the floor! Both women crash and burn but are somehow okay to continue.

Asuka returns at the count of 7, but Becky’s in at 9! Only for Asuka to hit the sliding kick! Cover, TWO!? Becky survives and Asuka can’t believe it. Asuka grits her teeth as she and Becky go back to each other. Fans duel as the two start brawling again. Becky and Asuka throw big palm strikes, and start hitting harder as they stand. Asuka hits from both sides! Becky blocks the backhand and wants the arm! Asuka whips but Becky reverses, only for Asuka to come back with a heel kick! Cover, TWO! Both women go back to each other, but Asuka gets the facelock. Becky slips out and gets to a corner. Becky dodges Asuka to then jump kick her! She throws forearms and climbs up to join Asuka, but Asuka hits back.

Asuka adjusts but Becky comes back for more. Becky grabs Asuka, SUPER BECKSPLODER! Cover, TWO!! Asuka lives and Becky is again in shock. Becky drags Asuka to a drop zone as fans declare “This is Awesome!” Becky climbs up but Asuka dodges the leg drop! ASUKA LOCK AGAIN!! Becky flails and reaches but Asuka STEALS the Disarm-her! Becky rolls and STEALS the Asuka Lock! Asuka endures her own hold and rolls around, to make it a cover! TWO, roundhouse! Asuka drags Becky up but Becky drags Asuka down! She gets the DISARM-HER!! Asuka crawls, claws, but Becky drags her away. Asuka rolls to a cover, TWO! Becky rolls Asuka, TWO! Takedown into the Asuka Lock! Becky resists but Asuka has her! They roll but Asuka makes it Cattle Mutilation! Becky taps, Asuka wins!!

Winner: Asuka, by submission; still SmackDown Women’s Champion

By the skin of her teeth, the Empress of Tomorrow retains! The Man couldn’t get it done, where will she find her next opportunity? Will Asuka have her title come Wrestlemania when the Rumble winner comes knocking?

 

SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bar VS The Miz & Shane McMahon!

Cesaro & Sheamus may claim to be the best tag team in the world, but the Hollywood A-Lister & Shane O’Mac… Well they also claim that, but they did participate and win the Best in the World tournament, aka WWE World Cup. Now Miz and Shane look to be THE #BestTagTeamintheWorld, but can they become tag team champions first?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and the teams sort out. We begin with the Celtic Gladiator going against Shane with the bell. Shane SPEARS Sheamus! He throws hands but Cesaro bails Sheamus out. Shemaus is fired up but fans fire up behind Shane. The Bar returns and Cesaro tags in. Miz tags in, and he rolls up The Swiss Cyborg! TWO, so he tries again, TWO! Cesaro throws Miz to the apron but Miz comes back with a sunset flip. TWO, but Cesaro swings into a full nelson! Cesaro gets out with an arm-drag but Miz grins because he knows how close he was.

Miz and Cesaro go again, and Cesaro kicks low. Cesaro throws haymakers then scoops Miz, but Miz slips out to a sunset flip. Miz changes to a leg, but Cesaro denies the figure four. Sheamus swings on Miz but Miz rallies on the Bar. Sheamus holds Miz’s shirt and Cesaro hits a EuroUpper! The Bar stomp a mudhole in but Shane comes to the rescue! Shane throws Cesaro out but Sheamus keeps on Miz. Sheamus whips but Miz holds ropes. Miz runs but Sheamus hits Shane! Miz throws hands on Sheamus and corners him with It Kicks! Sheamus powers Miz back to the other corner, and Cesaro hotshots Miz! Sheamus kicks Miz out of the ring then pursues. The Bar clears an announce desk, but Shane saves Miz again! They throw Sheamus into a post then Shane puts Cesaro on that desk. Shane climbs high and Miz keeps Cesaro down.

Fans fire up but Sheamus throws Miz down! Sheamus puts Miz in the ring but Shane LEAPS onto him! But Cesaro blasts Shane with a EuroUpper! Cesaro helps Sheamus up and in, then puts Shane into the barriers! Shane is dazed while Cesaro tags in. The Bar goes after Miz with the double urenage! Cover, TWO! Cesaro keeps his cool as he looms over Miz. Tag to Sheamus and Sheamus climbs up. Sheamus drops a flying knee, covers, TWO! Sheamus keeps on Miz with a seated keylock, and rams his knee in over and over. Miz endures while fans rally up. Miz stands and throws body shots, then goes to suplex. Sheamus denies and hangs Miz out to dry. Sheamus turns Miz around and tears off the jersey to give him Beats of the Bodhrain! He goes way past 10, then tags in Cesaro.

The Bar double suplex Miz up and in, then cover, TWO! Miz lives but Cesaro keeps his cool. Cesaro stomps Miz then wraps on a chinlock. Miz endures while fans rally. Miz reaches for Shane at the corner but has to fight out of Cesaro’s hold. Cesaro wrangles Miz down, tag to Sheamus. Sheamus stomps Miz out then soaks up the heat. Miz rolls Sheamus up, TWO! Sheamus clubs Miz back down then throws heavy hands and kicks at the ropes. Tag to Cesaro and Cesaro hops up. Sheamus holds Miz for Cesaro to hit ax handles. Cover, TWO! Cesaro tags Sheamus and they mug Miz more. The Bar repeat their catchphrase, but fans boo. Sheamus kicks Miz around then drags him up by his hair. Miz throws hands back then jawbreakers free!

Sheamus tags Cesaro, but Shane avoids the cheap shot. Miz back drops Cesaro! Miz and Cesaro crawl for their corners, hot tags to Sheamus and Shane! Shane avoids a Brogue to throw fast hands! Shane whips and elbows Sheamus down! He rope-a-dopes around Sheamus, does his shuffle, then throws a big right! Shane hits Cesaro away, then spins around for a DDT on Sheamus! Cover, TWO! Shane keeps going as he positions Sheamus in a corner. He stomps a mudhole in, then lines it up from the other side. But Cesaro tags in, only to run into Shane’s furious strikes! Cesaro falls onto Sheamus, and Shane aims at both members of The Bar! Two-for-one Coast2Coast DENIED! The Swiss Swing begins!

Shane goes around about 20 times before Cesaro stops. Cesaro wants a sharpshooter but Shane drags him into a triangle! Cesaro endures, deadlifts, but Shane anchors a foot! Shane brings Cesaro down and Cesaro starts to fade, but Sheamus drops a top rope knee! Sheamus stomps Shane out but Miz returns to boot him down! Miz runs but misses the dropkick, Sheamus clobbers him down! Cesaro tags Sheamus and they coordinate from the corner. A-Swiss-Ted White Noise! Cover, TWO!? Shane lives and The Bar can’t believe it! Sheamus tags Cesaro and they stand Shane up. Sheamus runs but Miz saves Shane by feeding Cesaro to the Brogue! Skull Crushing Finale on Shemaus! Shane climbs and aims at Cesaro, says his prayers, SHOOTING STAR!! Cover, Co-Besties win!!

Winners: The Miz & Shane McMahon, Shane pinning; NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions

The impossible has been made possible! The Best Tag Team in the World are the champions! Miz has made his father proud, and perhaps Shane has made his dad proud, too. But can Miz and Shane maintain this level of excellence all the way to Wrestlemania?

 

Backstage interview with Sasha Banks.

People are talking and feel Sasha’s destined to fail because she can’t keep her emotions in check. Is this going to be a weakness against Ronda? No, Sasha has passion for this business. She was never handed a thing in this business. Ronda may be a UFC Hall of Famer, but she’s never faced Sasha. Sasha will make Ronda tap out, because their match is next!

Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey VS Sasha Banks!

The Rowdy One was allowed to name her challenger for the Royal Rumble PPV, and she chose The Legit Boss out of respect and admiration. But Sasha made sure she earned her shot by shutting down Nia Jax in a 1v1 match. Then things got chippy and personal as words were said but misinterpreted. Ronda wanted to show respect but respect might be out the window. Who will simply win this match to continue down the Road to Wrestlemania?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Sasha and Ronda talk and Sasha goes to slap, but Ronda throws her! Sasha counters with an arm-drag, then taunts Ronda. Ronda comes back but Sasha gets a waistlock. Sasha swings Ronda out and goes acrobatic, but Ronda keeps grip to monkey flip! Ronda mocks Sasha’s boss pose but Sasha shrugs it off. Sasha swings but Ronda throws big knees in. Ronda whips but Sasha reverses. Ronda goes up and over and grabs Sasha with a facelock. “I can’t wrestle? I’ll show you guys I can’t wrestle.” Ronda snap suplexes Sasha, then rolls through to start Three Amigas! But Sasha stops Ronda at two for a back stabber! But Ronda rolls through to the armbar!

Sasha rolls and gets the ropes, and Ronda lets go. Ronda wants a leg now but Sasha kicks her away. Sasha SLAPS Ronda, but Ronda boots Sasha out! Ronda keeps on Sasha by bumping her off the apron, then punching her against the post. Sasha ducks and Ronda hits only post! Ronda clutches that arm but Sasha builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit, and Sasha even kicks Ronda into steel steps. Sasha puts Ronda in the ring and covers, TWO! Sasha keeps her cool while fans duel. She grabs Ronda’s bad arm for a hammerlock, and even adds a dragon sleeper to it. Ronda slips out of the sleeper but Sasha drives a knee in. Sasha gets a straitjacket stretch but Ronda endures. They stand up and Ronda backs Sasha into buckles. Ronda breaks free but Sasha throws her to buckles.

Sasha hits double knees, then again! She drags Ronda to a cover, TWO! Fans continue to duel as Sasha stays on Ronda. Sasha gets the straitjacket again, but Ronda powers her way up. Ronda elbows free and throws Sasha, but runs into a boot! Sasha hops up and leaps, but Ronda gets under. Ronda runs and hits a big forearm! Cover, TWO! Ronda drags Sasha up but Sasha hits back on that bad arm. Sasha goes acrobatic again, but instead of an arm-drag it’s an arm-breaker! Shining Wizard! Cover, TWO! Sasha keeps her cool while Ronda writhes and clutches her arm. Fans duel more as Sasha drags Ronda up. Sasha bumps Ronda off buckles, then wraps that bad arm in the ropes. She lets up at 4, but comes back only to miss.

Ronda rolls through to the fireman’s carry, but Sasha rolls through to a modified Fujiwara armbar! Sasha pulls on the fingers, then stomps the bad shoulder! Ronda endures, crawls, claw, but Sasha makes it part Rings of Saturn! Sasha even bites the thumb! But Ronda manages to slip around, and make it a cover. ONE, into the Bank Statement! Ronda reaches for the ropes but Sasha kicks them away! Ronda slips out and gets Sasha, Piper’s Pit! But Ronda can’t cover because of the pain in her arm! Sasha gets up but Ronda runs in, hanging armbar! Ronda lets go at 4, and now Sasha clutches her arm. Ronda climbs while fans duel. Sasha stops Ronda with a forearm! Sasha climbs but the two fight. Ronda pries Sasha off but Sasha comes back with a knee! Sasha climbs and sits Ronda up, SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Sasha gets the double wristlock!

Ronda endures as Sasha pulls on the arm. Ronda manages to stand up and spin Sasha to a judo throw! Cover, TWO! Sasha survives but Ronda fires up. Ronda drags Sasha up for another throw, and another throw, and another throw! She drags Sasha around, but Sasha rolls her into the ropes and out of the ring! The ref checks on Ronda but she’s okay to continue. Ronda gets up but Sasha builds speed again, to DIVE! Ronda catches her, into the armbar on the outside! Sasha taps but this doesn’t matter! Ronda puts Sasha in the ring again, and both women are clutching their bad arms. Ronda fires up and fires off, but so does Sasha! They throw hands but Ronda gets the edge. Ronda throws Sasha again, but Sasha blocks the kick to give a kick. Only for Ronda to come back with a leaping knee! Cover, TWO!

Both women are down with a bad arm each, but fans cheer them on. Ronda stands while Sasha gets to a corner. Ronda wants to gut wrench but the bad arm holds her back. Sasha throws Ronda into buckles! Stock Drop knees on the bad arm! Sasha stalks Ronda and goes for another backstabber, but Ronda throws her off! Ronda has the arm, but Sasha slips out. Sasha runs into Piper’s Pit, but makes it a crossbody!! Cover, TWO, into BANK STATEMENT!! Ronda reaches, but Sasha uses her own strap to hold her in! The ref reprimands Sasha so she switches back to her arms. Sasha uses her legs to keep Ronda down but Ronda keeps moving. Ronda gets fingers on the ropes but Sasha rolls her to a cover! TWO, into a Fujiwara!!

Ronda endures as Sasha pulls back as hard as she can! Sasha even pulls fingers! But Ronda rolls, gut wrenches, and bombs Sasha! Roll through, fireman’s carry, Piper’s Pit!! Cover, Ronda wins!!

Winner: Ronda Rousey, by pinfall; still Raw Women’s Champion

The Baddest Woman on the Planet just survived her toughest challenger yet! Ronda is still the champion, but Sasha  won back Ronda’s respect. Will Sasha find her way back to the title on the Road to Wrestlemania? Will Ronda continue this stellar reign to Wrestlemania herself?

 

The 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble!

This is only the second-ever time that 30 women in the WWE will compete in this legendary over-the-top battle royal! The Empress of Tomorrow won last year, and now she’s on the other side awaiting a winner. Meanwhile, superstars like Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are entering their first Rumble in hopes of getting back to the titles they lost. Will it be skill or luck that wins a shot at one of the Women’s Championships at Wrestlemania?

First out is the Model Soldier, Lacey Evans! And as the first out, she picks up a mic. “Tonight, y’all will witness history.” Lacey introduces herself properly as the “one and only true lady of WWE.” She is here to “clean up this entire Women’s Division.” Second out is the Queen of Harts, Natalya! Will either of these women be the Iron Woman and make it all the way to the end?

The bell rings and this match truly begins. Natty and Lacey tie up and go around. natty gets a headlock but Lacye powers out. Things speed up and Natty blocks a hip toss. Lacey blocks back then flips back, and the two stand off. They both dropkick but handspring up. Fans applaud that, but Natty’s grin annoys Lacey. Lacey swings but Natty whips. Natty clotheslines Lacey over but Lacey comes back with a slingshot. Lacey throws Natty down by her hair then bumps her off buckles. Lacey tries to hoist Natty out but Natty holds onto the top rope. Natty hits Lacey back, and headscissors, but Lacey shows her strength! Natty still huricanranas and discus clotheslines!

Third out is Mandy Rose! The Golden Goddess struts her way to the ring while Natty and Lacey get up. Mandy runs at Natty and runs her over with a lariat! Mandy throws hands and shoves, to hit a big knee! She scoops Natty and goes to dump her out, but Natty grabs ropes. Natty slips out and hits Mandy with a discus. Lacey kicks but Natty blocks. Natty throws Lacey down and then runs to walk all over Lacey. Mandy gets in her way but gets dropped onto Lacey, Natty dropkicks them both! Natty then grabs Mandy and Lacey, for a DOUBLE Sharpshooter! They’re both tapping but it doesn’t matter in a Rumble match.

Fourth out is the Riott Squad’s Liv Morgan. Mandy and Lacey kick Natty away while the Juvenile Delinquent skips her way to the ring. Liv has her pick and goes after Natty. But Natty tosses Liv out and ELIMINATES her! Liv might’ve just set a record for fastest elimination in a Women’s Rumble! Lacey and Mandy go after Natty at the ropes, then work together to whip. They double hip toss Natty, but fans rally up. Lacey and Mandy whip Natty again into a corner. Mandy runs but Lacey pulls her down by her hair! Lacey throws Mandy into Natty, then takes out her tissues to dab herself off. Lacey gives both “nasties” the bronco buster!

Fifth out now is Mickie James! The six-time women’s champion makes her way down while Mandy boots Lacey away. Mickie rushes the ring and goes after everyone with elbows and lariats. Mickie drags Lacey up to throw forearms. Lacey shoves her away but walks into Mickie’s neckbreaker. Natty gets Mickie with a waistlock but Mickie elbows out. Mickie dodges the discus to hit the Mick Kick! Mandy rocks Mickie with a right and whips her into buckles. Mickie elbows Mandy away then goes up for the Mickanrana! She can’t bring Mandy out with her so she has to slide back in. Mickie shoves Mandy but Mandy stays on the ropes. Mickie rocks Mandy with elbows but Lacey throws Mickie down. Now Mickie goes after Lacey, and the countdown returns.

Sixth out is Ember Moon! The Prophecy of Flame makes her way out while Natty and Mickie brawl. Ember springboards to crossbody them down! Then Ember kicks away on Mandy, and brings Lacey around for a gordbuster! Fans fire up with Ember as she sweeps Mickie’s legs and elbows Mandy in a corner. Ember throws Mandy over but Mandy holds ropes. Mickie goes after Ember to throw her over, but Ember holds on. Mandy goes after Lacey on the other corner with Natty’s help. Lacey fights them off and gets back in. Mandy goes after Natty now while Ember keeps after Mickie.

Seventh out is the IIconic Billie Kay! The Femme Fatale jogs down while Mickie goes after Mandy with Ember’s help. Natty almost has Lacey out but Billie wants to wait until Peyton Royce? Billie insists she either competes with Peyton by her side or not at all. This might be an excuse but also a smart strategy. Natty fights Lacey off while Mandy scoops Ember. Ember holds onto the ropes but Mickie goes after her and Mickie! Natty comes over, too, so Ember rocks Lacey. Eighth out is Nikki Cross! Phoenix loves the frantic fury of the Loony Lass as she rushes right in! And she hits Billie on the way over! The others in the ring are gathered, Nikki crossbodies onto them all! Nikki rallies on everyone with forearms, then throws Lacey over! Lacey holds on and gets back in while Nikki hits Ember with a neckbreaker.

Nikki runs to splash and bulldog Mickie. Mandy grabs Nikki by her hair but Nikki pries herself free. Nikki growls and then reels Mandy into an inverted DDT! Mickie grinds ember in a corner while Nikki goes wild all over again. Billie finally gets in but Nikki tackles her down! Nikki thrashes Billie about while the others pair off. Ninth out is the other IIconic, Peyton Royce! Billie finally has her BFF by her side as they go after Nikki Cross. Death Valley Driver takes Nikki out, and the IIconics drag Nikki up. Backbreaker to back kick! But Ember blasts the IIconics with kicks of her own! Ember goes to dump Peyton out but Billie saves her. Mandy scoops Nikki up but Nikki grabs ropes. The IIconics stomp Ember out while Mickie fights off Lacey. Ember narrowly avoids elimination as she fights off the IIconics.

Tenth out is Tamina! The Daughter of Superfly storms her way out to a rather full ring, and doles out headbutts and Samoan Drops! Billie gets mad that Tamina hit Peyton, but her punch is blocked into a Samoan Drop! Nikki and Tamina meet, and fans like the look of this fight. Nikki throws forearms and dropkicks Tamina into ropes. Tamina stays up but Nikki pushes her out. Tamina went through the bottom rope so she’s still in. She returns to SUPERKICK Nikki! Tamina runs at Mickie but Mickie dumps her out. Tamina fights her way back in against Mickie and Lacey, then climbs up top. She aims at the downed Nikki, for some SUPERFLY! Tamina squashes Nikki but that won’t eliminate her.

Mickie and Tamina fight, Mickie leaps for a seated senton! Tamina gets up and puts Mickie on the apron, she ELIMINATES Mickie with a SUPERKICK!  Eleventh out is Xia Li! The spicy Mae Young Classic competitor makes her Rumble debut and stares down Tamina. Tamina swings but Xia fires off with kicks! Xia throws those spicy kung-fu strikes and rocks Tamina with a back heel kick. Mandy runs into Xia’s boot, as does Natty. Xia hits everyone with kicks, heel kick for Lacey! Fans fire up for the spicy Xia but Tamina clubs her down. Tamina whips but Xia goes up and over and rolls. Xia kicks, Tamina blocks, but Xia flips through the throw! Spinning roundhouse rocks Tamina! Fans fire up again with Xia as she stands tall.

Twelfth out is the Riott Squad’s Sarah Logan! The Kentucky Viking storms her way down while the IIconics stomp Xia and Nikki. Sarah shotgun knees Natty, then does the same to the IIconics. Ember kicks but Sarah dodges for a big flapjack! Sarah throws Ember over but Ember hands on, only to get a shotgun knee! Ember holds on using her toes! Ember sits back up and in and fans love the innovation. The IIconics go after Nikki again and ELIMINATE her! Fans don’t like that but the IIconics’ moment is ruined by Lacey.

Thirteenth out is Charlotte Flair! The Queen may be the superstitiously unlucky #13, but luck has nothing to do with her career. Charlotte rushes the ring but everyone is right on her! She fights them off with Flair chops! Charlotte grabs Lacey and throws her with an exploder. Ember gets a back suplex! The IIconics end up on the outside, so Lacey ELIMINATES them both with her bronco buster! Xia steps to Charlotte with kicks, and has her in a corner. She runs in but misses, only to hop up and leap. Charlotte dodges to boot her down! Charlotte throws Xia but Xia holds on. Xia fights her way back in, but Charlotte boots her down and ELIMINATES her! Charlotte and Tamina square off as second-generation superstars. Tamina swings but Charlotte gives her chop after chop! Charlotte whips but Tamina reverses to SUPERKICK!

Fourteenth out is Kairi Sane! The Pirate Princess sets sail at high speeds! Charlotte clotheslines and ELMINATES Tamina! Kairi climbs up high, Flying Kabuki elbow on Sarah Logan! The Princess CHOPS the Queen, but the Queen eggs her on! Kairi chops and chops and chops! Charlotte doesn’t back down, and gives back those chops! Kairi eggs Chalrotte on until she’s chopped off her feet! Lacey clubs Charlotte down while Natty German Suplexes Sarah. Kairi goes back up top while Sarah is down, and it’s anchors aweigh with the InSane Elbow! Mandy and Charlotte go after Ember but Ember fights them off. Kairi and Natty work together on Sarah and ELIMINATE her! But then Natty turns on Kairi!

Fifteenth out marks the halfway point, and it’s Maria Kanellis! The First Lady of Wrestling blows a kiss while Lacey and Charlotte stare down. Maria wants in the middle of this, she’s the new face in the match. So she gets their kicks! Charlotte rams her shoulder in, but Lacey pulls Charlotte away so they can stare down again. Maria gets them both with bulldogs! Mandy gets Maria but gets a stunner for it. Maria boots Ember and hits a facebuster! Maria says it’s time to giddy-up, but she gets a SPEAR! Charlotte drags Maria up but Lacey goes after Charlotte again. Lacey bumps Charlotte off buckles while Ember goes after Maria.

Sixteenth out is Naomi! Time to #FeelTheGlow! Naomi shoulders Ember out of the way to jaw-break Mandy! But Mandy puts her on the apron! Naomi grabs Mandy for a suplex, but Mandy holds the ropes! They both end up on the apron, but Naomi roundhouses and ELIMINATES Mandy! Only for Ember to mule kick her. Mandy grabs Naomi and wants to bomb her, but Naomi slips through, puts her feet on the barriers, and kicks Mandy away! Naomi then wiggles back and gets on the barriers, just like last year. She walks the tight rope but it’s a bit scary. Naomi makes it around to the corner, and takes aim at the steel steps. She makes it! But then Mandy goes after her and pulls her down, Mandy ELIMINATES Naomi! And she acts like she won the whole thing.

Mandy adds insult to injury as she stomps and punches Naomi! Lacey goes to bronco bust Charlotte but Charlotte boots and ELIMINATES Lacey! Seventeenth out is Mrs. Wrestling, Candice LeRae! Fans are happy to see Candice run to the ring and climb up high. She missile dropkicks Ember then goes after Kairi in a corner. Ember comes back after Candice to throw her over but Candice holds on. Candice slingshots and steps back in for a jawbreaker. Natty clotheslines Charlotte while Candice tilt-o-whirls onto Ember with an Octopus. Ember slips out but the two brawl. Candice whips but Ember stops herself to scoop Candice, for a BIG gutbuster drop! Charlotte and Natty brawl while Kairi and Maria do the same. Natty powerbombs Charlotte down!

Eighteenth out is Alicia Fox! The Captain of Crazy takes her time while the others brawl. Alicia gets in and dropkicks everyone around! Maria asks for teamwork, and Alicia actually agrees. They go after Kairi with a double whip to dropkick, then Maria adds a DDT. They do a dance and Maria gives Alicia her hat. Alicia puts it on Maria, but then Maria stomps it?! Alicia is angry, and throws a tantrum. Maria runs but Alicia gets her and throws her into buckles. Maria goes up but Alicia kicks her down. She manages to stay on the apron, but celebrates too long, and Alicia ELIMINATES her with a dropkick!

Nineteenth out is Kacy Catanzaro! The American Ninja Warrior heads to the ring while Candice stomps Natty. KC and Ember show off agility, KC headscissors Ember down! Natty kicks KC but KC manages to headscissor her. KC kicks Natty away and headscissors her down! Alicia boots KC, but KC slips out to then shoulder and slingshot in. KC uses her gymnastics to hang Alicia up on the ropes! Alicia hangs on, but KC kicks. Alicia shoves her away, then throws hands. She gives KC a backbreaker through the ropes then stomps her down. 20th out is Zelina Vega, who embodies Street Fighter’s Vega as she rushes the ring!

Zelina goes at Kairi with forearms, then stares down Candice. These two have history dating back to last year and Gargano VS Almas. They get in each other’s face, then throw hands! Fans fire up as Candice backslides Vega to a dropkick! Candice fires off more forearms and body shots in a corner. Charlotte and Alicia fight in a corner while Vega knees Candice down. Vega borrows from Almas with the Cien Knees! Ember crossbodies Natty but Vega goes after her, too. 21st out is Ruby Riott, but with her Squad! They don’t care about rules, they want revenge! Charlotte sees them coming and is ready. The Squad drag her out from the bottom rope and stomp away! Sarah hits the shotgun knee, but Ruby walks into Vega’s Spike-Rana! Sarah drags Vega out but Vega fights her off.

Alicia and Ruby brawl, so Liv trips and drags Alicia out. Vega hides under the ring, but there haven’t been eliminations yet. Liv and Sarah beat Alicia up and feed her to Ruby, who throws Alicia out to ELIMINATE her! Ruby goes after Candice but Candice goes through the middle rope. That makes her a target for the Squad, double barrier bomb!! They feed Candice to Ruby and Ruby ELIMINATES Candice with a rough throw. Vega stays under the ring where it’s safe. 22nd is Dana Brooke! She rushes the ring and goes right at Ruby! Dana puts KC in the corner and rams her shoulder in. But KC headscissors back, only to get a sit-out bomb!

Dana slams Ruby, so the Squad go after her. Liv and Sarah drag Dana out for stomps. Kairi whips Ruby but Ruby reverses. Kairi goes up but Ruby throws her out and ELIMINATES her! Vega grins as she’s still safe and sound under the ring. Ember fights off Charlotte and Natty while the Squad pick on Kairi even after getting rid of her. 23rd out is Io Shirai, Kairi’s BFF! And the Genius of the Sky won’t stand for bullies! Shirai goes right at the Squad and wrecks Liv and Sarah with a dropkick!

Shirai throws hands on Ruby, then hits a Tiger Feint! She climbs up high, SUPER ASAI! The Squad is down, but Shirai puts Ruby in the ring. Shirai throws Ruby but Ruby comes back with an elbow. Ruby pops up but Shirai goes to bomb her out! Ruby drags Shirai out with her, and the two brawl on the apron. Ember bumps Natty on buckles then scoops KC for a backbreaker.

24th out is Rhea Ripley! The former NXT UK Women’s Champion is also the Mosh Pit Kid, and the Rumble is a perfect mosh pit for her! Rhea rushes the ring and runs Ember and Ruby over! Then she flapjacks Io! Ember runs, wheelbarrow facebuster! But Dana clobbers Ember down. Dana throws KC out, sweeps the leg and dropkicks her down! But wait, KC isn’t out, her feet are in the air! Natty hits Charlotte with an Electric Chair drop while KC works on a way back into the ring.

KC rolls and handstand walks to the ring! She’s like a spider as she sits up to climb the post! KC climbs up high and aims at Rhea for a crossbody! But Rhea catches her easily, to shove and tilt-o-whirl, but KC makes it a facelock! Rhea powers through to toss and ELIMINATE KC! Rhea mockingly waves bye but Ember dropkicks her down!

25th out is Sonya Deville! The Gladiator Gal has her hair up, time to square up! She goes right at Rhea with strikes! Then she runs at Ember to SPEAR her! Ruby kicks Sonya and whips but Sonya reverses to a takedown. She dodges Dana to hit a sliding knee on Ruby! Dana keeps on Sonya but Sonya hits her back with knees. Charlotte fights off Shirai while Sonya runs. Dana follows, runs Sonya over and hits a handspring splash. Rhea goes after Dana but Dana jawbreakers back. They brawl, Dana enziguris Rhea down. Dana runs, handsprings and back elbows in the corner. She whips but Rhea reverses to pumphandle into a toss. Dana saves herself and punches Rhea away, but Rhea dropkicks and ELIMINATES her!

Vega laughs at Dana, but wait! Is that HORNSWOGGLE!? When did he get here? And he chases Vega all over the announce desks and into the ring! Horny shocks a lot of the other women, but Rhea ignores him to toss and ELIMINATE Vega! Horny keeps chasing Vega all the way to the back! No one knows what to make of that, but the Rumble continues! 26th out is Alexa Bliss! The Goddess officially returns to the ring! Alexa throws Ember down, then hits Insult2Injury! Charlotte scoops Alexa but she slips through to a facelock. Charlotte knees low and goes to powerbomb, but Alexa fights back with furious hands. Alexa makes it a sunset flip powerbomb! Sonya clubs Alexa and throws heavy hands in a corner. Sonya swings again but Alexa dodges to hit back.

Rhea fights off Ember and Natty while Alexa blocks a kick. Alexa puts Sonya on the apron but Sonya goes to drag Alexa out. Alexa pries at Sonya’s hands, but just uses that wicked right to ELIMINATE her! 27th out is Bayley! The Huggable One doesn’t wait to get in the ring, and she goes right at Alexa with a saido suplex! Bayley kicks everyone else, even Charlotte. Fans fire up for Bayley but Bayley runs into Deadly Nightshade! Wait, Bayley powers through and tosses Ruby onto the top rope. She knees Ruby down, then clotheslines her out to ELIMINATE her! Then Bayley baits Rhea in for a back drop to ELIMINATE her, too! Fans fire up for Bayley while she goes after Natty. Ember and Shirai fight while Charlotte puts Alexa up top.

28th out is Lana! The Ravishing Russian hurt her ankle at the start of the night because of what happened in the United States Championship match, but she’s going to tough it out. Charlotte fights off Natty and Alexa while Ember rocks Shirai. Lana limps but this match might be over before she arrives. Charlotte CHOPS Natty while Ember hauls Shirai. Referees check on Lana while Natty chops Charlotte back. Alexa goes after Bayley while Shirai holds on as Ember scrapes at her. Shirai manages to get a foot up and kick Ember away. Lana still hasn’t entered the ring and now 29th is on their way out. It’s Nia Jax! The Irresistible Force also has a lot of luck on her side as she’s second-to-last. And she kicks Lana just for good measure! Nia stomps the bad leg then gives her a shin breaker!

Nia leaves Lana behind to go after the women in the ring. Bayley bumps Charlotte on buckles again and again while Ember and Alexa fight in another corner. Nia kicks Natty then Shirai then clobbers Charlotte and headbutts Ember. Bayley hops on but is thrown out. Alexa runs but into a big clothesline! Shirai climbs up and moonsaults, but is caught and tossed! Nia ELIMINATES Shirai! Fans boo but Nia just soaks it up. Natty throws hands on Nia but Nia throws Natty to a corner. Nia runs but misses in the corner, and somehow Natty gets her up! But Nia slips out to throw Natty out and ELIMINATE her! Bayley tries again but it’s just her alone, Nia knocks her away.

And finally, Carmella appears as Ms. 30! The FABULOUS Princess makes her way out while Nia and Ember fight. Carmella runs, dodges and manages to headscissor Nia! She kicks Nia again, but Ember whips. Carmella dropkicks Ember but gets run over by Nia! Nia has her pick and goes after Alexa. But wait, since Lana never got to be Ms. 28, Becky Lynch comes out! Becky wants a spot, but Fit Finlay says she can’t. Becky says this was a 30 Woman Rumble, right? So she’ll be the new 28th! Finlay allows it, here comes The Man!! Nia can’t believe it, but the fans are loving this! Becky stares down the #Facebreaker and starts throwing hands!

Charlotte goes after Becky and throws her, but Becky stays in. Becky hits Charlotte away and now they brawl! Nia throws Becky but Becky survives again. Charlotte grabs Nia but gets elbowed away. Nia runs into Becky’s kick, then Becky climbs up. Nia hits Charlotte with a Samoan Drop but Becky hits Nia with a missile dropkick! Alexa rocks Ember with the right, but Ember hits her back with a strike fest! Alexa kicks then runs but into a flapjack! Ember drags Alexa up and throws her over. Alexa holds on and drags Ember over with her hair! Carmella goes after Charlotte while the goddesses brawl.

Alexa has a guillotine on Ember but Ember holds on for dear life. Ember and Alexa brawl more, Ember hits Alexa with a right. Alexa hits back, choke grip and a boot, but Ember still holds on. Becky and Bayley brawl in the background as Alexa STO’s and ELIMINATES Ember! Alexa mocks Ember before going after Carmella. Carmella feeds Alexa a boot then a fabulous mudhole. Carmella moonwalks to bronco buster! She drags Alexa up but Alexa gets her with the choke grip! Carmella SLAPS Alexa, then ducks. They each dodge a hit, but the FABULOUS Kick rocks Alexa. Bayley lifts Alexa, buckle bomb! Bayley has history with Alexa to settle and she scoops. Carmella helps Bayley to ELIMINATE Alexa! But then Nia runs them both over!

Becky goes after Nia again, but Nia wants to use that Face Breaker. But Charlotte boots Nia! Carmella adds a FABULOUS Kick, and then Bayley climbs for a Macho Elbow! Carmella gives Becky a complete shot while Charlotte throws Nia with an exploder. Charlotte scoops Carmella but Carmella slips out to throw her down by her hair. Carmella climbs up top and leaps onto Charlotte! But Charlotte rolls through for a backbreaker! Charlotte climbs up now, but Carmella goes after her. Charlotte kicks her away but Carmella comes back with a right hand. Carmella handsprings, but Charlotte blocks the steiner! Charlotte drags Carmella up and tosses her over, but Carmella kicks Charlotte back.

Carmella is safe as she mocks the “WOO~”, but Charlotte still throws her over. Nia is out there so Carmella FABULOUS kicks her. Charlotte boots and ELIMINATES Carmella! But Bayley goes after Charlotte! Charlotte shoulders back, slingshot roll up, but Bayley rolls through to knee Charlotte! Bayley throws forearms and whips Charlotte, but Charlotte reverses, Bayuley uses that to dropkick Nia! Bayley gives Charlotte a neckbreaker! Nia scoops Bayley but Bayley fights back. Charlotte boots Nia but ELIMINATES Bayley! The final three are Charlotte, Becky and Nia! Fans give a standing ovation but are strongly behind Becky. The three circle, but Charlotte goes after Becky! Nia gets them both with a corner splash!

Nia focuses on Charlotte but Charlotte tells her to stay out of her fight. Charlotte boots but Nia headbutts. Nia scoops Charlotte but Charlotte holds ropes. Charlotte fights back and boots Nia again. Nia staggers but Charlotte boots her more. Charlotte tries to fireman carry Nia, but can’t keep her as she has to dump Nia down. Both Charlotte and Nia slowly stir while Becky is safe on the floor. Charlotte tries again and gets Nia up. She puts Nia on the apron but Nia headbutts Charlotte. Becky yanks Nia off to ELIMINATE her! The final two are the Queen and the Man! Charlotte allows Becky to return, but then Nia blasts Becky down! Becky’s still in the match but she clutches her leg now. Charlotte grins, because this makes it that much easier for her.

Becky forces herself to stand and fans cheer her on. Charlotte almost laughs, because this match might as well be hers. Phoenix still rallies for Becky as she hobbles and rushes in. Becky doesn’t care about the bad leg, she insists she can go. She dares Charlotte to bring the fight, and Charlotte grimaces. Charlotte goes right at the leg! She drives knees into Becky’s knees over and over! And then twists it with a toehold! Becky fights with her other leg but Charlotte kicks the bad one and sends Becky rolling. Charlotte scoops Becky into a Tree of Woe to kick the knee more. Becky hobbles up but Charlotte goes to throw her out. The two fight, Becky enziguris! Charlotte wobbles, Becky throws her! Charlotte stays on the apron but Becky throws hands!

Becky almost has Charlotte but Charlotte kicks out the bad leg! Charlotte throws Becky with an exploder! Becky manages to stand but Charlotte runs in, only for Becky to dump her back out! Clothesline ELIMINATES Charlotte!! Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, as #28

The Lass Kicker survives on one leg to win it all! Phoenix loves The Man, and The Man is going to Wrestlemania! But the question is now, which title will she want? She lost out on the SmackDown Women’s Championship, but the Rumble can grant her a Raw Women’s Championship match. Which path will she choose on her Road to Wrestlemania 35?

 

WWE Championship: Daniel Bryan VS AJ Styles!

The New Daniel Bryan vows he is creating a new and better world. But with Vince McMahon egging him on, The Phenomenal One shows his real aggression! Which crusade wins and becomes THE world champion?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Bryan and Styles circle then tie up. Styles puts Bryan in a corner but Bryan turns it around. Styles turns it back around and the two start throwing hands! The ref backs Styles off but Bryan takes his time returning. Fans duel as Bryan and Styles circle again. They tie up and Bryan reels Styles in for a wristlock. Bryan arm-drags Styles to the mat and then grinds his foot in as he goes after the arm. Styles gets up and reverses to a headlock. Bryan powers out and things speed up, Styles runs Bryan over! Styles gets the headlock takeover and has Bryan on the mat. Bryan makes it a cover, ONE and Styles holds on. They stand and Bryan spins to reverse to his own headlock.

Styles powers out and things speed up again, but this time Styles arm-drags Bryan. Bryan bails out but Styles waits for him to return. Bryan slowly returns and circles with Styles again. They tie up and Styles puts Bryan in the corner. Bryan turns it around and he throws in a knee. Bryan chops Styles but Styles chops back! Styles chops more so Bryan jabs away. Bryan has Styles in a corner as he throws m ore hands and chops. Styles punches back and chops Bryan on the ropes. Styles whips and back drops Bryan, then snapmares him for a kick. He wraps a chinlock on Bryan, but Bryan endures. Bryan stands and fights his way out, then rocks Styles with EuroUppers. Styles kicks back and throws hands, but Bryan throat chops.

Bryan runs but misses Styles. Styles runs back in but is thrown at the post! Bryan dumps Styles out of the ring and smirks while the referee checks on Styles. Styles has a bloody nose and a bad arm, so Bryan’s right on him as he throws Styles into another post! Bryan puts Styles in and kicks the bad arm. He goes after the arm with a shoulder breaker, then more kicks. Bryan bends the arm back for a hammerlock stomp! Cover, TWO, but Bryan stays on the bad arm with a grounded hammerlock. Fans rally up and Styles gets a ropebreak. Bryan lets Styles go, only to come back after that bad arm. Styles throws forearms then runs to sunset flip. TWO, and Bryan turns Styles around for a butterfly suplex into the armbar!

Styles clasps hands but Bryan stomps away on Styles’ face. Bryan makes it a short-arm scissors but Styles rolls to a ropebreak. Bryan lets go at 4, because he likes bending the rules. Styles flounders to a corner while Bryan taunts him. Bryan kicks Styles, then rakes the eyes! Bryan drags Styles up for more fingers to the face, then grinds his knuckles into Styles’ bloody nose. He rains down hands while fans boo and jeer. Styles hits back with elbows and chops but Bryan rocks him with haymakers. They brawl in a corner, and Styles manages to push Bryan back. Bryan ducks the backhand to uppercut. Bryan runs but into a dropkick! Styles runs in for a corner clothesline, then pumphandles to give Bryan a backbreaker. He keeps going, suplex to neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!

Styles grows frustrated but he keeps focus while checking his nose. Styles rains down rights on Bryan, then wants the Clash! Bryan slips out and trips to a high stack, TWO! Styles covers, TWO! Bryan covers, TWO! Styles covers, TWO! Bryan kicks but Styles blocks into a dragon screw! Styles goes after the leg again with another dragon screw! Styles runs corner to corner but Bryan drop toeholds him into buckles! Bryan grimaces as he sits Styles up for No Kicks! Bryan runs corner to corner for the dropkick! He runs again, but Styles scoops him! Bryan slips out, goes for a full nelson, Dragon Suplex! Cover, TWO! Styles survives and Bryan can’t believe it. Bryan keeps on Styles with buckle bumps and haymakers.

Bryan hoists Styles up top and climbs all the way up, but Styles blocks the steiner! Styles hooks the arms, but Bryan fights out with a leg! Bryan falls onto the mat but Styles falls to the floor! Styles drags himself up and in at 5 but Bryan runs in. Styles dodges and Bryan tumbles out. Bryan stands to get hit by Styles’ sliding knee! Styles whips but Bryan reverses. Styles stops himself but moonsault DDT’s off the barrier! Both men are down but fans fire up. Styles stands to put Bryan in at 6, then springboards, 450 splash onto knees!! Bryan drags Styles into the Labell Lock, but Styles resists. Bryan clubs away and hooks Styles’ face, and gets the lock! Styles endures as Bryan pulls back! Styles powers his way through to a cover, TWO, into a Calf Crusher!

Bryan endures Styles’ hold now, and reaches for ropes. Bryan endures but Styles yanks more, ropebreak! Styles lets go but both men are exhausted. They slowly stand up and Styles gets the leg again. Bryan enziguris and both men fall again! Fans duel as Bryan grits his teeth. Bryan gives Styles more No Kicks to the bad arm! He kicks and kicks and kicks, but Styles ducks the buzzsaw, only to get one from the other side! Styles rolls to a corner while Bryan grins. Bryan goes to Styles but gets caught in the Calf Crusher, only to buzzsaw Styles again! Cover, TWO! Bryan grows frustrated but he keeps on Styles with a wristlock. He gives Styles vicious stomps until that bad leg gives out. Bryan climbs up but Styles punches him down!

Styles climbs up while brawling with Bryan. He throws headbutt after headbutt after headbutt, but he’s not done there. Styles sits Bryan up but Bryan slips out to shove him into the post! Bryan climbs up behind Styles now, hooks the face, and then stands Styles up for a SUPER BACK SUPLEX! But Styles rolls through! Styles runs back, gets the leg, and dumps Bryan into a cover! TWO, into the Calf Crusher!! Bryan flails and reaches while Styles pulls back hard! Styles rolls Bryan to a cover, TWO! Bryan is free of the hold but Styles gets up again. Styles hauls Bryan up but Bryan wants to backslide. They fight for control, and throw elbows into each other’s head. Styles flips Bryan over, snap suplex to brain buster! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives but Styles is too exhausted to be frustrated.

Both men roll to opposite ends as fans rally up. Styles runs in but Bryan puts him on the apron. Styles slingshots but Bryan roundhouses him down! Bryan walks over but into a hotshot! Styles tries again but his bad arm isn’t helping. So he uses the ropes to help get up, but Bryan roundhouses! Bryan drags Styles up but gets a PELE! Both men are down again but fans continue to rally. Wait, is that Erick Rowan? Big Red hasn’t been around for some time after his injury, but why is he here now? Rowan simply watches from ringside as Styles and Bryan slowly stand again.

Styles punches Bryan but Bryan throws them back. Styles kicks the bad leg, then kicks it again. He kicks until Bryan falls, then he stands Bryan up. Bryan enziguris, but Styles ducks and it hits the referee! Styles hits the Styles Clash! But the referee is down! Rowan grabs and CHOKE SLAMS Styles!! Rowan gets away with it, and Bryan crawls to cover Styles! The referee revives, counts, Bryan wins!

Winner: Daniel Bryan, by pinfall; still WWE Champion

The New Daniel Bryan is still champion, but does he also have a new ally in his crusade? But Bryan isn’t done with Styles, he has Rowan stand Styles up! Bryan hits Styles with the Knee Plus! With Big Red on his side, will anyone ever stop Bryan to become the new WWE Champion?

 

WWE Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman VS Finn Balor!

The Beast has dominated and conquered opponent after opponent, and of course that led him back to being the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion of the world. However, the inaugural Universal Champion is also the Extraordinary Man! Can Finn the Man survive Suplex City to finally become champion again?

Introductions are made, Heyman obviously doing one for Lesnar, then the belt is raised and we begin! Finn gets Lesnar with a dropkick! Finn fires off and fans fire up with him as he rains down hands. Lesnar pushes Finn off but Finn kicks him back! And again! Finn slingshots to stomp! Finn runs to forearm but Lesnar stays up. So Finn hits a shotgun dropkick! Finn wants a slingblade, but gets a belly2belly! Suplex City is here as Finn rolls all the way out of the ring. Lesnar fetches Finn on the outside and throws him into the apron! And then the barriers! Lesnar throws Finn with another belly2belly! Finn is down and Lesnar refreshes the count.

Lesnar clears off an announce desk before dragging Finn over. But Finn slips out to throw Lesnar into the corner of the table! And again! Finn bounces Lesnar’s head off the desk but Lesnar knees back. Both men gasp as the ring count climbs. Lesnar drags Finn up and in at 6 but has to take an extra moment for himself. Finn gets Lesnar with kicks and body shots on the return! Finn knees, but gets thrown into buckles! Lesnar grits his teeth as he rams shoulders into Finn. Lesnar backs off because of his gut but he comes back to throw Finn again! That third belly2belly is almost double-edged given the attack to Lesnar’s stomach.

Finn crawls and Lesnar stalks him. Lesnar puts Finn in the corner for more shoulders, and then another belly2belly! Four suplexes and counting, but Lesnar winces again. Lesnar stalks Finn but runs into a knee. Finn runs, slingblade drops Lesnar! Lesnar gets up quick, though, and clobbers Finn with a clothesline! Lesnar catches his breath while Finn crawls to another corner. Fans rally as Lesnar goes to deadlift. But his gut hurts and he hobbles back. Lesnar tries again but he can’t manage the lift! Lesnar brings Finn up in the fireman’s carry but Finn turns the F5 into a DDT!! Cover, TWO!! But Finn doesn’t let up, he stomps that bad stomach! Double stomps on top! Lesnar rolls away and fans fire up behind Finn.

Finn wrecks Lesnar with a dropkick, then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit but Finn doesn’t stop! Finn FLIES again! Another direct hit! Finn has Lesnar reeling but Phoenix is thunderous for another. So Finn FLIES again! That’s the hat trick! Finn gets back in and Lesnar staggers back. Finn gives him a hesitation dropkick! Lesnar is in the drop zone, Finn hurries up top! Heyman panics as Finn aims, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, TWO!? KIMURA!! Finn is in the arm-killing submission and flails! Finn reaches, drags himself over, but taps!! Lesnar wins!!

Winner: Brock Lesnar, by submission; still WWE Universal Champion

The Beast wins after weathering Finn’s fury! Finn forgot about Lesnar’s submissions for all the suplexes, but will he ever get another shot like this? As for Lesnar, will he be the champion all the way to WrestleMania?

Lesnar shows no respect or mercy as he throws Finn around with German Suplexes! Winning wasn’t enough to satisfy Lesnar’s frustration. He throws Finn with another German, then holds his belt up in victory. And then the F5 because he can! Will the Men’s Rumble winner even want to go after Lesnar after seeing this?

 

The 2019 Men’s Royal Rumble!

The classic 30 Man Battle Royal closes the event! We know R-Truth waits to be 30th, but what will be the order of the other 29? And who will win to have their choice of Daniel Bryan and Brock Lesnar?

Ladies and gentlemen: the first superstar is Elias! The deck is stacked against the Drifter, but in the Valley of the Sun, he vows to eliminate all 29 others so prove that WWE truly means “Walk With Elias!” But fans sing for Elias first! Elias takes credit for the 48193 people in attendance. The Diamondbacks should learn a thing or two from him. This is a testament to Elias’ greatness, but his more impressive performance will be starting and winning the Rumble. For that purpose, he has a song to sing. Please silence phones and hold applause until after.

But wait, is that Jeff Jarrett!? Double J is the second entrant and he makes his way to the ring! And he asks Elias to move aside so he can strut! Jarrett says “Howdy!” The World’s Greatest Singer, Entertainer and Wrestler, “Ain’t I great?” Elias gets interrupted almost all the time, for whatever reason, but he is finally honored to be interrupted. He knows who Double J is, so as future Hall of Famer to current Hall of Famer, they should duet! Phoenix likes the sound of that! So then, a special one-time-only of Elias and Jarrett! Spell your name again? J E Double F, J A Double R, E- Elias runs Jarrett over! And the bell finally rings!

Elias stomps and punches Jarrett down, then vents how the comparisons have been getting on his nerves forever. He throws Jarrett but Jarrett fights back. Jarrett counter punches Elias again and again, and then picks up speed! He whips but Elias reverses to run Jarrett over! “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Phoenix cheers and Elias gets his guitar. Fans know what this means, and Elias SMACKS Jarrett with a guitar! Then throws him out and ELIMINATES Jarrett! Elias now waits for #3, and it is Shinsuke Nakamura! The King of Strong Style won last year’s Rumble, and won back the United States Championship back earlier tonight, so it’s been a long night for him already.

Elias goes right at Nakamura and whips, but Nakamura dodges to dropkick back! Nakamura says “C’MON!” He knees Elias, swings and gets Elias with the heel kick. Nakamura gives Elias Bad Vibrations, then goes corner to corner, only to run into an elbow! Elias wrenches Nakamura’s arm and then climbs up high. He goes Old School corner to corner, and drops Nakamura with an arm-drag! Elias goes to clothesline Nakamura out, but Nakamura stays on the apron. Nakamura hits back and #4 comes out. It’s KURT ANGLE! Phoenix fires up as the Olympic Gold Medalist runs into the ring and gives Elias a German Suplex! Angle suplexes Nakamura! Then he whips Elias, but runs into Elias’s boot. But Elias runs into the belly2belly! Angle suplexes Nakamura again, then throws hands on Elias.

Angle stomps a mudhole into Elias then throws him out. Elias keeps hold but Angle kicks at him. Angle leaves Elias alone to clobber Nakamura. Elias comes back to forearm Angle to a corner and CHOP him. #5 comes out, and awwww~ Phoenix~! Don’t you dare be sour, clap for the New Day’s Big E, and feel~ the power~! Big E shares pancakes from his singlet, then runs right at Nakamura! He throws Nakamura with belly2belly suplexes of his own! Big E swivels the hips, builds speed, and hits the Big Splash! Fans clap along as Big E waits for Nakamura to stand. Big E scoops Nakamura but Nakamura avoids elimination. Angle stalks Big E, Angle Slam! But then Nakamura sends Angle into a post! Nakamura then puts Angle up top, for the Top Shelf Knee! Angle holds on, but Nakamura runs back to Kinshasa and ELIMINATE Angle!

Elias clobbers Nakamura from behind, but now on to #6. It’s Johnny Gargano! The NXT North American Champion is here just like Mrs. Wrestling was, will he fare better? Gargano slingshots and kicks Elias, then huricanranas! Big E scoops but Gargano slips out to a tornado DDT! Elias clobbers Gargano and throws him, but Gargano holds on. Elias throws forearms but Gargano still holds on, to slingshot spear! Gargano goes after Elias while Big E has Nakamura. Fans chant “NXT!” for Gargano but Elias brings Gargano back down. #7 comes out, and it’s Jinder Mahal! The Modern Day Maharaja heads in and goes right at Gargano with a scoop slam! He knees Big E and boots Elias, and is fired up while the Singh Brothers try to do what they can.

Mahal scoops Gargano but Gargano dumps Mahal out. Gargano kicks and ELIMINATES Mahal already! The Singhs hang around, but not for long as Elias atomic drops Sunil out, and Big E force feeds Samir pancakes before giving him a Big Ending! The four are in a stand-off while #8 heads out. Nakamura ends up 3v1 but Samoa Joe is here! The Destroyer’s Rumble debut has Phoenix chanting his name as he goes right at Big E and Elias! Joe hits Gargano and STO’s Nakamura, too. Joe back elbows and Peles Elias, but Gargano starts a brawl. Gargano whips but Joe reverses. Gargano boots Joe, but Joe just moves out of the way as Gargano leaps. Big E goes after Joe but Joe throws and ELIMINATES Big E quick! Nakamura and Joe brawl but #9 arrives. It’s Curt Hawkins!

Mr. 256 Losing Streak might change things in the Rumble. But he also just stays out of the way of the four men fighting in the ring. Hawkins comes back when Joe is distracted and clubs him in the back. Joe turns around but Hawkins slides out of the ring. Hawkins goes back in to go after Gargano and Nakamuar, but Joe gets him with the Coquina Clutch! Joe makes Hawkins fade out but Elias clubs him from behind. Hawkins falls out from under the rope, so he goes under the ring. Maybe he’ll find Hornswoggle back under there. #10 arrives, and it’s Seth Rollins! Phoenix is ready to #BurnItDown as the Architect heads to the ring! Rollins springboards and clotheslines Elias, then he Peles Nakamura.

Rollins fires off on Gargano, Falcon Arrow! SUPERKICK for Nakamura, but Elias kicks Rollins. Elias whips but Rollins reverses. Elias goes up and over but Rollins puts him outside. Rollins bumps Elias off the post, but Elias grabs the post to stay on! Rollins slaps Elias’ hands and ELIMINATES him! Joe stomps Nakamura while Rollins goes after Gargano. #11 arrives and it’s Titus O’Neil! Titus Worldwide~ had an infamous slide at the Greatest Royal Rumble, but he’s much more careful here. Hawkins peeks out from under the apron, and convinces Titus to join him. Titus does, and the chase is on. They end up in the ring, and Hawkins ELIMINATES Titus!! But then Joe ELIMINATES Hakwins!

Rollins throws Joe but Joe holds on. Gargano goes after Joe, too, but Nakamura goes after all of them. #12 arrives and it’s the New Day’s Kofi Kingston! Kofi has been a master of miraculous survivals, but what’s he got planned this year? He springboards to ax handle Nakamura, then he blasts Joe and Rollins! Joe chops Kofi but Kofi kicks back. Phoenix cheers Kofi on even as Joe elbows him down. Rollins elbows Nakamura while Joe throws Kofi. Kofi holds on but Joe keeps pushing. Kofi slips away and gets to a corner. Joe pursues and rams his knees in. Rollins fights with Nakamura as #13 arrives. It’s Mustafa Ali! The Beacon of Light makes his own Rumble debut, and he has his eyes locked on Samoa Joe! Ali shoulders and slingshots in to facebuster! Ali rains down rights on Joe, but Nakamura drags Ali up for knees.

Nakamura gives a strike fest and scoops but Ali slips out. Ali copies “C’MON!” and then goes up and over. He comes back but into a roundhouse. Nakamura goes up but Ali dropkicks and ELIMINATES Nakamura! Gargano rolls Ali but Ali ducks the kick to give a SUPERKICK! Ali goes up to tornado DDT! Joe suplexes Ali into buckles! #14 arrives and it’s Dean Ambrose! The Lunatic Fringe turned Moral Compass storms his way down. Rollins sees Ambrose and Ambrose goes right at him for a furious brawl! Ambrose throws Rollins into buckles and stomps a mudhole in. Ambrose grabs Kofi to throw him but Kofi stays in! Kofi tries bringing himself in but Ambrose kicks him!

But somehow Kofi keeps his feet up! Kofi’s feet walk the apron while he rolls on the mat! He makes it to the steps then leaps in to DDT Ambrose! Gargano runs at Ambrose but Ambrose dumps him out. Gargano holds on, slingshots, but into a DDT! Ambrose throws and ELIMINATES Gargano! But Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise! #15 arrives and it’s No Way Jose! The Fighting Fiesta and his conga line are the halfway mark to this Rumble while Kofi and Rollins work together on Ambrose. Jose runs in but Joe clotheslines and ELIMINATES him! Is that a record for the Men’s Rumble!? Well, the party continues either way. Jose and friends leave while Rollins and Ambrose still brawl. #16 arrives and it’s Drew McIntyre! The Scottish Terminator encounters Jose, and gives him a Glasgow Kiss! And then he wrecks his way through the conga line!

McIntyre hits the ring, and gives Rollins a Claymore! Claymore for Ambrose! McIntyre and Joe meet and start throwing hands! Joe gets the edge and runs, but into a Claymore! McIntyre stands tall and goes after Ali with a CHOP! Ambrose goes after Kofi while McIntyre is after Rollins. #17 is the New Day’s Xavier Woods! Woods saves Kofi with the help of a sunset flip! And then an upside-down piggyback! Woods walks them back to the ring and fans clap along. Kofi’s safe on the steps and both New Day members slingshot in. McIntyre clotheslines and ELIMINATES them both! Well, maybe next year, Kofi… McIntyre goes after Ali and Rollins fights Ambrose more. #18 is the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne!

The WWE United Kingdom Champion of 617 days makes a trip to the states for a chance at even bigger. Dunne German suplexes and stomps Ali’s hands! Joe suplexes Dunne but he slips out to kick Joe! Dunne gets McIntyre’s arm for a hammerlock stomp! Dunne uses an X-Plex to throw Ali onto McIntyre! Fans fire up for Dunne as he drags Ali up and throws him out. Ali hangs on but Dunne gets the fingers. Ambrose goes after Dunne but Dunne gets his fingers now! #19 arrives, it’s Andrade Almas! El Idolo takes his time while McIntyre goes after Rollins and Ambrose endures Dunne’s grip. Almas goes right at Dunne for a CHOP, but Dunne boots him back. Almas boots then elbows, then scoops. Dunne slips out and tucks Almas in, Bitter End becomes a DDT!

Almas goes after Ambrose with forearms and stomps. Ambrose hits back while Rollins and McIntyre trade chops. Ali still goes after Joe, leaving Dunne to rest in a corner. McIntyre pushes Rollins but Rollins holds on. #20 arrives and it’s Apollo Crews! The rising star has a great chance being this late in the game. Apollo dropkicks Ali and clotheslines Ambrose. He enziguris Joe and catches Dunne for a Samoan Drop! Ambrose and Apollo brawl, Almas tries to throw Ali out. McIntyre stays on Rollins and Dunne goes after Joe. McIntyre holds on but Rollins goes after him! #21 arrives, it’s Aleister Black! The Embodiment of the End missed out on being NXT Champion once again, but he’s here for redemption.

Aleister rallies on Dunne, and slips out of the Bitter End to sweep the legs. He hits Dunne and Rollins with the quebrada! McIntyre dodges the Black Mass, but not the boot! Ali mule kicks and whips but Aleister reverses. Aleister runs into an elbow, Ali leaps but into the knee! Ambrose kicks and throws Aleister down and then rains down rights. McIntyre and Almas want after Aleister, too, but Aleister gives Ambrose BLACK MASS and ELIMINATES him! Joe goes after Aleister but gets a stunner! Aleister runs into the powerslam! #22 is Shelton Benjamin! The Gold Standard looks to make a huge impact tonight, and he brawls with Apollo right away. Apollo dodges and mule kicks, but Shelton gets him with the Dragon Whip.

Dunne kicks and throws Shelton but Shelton skins the cat. And hits Pay Dirt! Joe wants the Coquina but Ali goes after him. Only for Ali to get caught in the clutch! Shelton uses Ali as a step stool to knee Joe! Ali dumps and ELIMINATES Joe!! Joe glares at Ali but Shelton goes after Ali himself. #23 is Baron Corbin! Fans boo the Lone Wolf as he makes his way out. Corbin goes after Rollins, slides out then in to clobber him! Corbin throws Apollo but Apollo stays in. Ali boots Corbin then goes up and over, only to get Deep Six! Corbin drags Ali up and throws him out, but Ali holds on. Apollo comes back, but gets a right hand! Corbin ELIMINATES Apollo! Corbin grins as he goes after Rollins.

McIntyre and Aleister brawl as #24 arrives. It’s Jeff Hardy! The Charismatic Enigma makes a return to action and fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” Hardy rallies in the ring, giving Aleister the leg splitting leg drop. Ali walks into a jawbreaker. Shelton gets a Twist of Fate! Corbin denies the Twist, but gets Whisper in the Wind instead! Hardy even gets Ali and Shelton on that one! Dunne hits Rollins and Aleister boots Hardy. Dunne gets Aleister’s fingers to SNAP them! But ALeister kicks, only for Dunne to enziguri! But Aleister spins to knee Dunne down! Aleister resets the fingers, but Corbin throws and ELIMINATES Aleister! Fans have another reason to boo Corbin. Corbin tries to do it to Dunne, but Dunne gets the fingers only for McIntyre to CLAYMORE! McIntyre throws Dunne and ELIMINATES him!

#25 arrives and it’s Rey Mysterio! The King of Lucha Libre won back in 2006, can he get another one here? Corbin goes at Mysterio but gets a kick. Mysterio springboards but is caught into a choke slam backbreaker! Shelton tries to drag Ali out with him while Almas stomps Mysterio out. Almas drags Mysterio up for a powerbomb, Mysterio fights back, but Almas still bombs him! Hardy kicks McIntyre away while COrbin is after Rollins. #26 arrives and it’s Bobby Lashley! The Almighty WWE Intercontinental Champion has his Hype Man of the Hour, Lio Rush, with him, but everyone keeps their eyes on him. Could Lashley be the first IC Champ to win a Rumble? Lashley throws Rollins around, but then Rollins baits him in and dumps him out!! Rollins ELIMINATES Lashley so quickly!

But Lashley won’t leave without doing damage, as he drags Rollins out and throws him around! Lio meanwhile clears off the announce desk, and Lashley drags Rollins over. Lashley bounces Rollins off one desk and then picks him up, to SPINEBUSTER him through the other desk! Rollins is down but not out of the Rumble while #27 arrives. It’s BRAUN!! The Monster Among Men got his spot because John Cena could not compete. Will Strowman make the most of this opportunity? Corbin prepares to go after Strowman, but he gets grabbed around the throat. Corbin fights his way out but Strowman clotheslines and ELIMINATES Corbin! Strowman makes sure Corbin knows they’er not done, but he goes after Shelton next. Strowman throws and ELIMINATES Shelton!

Hardy gets up but gets a headbutt. Almas gets body shots and Strowman knees Hardy. Ali and MCintyre brawl while Strowman keeps on Hardy. Mysterio goes after Almas more, slingshot headscisosrs to pull him out! Almas holds on, and #28 arrives. It’s Dolph Ziggler! Strowman and Hardy tumble out, Hardy is ELIMINATED! McIntyre wants after Ziggler but Strowman grabs him. McIntyre headbutts free but Ziggler SUPERKICKS McIntyre! And then ELIMINATES him! Ziggler has his revenge on McIntyre, but then Ali SUPERKICKS Ziggler! Ali climbs up but Almas trips him up. Mysterio wheelbarrows but Almas drops him. Strowman drops Almas with a lariat! Fans rally up behind Strowman as #29 arrives. It’s Randy Orton!

The Viper made a huge impact when he returned with an RKO, but will he be able to do the same thing here? Strowman waits for the Apex Predator, it’s time to prove who’s really at the top of the food chain! Orton ducks Strowman but Strowman denies an RKO to hit a Monster Slam! Almas and Ali fight on the top rope, but Strowman joins in to elevate it. Mysterio, too, for a crossbody SUPERPLEX Electric Chair!! Ziggler goes after Mysterio, Strowman runs at Orton! Orton dodges and Strowman hits the post, but he is not eliminated for falling out. And finally, #30 is R-Truth! Phoenix, What’s Up!? But wait, that’s Nia Jax?! She’s attacking R-Truth!? Nia throws Truth all around and into LED walls! But why!? Because she wants in the MEN’s RUMBLE!

Nia squashes Ziggler and runs over Almas! She boots Mysterio, then drops the elbow! Ali staggers up and sees Nia. He’s caught off guard, but Nia headbutts and Samoan Drops him! Nia ELIMINATES Ali!! But Orton is lurking, but she turns around in time to see him. Fans wonder if he will, but Orton stands tall with Nia. Orton looks to reconsider, but he tries to RKO! Nia denies him, shoulders him to the ropes, then lets Rey Mysterio dial it up! Only to scoop Mysterio! But wait, Ziggler SUPERKICKS Nia! Mysterio dropkicks her to the ropes, and dials it up for a 619 on Nia! Nia staggers more, and NOW RKO!! But Nia’s getting up! Fans cheer “This is Awesome!” but Orton and Mysterio both dump Nia out! But Nia holds on! Mysterio dropkicks and ELIMINATES Nia! Nia had a great showing for a surprise entrant like that.

Orton RKO’s Mysterio and throws him out to ELIMINATE him! But then Almas ELIMINATES Orton! Almas and Ziggler are the only two in the ring, but we know Strowman is somewhere still legal in the match. For now, Almas and Ziggler stare down and start brawling! Ziggler kicks a leg out, but Almas blocks the kick. Almas boots but Ziggler suplexes. Almas slips out to kick, but Ziggler slips out to headbutt! Both men stagger, but Almas chops. Ziggler headbutts again but Almas keeps hitting back. They brawl more, Strowman returns to barrel them both over! Strowman aims at Almas and revs up. He runs corner to corner to squash Almas! Then he does the same to Ziggler!

Strowman remembers Rollins is the other man still legal, so he goes out to run Rollins over! He puts Rollins back in the ring, and now we have our final four: Almas, Ziggler, Rollins and Strowman. Strowman hauls Rollins up, but Rollins slips out. Ziggler SUPERKICKS Strowman! Almas hits CIEN KNEES! Ziggler hits a ZigZag! Rollins climbs up, for a big Frog Splash! Strowman is down but that doesn’t get rid of him. The three others work together to haul him up, but Strowman explodes out, and ELIMINATES Almas! Ziggler and Rollins go after Strowman, but Strowman dumps them out! Rollins and Ziggler hold on, so Strowman builds speed. Strowman hits Ziggler and ELIMINATES him! Rollins dumps Strowman but Strowman holds on. SUPERKICK!

Strowman holds on, Rollins runs, but into a choke slam! Strowman returns and fans are divided. Fans duel “Burn It Down!” and “Get These Hands!” as Strowman scoops Rollins. Strowman goes to throw Rollins but Rollins gets a facelock! Rollins drags Strowman out but they’re still on the apron. Strowman powers Rollins up but Rollins slips out and shoves him into a post. Mule kick and CURB STOMP! Rollins ELIMINATES Strowman, and wins!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, at number 10

The Architect survives and succeeds! Rollins returns to Wrestlemania, but will it be to go after The Beast or the Planet’s Champion?

 

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My Thoughts:

A pretty wild Royal Rumble event from beginning to end, including the Kickoff show matches. The makeshift team against Roode & Gable was odd, but perhaps it’s all to appease The Revival while WWE creative tries to figure out what to do. The Revival have made it clear it’s not a title thing so much as booking of the tag division in general, but I’m not sure this match was going to help anything other than get these guys paid.

The United States Championship and Cruiserweight Champions matches were incredible, and it’s a shame they didn’t get to be main card matches, but there just isn’t time even on such a long event as Royal Rumble. Nakamura wins and that’s great, but I’m not sure who will challenge him now. Buddy Murphy wins which surprised me, I really thought someone else was going to get it. But maybe a coming Cruiserweight will be the one to finally stop him. Of them, I would feel like giving Kushida the title in his first try is best for everyone. Kushida looks amazing stopping the unstoppable, and at least Murphy loses to someone strongly established in the world of Cruiserweight/Junior Heavyweight wrestling.

Becky was truly The Man tonight, from her match with Asuka to her semi-shocking appearance in the Royal Rumble. They did great to plant the seeds of it with Lana getting hurt in connection to Rusev’s loss. Becky VS Asuka in itself was incredible, and it’s great that Asuka won for her own sake. The Women’s Rumble was pretty fun, and I was happy to see some NXT/NXT UK appearances such as Rhea Ripley and both Stardom alumni. Rhea was surely just to fill numbers and give a good powerhouse to be part of the action, but I wonder if Shirai and Kairi appearing means they’ll be called up in time for the Elimination Chamber Women’s Tag Title match. Becky winning is great, and I wonder if that rumored Triple Threat now comes from her wanting a shot at BOTH champions.

The SmackDown Tag Team Championship match was so great. Miz has been doing rather well as a Face, and I like that per their story of finding matching gear, Miz compromised and went with a baseball jersey like Shane wears. I’m happy to see Shane and Miz are the champs, so that at the very least we know this story has more to it before someone turns on someone else. Though I am still wondering if they can’t just let Shane and Miz stay together to then have a Wrestlemania tag team moment. Sasha VS Rousey was also great, it really showed that Sasha was Ronda’s trickiest opponent. But of course, Ronda finds a way to win and we are one step closer to that Triple Threat with Becky and Charlotte. I assume Charlotte will get the title at Chamber of Fastlane.

I don’t know what it was, but for as great as the build was to Bryan VS Styles, something seemed off about the title match. Was everyone, including myself, tired from the great Women’s Rumble moment? Or was the match really not what it should’ve been? There didn’t seem the intensity they meant to bring to the match, and also, what is Rowan doing with Bryan? Bryan must be making the shift from solo Heel to mastermind Heel, which is new for him. But after all, he’s the NEW Daniel Bryan, so maybe he’s trying something.

Then for whatever reason, I got swept up in the excitement of Lesnar VS Finn. That was a great showing for Finn, and Lesnar really was great in selling his bad stomach. But even I knew that when Finn didn’t come out as Demon, he wasn’t going to win, yet I couldn’t help but hope he would. Lesnar wins and of course won’t defend again until Wrestlemania, and it’ll be against Rollins. Rollins has a great time in the Rumble, but the Men’s Rumble got really surreal. Jarrett still dressing like he’s back in his prime, just so Elias can guitar smash him. Filler entrants like Titus, Jose and Hawkins where they got thrown out so ridiculously easy (though it was all by Samoa Joe so that’s okay). The crossovers were great, but I’m thinking this is a sign of Aleister’s call-up more than Gargano’s or Dunne’s.

The biggest surprise wasn’t that Truth got attacked, but that Nia Jax did it! I thought someone else, like Lars Sullivan finally over his condition, would’ve done that. But it was both odd and good that it was Nia. Nia follows in the footsteps of Chyna and Beth Phoenix to be a woman in a men’s match, and she even gets to eliminate someone. Of course, the most interesting part is that she took finishers like the Superkick, 619 and RKO. This is NOT a sign of things to come, because the Rumble is a space for crazy stuff like this, but maybe Nia can use this in story. Again, Rollins wins in a great moment where it almost looked like Strowman would win. We’re not getting the inaugural Universal Championship rematch, but we’re getting a great Wrestlemania match where hopefully, mercifully, Rollins slays The Beast.

My Score: 9/10