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The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated PPVs for wrestling fans worldwide. Of course, the results are well-known to every wrestling fan on the planet, but just in case you were on your trip to Mars, Shinsuke Nakamura won the prestigious match this year.
Allow us to take you through other iconic moments from the match in chronological order.
#1 Sheamus eliminated by Heath Slater
This was one of the biggest shockers of this year’s Royal Rumble match. Slater was beaten by a couple of other superstars before he could even enter the ring. Finally, he was made to enter the ring by the 'Celtic Warrior'.
However, what happened next wasn’t expected at all. The four-time World Champion, Sheamus, was eliminated as soon as he stepped foot in the ring by the man who has 'Got Kids'.
This was indeed one of the hilarious moments of the match.
#2 Kofi saved his day, again
Over the years, Kofi Kingston has earned name and fame in the Royal Rumble match by his rather unique styles of avoiding eliminations. In the past, he has used a chair as well as fellow wrestlers as a prop to avoid stepping foot on the ground.
This year was no different as his faction, the New Day, tossed him inside the ring even though Jinder Mahal tried his best to stop him.
Indeed, friends in need are the friends indeed.
#3 Hurricane tried to chokeslam John Cena
Gregory Helms, aka 'The Hurricane', made his return to the WWE ring after eight long years. He has always been a fan favourite with his superhero persona.
This past Sunday was no different as he tried to chokeslam the sixteen time World Champion. Although, he couldn’t get the job done. he was able to gain huge roars from the crowd thanks to his signature poses at ringside.
Notably, Hurricane was eliminated by Triple H and Stone Cold in 2002 when he tried to chokeslam both the legends at the same time.
#4 Miz kicks in Bryan’s fashion
In the second half of 2016, The Miz and Daniel Bryan were involved in one of the most intense interviews when Bryan accused Miz of fighting like a coward. Tears rolled back in the eyes of the Miz as he was infuriated and had a heated exchange of words with Bryan which led to Bryan moving out of the interview set.
Come 2018, The Miz used the manoeuvre which Daniel Bryan made famous as he kicked John Cena and Seth Rollins side by side.
#5 Reigns Eliminated Seth Rollins
Reigns now has two for two when it comes to eliminating Seth Rollins in a Royal Rumble match. Moments after the duo got together to eliminate The Miz using The Shield’s signature powerbomb, Reigns made sure that 'The Architect' flew over the top rope as well.
During the Royal Rumble match in 2014, Roman Reigns eliminated both Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose in one of the major shockers in that year’s match. Notably, Reigns eliminated the record 12 men that year.
#6 Ziggler’s early Elimination
Dolph Ziggler returned as the final entrant in this year’s match after weeks in exile. However, he lasted only for two minutes and faced elimination at the hands of Finn Balor.
Dolph Ziggler made a lot of buzzes when he relinquished the United States Championship a couple of weeks back. Many fans believed that would be a legitimate storyline for pushing him to the top as the main event draw.
However, the entire buzz turned into hoopla with the unexpected early elimination of 'The Showoff'.
#7 Passing the torch
This was one of the most notable moments of the match as the final six divided themselves into two teams for a short while. In one corner were John Cena, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio, and in another team were Roman Reigns, Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura.
It appeared that the veterans were challenged by the young lads of WWE. Indeed, this was one of the moments which symbolized that the torch has been passed.
Notably, each veteran was eliminated by a different young wrestler; Orton by Reigns, Mysterio by Balor and Cena by Nakamura.
#8 Finn Balor’s elimination
This was arguably the most heartbreaking moment of the match. The Irish wrestler entered at number two and lasted for a gruelling 57 minutes in the match.
Balor pulled off a gutsy performance in the match which resonates with his immense potential. Many expected him to win the match.
He might have lost the match but has certainly won the hearts. Fans would love to see him in one of the final three matches at WrestleMania 34.
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