Posts Tagged ‘Royal Rumble 2024’

Shawn Spears Pitched WWE For “Perfect 10” Royal Rumble Return

WWE has seen some exciting returns over the past year. NXT fans were very surprised to see Shawn Spears return to the brand, but they almost saw him on a much larger stage prior to that.

It turns out that Shawn Spears made a pitch to WWE for him to be a part of the 2024 Royal Rumble match. Of course, that proposed plan did not pan out.

Shawn Spears’ Pitch

Leading up to the 2024 Royal Rumble, some fans expressed a hope for Shawn Spears/Tye Dillinger’s return to WWE as the number 10 entrant, playing on his “Perfect 10” persona.

In his first post-AEW interview with Fightful, Shawn Spears confirmed that he had indeed pitched ideas for the Royal Rumble. He mentioned that he had “shot his shot,” for that idea to go down. Unfortunately, the plans for the Rumble had already been finalized by then, so Spears didn’t make the Rumble match.

What’s Next for Shawn Spears

Shawn Spears is back in NXT, where he has a lot of upside to what he brings to the table. He is a veteran who could benefit the brand in many ways. Only time will tell if he gets another Royal Rumble appearance, but fans will be waiting for him in the 10th entry.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, as we continue. Keep checking back throughout the day for the updates you need on every big story.

Jordynne Grace Was Shocked WWE Asked For Her: I Thought I’d Be Jumping the Barricade!

TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace was stunned when she learned that she’d be in the WWE Women’s Royal Rumble match and that she’d walk down the aisle. 

Grace was the #5 entrant in last weekend’s match, which marked her in-ring debut for WWE. The TNA Knockout lasted over 19 minutes in the match before being eliminated by 2021 Rumble winner Bianca Belair. Grace shared a hug (before trading fists) with Naomi, who recently left TNA and returned to WWE during the Rumble match

How Jordynne Grace’s Rumble Appearance Happened

During the post-Royal Rumble press conference, WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shared his gratitude to TNA for allowing them to use Grace for the match. In a video shared by TNA’s Twitter account, Grace explained how her surprise appearance came together. 

“Scott called me, I’d actually just landed from our tapings that we did in Orlando. And I was waking up and he called and he was like ‘Oh, how do you feel about wrestling this weekend?’ And I was just there thinking to myself ‘Oh my God, what does he want me to do?’ 

“And he was like ‘How do you feel about being in the Rumble?’ And I was like ‘What? What are you talking about?’ And he just said ‘Yeah, how do you feel about being in the Rumble?’ Did they ask? And he would go ‘No, they didn’t ask. I just want you to be there and jump the barricade.’ And honestly, that was more realistic to me than WWE calling TNA and being like ‘Can your Women’s Champion be in our Royal Rumble?'”

While this was Jordynne Grace’s WWE in-ring debut, this isn’t the first time she’s worked with the promotion… 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops

Kevin Owens Worked WWE Royal Rumble 2024 Match With a Legitimate Injury

Kevin Owens’ efforts to regain the United States Championship were in vain at the Royal Rumble, and the Prizefighter walked into the match with a serious injury. 

Owens unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Champion Logan Paul at last Saturday’s Premium Live Event. The Prizefighter had earned a shot at Paul by winning a tournament on SmackDown. Owens dispatched of Austin Theory and NXT’s Carmelo Hayes before defeating Santos Escobar in the finals on the New Year’s Revolution edition of SmackDown. 

Kevin Owens Worked Hurt

Much of Owens’ storyline during the tournament and with Paul saw the Canadian wrestler deal with an ‘injured’ hand which resulted in KO wearing a cast. Despite this, F4W Online reports that Owens worked his match with Logan Paul at the Royal Rumble with a fractured foot injury. Owens reportedly suffered the injury during his tournament finals match with Escobar. While Owens had been in physical segments after suffering this injury, the match with Paul was his first actual match since the injury occurred. 

Owens failed to capture the U.S. title at the Royal Rumble as he was disqualified. While Paul had introduced the brass knuckles into the match, Owens used them and the referee spotted them on KO’s hand during a pinfall attempt. 

Kevin Owens and the U.S. Championship

In 2015, Owens made his WWE main roster debut by confronting then-U.S. Champion John Cena. After cleanly beating Cena in non-title action, Owens would fail to dethrone John at that year’s Battleground event. At WrestleMania 33 in 2017, Owens would win the U.S. Championship for the first time, defeating former ally Chris Jericho. After losing the gold to AJ Styles at a WWE MSG event, Owens would win it back at Battleground 2017  but lost the title back to Styles two days later on SmackDown. 

Bron Breakker Teases Main Roster Call Up After Royal Rumble Appearance: ‘This Is My Home Now’

Bron Breakker made his presence felt at the Royal Rumble event last night and it appears that he has no intention of going back to NXT after this.

The former NXT Champion was interviewed backstage after his impressive performance in the Men’s Rumble. When asked how he’s feeling, Breakker mentioned that he feels very grateful for the opportunity to make a statement:

“I feel very grateful right now. I feel what an opportunity tonight was for me to make a statement, and I thought I did that tonight 100%. Things didn’t go my way but I’m not done with the Judgement Day by any means.”

Bron Breakker Belongs To The Main Roster

Talking about his future in the company, Bron Breakker made his claim on a main roster spot saying that this is his home now:

“I think tonight I proved that I belong in the main roster, this is my home now. I’m ready for the work, I’m ready to prove to my peers and to the people, everyone out there who believes in me that this is where I belong and this is what I was born to do. I’m here. I’m ready to go.”

Bron Breakker entered the Royal Rumble at #20 in a spot that many believe was meant for Brock Lesnar. The Beast Incarnate was removed from the show due to his alleged connection with the Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon.

The NXT star ended up eliminating a number of talents including names such as Finn Balor, Ivar and even Omos. Breakker himself was eliminated by Dominik Mysterio and Bron’s remarks suggest that Dirty Dom has not seen the last of the heavyweight star.

Andrade Reacts To WWE Return At Royal Rumble: ‘Nobody’s Stopping Me Now’

Andrade has returned to WWE after almost 3 years. He claims that he needed to step away to remember who he was and now he is ready to show the world the same.

The former AEW star entered the Royal Rumble at #4 tonight and traded blows with names such as Carmelo Hayes, Finn Balor, Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar.

Andrade unfortunately was eliminated from the bout by Bronson Reed. He was interviewed backstage after the show and the former champion claimed that now, nobody’s stopping him:

Andrade’s Time Away From WWE

Andrade El Idolo left WWE back in March 2021 after requesting his release from the promotion. He joined AEW not long after and the Mexican star made his debut for the promotion in June that year.

The former NXT champion, however, failed to carve a permanent spot for himself in the AEW roster and he was on and off AEW programming throughout his stint there.

He made his final appearance for Tony Khan’s promotion at the World Ends PPV at the end of December 2023 where he put over Miro in a match.

In the post-show press conference, Tony Khan confirmed that they had failed to reach a new agreement with Andrade. The wrestling star had been expected to return to WWE ever since.

Bayley Comments On Her Face Turn After Royal Rumble Win

Bayley has been one of the top heels of WWE roster since 2019 and consequently has been booed by fans. The last few months have seen a change in this emotion however. In the ongoing storyline with her Damage CTRL teammates, the former Women’s Champion has gained the sympathy of people and she has actually been getting cheered by fans more and more.

This change of attitude was in full display at the Royal Rumble. Bayley got a huge applause from the audience as she won the Women’s Battle Royal to earn a title shot at WrestleMania 40.

The Damage CTRL star was asked about this change during the post-show press conference. The WWE star explained that her character has always reflected her feelings in real life and fans are welcome to celebrate her success together:

“I mean, I don’t tell you guys what to do. You guys just cheer when you want to cheer. So, to me honestly, this is the truth. I have been myself throughout this whole time. I said it in an interview my whole career and my whole character change and everything has been real.

When I first started, I was excited to be here. I was [like] ‘This is the coolest thing ever. It’s my dream.’ And as things weren’t going my way throughout the years and no one was latching on, I had to do something to save my career. So everything I’ve been doing has been real and genuine and natural.

This is who I am now so if you guys are liking it, and you guys want to see me win then hell yeah. I’ve been telling you guys that I’m supposed to be winning these matches. Let’s celebrate together. So to me it’s all been part of what I’ve been knowing all along.”

Bayley Is Thankful To Dusty Rhodes

bayley royal rumble scrum 1

Bayley also talked about the Men’s Rumble winner Cody Rhodes and his father Dusty Rhodes. She mentioned how she wanted to quit the company only a month after joining it and it was the American Dream that saved her:

“I’ve said it for years, but Dusty he just had his projects in everybody. He just saw the one thing in everybody that we couldn’t see in ourselves. Byron’s done this. He helped me in promo classes all the time.

The fact that I had my own TV show, Ding Dong Hello just blows my mind. I wish Dusty can see that because they had to pull me in for extra promo classes and make me do interviews and all this stuff. Because I was so shy but Dusty, just seeing something in me. 

Whatever I was shy to share he wanted me to embrace, because he knew that was what was going to connect me with people. That’s what saved me. I would have given up in my first month, I wanted to be done.”

If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

Brock Lesnar Omitted From WWE Royal Rumble Stats Amid Vince McMahon Lawsuit

Brock Lesnar had no role at this year’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, and WWE wanted to make sure nobody was thinking about the Beast Incarnate. 

Lesnar was reportedly originally slated for the Men’s Royal Rumble match that was won by Cody Rhodes. Lesnar was ‘withdrawn’ from the match due to the allegations by Janel Grant in her lawsuit filed at WWE and Vince McMahon. The suit claims that McMahon sexually abused and trafficked Grant to men in WWE during her tenure under contract. Lesnar isn’t mentioned by name in the suit, but it is claimed that Grant was trafficked to a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. 

Brock Lesnar Omitted

Ahead of the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match, WWE aired a video sharing some of the statistics associated with the popular 30-Superstar bout. The video pointed out that five men have won the match from the #30 spot, and named The Undertaker (2007), John Cena (2008), Triple H (2016), and Cody Rhodes (2023). The video did not mention or show Brock Lesnar, who won after entering from the coveted #30 spot in 2022. 

This isn’t the first time WWE has made selective choices with Royal Rumble statistics. In years past, WWE has mentioned that four people have won from the dreaded #1 spot. While WWE will mention Shawn Michaels (1995), Edge (2021), or Rhea Ripley’s victory last year, they avoid mentioning Chris Benoit. The disgraced wrestler went pillar-to-post in the 2004 Royal Rumble match, last eliminating the Big Show. 

The show didn’t end when the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble PLE stopped filming… 

Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After Royal Rumble Went Off Air

Cody Rhodes is ready to finish the story.

The American Nightmare became the first man in 26 years to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles after Stone Cold Steve Austin at tonight’s show from the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida by eliminating CM Punk.

The show ended with Rhodes pointing towards Roman Reigns in the stands with the WrestleMania 40 logo in the background, leaving no doubt as to Cody’s intention.

The former AEW star celebrated some more and then addressed the crowd after the show went off air. He apologized to the fans for not finishing the job at WrestleMania 39, but mentioned that he’s heading to the Lincoln Financial Field to finish the story:

Cody Rhodes Is Ready After Royal Rumble

“Tampa, St. Pete, Did you have a great time tonight? Guys I owe you an apology. I am sorry about what happened at WrestleMania 39. But we’re going to WrestleMania 40. It’s been a long night I won’t keep you here, an amazing show, an amazing crew, an amazing production.

Sometimes when I come to Tampa, when I come to St Pete, sometimes I try and stay and keep to myself, the reason is – this is Dusty territory. So I thank you very much, for making it a Cody territory. I love you guys all so much. Have a great night and I’ll see you next time.”.

There is no doubt after tonight that Cody Rhodes will be seeing Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania once again

The Question of The Rock’s involvement in the whole affair after his Day 1 promo remains unanswered however and it’s possible we’ll get some answers at the upcoming SmackDown.

WWE Royal Rumble Takeaways: Bayley & Cody Rhodes are headed to WrestleMania

The 2024 WWE Royal Rumble PLE is in the books and the road to WrestleMania is officially started. 

This year’s event in front of over 40,000 fans inside Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida was as hot as we thought it would be thanks to special returns, major moments, and key directions taken on the way to WrestleMania 40 in April. 

What are the highs? Lows? Most memorable moments? Forgettable moments? We’re here for you.

Royal Rumble Pre-Show

The event began with a Hulk Hogan voiced promo vignette that hyped the show and the entire time I asked myself “why?” It’s shameful for WWE to continue trotting Hogan out in a way that highlights him and positions him front and center as a spokesperson for the company. What sort of needle move does he provide the company at this point? It’s bad any week, but especially this one, in which WWE was playing damage control thanks to Vince McMahon and the horrific allegations against him. 

Hogan aside, the open to the show was excellent. The vignette did the hype job, but WWE also showed various stars like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Rhea Ripley arriving at the building. It felt like something the UFC would produce and worked to position those competing tonight as the cream of the crop.

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Naomi, Grace, weird Nattie elimination. Dupri. Cargill over Jax.

The 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble took a while to get going, but once it did, it worked very well. 

The root story throughout was two-fold — Bayley lasting for a long time as the iron man of the bout and Nia Jax rolling through other entrants to build up for the showdown with the debuting Jade Cargill. The latter story was executed perfectly. Cargill taking Jax would popped the audience and made her look as impressive as WWE hyped her to be since she first signed with the company. Cargill didn’t win, but had a memorable debut that will play with fans as she continues to appear on television.

Other notable takeaways? Jordynne Grace made her Rumble debut, but of course as a member of the TNA roster as the company’s Knockouts Champion. Grace showed a lot out there and was given a bunch even though she isn’t a part of WWE. She also was gifted a prominent elimination by Bianca Belair in a memorable KOD onto the ring apron spot.

Speaking of TNA stars, Naomi made her return to WWE during the match as the number two entrant in the match. I could do without the GLOW gimmick and comes across as a bigger star without it, but it stands out with WWE’s top tier production.

The real loser of the match was Maxine Dupri. Yikes. Michael Cole touted her as “heavily improved” as she walked to the ring, but then botched multiple spots and looked entirely out of her element. 

Bayley was the winner of the match after a fun final elimination of Cargill and the returning Liv Morgan. Bayley has already had a WrestleMania championship match in the works against fellow Damage CNTRL member, Iyo Sky, and her winning here is a smart way to continue that program and officially get to the match.

The match didn’t have any signature returns in the form of a Sasha Banks or an AJ Lee, but it was entertaining for what it was and left enough on the table for the men’s match later in the night.

Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles – WWE Universal Championship

There just isn’t much to say about this one. Roman Reigns is still the champion and the world knew he would be. It’s the problem with nearly every single Royal Rumble championship match. 

There were some cool moments in this with Reigns piling up his opponents and trying to pin them. The Solo Sikoa interference got boos, but not the right kind. Reigns’ continued reliance on interference in matches has run thin and that was the response more than true heel heat.

It was what it was, but nobody will remember this one next year at this time.

Logan Paul vs. Kevin Owens – WWE United States Championship

A pretty good match with a lousy finish. Logan Paul getting handed brass knuckles only for Kevin Owens to use them and get caught with them was backwards from a psychological perspective and left the audience confused on how to react. Happy because Owens used the knuckles? I guess. Frustrated that he lost? That too. 

The idea here and the takeaway is that WWE wanted to make sure both Paul and Owens were protected. They did that, but by the end it seemed unnecessary given that Owens is someone on the roster that can reliably lose, but still be just as over. Plus, Paul will certainly be lined up for a WrestleMania match, so why not just have him win and win clean.

The whole thing is ripe for a rematch.

Men’s Royal Rumble Match 

Given the strong build to the match, star power included, and different directions to go in terms of a winner, “they got where they needed to go,” isn’t high praise. It’s reality, though. 

The 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, didn’t grip the audience like the women’s match did this year and was full of odd focuses around talent that didn’t deserve them. Karrion Kross and Bobby Lashley got a huge moment in the match and the Tropicana Field audience couldn’t have cared less. Add into that some ill-timed production botches for key moments and the result was a bit of a mess when it came to in-match stories and moments. 

CM Punk received a strong reaction. Cody did too, so it was fitting that those two were the final two standing. Neither got the hyped up reaction you’d want for their moment because the already timid crowd was split thanks to the stories of both Punk and Cody going into the match. The crowd seemed to side more with Cody and popped when he won.

Other notable angles coming out surround Bron Breakker, who was featured prominently with multiple eliminations, but the victim of the production botch that saw his key elimination of Omos essentially forgotten and not featured with a timed out camera shot. It happened, but nobody saw it thanks to JD McDonagh’s entrance occurring at the same exact time. Carmelo Hayes also was featured due to how long he lasted in the match, but didn’t have the same type of dominant focus as Breakker did. 

So, it was fine. Cody heads to the main event of WrestleMania against Roman Reigns and the Raw side of the WrestleMania main event will get sorted out soon. It needed more big spots, more “moments,” more action, and much less focus on undercard stories. But, they got where they needed to go in the end. 

Overall

Kind of a bizarre night at the office for WWE. The Royal Rumble intrigue is firmly rooted in the element of surprise and neither the men’s or women’s Rumble match had a major one. Little ones in each, but nothing earth shattering. 

The filler matches between both Rumbles were incredibly disappointing with finishes that came across as weak and passive. Those helped slow the audience momentum ahead of the main event, which couldn’t fully pull a reaction of any kind out of the crowd.

It’s a C grade show and definitively so.

Bayley Wins WWE 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, Breaks Women’s Rumble Record

Damage CTRL’s Bayley is going to WrestleMania 40 after winning the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

The Role Model entered the match from the #3 position, following Natalya and the returning Naomi. With the help of her Damage CTRL allies Asuka and Kairi Sane, 

Bayley scored several eliminations on her way to victory, including Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Maxxine Dupri. Bayley eliminated Liv Morgan to win. The Rumble marked Morgan’s return to the  ring following a lengthy injury. 

Not only did Bayley win the match, but she also made history for the longest run in a singles Women’s Royal Rumble match. The Role Model lasted over one hour and three minutes before eliminating Morgan to win the match. 

What’s Next? 

With her win, Bayley has guaranteed herself a championship match at WrestleMania 40. Bayley, the self-described ‘Mami-Slayer’ has claimed that she will challenge Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania for the Women’s World Championship. 

That being said, many suspect that a Bayley-Rhea match isn’t in the works. Given the teased tensions within Damage CTRL, some have speculated that the Role Model will challenge WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY at the two-night megashow this April. 

Jade Cargill Makes WWE In-Ring Debut in 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Jade Cargill has made her WWE in-ring debut as part of the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

Cargill signed with WWE in September of last yearr, shortly after exiting All Elite Wrestling. After signing a multi-year deal with WWE, Cargill would appear at WWE Fastlane as well as at Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. Cargill has said that while she knows which brand she’ll be competing on moving forward, she’s keeping that information to herself for the time being.

Cargill in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The former TBS Champion would enter the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble from the #28 position. Cargill immediately set her sights on Nia Jax, who entered the match from the #19 position. The debut of Cargill immediately earned ‘Holy S***’ chants from the fans in St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field. While it took 11 women to eliminate Jax from last year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match, Cargill accomplished the feat on her own. 

TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace Competes In WWE 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble had a TNA flavor to it, thanks in part to the WWE debut of reigning Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace. 

Grace was the #5 entrant in the Women’s Rumble, which started off the 2024 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Grace entered to the sound of sirens, likely a nod to her time in her career teaming with WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner. Grace entered the match with the Knockouts Championship and the WWE commentary trio of Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and Corey Graves all made reference to TNA Wrestling. 

TNA in the Women’s Royal Rumble

Grace wasn’t the only TNA name who competed in the match. Naomi made her return to WWE as part of the Women’s Rumble, entering the match at #2. This marked Naomi’s first match for WWE since she and Mercedes Mone controversially walked out of the promotion in May of 2022. On commentary, the trio of Cole, McAfee, and Graves made reference to her run in TNA Wrestling. She lost the Knockouts Championship to Jordynne Grace at Hard to Kill earlier this month. 

Naomi Makes WWE Return In 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, TNA Run Referenced

Florida’s own Naomi has made her return to WWE as part of the Women’s Royal Rumble match, close to two years after her controversial exit from the promotion. 

Naomi was the #2 entrant in the 2024 Women’s Rumble match and started the match with the #1 entrant Natalya. This match marked her first bout for WWE since May of 2022. 

Not only is Naomi back, but WWE also mentioned her run with TNA Wrestling. On commentary, Michael Cole recalled Naomi’s time as a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and mentioned that she is a former TNA Knockouts Champion. 

Naomi and Mercedes Mone (then Sasha Banks) would infamously walk out of WWE in May of 2022. The pair would have creative differences with WWE’s plans for them at the time. The reported plan was for the then-Women’s Tag Team Champions to enter singles feuds for the Raw & SmackDown Women’s Championships, which the pair were expected to lose. 

Potential Spoiler On Injured Superstar Returning At the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble PLE

This weekend’s Women’s Royal Rumble match could see one currently injured Superstar make her presence felt in the 30-Woman contest. 

The Women’s Royal Rumble was first introduced in 2018, with Asuka last eliminating Nikki Bella to be crowned the first winner. Since then, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Ronda Rousey, and Rhea Ripley have all emerged victorious in the match. Currently, there is a 66% chance of a Women’s Rumble winner being successful at WrestleMania, with Lynch, Flair, Belair, and Ripley all capturing gold at the April supershow. 

The Women’s Royal Rumble Match

With 24 spots in the Women’s Royal Rumble match yet to be filled, fans are eager to see what surprises are in store for the contest. PW Insider Elite reports that one name who has been discussed to make a return for the match is Sonya Deville, who has been out of action for months. 

Deville has been out of action since July, when she suffered an ACL injury. The following month, she would have surgery that would end her tag team with Chelsea Green. Before her injury, WWE had hoped that Green and Deville would ‘stabilize’ the often-chaotic Women’s Tag Team Championship division

Throughout her recovery, Deville has been supported by her fiancee Toni Cassano. The pair got engaged in February of this year in an interview with PEOPLE. Deville has been present at WWE’s Performance Center this month, which some have taken as a sign of an imminent comeback. 

WWE Royal Rumble 2024

Here is the card for the WWE 2024 Royal Rumble PLE as it currently stands:

  • Men’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, GUNTHER, Chad Gable, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Kofi Kingston, Damian Priest)
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Bayley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax, Maxxine Dupri, Ivy Nile)
  • Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
  • Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens (WWE United States Championship)

A certain WWE Hall of Famer is waiting for a call about the Men’s Royal Rumble match… 

Booker T Wants In The 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble Match: “I’m In The Best Shape Of My Life!”

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is ready to lace up his boots one more time for this weekend’s Men’s Royal Rumble match. 

The 2024 Royal Rumble event will take place this weekend from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The show will be the 37th annual Royal Rumble event and the seventh to feature a Men’s and Women’s match. On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker made his case for why he should be in the match. 

“I’m in the best shape of my life, y’all. I’ve been training, I’ve been hitting the gym harder than I’ve ever hit it before. I’m serious, man. I’m serious on this. So if they need an extra man, if they need me to make that walk just one time going down in St. Petersburg, Florida, oh yeah, man. I will be ready, willing and able to get the job done, guys.”

Booker went even further, saying he’s not taking any phone calls unless it has a 203 area code, the code for Stamford, CT, where WWE’s headquarters are located. The former World Champion added that he’ll already be in St. Petersburg for the show, as he’ll be part of the kick-off panel. 

Booker T in the Royal Rumble Match

After joining the WWF following the demise of WCW, Booker’s Rumble debut would come in the 2002 match. The ‘favorite’ Superstar of Mr. McMahon at the time, Booker entered at #30 but his time in the match would be woefully short-lived. Booker has appeared in a total of 9 Royal Rumble matches. He has a total of 11 eliminations to his name and has lasted in the match for a combined time of 42:57.

WWE Royal Rumble 2024

Here is the card for the WWE 2024 Royal Rumble PLE as it currently stands:

  • Men’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, GUNTHER, Chad Gable, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Kofi Kingston, Damian Priest)
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Bayley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax, Maxxine Dupri, Ivy Nile)
  • Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
  • Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens (WWE United States Championship)

Who else should the WWE Universe expect during this week’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event… 

H/T – Fightful

Hulk Hogan Teases Royal Rumble Involvement: “I Might Have One Left In Me”

Could WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan make his return to competition as part of this weekend’s Royal Rumble event? You never know… 

This week marks the 40th anniversary of Hogan’s historic world title win over the Iron Sheik, which is cited as the day that Hulkamania was born. WWE reportedly has big plans to celebrate the historic title change

On this week’s Raw, Hogan looked back on the magic of his first World Championship win, and spoke about the Royal Rumble event that will take place this weekend. Teasing involvement in the match, Hogan said that you never know who may show up, adding “I might have one left in me.”

Hulk Hogan in the Royal Rumble

Hogan is one of three men to have won back-to-back Royal Rumble matches, putting him in an elite class with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. The Hulkster was the first person in history to win multiple Rumble matches, having emerged victorious in 1990 and 1991. Hogan has competed in four Royal Rumble matches in his career. Combined, he has scored 27 eliminations and has lasted a total of 56:49 

Royal Rumble 2024

Here is the card for the WWE 2024 Royal Rumble PLE as it currently stands:

  • Men’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, GUNTHER, Chad Gable, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Kofi Kingston, Damian Priest) 
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Bayley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax, Maxxine Dupri, Ivy Nile)
  • Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
  • Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens (WWE United States Championship)

Who should fans expect to see return at the Royal Rumble… 

“Put Me In Coach!” WWE NXT Superstar Wants In 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

One WWE NXT Superstar hopes to make an impression in this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match, which will take place later this week. 

On Twitter this week, the USA Network account asked fans who they’d like to see in the upcoming Royal Rumble matches. In a response, NXT Superstar Thea Hail made clear she wants in her first Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

This year’s Women’s Rumble match will be the seventh in history after the match type was introduced in 2018. Previous winners of the Women’s Rumble match include Asuka, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Ronda Rousey, and reigning Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. 

Thea Hail is Over-The-Top

While Hail has yet to compete in a Royal Rumble match, the Chase U member has seen success in over-the-top-rope battle royals. Hail has competed in five battle royals in WWE and with a victory in 2 of those matches, she boasts a 40% win record. Hail was part of the battle royal that took place on last week’s WWE NXT, but failed to make it to the final four. 

WWE Royal Rumble 2024

Here is the card for the WWE 2024 Royal Rumble PLE as it currently stands:

  • Men’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, GUNTHER.
  • Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
  • Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens (WWE United States Championship)

Who should fans expect to see return at the Royal Rumble… 

WWE Sources Hopeful For Mercedes Mone in 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble (Report)

Mercedes Mone is currently a woman without a contract, but some in WWE believe a Royal Rumble return could happen. 

Mone debuted for NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in January 2023, but her contract has since expired. While there were talks with WWE, the two sides could not come to terms over money. 

A WWE Royal Rumble Surprise? 

With her talks with WWE fizzling out, many suspect that Mone will join AEW soon enough. There is an expectation within AEW that she’ll be joining after finishing up some acting commitments this month, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports. 

With that said, nothing has been made certain at this time. The Observer adds that some in WWE believe there’s still a shot she could make a surprise return in the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match. One name who’d certainly want to see Mone make a return is Bayley, her friend and former tag-team partner. The Damage CTRL member recently spoke at length about her deep connection to Mone.

Mercedes Mone in the Royal Rumble

Mone competed as Sasha Banks in two Women’s Royal Rumble matches. The Boss has the distinction of being the first entrant in the first Women’s Rumble in 2018, and would also enter at #1 in 2022. Mone has spent a total 1:04:30 in Royal Rumble matches and has a total of five eliminations to her name. 

Royal Rumble 2024

Here is the card for the WWE 2024 Royal Rumble PLE as it currently stands: 

  • Men’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, GUNTHER. 
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Bayley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax)
  • Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship) 
  • Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens (WWE United States Championship)

Who should fans expect to see return at the Royal Rumble… 

CM Punk Reacts to GUNTHER’s Rumble Declaration with Infamous AEW Star’s Tweet

CM Punk had quite the reaction to GUNTHER’s declaration on this week’s Raw, in a post that poked fun at a current AEW star. 

On this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, GUNTHER returned from a brief hiatus and declared that he will be in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. The Austrian is already being considered a favorite after his impressive outing last year, which saw him be the final man eliminated. GUNTHER broke the record for time in a 30-person Rumble match and was praised by Triple H for his efforts

CM Punk Responds

With GUNTHER’s impressive run on the main roster, CM Punk is keeping an eye on the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion. On Instagram, Punk reacted to GUNTHER’s declaration, saying if what he’s heard is real, it’s going to be a tough time for the 28 other Superstars in the match other than himself and GUNTHER. 

punk post on gunther rumble 1

Punk’s comment is a nod to the infamous tweet by Keith Lee that he sent in early 2022 about the Austrian. Following reports that WWE would be changing the name of WALTER to GUNTHER, Lee had the following to say. 

The tweet has become a meme among fans given GUNTHER’s exceptional tenure on the main roster. In contrast, many have felt that Lee’s tenure with AEW has been far from groundbreaking, with many believing he is being wasted in the promotion. 

The 2024 Royal Rumble Matches: Who’s In? 

GUNTHER and Punk are just two names confirmed for the Men’s Royal Rumble match. The pair are joined by Bobby Lashley, who like Punk and GUNTHER is yet to win a Rumble match. Former winners Cody Rhodes (2023), Drew McIntyre (2020), and Shinsuke Nakamura (2018) have also been confirmed for the match. 

On the women’s side of things, Bayley and Nia Jax are hoping to win their first Royal Rumble matches. Bianca Belair, the winner of the 2021 Rumble, and Becky Lynch, who stood tall in 2019, hope to make history by becoming the first two-time Women’s Royal Rumble match winner.

Could WWE be on course to a highly-physical match at WrestleMania 40… 

Bayley is Willing to Be Eliminated If a Certain WWE Icon Returns

SmackDown Superstar Bayley has her sights set on winning her first Women’s Royal Rumble match unless a certain former Superstar makes a return.

The 2024 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event will take place on January 27, from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The show will be the 37th annual Royal Rumble event and the seventh to feature both a Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble match.

Bayley Hoping For a Return

The Royal Rumble match is synonymous with surprise entrants and Bayley hopes this year’s match is no different. While speaking on Gabby AF, Bayley was asked about who she’d like to see in the Women’s Rumble.

“Whoever wants to do a surprise entrance, just get ready to get thrown out by me. Mickie James is always awesome, I would love to see her again. Her music hits hard.

“Trish and Lita are always so fun to get those reactions, although they were just around not too long ago, still a good reaction.”

While Bayley would be fine throwing out Mickie, Trish, or Lita, a returning AJ Lee could prove to be too much for the Damage CTRL member.

“In an interview I just had, they brought up AJ Lee since CM Punk is here. I wouldn’t mind that.
I might actually let her throw me over the top rope if she came back. That’s how much I respect her.”

The 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Bayley was the first Superstar to be declared for the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. She is joined by Nia Jax and former Rumble winners Becky Lynch (2019 winner) and Bianca Belair (2021 winner.)

Some surprise entrants won’t entirely be a surprise…

“Zero Chance!” X-Pac Denies WWE Royal Rumble Return Rumors

WWE Hall of Famer Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman won’t be competing in the upcoming Men’s Royal Rumble match, according to the man himself. 

The 2024 Royal Rumble will take place on January 27, from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The venue was once home to WWE’s Thunderdome. The show will be the 37th Royal Rumble event and the seventh to feature both a Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

Waltman Denies Royal Rumble Rumors

Earlier this month, it was rumored that Waltman would be competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. If so, the match will be Waltman’s first match in a WWE ring since a May 2002 edition of Monday Night Raw. On Twitter, however, the Hall of Famer downplayed the idea that he’ll be competing. 

Sean Waltman in the Royal Rumble

Waltman has competed in three Royal Rumble matches, with two being as X-Pac and one as the 1-2-3 Kid. Over these three appearances, Waltman has spent a total of 24:56 in the Royal Rumble match. His sole elimination came in the 2000 match where X-Pac, the #30 entrant, eliminated his former tag-team partner Kane. 

Waltman (as X-Pac) also competed in a special Corporation Vs. DX Royal Rumble on Raw in 1999. He lasted 4:10 before being eliminated by the Big Boss Man. 

Who’s In? 

While Waltman is denying involvement with this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match, several names have been announced. Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre have been announced for the Men’s match. Bayley, Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, and Bianca Belair have declared for the Women’s Royal Rumble match.

Waltman has been rumored to make a return in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, but he’s not the only one… 

WWE Schedule 2024: PPV Dates, Locations and Venues

WWE will also have international events in Saudi Arabia as part of the promotion’s decade-long agreement with the nation. The dates of these events have yet to be announced, but two will take place in the year ahead.

2024 is shaping up to be a big a year for the world’s premiere pro wrestling promotion, but they’ve got their work cut out for them if they want to make it their biggest year ever. WWE executive Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque recently touted last year’s record-shattering success:

Former WWE Star Teasing a Return At The Royal Rumble 2024

Fans are buzzing after former WWE star Chris Masters recently dropped a video clip on social media. It seems that he is teasing a return to the company. 

Masters debuted on WWE Raw in 2005 and was a standout superstar due to his impressive physique. He used a Full Nelson finisher known as the Masterlock which gave his opponents no choice but the tap out in many matches.

‘The Masterpiece’ had a couple of runs in WWE from 2005 to 2007 and then again from 2009 to 2011. Following his departure from the company, Masters went by his ring name Adonis, and has been competing on the independent circuit. He also became the NWA National Heavyweight Champion twice.

Chris Masters teasing the fans

Chris Masters took to Twitter and shared a video of himself inside a hallway which sparked speculation that he could be returning during the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event next year.

“And now the participant who drew number 2….”

Chris Masters on the possibility of a return to WWE

Earlier this year, during an interview with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE star spoke about his run at WWE and discussed the possibilities of a return to the company. He said:

“I’ve never even thought about going back to WWE, honestly, because, and it’s not out of anything bitter. It’s just, you know, I had a couple of runs there and it ended the way it did. And, you know, I just realized that my love is for professional wrestling even if it’s not with WWE. But you know, with everything that I’ve learned in the last couple of years and then also seen Shelton, Carlito, MVP all my buddies you know, I finally started you know, looking at it and it was more out of this what you just mentioned.”

“It was more not out of Chris Masters coming back, it was more out of because I remember getting in touch with that young wrestling fan. I remember what is it that we’re always looking for? We’re looking for that oh sh*t moment you know, I mean, like that Ultimate Warrior comeback at WrestleMania 8. It’s not to say anything I could do can measure to that but the Bobby Lashley scenario is fascinating because I haven’t been there for so long though.”

WWE is planning to make this year’s Royal Rumble more special. CM Punk recently announced that he will be in the namesake match. The event is certainly generating massive hype among the fans with big ticket sales already recorded more than a month before the show.

2024 Royal Rumble event set to take place at the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 27.