How did Royal Rumble stack up when it comes to the Good, Bad and Ugly classifications? Bobby gives us the breakdown.

With a brilliant NXT Takeover in the books, here we are, The Royal Rumble.  The Final Chapter prior to the always over the top, illustrious WrestleMania.  The card is set, the ring ready, the crowd and millions of fans buzzing.  In fact right off the bat a fan behind Coach, was seen giving the double middle finger and being removed.  A lot of passion, and potential here.  All that is left is to tell the story. 

Only question is, will it be Good, Bad or Ugly?

THE GOOD

Non-Title Match- Bobby Roode and Chad Gable (Raw Tag Team Champions) vs. Rezar of AOP and Scott Dawson of The Revival

Scott Dawson and Rezar are big, physical and the better halves of their teams.  This is a Good unique set up.  Another thing, any Bobby Roode is Good Bobby Roode.  Roode would be an awesome win for the actual Royal Rumble as he is Main Event Caliber.  Dawson and Gable did some decent work.  Rezar is a big guy, with the proper direction he could be a major player but he is a long way away.  It was unfortunate that the crowd was so quiet, the match was pretty Good.  Bobby Roode came in on fire.  So talented and the audience loves him.  Dawson hit Rezar by accident leading to Gable and Roode to take advantage.  Gable came in with a big “moonsault/neckbreaker combo” for the Win.  Quick, solid, entertaining match. 

United States Championship Match– Rusev (c) w/ Lana vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

This is a stellar feud.  The US Title is relevant with this level representing it.  It really is a shame it is on the Kickoff Show.  Great to see The Stunning, Lana come out with the Champ.  Rusev much like Roode is a top contender to push up to the Main Event, Heavyweight Championship level storyline.  Rusev was very sharp, hitting picture perfect moves.  Everything looked Good.  Shinsuke is also just so Good.  Everything clicked.  The story was told well, it was physical and detailed.  The “Super-athletes” make this look so easy.   It looked like it could go either way, then Rusev was locked into a series of submissions.  Lana stopped Nakamura from cheating, but got destroyed by Rusev off the apron.  Nakamura took full advantage and hit a knee to the back of the head for the Win becoming the New United States Champion. 

Fatal 4-Way Cruiserweight Championship Match– Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami

Although the hopes aren’t high for this one, it will at the least be entertaining.  Obvious to some, Hideo Itami is in another league in this match.  It is surprising that he isn’t seen more, on either Raw or SmackDown.  Buddy Murphy is a viable argument as well for that honor.  He did absolutely amazing throwing around Kalisto and Tozawa.  We saw Good stuff from everyone involved.  Some really unique spots that stunned the crowd.  Kalisto was a maniac tonight.  The whole match was put together well, and greatly entertaining.  The ending was just insane!  Everyone hitting strikes, finishers, all hell broke loose, but it was The Champion, Buddy Murphy and his knee strikes from Down Under and a “Murphy’s Law” for the victory, retaining the Cruiserweight Championship.  Awesome match and overall awesome Kickoff Show!

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match– Asuka (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Opening Match!  Becky Lynch, The Superstar, The Man, the most popular figure in Professional Wrestling, looked ready!  Asuka hasn’t stopped being ready and came out pumped.  The crowd was so loud at times.  Becky Lynch was a different bread in this match.  She would not back down or back off, she just kept attacking.  Asuka did what she knows how to do, and fought back!  They were killing each other on the outside, jocking for position, and upping each other’s moves.  Lynch did what she had to do to take down the “Empress.”  Asuka did everything she could but just was overcome by “The Man” every time.  This got extreme with a nasty “Fisherman neckbreaker” devasting Becky Lynch.  Lynch came back with a “Super-expoder” which looked amazing.   Asuka got the “Disarmer” on Lynch but was quickly revered into an “Asuka Lock” by Lynch.  Lynch then got her into her own “Disarmer, but was rolled up for a 2-count.  Asuka got Becky Lynch in a modified “Asuka Lock” she then modified into a “Chicken Wing” but then sprung forward into a bridge.  Lynch tapped, in a fantastic Championship Match.  This match was Great all around.   

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match– The Bar (c) vs. The Miz & Shane McMahon

The opening shot of Shamus in the spotlight is incredible.  It really is a cool opening.  Unexpectedly, Shane just attacked Shamus, shocking the big brute.  Cesaro took over and was challenged by the Miz.  Once The Bar got going though, they kept it up.  This match was all about team work, each guy was there for their partner.  Shamus was stiff on the Miz, he really laid into him, and Cesaro expertly took him apart.  Shane was ready to pop n the corner.  He came in hot, unstoppable, hitting The Bar with everything in his arsenal.  Finally setting The Bar for a 2-1 “Coast to Coast,” but Cesaro cut it off taking him “Round the World.”  Shane still managed a “triangle” which was successful until Shamus broke it up.  Shane then kicked out of “White Noise” which is insane.  Shamus then hit Cesaro with an accidental “borough kick” and got “Skull Crushing Finale, followed by a “Shooting Star press onto Cesaro by Shane to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.  The sweet victory continued as Miz got to have a moment with his Father.  That was a Good touch.  Good match, good story, onto the next one!

Raw Women’s Championship Match– Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks oozes confidence.   They both looked great!  Awesome gear, and obviously confident.  Rousey handled herself well, she literally held her own against Sasha Banks.  They were stiff and personal with each other and it looked Good.  Banks started getting momentum being in full control, wearing down on the Champion.  Banks brutally tried to rip Rousey’s arm off, doing all she could.  Rousey then got caught into a “Bank’s Statement.”  Rousey could not get control even getting “superplexed.”  Rousey again recovered and delivered a series of “judo throws” and took over.  These two were tired, hurt and spent but still kept going.  Sasha Banks got desperate during a “bank statement”, using her gear to pull and gag Rousey.  However she again fought back hitting a “Piper’s Pit” for the victory.  This was just another superior performance.  Hell of a Match again!  The mutual respect at the end was a Good touch as was the “4 Horsewomen” gesture of Sasha Banks. 

WWE Heavyweight Championship Match (SmackDown)- Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles

Everyone already knows of the talent here.  Two of the very best.  The Royal Rumble is not the place to see them fail.  Expertly put together this went smoothly.  They really went at it, stiff with authority.  They pushed each other to the limits from start to finish.  The two superstars kept trying to outdo each other.  This was very violent.  Styles and Bryan went all out leaving it all on the line.  This New Daniel Bryan just tried to inflict as much punishment as he could while AJ Styles would constantly counter even worse.  Daniel Bryan went in for the kill with tons of kicks and stomps.  AJ gain would counter.  Styles impressively flipped out of a back suplex off the top and did a great pinning combination into a “calf crusher.”  Then Rowen came down seen for the first time in recent memory.  The Ref got knocked out, AJ Styles had the match won, but Rowan attacked AJ Styles.  The ref came to, Daniel Bryan covers for the win.  Daniel Bryan Retains the WWE Championship.  Rowen and Daniel Bryan then teamed up dismantling “The Phenomenal One.” So Fickle!  But it was a sick match.         

Universal Championship Match (Raw) Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Finn Balor

We needed the Demon, but we did Not get him.  Lesnar looked extra mean and ready to take care of business.  Balor without the never-ending power of the Demon makes you wonder how he could ever defeat the Beast.  Well, he decided to come out full steam and attack.  Lesnar took back control with a single “belly to belly.”  Lesnar bullied Balor around but only momentarily as Finn came back.  Lesnar got hurt on the announce table hitting the corner.  Whenever Lesnar got close he would just hurl Balor around.  Balor worked Lesnar’s inner leg where he seemed to be hurt.  Lesnar again though would just devastate Balor every chance he got.  Out of Nowhere Lesnar went for the “F5” but was countered into a huge DDT, then Balor went on the offense again, non-stop action.  Balor would not stop, Lesnar was hurt.  Balor went for a “coupe de grace” hit it but Lesnar kicked out and put Balor in the “kimura lock.”  Lesnar retains the Universal Title.  Lesnar then destroyed what was left of Balor with complete disrespect and finished with an “F5.”

Woman’s Royal Rumble

Lacey Evans and Natalya opened the Rumble, decent choices, surprising.  It was also surprising they would give Lacey Evans or anyone the mic before the actual Match in this spot.  That aside, Good stuff.  Mandy Rose entered 3 with authority but got into a “double sharpshooter” for her trouble. Liv Morgan came and within a blink of an eye was thrown out by Nattie.  The Veteran Mickie James followed then by the highly anticipated Ember Moon.  Billie Kay came out next but wouldn’t enter the ring.  Nikki Cross took Billie Kay down on the outside then crashed onto the whole group in the ring.  The very talented Peyton Royce came out hot and immediately helped her bestie.  Tamina Snuka strutted her way down next and made a huge impact taking out everyone one by one.  Mickie James was then eliminated just as Xia Li made her entrance.  The first Chinese Woman to compete in the WWE. She led with powerful and dominant kicks.  Sarah Logan then came next.  Nikki Cross was then violently thrown out by the IIconics.  The next one was a big one, The Queen Charlotte Flair.  Everyone swarmed her as she is a major threat, and rightfully so as she took charge once she got up.  The IIconics were both thrown out then by Lacey Evans which was impressive.  Xia Li then followed via Charlotte.  Then a favorite, Kairi Sane entered to a very happy ovation.  As if a blessing Tamina then was eliminated.  Sane came in hard gong hard diving in then going after Charlotte who welcomed the challenge.  Sane and Natalya then throw out Logan before Natalya attacked Sane.  Maria then entered, and did some work on the group of competitors.  Naomi then got a good spot at 16^th and got to throw out Mandy Rose, got pulled out by Rose then managed to not touch the floor.  She put on a show but was then drilled down by Mandy Rose.  Another surprise Candace Larae entered followed by Alicia Fox.  Maria was then eliminated by Fox but newbie Casey Capisaro entered.  Zelina Vega was next, followed by Ruby Riott who came with her girls, (Morgan and Logan).  They destroyed Charlotte on the outside, followed by Fox.  Zelina Vega then hid under the ring.  Alicia Fox then eliminated by Riott, then Candace Larae.  Dana Brooke came out very hot, ready to go fighting everyone until the Riott Squad again attacked.  Io Shirai then came to her friends’ aid fighting off the Riott Squad, and took revenge.  The very impressive Rhea Ripley then came out and everyone went crazy.  Casey Capisaro then got thrown out but fought back in only to be overpowered and eliminated by Rhea Ripley.  Sonya Deville was next.  Dana Brooke was sent out by Rhea Ripley and Zelina Vega was then chased by Hornswoggle before getting tossed by Rhea Ripley.  Next up “The Goddess” and my God it is about damn time.  Unfortunately Sonya Deville was then eliminated.  But was followed up by fan favorite Bayley.  She quickly got rid of Ruby Riott, Rhea Ripley and continued her assault.  Number 28 was Lana who was injured earlier in the night by Rusev, she just couldn’t continue to the ring.  She is a no-go.  29, Nia Jax who then beat the hell out of Lana, brutally attacking her before going to the ring.  Jax was just a force in there.  Io Shirai and Natalya, and was thrown out by Jax.  #30 of course is Carmella.   Becky Lynch then came out demanding be put in for Lana with the whole world yelling behind her.  Fit Finley then obliged.  The Man was greeted by Nia Jax and the whole crew but was on fire.  Alexa Bliss devastated Ember Moon on the apron eliminating her.  Carmella and Bayley threw out Alexa Bliss.  Nia Jax was about to break Lynch’s face again but was saved by Charlotte.   Carmella was then eliminated by Charlotte.  Unfortunately Bailey was then eliminated by Charlotte/Nia Jax.  Jax took out Charlotte and Lynch and Becky rolled out via bottom rope.  Jax and Charlotte then went on to fight it out.  Charlotte even got Nia Jax up but couldn’t hold.  Jax went over and was pulled down by Lynch leaving the final two.  Flair vs Lynch.  However Nia Jax then attacked Lynch hurting her knee.  Lynch bravely went back in, denying Flair satisfaction.  Flair just destroyed Lynch, but Lynch fought back and ultimately won the Royal Rumble.  The Man will be going to Wrestlemania.  Wow!  Well Done!                

Men’s Royal Rumble

Elias, who better for #1.  #2 Jeff Jarrett which is just genius.  It seemed a concert was about to take place but Elias had other plans.  Jarrett looked Good in there but didn’t last long getting eliminated, right before Shinsuke Nakamura entered.  Then Kurt Angle the 2^nd HOF’er then entered followed by Big E.  Angle got thrown out but Johnny Gargano aka Johnny Rumble made an impact.  Jinder Mahal was next and brought some heat.  Johnny Wrestling then kicked Mahal out of the Rumble.  The Singh Brothers were then punished for their actions by Big E and Elias.  Samoa Joe one of the most dangerous men in a match like this came next eliminating Big E.  Curt Hawkins came out and kept running out of the ring but got caught up in the “coquina clutch but got out and hid under the ring.  Then Seth Rollins, “the King Slayer” the heavy favorite drew #10 and got out the #1 man Elias.  Titus O’Neil came down and the whole world was watching.  He did not trip this time but decided to hide under the ring apparently to fish out Hawkins, who then eliminated Titus right away but then was eliminated by Samoa Joe.  Kofi Kingston who is a Royal Rumble veteran with 12 of them, came next.  He is always exciting in the Royal Rumble.  Someone equally exciting, next is Mustafa Ali, in his first Royal Rumble, he made a big move knocking out Shinsuke Nakamura.  Another big one, Dean Ambrose was next.  Kofi Kingston as always put on a show keeping his feet off the ground at all cost.  Gargano was then eliminated by Ambrose.  15 goes to No Way Jose with his whole crew but was immediately eliminated and not a second too soon by Samoa Joe.  The dance continued of course as always.  Back to business, Drew McIntyre finally arrives at 16, he beat the hell out of the “conga line” and rolled to the ring.  McIntyre is a sick force in there.  Xavier Woods is next saving Kofi Kingston once again, however McIntyre then quickly eliminated both Woods and Kingston.  NXT UK’s Champion Pete Dunn is next and he beat down the big boys, well everyone.  Dunn took out the whole ring before Andrade came out at 19.  Apollo Crews then came out at #20.  As said he could be interesting, but not as much so as Aleister Black who drew 21.  He is a serious person to be coming in so late.  He eliminated Ambrose.  Shelton Benjamin then entered.  Samoa Joe finally got taken out by Ali.  Baron Corbin was next, eliminating Crews.  Jeff Hardy drew 24.  Corbin then threw out Aleister Black, Drew McIntyre then got Pete Dunne.  Rey Mysterio got a decent #25.  Bobby Lashley the Intercontinental Champion another big guy so late, unfortunately he went right out, but he pulled Rollins out and threw him through a table.  Not be ever be taken lightly, Braun Strowman is #27, taking out Baron Corbin right away, followed by Shelton Benjamin.  #28 Dolph Ziggler a big surprise, while Jeff Hardy is eliminated.  Ziggler eliminated McIntyre.  Randy Orton was #29 but was cut off by Strowman.  We saw a huge 4 person suplex off of Strowman which was outstanding. And of course R-Truth 30, but Nia Jax beat the hell out of R-Truth and took his spot.  Nia Jax staked her claim.  Jax threw out Ali then countered an “RKO.”  She then took it to Rey Mysterio but was “superkicked” by Ziggler and got a “619” and an “RKO.” She was then eliminated by Mysterio and Orton.  Orton then hit an “RKO” on Mysterio and eliminated him but was also thrown out by Andrade.  Ziggler and Andrade remain, and Strowman and Rollins on the outside.  Strowman then took control momentarily, before getting hit from all directions but Strowman got Andrade eliminated, then Ziggler.  Rollins almost got Strowman.  The last two, Rollins and Strowman.  Rollins wins via stomp on the apron.  Seth Rollins is going to Wrestlemania.         

THE BAD and THE UGLY:  Didn’t see anything close.

FINAL

GOOD- Perfect 10

BAD- 0

UGLY- 0 NO WAY!

OVERALL-  Fantastic, perfect 10 matches.  This was more than a Good show, it was Great.  That is the way PPV’s are supposed to go.  Some we knew, some we didn’t know.  There was a lot of excitement and it met expectations if not exceeded them. 

Wow!  This one is in the books!  A lot of moves, surprises, and overall usual WWE flavor.  If this is how the rest of the Road to Wrestelmania will go, we will all be in for a Blockbuster.  This was a very enjoyable night as part of a great time to be a fan.  Hope you enjoyed!  See you this week with more Good, Bad and Ugly.