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After months of anticipation, Royal Rumble 2022 completed its proceedings on January 29. The eponymous contests were the most awaited ones.
The men's edition of the 30-superstar battle royal was the main event of the night. It was an unexpectedly fast-paced event that ended in 51 minutes and 30 seconds, the shortest edition since 2010.
Not many superstars got the chance to impress fans with their performances. Moreover, only one entrant emerges as the victor, and 29 superstars have to leave empty-handed.
Speaking of those 29 superstars, a few of them exceeded our expectations. But it's not sunshine and rainbows for everyone. A few had their hopes crushed earlier than expected.
Our list will focus on five superstars who should have survived longer in the Men's Royal Rumble Match.
#5. AJ Styles should have survived until the very last
AJ Styles was this year's Iron Man for the main event. However, it didn't seem sufficient.
Having entered the ring at #1, everyone had high hopes for The Phenomenal One. While there were seeds of doubt planted for Brock Lesnar's entry, a majority of fans wanted Styles to triumph.
He had a brilliant outing as he eliminated six superstars (Shinsuke Nakamura, Robert Roode, Austin Theory, Ridge Holland, Sami Zayn, and Omos), better than anyone else.
The way he eliminated Nakamura and played a vital part in Omos' elimination, it was being perceived that he may stand tall in the event. The former WWE Champion survived for 29 minutes and 6 seconds, better than all competitors. However, it would've been satisfactory if Styles survived for a longer duration.
His final ranking was #17, which does not define who AJ Styles is. Considering that Brock Lesnar and Shane McMahon entered late into the match, it would've been better if The Phenomenal One interacted with these stars with whom he has a history.
#4. The Royal Rumble training didn't benefit Dominik Mysterio
For weeks, Rey Mysterio trained Dominik Mysterio about the basics of the Rumble. Their segments, especially alongside The Street Profits, were delightful to watch.
Many expected Dominik to utilize his training in the 30-man match and make it to the final four or five. It was also speculated that Dominik would be the man behind Rey Mysterio's elimination.
However, contrary to what everyone expected, Dominik got his hopes crushed way early into the match. The fact that he was eliminated even before Rey Mysterio entered the match was baffling.
#3. Big E couldn't make a mark at the Royal Rumble
Big E entered the year as the reigning WWE Champion. What felt like the beginning of the prime of his career was the beginning of his downfall.
Since losing his title at the WWE Day 1, he has been on a losing spree. While it was expected that he may triumph in this year's Rumble, not even once did he seem like a contender during the match.
Randy Orton & Riddle tossed him over the top rope, ending his struggle. Moreover, he couldn't manage to interact with Brock Lesnar, the person behind his downfall.
It was an unfortunate day for The New Day as King Woods didn't enter the Rumble, and, for the first time, Kofi Kingston failed to save himself.
#2. Shinsuke Nakamura was eliminated way too early
The Men's Royal Rumble started on a high note when the first two entrants were AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, respectively.
The history between the two titans assured a spectacle in the beginning. However, Nakamura's performance was nowhere near his standards.
The Rockstar of WWE spent 5 minutes and 51 seconds and couldn't accumulate any elimination to his name. Moreover, he was the second superstar after Robert Roode to get thrown over the top rope.
Meanwhile, his ally Rick Boogs showed spectacular dominance in the ring. Analyzing the situation, a feud between the two for the Intercontinental title seems inevitable.
#1. Randy Orton failed to survive long in the Royal Rumble
Perhaps the favorite to stand tall in the Rumble, Randy Orton failed to impress with his performance in St. Louis, Missouri, his hometown.
Every eye was set on the timer for #29. Though the majority of the viewers had already speculated it was Orton who'd step foot next, no one could stop themselves from shouting once his theme song played.
The Apex Predator survived only 2 minutes and 21 seconds as his time was cut short by The Beast Incarnate. More than anything, we couldn't witness Randy Orton executing an RKO outta nowhere on Brock Lesnar.
