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This was one great weekend for professional wrestling. It began with NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, a show that set the bar (due apologies, Sheamus and Cesaro). Then came the NJPW Sapporo show, another event that was off the charts.
WWE had a massive task on their hands with the Royal Rumble. Not only did they deliver, they over-delivered this evening, we thought. This was one of the better pay-per-view events in a while.
We will take a look at all the action that went down at the Royal Rumble, and analyse various aspects of the show. Please do share your valuable inputs and insights in the comments!
There were more positives than negatives on this night, and so let's begin with what we liked, first!
#1 Best: Nostalgia
It was a historic night, and we are glad to report that the men and especially women who paved the path for the superstars of today had a chance to be a part of it. Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix, Lita, Molly Holly, Jacqueline and so many other women competed in a match for the ages, at the Royal Rumble.
It was great to see the Nia Jax-Beth Phoenix showdown during the Women's Royal Rumble match. It was great to see Rey Mysterio and The Hurricane return for the Men's match too. All in all, if you've grown up watching and loving professional wrestling, this was a night for you to remember!
Another thing we loved about the Royal Rumble was how the legends did not win the matches they appeared in. In many ways, they were an ancillary part of the matches themselves, as they helped the younger generation get over.
To everyone that appeared on this night- 'You still got it!' We wonder if Rey Mysterio was brought back to bolster the Cruiserweight Division in the absence of Enzo Amore.
#1 Worst: A predictable outcome
For a long time, we've known that Brock Lesnar will take on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 34. Sadly, that made the Universal Title match very easy to predict. The match was entertaining for what it really was. Unfortunately, we feel WWE missed a chance to make a new star.
It should have been Braun Strowman's night, honestly. He gets the loudest pops in the WWE Universe. He's a full-time performer that the crowd is really into.
Of course, Lesnar vs Strowman at WrestleMania 34 won't be a bad match. However, the fact that the match was planned so well in advance probably thwarted Strowman's deserving push.
It was easy to tell from the very beginning that Kane was only in the match to take the pinfall, and really, little more.
#2 Best: Ronda Rousey
We loved how Ronda Rousey was introduced. Some of the fans in attendance were disappointed that she wasn't Number 30 in the Women's Rumble. Thankfully, it was Trish Stratus, and nobody was dissatisfied. They were Stratus-fied.
When Asuka won the Women's Royal Rumble, Rousey stepped out, wearing Roddy Piper's gear and a jacket that once belonged to the legend. Of course, Roddy Piper conferred the 'Rowdy' nickname to Rousey. And yes, Rousey has been a lifelong wrestling fan.
We liked how Rousey did not cut a promo, or appear to be a dark, brooding character. Instead, she just pointed at the WrestleMania sign following the Women's Royal Rumble.
A fitting conclusion to what had been a truly historic night!
#2 Worst: Bobby Roode's mystery opponent
After all, the action has concluded and the smoke has cleared, it may be difficult to remember the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show. We have one major complaint from the same, that we will outline here.
Mojo Rawley stepped up to the plate, to accept Bobby Roode's US Title Open Challenge. This was disappointing. We expected someone like Dolph Ziggler to answer the challenge.
Ziggler did appear during the Royal Rumble match, and while he did get an initial pop, the effect fizzled out. He may have been better served in the US Title challenge.
#3 Best: Giving the fans what they want
Heading into the Royal Rumble, everyone wanted Nakamura and Asuka to win. For a change, WWE actually heard the prayers of the WWE Universe. How often does that happen, right? We were enthralled at the outcome.
We now have a dream match in AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura, and a probable Asuka classic too, to look forward to, at WrestleMania 34. Now, this is awesome!
#3 Worst: Faulty match placement?
It was a shocker to see that the Men's Royal Rumble match was at the halfway point, during this historic show. The crowd was exhausted considering they counted down twenty-eight times through the night and cheered for Nakamura. The following match suffered immensely. Rollins and Jordan, as well as Cesaro and Sheamus, deserved better.
Congratulations to Sheamus who became RAW Tag Team Champion on his birthday. That was possibly the only positive development from the said match.
#4 Best/worst: Usos vs Benjamin/Gable
It is almost customary in any 2-out-of-three falls match, to go to the third fall. Both teams win one round each, and the final one decides the outcome of the contest. The Usos retained their championship in two falls. The second one came immediately after the first.
We wonder if WWE ran short of time. Or instead, if this was the plan all along. Whatever, it was, we had mixed feelings about the match because it should have been more exciting considering the calibre of the performers.
In any case, we thank you for reading this post-show review. We hope we captured the magic of almost six hours of excitement into these seven little pages.
On that note, we say goodbye to say, and so does the evergreen Trish Stratus!
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