The 2018 Royal Rumble aired live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Tonight… we rumble again.#RoyalRumble 2018 is now streaming LIVE on @WWENetwork. #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/ROYQ3BebP4
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Kickoff Show Results:
- Kalisto, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik defeated TJP, Jack Gallagher & Drew Gulak
- The Revival defeated Gallows & Anderson
- Bobby Roode defeated Mojo Rawley
A GLORIOUS #USTitle defense is COMPLETE as @REALBobbyRoode successfully retains on #RoyalRumble Kickoff! pic.twitter.com/xhMoEbrsBp
— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2018
Both the RAW & SmackDown Tag Team Championships were defended tonight. AJ Styles defended his WWE Championship in a Handicap match against Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens. Brock Lesnar put his Universal Championship on the line against Kane and Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat match. The road to WrestleMania also officially began as both a women’s and men’s Royal Rumble took place. The winners of the Royal Rumble matches now have a title shot at WrestleMania 34.
Here are takeaways from WWE Royal Rumble 2018:
AJ Styles Is Still WWE Champion After Controversial Finish
The Handicap match for the WWE Championship kicked off Royal Rumble 2018. AJ Styles put his title on the line against both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. If Owens & Zayn win, they will become the first ever co-WWE Champions.
The Philly crowd chanted “AJ Styles” right when the match started. AJ and Owens started off the match as Sami was on the ring apron. Owens immediately tagged in Sami and then Zayn tagged Owens back in before Styles could confront them. Owens took a kick to the midsection and then jogged across the ring to tag in Zayn.
Styles went for a roll-up but Sami kicked out. Zayn then tagged in Owens once again and Styles shouted “come on!”. AJ put himself between Owens and Zayn so that Owens couldn’t tag out. Owens proceeded to roll out of the ring, run to the corner, slide back into the ring and tag in Zayn.
AJ hit Sami with a Dropkick and Zayn once again tagged out. Owens charged at AJ and knocked him to the corner. Owens stomped on AJ for a few times and shouted “and that is why this is my show!”. Owens tagged Sami back in and he continued to beatdown AJ in the corner.
Styles battled back and hit a couple of chops but Sami responded with a Back Body Drop for a two count. Owens tagged in and launched AJ into the turnbuckle. The action spilled out of the ring and Owens launched AJ into the barricade. Back in the ring, Owens hit a Double Stomp on AJ’s chest and tagged Sami back in.
Zayn connected with a couple of jabs and taunted AJ a bit for applying a Chin Lock. AJ backed Sami into the corner but Owens tagged himself back in. AJ punched Sami off the ring apron and hit Owens with a couple of chops. Owens lifted Styles up in the electric chair and dropped him face first to the canvas for a two count.
Owens applied a Headlock but AJ broke the hold with a couple of elbows to the ribs. Owens went for the Cannonball in the corner of the ring but AJ got out of the way. Owens landed on his leg that he injured on SmackDown this past Tuesday. Owens quickly tagged Sami Zayn back in the match. AJ delivered a Hurricanrana off the top rope to Sami Zayn.
Owens tagged back in and walked directly into a Pele Kick from the WWE Champion. Owens tagged out and Sami went for the Helluva Kick but Styles was ready. AJ booted Sami in the face, went for a Moonsault off the second rope, landed on his feet and transitioned into a reverse DDT. Owens tagged back in and AJ locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring as Sami Zayn was knocked to the floor outside the ring.
Sami slid back into the ring just in time and broke the hold before Owens tapped out. Owens went for a roll-up but AJ kicked out. Owens charged at Styles but AJ got out of the way and Owens crashed into the ring post. Sami tagged himself back in and Owens hit a cheap shot Superkick to Styles on the ring apron. Sami planted Styles with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count.
Zayn hit AJ with a couple of chops in the corner and then perched Styles up on the top rope. AJ broke free and slammed Sami into the middle turnbuckle. Owens went for another cheap shot on the apron but AJ was ready and knocked him to the floor. AJ then connected with the Phenomenal Forearm to Sami and went for the cover but Owens broke it up at the last second.
AJ and Sami traded punches to the face. AJ got the better of the exchange and lifted Sami onto his shoulders. Sami went for the tag but couldn’t tag Owens. AJ then launched Sami out of the ring and Owens attacked AJ from behind with a Superkick. Owens went for a Pop-up Powerbomb but Styles countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory.
A phenomenal effort by a PHENOMENAL CHAMPION as @AJStylesOrg survives @FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn to retain his #WWEChampionship! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/9TYB4DFsD6
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
After the match, Owens and Zayn approached Shane McMahon backstage. They demanded that Shane not let a referee cost them another match. Sami asked if Shane saw it and Shane replied with a big grin on his face, “yep”. Shane then walked away as Owens lost his mind.
Did #SDLive Commissioner @shanemcmahon see what just happened in the #WWEChampionship match?
YEP! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/CtqSJqKmkp
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
It looks like this storyline is continuing on SmackDown. Sami and Owens have a legitimate complaint here, as Zayn clearly never tagged out. This match was more entertaining than I thought it was going to be. I figured there would be some kind of controversial finish. I’d rather it had been this than Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan arguing ringside and distracting from the match.
The Usos Easily Retained Their Titles
The Usos defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable in a 2 out of 3 falls match.
Jimmy Uso controlled the match early and hit Gable with a couple of chops in the corner. Benjamin tagged himself in and Jimmy Uso didn’t realize it. Gable hit a chop block to Jimmy’s knee and then Shelton slammed it into the ring post. Shelton targeted his attack on Jimmy’s knee and locked in a submission hold in the middle of the ring. Gable tagged in and continued to attack the knee.
Benjamin tagged back in and continued to stomp on Jimmy’s knee. Gable and Benjamin kneed Jimmy in the face and then sprinted across the ring and kneed Jey off the apron. Benjamin posed for the crowd for a moment and this allowed Jimmy some time to regroup. Jimmy connected with an Enziguri and finally tagged Jey into the match.
Gable tagged in and was immediately knocked out of the ring. Jey threw Shelton out of the ring as well and then leaped onto both of them outside the ring. The action returned to the ring and Jey climbed up to the top rope. Jey missed with the Splash but landed on his feet. Benjamin kneed Jey in the face from outside the ring and then Gable hit a Tiger Suplex for a two count.
Benjamin tagged back in and went for the tandem Powerbomb off the top. Jimmy Uso broke it up but Gable connected with a Dropkick that knocked him to the corner. Shelton then Powerbombed Jey onto Jimmy in the corner and connected with Paydirt to Jey Uso for a two count. Both Usos were thrown out of the ring and Chad Gable delivered an awesome Moonsault onto them outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Gable went to cover Jimmy Uso but the referee told him that was the wrong Uso. Gable then got hit with two Superkicks and a Splash from Jey but somehow still kicked out. Jimmy and Jey then hit a double Superkick on Chad Gable and picked up the first pinfall victory. The Usos now lead 1-0.
Benjamin got back intot he ring and launched Jey Uso into the ring post. Gable and Benjamin beatdown both Jimmy and Jey. Gable and Benjamin connected with the tandem Powerbomb to Jimmy Uso outside the ring. Back in the ring, Gable hit an overhead kick and tagged in Benjamin. Gable climbed to the top rope but Jey Uso rolled up Shelton for the victory. The Usos won the match 2-0 and are still SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
And just minutes later… The @WWEUsos SWEEP to retain the #SDLive #TagTeamTitles!#Usos – 2??@WWEGable & @Sheltyb803 – 0??#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/FbEEPySDDY
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
I was really looking forward to this match. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly as good as I thought it was going to be and the ending felt random. I wanted to see Gable & Benjamin at least be built up as a legit team on SmackDown. Getting swept by The Usos doesn’t accomplish that.
The Right Superstar Won The Men’s Royal Rumble
The men’s Royal Rumble started just before the second hour of the PPV. The winner of the match will go on to get a title shot at WrestleMania 34.
#1. Aiden English came down to the entrance ramp and performed a song about Rusev Day. Rusev then came down to the ring as the first entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble. The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev entered the ring.
#RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RusevDay #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/Rj7Yk3S8Y2
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
#2. Finn Balor was the second entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble.
Despite entering at #2??, @FinnBalor is ALL SMILES for his FIRST #RoyalRumble match! #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/DCyEGnzfmL
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Balor and Rusev tried to eliminate each other for a bit. Balor hit Rusev with a Dropkick.
#3. Rhyno was the third Superstar in the Royal Rumble. The crowd chanted “ECW!” as he marched towards the ring. Rhyno and Rusev traded punches. Rhyno got the advantage and connected with a Belly to Belly Suplex. Rhyno then planted Balor with a Suplex as well. Rusev connected with a spinning kick that knocked Rhyno to the mat.
#4. Baron Corbin was the fourth entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble. Corbin leveled Rusev with a Clothesline but was slammed to the mat by Rhyno. Rhyno set up for the Gore but Corbin countered it into a Deep Six. Corbin then eliminated Rhyno. Finn Balor eliminated Baron Corbin from behind. Corbin lost it and attacked Rusev and Balor outside the ring. Security tried to restrain Corbin but it didn’t work out too well.
#5. Heath Slater was the fifth entrant in the rumble but walked right into a Clothesline from Corbin. Baron finally walked backstage as Slater, Rusev and Balor were on the floor outside the ring.
#5?? = @HeathSlaterOMRB…who just got BULLDOZED by the recently-eliminated @BaronCorbinWWE! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/7Cyg6r1qeP
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#6. Elias was the sixth entrant in the rumble and came down to the entrance ramp with his guitar. Elias strolled down the entrance ramp while strumming his guitar. He took a brief break and booted Slater in the face. Elias brought his guitar into the empty ring and stated that the countdown clock will not start until he is done giving the crowd the performance of the year. Elias’ song was interrupted by the countdown.
#7. NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas was the seventh entrant in the rumble. Almas competed in an unreal match against Johnny Gargano last night at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia and retained his NXT Championship. Almos delivered the running knees to Elias but Elias responded with a Clothesline.
#7?? = @WWENXT CHAMPION @AndradeCienWWE! #ElÍdolo#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/3fcySdZ6tl
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#8. Bray Wyatt was the eighth entrant in the rumble. Before getting into the ring, he slammed poor Heath Slater into the barricade. Heath had still not been able to make it to the ring at this point. Bray leveled Balor with a Clothesline in the ring. The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev finally started to get back into the ring. Bray Wyatt wouldn’t let him and punched him off the ring apron several times.
#9. Big E drew number 9 and came down to the ring. Big E mushed some pancakes in Slater’s face before getting into the ring. Rusev and Elias teamed up and knocked Big E to the canvas.
#10. Tye Dillinger was the tenth entrant to the 2018 Royal Rumble. Dillinger didn’t make it to the ring because he was attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn backstage. Sami Zayn came down the entrance ramp and threw Heath Slater into the barricade again. Sami Zayn then entered the ring.
#11. Sheamus and his mohawk were the eleventh entrant in the Royal Rumble. Sheamus threw Slater in the ring and then slid into the ring himself. Heath Slater then Clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope and eliminated him. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Sheamus was embarrassingly eliminated by Heath Slater on his birthday. Slater celebrated for a moment before being hit with a Sister Abigail by Bray Wyatt. Bray then eliminated Slater.
#1??1??… JOKE'S ON @WWESheamus as @HeathSlaterOMRB eliminates him upon entering the ring for the FIRST TIME in this #RoyalRumble match! pic.twitter.com/nJtR4hcopZ
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#12. Xavier Woods was entrant number twelve and came down to the ring and teamed up with Big E.
#13. Apollo Crews drew unlucky number thirteen. Balor battled Almas in the corner and traded chops with him. Balor then connected with a Double Stomp on Bray Wyatt in the ring.
#14. Shinsuke Nakamura entered the rumble at number fourteen. Nakamura attacked a few Superstars in the ring as the crowd sang Shinsuke’s theme for a minute. They then transitioned into a loud “Nakamura!” chant. Shinsuke draped Sami Zayn across the top rope and kneed him in the chest. Sami Zayn tumbled out of the ring and was eliminated.
#1??4?? = The KING of STRONG STYLE and @WWE's ROCKSTAR @ShinsukeN!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/LDfcpWeI6D
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#15. Cesaro was the fifteenth entrant in the men’s Royal Rumble. Cesaro hit a flurry of uppercuts to Rusev in the ring.
#16. Kofi Kingston entered at number sixteen. Apollo Crews was eliminated by Cesaro after being hit with an uppercut on the ring apron.
#17. Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal was number seventeen. Mahal attacked Woods upon entering the ring and Jerry “The King” Lawler declared Mahal as his pick to win the rumble. Mahal eliminated Woods and then eliminated Big E moments later.
#18. Seth Rollins was the eighteenth entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble. Rollins planted Elias with a Slingblade and then delivered another to Finn Balor. Cesaro tried to eliminate Rollins but Seth countered and used his leg strength to launch Cesaro out of the ring to eliminate him. Kofi was thrown over the top but one of his feet landed on Woods. Big E then proved a plate of pancakes for Kofi to place his foot on. Jinder tried to block Kofi from getting back in but Woods and Big E launched Mahal over him in a ridiculous spot. Kofi then connected with a kick that sent Mahal over the top rope and Jinder was eliminated. Big and Woods threw pancakes at him. Almas then launched Kofi over the top to eliminate him.
The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal has been left in a HEAP of PANCAKES!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/wvOGKyYw6p
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
#19. Matt Hardy was entrant number nineteen. Wyatt and Hardy started working together and eliminated Rusev. Wyatt and Hardy started trading punches. Wyatt and Hardy’s brawl caused them both to eliminate each other at the same time.
#20. John Cena was entrant number twenty. The rest of the Superstars attacked Cena once he got into the ring. Elias went for the Drift Away but Cena countered it into an Attitude Adjustment that sent Elias over the top rope and to the floor.
#21. The Hurricane was entrant number twenty-one! He faced off with Cena and was quickly eliminated. The crowd booed Cena after he eliminated Helms. The Hurricana slipped on some pancakes but recovered to pose outside the ring.
#2??1??… STAND BACK, THERE'S A HURRICANE COMIN' THROUGH!#RoyalRumble @ShaneHelmsCom pic.twitter.com/UbkMcx5DbX
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#22. Aiden English came down to the ring as entrant number twenty-two. Dueling “lets go Cena!” and “Cena sucks!” chants broke out in the crowd.
#23. Adam Cole was number twenty-three and got a great reaction from the crowd. Adam Cole competed in an awesome Extreme Rules match against Aleister Black last night at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia. Finn Balor eliminated Aiden English.
#2??3?? = The #UndisputedERA's @AdamColePro… BAY BAY!!!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/b71LIkHT6w
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#24. Randy Orton was entrant number twenty-four. Orton planted Almas with an RKO and eliminated him. Almas was in the Royal Rumble match for almost thirty minutes.
#25. Titus O’Neil was number twenty-five. Cole and Rollins tried to eliminate Nakamura but Shinsuke was able to break free.
#26. The Miz was number twenty-six in the Royal Rumble. The Miz came down to the entrance ramp with the IC Title and raised it in the air. He then handed it to Bo Dallas and sprinted to the ring. The Miz slammed Cena and Rollins to the mat and hit a series of It Kicks to both of them. Cena went for the AA but The Miz countered into a Skull Crushing Finale. Rollins connected with a Superkick to The Miz.
#27. Rey Mysterio made his return as entrant number twenty-seven. Mysterio booted Cole in the face and slung him into the middle turnbuckle. Rey Mysterio wrapped his legs around Cole and slung him out of the ring to eliminate him. Mysterio hit the 619 on The Miz.
#2??7?? = 2006 #RoyalRumble match winner @reymysterio!!!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/b0NCis6REn
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#28. Roman Reigns was entrant twenty-eight and came down to the ring to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Reigns punched everyone in the face and then stared at The Miz. Roman leveled Miz with a Clothesline and then beat him down in the corner of the ring. Reigns eliminated Titus O’Neil. Reigns tried to eliminate The Miz but Dallas and Axel came down to the entrance ramp and saved him. Rollins hit The Miz with the Curb Stomp as Reigns Superman Punched The Miztourage off the apron. Rollins and Reigns Powerbombed The Miz over the top rope onto Axel and Dallas. Reigns then eliminated Seth Rollins and Seth made his way to the back with a smirk on his face.
#2??8?? = #TheBigDog @WWERomanReigns!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/4BEPSxadv2
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#29. Goldust was entrant twenty-nine. Goldust escaped an Attitude Adjustment and hit Cena with an Atomic Drop.
#30. Dolph Ziggler was the final entrant in 2018 Royal Rumble. Dolph sprinted to the ring and leaped onto John Cena. Dolph escaped an AA and delivered a Superkick to Cena. Goldust planted Dolph with a Powerslam. Ziggler knocked Goldust to the ring apron and then Superkicked him out of the ring. Dolph hit Shinsuke with a Zig Zag and then geared up for a Superkick.
Nakamura knocked Ziggler to the ring apron and Balor connected with a forearm that knocked Ziggler out of the ring and he was eliminated.
It was now down to Reigns, Balor, Nakamura, Orton, Mysterio and Cena. Mysterio hit Reigns with a 619 and Orton planted Nakamura with an RKO. Roman Reigns hit Orton with a Superman Punch and then eliminated him. Mysterio connected with a double 619 to Reigns and Cena. Finn Balor caught Mysterio from behind and eliminated him.
DIAL IT UP TWO TIMES! 6??1??9?? to @JohnCena AND @WWERomanReigns!#RoyalRumble @reymysterio pic.twitter.com/6Yh15ef98x
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
It was now down to Finn Balor, Nakamura, Cena and Reigns. The four Superstars stared at each other in the ring. Cena punched Nakamura and Reigns beatdown Balor in the ring. Cena and Reigns circled each other in the ring as the crowd chanted “you both suck!”. Nakamura and Balor attacked Cena and Reigns to the delight of the crowd.
Balor and Nakamura circled each other as the crowd cheered. Nakamura draped Balor up on the top rope and kneed him in the chest. Balor didn’t fall out of the ring and knocked Nakamura to the canvas. Shinsuke got up and booted Balor in the head.
Hey, THIS looks familiar!#RoyalRumble @FinnBalor @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/YovFH5xTVF
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 29, 2018
Cena and Reigns got back up and the crowd booed as they knocked Nakamura and Balor to the mat. Cena and Reigns traded punches. Cena connected with a shoulder tackle but Roman responded with a Samoan Drop. Reigns geared up for the Superman Punch but Cena avoided it and planted him in the ring. Cena went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Balor planted him with a Slingblade. Balor Dropkicked Cena and Reigns and then hit Nakamura with a Slingblade. Shinsuke went for the Kinshasa but Balor countered it with a Double Stomp. Cena eliminated Balor from behind and the crowd booed.
It's all about @WrestleMania for @JohnCena, and that's why HE just eliminated @FinnBalor from the Men's #RoyalRumble match!
Down to 3??… pic.twitter.com/4UFT6KnPiE
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
The crowd chanted for Nakamura as Reigns and Cena teamed up on him. Reigns connected with a shoulder tackle on Reigns and then slammed him to the mat. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Reigns. Roman responded with a Superman Punch. Reigns booted Nakamura out of the way and geared up for a Spear. Reigns went for it but Cena caught him with an Attitude Adjustment. Shinsuke Nakamura knocked Cena to the apron and connected with a Kinshasa to eliminate him.
We were now down to Roman Reigns and Shinsuke Nakamura. The entire crowd chanted for Shinsuke as the two Superstars stared at each other in the ring. Nakamura dared Reigns to charge at him. Reigns obliged and the two Superstars traded punches. Reigns hit a Superman Punch that knocked Nakamura to the mat. Reigns tossed Nakamura over the top rope but Shinsuke caught himself on the apron. Nakamura locked in a Triangle submission on the ropes but Reigns showed off his power and lifted him back into the ring. Reigns then planted Nakamura with a Powerbomb and both Superstars fell to the canvas.
It all comes down to THIS: @ShinsukeN or @WWERomanReigns?!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/7kZvaVUNe9
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
Reigns got up first and set up in the corner for a Spear. Nakamura countered it into a knee and then hit another knee off the second rope. Shinsuke went for the Kinshasa but Reigns countered it into a massive Spear. Nakamura and Reigns sprinted off the ropes and Shinsuke hit a Kinshasa. Nakamura then launched Roman Reigns over the top rope to win the 2018 Royal Rumble.
HERE IS YOUR WINNER of the 2018 Men's #RoyalRumble match…@ShinsukeN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/vy92p0vTgA
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura announced that he wanted to face AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 34.
The 2018 Men's #RoyalRumble match winner has spoken…@ShinsukeN wants @WWE Champion @AJStylesOrg at @WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/ghJncoW39H
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
This was a very entertaining Royal Rumble match. I found the stuff with Heath Slater hilarious and the annual Kofi escaping elimination was great this year.
I was completely flipping out at the end of the match because I thought Reigns was going to win it. The right Superstar won and now we get to see AJ Styles versus Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania. I simply cannot wait to see that match. Reigns might very well wind up in a match for the Universal Championship anyway.
A match many thought they’d never seen on this continent…in this ring…for this title will be the MAIN EVENT of @WrestleMania. #StylesVsNakamura #YeahOh … this is going to be #Phenomenal.
— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) January 29, 2018
Jason Jordan Cost His Team The Titles
Jason Jordan & Seth Rollins defended their RAW Tag Team Championships against Sheamus & Cesaro.
Rollins and Cesaro started off the match in the ring. Rollins hit a couple of Arm Drags and followed it up with a Back Drop. Cesaro and Sheamus took control of the match. Cesaro dragged Jordan off the apron and threw him into the ring post.
Booker T started arguing with everyone on commentary and honestly nothing he said made any sense. Doctors came down to the ring to check on Jason Jordan. Sheamus and Cesaro spent the next few minutes beating the hell out of Rollins. Booker T said Rollins was on Gilligan’s Island right now because Jordan was injured. Graves pointed out that there were a bunch of people on Gilligan’s Island.
Jordan was still lying on the floor outside the ring. Sheamus and Cesaro teamed up for a Backbreaker on Rollins. Sheamus went for the cover but Seth kicked out at two. Sheamus charged at Rollins but Seth got out of the way and Sheamus crashed into the post.
Rollins hit Cesaro with a Blockbuster off the second rope. Rollins hit a Suplex and rolled through and went for a Falcon Arrow but Cesaro escaped. Rollins then hit the Falcon Arrow anyway for a two count.
Sheamus tagged back in and battled Rollins on the top rope. Cesaro joined the party and started punching Rollins in the face. Rollins knocked them both to the canvas and followed it up with a Frog Splash onto both of them.
Jason Jordan finally made his way up the steps and tagged himself in. Jordan held his head and wobbled a bit. Jordan tagged Rollins back in and proceeded to take a seat on the steps.
It doesn't look like @JasonJordanJJ can continue in this #RAW #TagTeamTitles match… #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/Q589M9xTGr
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Sheamus hit Rollins with a Brogue Kick. The Bar teamed up and slammed Rollins to the mat for the pinfall victory. Sheamus & Cesaro are the new RAW Tag Team Champions.
They've done it AGAIN! @WWECesaro & @WWESheamus are now 3-TIME #RAW #TagTeamChampions as they defeat @WWERollins & @JasonJordanJJ at #RoyalRumble! pic.twitter.com/Kkkzp8k8Yk
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
The crowd was dead for this match after the men’s Royal Rumble. This match was also predictable as everyone knew Rollins & Jordan weren’t going to stick together for long. This storyline will continue on RAW tomorrow night between Jordan and Rollins. I’d like to see The Revival built up again in RAW’s tag division.
Brock Lesnar Is Still Universal Champion
Brock Lesnar had a giant smile on his face before the match and taunted Kane before the bell rung.
#UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar is straight-up GIDDY thinking about the carnage that's set go down right now…#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/hAX9KDWSZj
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
Lesnar drove Kane to the corner to start off the match. Strowman hit a ridiculous Dropkick that knocked Lesnar to the mat. Strowman threw Kane out of the ring. Kane got back in the ring as Strowman and Lesnar were trading knees. Strowman caught Lesnar in the hand and Brock responded by punching him right in the face. Kane Chokeslammed Brock and then grabbed Braun’s throat.
Lesnar hit Kane with a chair. Strowman punched the chair out of Lesnar’s hand and then threw Brock out of the ring. Strowman followed him out there and launched Brock into the barricade. Strowman grabbed a couple of tables and brought them into the ring. Strowman set up a table in the corner of the ring and Kane grabbed Braun by the throat. Strowman then grabbed Kane by the throat and Chokeslammed him to the mat.
Brock hit three German Suplexes in a row but Braun shrugged them off and hit Lesnar with a Running Powerslam through a table in the ring. Strowman went for a cover but Kane broke it up. Kane then shoved Strowman to the corner and Braun awkwardly fell through the table. Kane then Chokeslammed Strowman. Lesnar hit Kane with an F5 but Strowman broke up the pinfall attempt.
Strowman then showed off insane strength and German Suplexed Lesnar and Brock fell out of the ring. Braun cleared off the German announce table but Brock lifted Braun up onto his shoulders and delivered an F5 through the table. Lesnar then flipped another announce table onto Strowman.
???
A TORNADO just hit @BraunStrowman in the form of a @BrockLesnar #F5!#RoyalRumble #UniversalChampionship pic.twitter.com/FeIeviTAx3
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Kane grabbed Lesnar by the throat but Lesnar countered with an F5 through the announce table. Strowman got up and stared at Lesnar. Brock couldn’t believe it. Strowman threw Lesnar back in the ring and hit the Running Powerslam. Strowman hit another one and Kane came into the ring and blasted Strowman with a steel chair. Strowman was knocked out of the ring and Lesnar battled with Kane. Braun hopped up on the ring apron but Lesnar shoved Kane into him. Lesnar then hit an F5 to Kane for the victory.
After the match, Strowman got back into the ring and shouted at Lesnar that he never beat him.
#AndStill@BrockLesnar @HeymanHustle #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/PfF5ZNQDGP
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
This match went pretty much how everyone thought it would. Lesnar retained in a quick and chaotic match and Kane took the pinfall. It was a fun match, but not all that memorable. I’m looking forward to seeing a new Universal Champion in a couple of months.
The Women’s Royal Rumble Was Full Of Surprises
The first ever women’s Royal Rumble match was the main event of the PPV. Maria Menounos introduced Stephanie McMahon as the guest commentator for the match. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair came down to the ringside area for the match.
#1. Sasha Banks was the first entrant to the Royal Rumble and came down to the ring in Wonder Woman attire.
#2. Becky Lynch was the second entrant to the Royal Rumble. Becky connected with a couple of Arm Drags and then transitioned into an Arm Bar. Sasha broke free and the two Superstars connected with a double Clothesline at the same time.
#3. Sarah Logan was the third entrant in the rumble. Logan went right after Becky Lynch and stomped on her. Logan launched Sasha Banks across the ring and followed it up with a big headbutt. Logan then beatdown Becky in the corner.
#4. Mandy Rose was the fourth entrant in the rumble. Rose went right after Sasha Banks and Corey Graves declared that she was his pick to win the match.
#4?? = #Absolution's @WWE_MandyRose…and she's @WWEGraves' pick!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/KcVpovlbks
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#5. Lita was the fifth entrant of the rumble and the crowd went crazy. Lita, Sasha and Becky had a staredown in the ring. Becky and Sasha teamed up on Lita but she fought them off. Mandy attacked Lita from behind but Lita once again battled back. Mandy Rose booted Lita in the face from the ring apron and took a second to pose. Lita then booted Mandy off the apron and she was eliminated.
#5?? = @WWE Hall of Famer @AmyDumas!!! #LITA#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/OuP2JWzs30
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#6. Kairi Sane was the sixth entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble. The Mae Young Classic winner knocked Becky and Sasha to the canvas. Sane geared up in the corner and sprinted across the ring and elbowed Lita in the face. Sane leaped off the top rope and leaped onto Sarah Logan. Sane connected with a Neckbreaker to Banks and then climbed to the top and hit her awesome finisher Elbow Drop.
An #ElbowDrop worthy of an #OOHHHHHHYEEEAHHHHHH!#RoyalRumble @KairiSaneWWE pic.twitter.com/iNwOTCR1QB
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
#7. Tamina came down to the ring as the seventh entrant and walked into a DDT from Lita. Lita then hit a Twist of Fate to Sasha Banks and then another one to Becky Lynch. Lita climbed to the top and Moonsaulted onto both Banks and Lynch. Tamina missed with a kick as the crowd chanted “you still got it!” at Lita. Lita then eliminated Tamina but Becky Lynch came up from behind and eliminated Lita.
#8. Dana Brooke came down to the ring as the number 8 entrant. Dana got in some offense and then eliminated Kairi Sane to the shock of the crowd.
#9. Torrie Wilson was the ninth entrant in the rumble and got a great reaction from the crowd. Torrie slammed Dana face first into the mat and Clotheslined Banks. Sarah Logan connected with a massive Dropkick to Torrie and then booted Dana in the face. Torrie then eliminated Dana Brooke.
#9?? = The one and only @Torrie11!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/KiIJjrPyuh
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#10. Sonya Deville was the number 10 entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Deville went right after Banks and beat her down in the corner. Sonya kneed Logan in the midsection and then attacked Torrie Wilson. Deville eliminated Torrie and the crowd booed. Becky attacked Deville from behind.
#11. Liv Morgan was the eleventh entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble. Liv went after Banks and slammed her face first into the mat a couple of times. Morgan and Logan tried to eliminate Sasha but she hung on to the ropes.
#12. Molly Holly made her way down to the ring as number twelve and the crowd gave her a great reaction. Molly eliminated Sarah Logan quickly and then booted Banks in the face. Molly climbed to the top rope and flipped onto Sasha Banks.
#1??2??… What a MIGHTY SURPRISE, it's #MollyHolly!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/iHKPCV8zIe
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#13. Lana was the thirteenth entrant in the rumble. The crowd greeted her with Rusev Day chants. Deville and Liv Morgan teamed up to beatdown Lana. Lana connected with a slap to Deville and then tackled Liv Morgan.
#14. Michelle McCool was the fourteenth entrant in the rumble. Michelle booted Lana and then knocked Morgan to the canvas. Michelle perched Deville up on the top rope and then eliminated her. McCool then eliminated Liv Morgan but Molly Holly attacked her from behind. McCool then eliminated Molly Holly. Lana attacked McCool from behind but Michelle wound up eliminating her with ease. McCool eliminated four Superstars with ease.
#1??4?? = former #DivasChampion AND #WomensChampion @McCoolMichelleL!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/c4gHNY9rEs
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#15. Ruby Riott was number fifteen and she was also almost eliminated by Michelle McCool. Sasha Banks dragged Michelle to the ring apron but didn’t eliminate her.
#16. Vickie Guerrero was number sixteen and came down to the entrance ramp while shouting “excuse me!”. Vickie got into the ring and continued shouting “excuse me!” on the microphone. Vickie said that when she speaks, all of them must listen. Everyone started staring at Vickie and Vickie tried to run away. They all teamed up to throw Vickie out of the ring to eliminate her.
#1??6??… EXCUSE ME!!!!!!!! It's @VickieGuerrero!!!!!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/REBezo7XoJ
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#17. Carmella was number seventeen and came down to the ring with her briefcase. Vickie grabbed the briefcase and struck Carmella with it before making her way to the back.
#18. Natalya was the eighteenth entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match. Natalya dropped her jacket on Carmella. Carmella got back up and knocked Natalya to the floor outside the ring. Carmella finally was able to get into the ring and booted Riott in the face. Carmella drove Becky to the corner but Becky battled out and connected with a Suplex.
#19. Kelly Kelly was number nineteen in the women’s Royal Rumble. Natalya tried to eliminate Kelly Kelly but she held onto the ropes. Kelly Kelly and Michelle McCool battled in the ring. Kelly Kelly took McCool down with Headscissors and then Natalya eliminated McCool.
#1??9?? = Former #DivasChampion @TheBarbieBlank! #KellyKelly#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/W19TS6PDES
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#20. Naomi was number twenty and came down to the ring and hit the Rear View to Kelly Kelly. Naomi then booted Sasha in the face. Becky hit a Dropkick to Naomi off the top rope. Becky then Suplexed Natalya and Carmella. Ruby Riot then eliminated Beckly Lynch from the rumble.
#21. Jacqueline was number twenty-one and got a great reaction from the crowd. Jacqueline leveled Carmella with a Clothesline and then delivered another one to Ruby Riott. Jacqueline and Natalya teamed up and tried to eliminate Kelly Kelly but she held onto the ropes.
#2??1?? = @WWE Hall of Famer @JackieMooreTx!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/inmcvz2voX
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#22. Nia Jax was number twenty-two and eliminated Jacqueline and Kelly Kelly right away. Nia then lifted Ruby above her shoulders and dropped her across the top rope. Jax shoved Riott and Ruby was eliminated. Nia knocked Naomi to the ring apron and shoved her onto the recently eliminated Superstars. Naomi hopped onto the barricade and wasn’t eliminated.
#23. NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon was number twenty-three. Moon had her arm bandaged up from her battle with Shayna Baszler last night at TakeOver. Nia threw Ember across the ring as Naomi walked on the barricade. Naomi hopped onto a chair and started crawling with her hands to the steel steps. Naomi hopped onto the steps and climbed to the top rope. Naomi went for a Crossbody but Nia caught her and threw Naomi out of the ring to eliminate her.
Don't be fooled… @NaomiWWE is STILL in this match!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/4N4Ge1wZuG
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
#24. Beth Phoenix was number twenty four and the crowd greeted her with “this is awesome!” chants. Beth tried to lift up Nia but couldn’t do it. Beth then lifted her onto her shoulders but Nia broke free. Natalya got back into the ring and teamed up with Beth to attack Nia. The two knocked Nia through the second rope and out of the ring. Beth and Natalya shared a hug in the ring. Natalya then punched Beth in the face and threw her over the top rope to eliminate her. Carmella attacked Natalya from behind.
#2??4?? = @WWE Hall of Famer @TheBethPhoenix!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/YzeoCPMhTs
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#25. Asuka was number twenty-five. Ember Moon confronted her as the crowd chanted “NXT!”. Moon delivered a one-armed Eclipse to Asuka. Asuka then quickly eliminated Ember Moon and attacked Carmella in the corner.
#26. Mickie James was number twenty-six in the women’s Royal Rumble. Mickie connected with a Neckbreaker to Banks. Mickie connected with another Neckbreaker to Natalya. Asuka tried to eliminate Carmella but Carmella held onto the ropes.
#27. Nikki Bella was number twenty-seven and came to the ring to a great reaction. She battled with Carmella for a bit and then eliminated her. Asuka attacked Nikki from behind and Sasha joined in.
#2??7?? = the longest-reigning #DivasChampion in @WWE history, Nikki @BellaTwins!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/NH4SSBOofg
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#28. Brie Bella was number twenty-eight and came down to the ring to an awesome reaction. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Brie and Nikki teamed up.
#2??8??… YES! YES! YES! It's Brie @BellaTwins!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/nmkoRELp7S
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
#29. Bayley entered the women’s Royal Rumble match at number twenty-nine. Bayley got in some offense but Asuka attacked her from behind and knocked her to the mat.
#30. The final entrant to the women’s Royal Rumble was Trish Stratus. Trish knocked Bayley, Asuka and Sasha Banks to the mat.
#3??0?? = @WWE Hall of Famer @trishstratuscom!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/gK381X9IRS
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Stratus connected with a double Stratusfaction to the Bella twins. Trish and Mickie then had a stare down int he ring as the crowd chanted “yes!”.
Not really the kind of #TwinMagic The @BellaTwins were hoping for…
DOUBLE STRATUSFACTION by @trishstratuscom! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/nlGlUYy6q9
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
Trish Stratus eliminated Mickie James but Nia Jax got into the ring and leveled her with a shoulder tackle. Everyone teamed up and attacked Nia. Jax fought them off for a bit but eventually the rest of the Superstars were able to eliminate her.
It took EVERYBODY, but @NiaJaxWWE is FINALLY eliminated!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/lVokLjNe0N
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
Sasha Banks eliminated her best friend Bayley and had a smile on her face in the ring. Natalya knocked Stratus to the canvas and locked in the Sharpshooter. Stratus was able to break the hold but the damage was done. Stratus knocked Natalya to the apron and then booted her in the face and Natalya fell to the floor and was eliminated.
Banks and Stratus started taunting Sasha. Trish went for a Stratusfaction but Banks caught her and eliminated her. Banks turned around and Asuka was waiting for her. The crowd chanted “Asuka is gonna kill you!” as the two stared at each other. Banks knocked Asuka to the mat and the Bella twins started stomping on Asuka.
Banks connected with a running knee to Asuka and Brie & Nikki beat her down in the corner some more. Sasha went for Double Knees on Asuka but the Bella twins caught her and threw her out of the ring to eliminate her. Banks lasted around 55 minutes in the match.
Brie and Nikki tried to eliminate Asuka but she fought them off. Asuka then delivered kicks to them both as the crowd chanted “yes!”. Asuka threw Brie to the ring apron. Nikki leveled Asuka with a shoulder tackle. Nikki slammed Asuka to the mat and then punched Brie off the ring apron to eliminate her.
Asuka shouldered Nikki in the midsection and then climbed to the top rope. Asuka connected with a Dropkick that knocked Nikki to the mat.
EVERY WOMAN FOR HERSELF! Nikki just eliminated Brie!#RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/gRlYNPLaMC
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2018
Nikki connected with a kick off the second rope and both Superstars fell to the mat. Nikki lifted Asuka up onto her shoulders and threw her onto the ring apron. Nikki connected with a punch but Asuka held onto the ropes. Nikki charged at Asuka but Asuka caught her and used her leg strength to drag Nikki over the top rope and to the apron. Nikki punched Asuka in the face and Asuka fell to the mat. Asuka then booted Nikki’s legs out from under her and Nikki fell to the floor and was eliminated. Asuka won the first ever women’s Royal Rumble.
HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE! @WWEAsuka is GOING to @WrestleMania as the first-ever winner of the Women's #RoyalRumble match!#RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/xtuNPLshQQ
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Asuka pointed at the WrestleMania sign as Charlotte and Alexa Bliss got in the ring. Charlotte and Alexa raised their titles as Asuka stared at them.
Ronda Rousey came down to the entrance ramp to a great reaction from the crowd.
WHAT?!
ROWDY @RondaRousey is HERE in Philadelphia at @WWE #RoyalRumble!!! pic.twitter.com/Aue3HOrJIT
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Rousey got into the ring and pointed at the WrestleMania sign as the crowd chanted “holy sh**!”. Rousey tried to shake Asuka’s hand but Asuka slapped it away.
It seems @RondaRousey ALSO wants to go to @WrestleMania…#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/yha3PGBPL8
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Rousey then exited the ring and shook hands with Stephanie McMahon outside the ring. Rousey waved to the crowd and walked up to the entrance ramp. It was then announced on social media that Ronda Rousey has signed a full-time contract with WWE.
UFC's Ronda Rousey has signed a full-time contract with WWE, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. pic.twitter.com/ZeGZeSnwHZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 29, 2018
Well, that was awesome. I’m pumped to see Ronda Rousey in WWE and I’m also glad Asuka won the first women’s Royal Rumble. The two Royal Rumble matches were great and overall the PPV was very entertaining.