6 Things WWE subtly told us at Royal Rumble 2021: Dream WrestleMania match for Roman Reigns, No more heat between real-life rivals? (January 31st, 2021)

#2 Drew McIntyre has leveled up after his Royal Rumble win over Goldberg?

Respect in defeat for Goldberg

Drew McIntyre vs Goldberg for the WWE title opened the Royal Rumble PPV. It was a good way to start the show since it was never going to be a long match. To add to that, putting it in between matches would have made it a cool-off match, and fans would have likely had less interest either.

Does he have your respect now, @DMcIntyreWWE? #RoyalRumble @Goldberg pic.twitter.com/svoYHxde8k

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 1, 2021

As expected, the WWE title match at the Royal Rumble lasted less than three minutes and comprised of three moves - The spear, jackhammer, and Claymore Kick.

It was an entertaining 2-and-a-half minutes nonetheless, and thankfully, Drew McIntyre retained the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. It's WWE's way of saying that Drew McIntyre has taken it to the next level. As great as all his WWE title defenses have been, Goldberg is the biggest win he's had since Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36.

Thank you, @Goldberg #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/R7ObvsxOk2

— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) February 1, 2021

After the Royal Rumble, we can't see anyone else walking into WrestleMania as the WWE Champion. Drew McIntyre has been too good to deny. If Goldberg couldn't take the WWE title off him at the Royal Rumble, nobody can until the time is right.