The 2024 WWE Royal Rumble is almost here, and fans have been speculating who could be making an appearance. Typically, with the annual event, WWE showcases wrestlers from the past and present to compete in a Royal Rumble match. Although it is unclear who will be a surprise entrant this year, it has led to people throwing out names they’d like to see involved, including Hulk Hogan.
During the interview, Rosenberg asked Hart if Hogan could compete in the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble Match with his current health. Rosenberg noted that Hogan is not in shape to have a match but wondered about his willingness to be protected and thrown over the ropes safely in the match.
Hulk Hogan Posing At Gym
“The Mouth Of The South” shared that he believes Hogan could still compete.
“…For some reason, even when we are at the Beach Shop here, and these matches come on, the matches he used to be in, all of a sudden it’s like he’s Popeye The Sailor Man,” said Hart.
He continued, “…He Hulks up, and all of a sudden, I think he could do whatever he wants to do, but I’m telling you what, he could still throw those punches. He could also use a chair if he had to, but I think the fans wouldn’t really care. They would love to have him there, but they wouldn’t care if he could throw a punch or if he couldn’t just to be in the building with Hulkamania and do that; they would be so thrilled for him.”
Jimmy Hart On Hulk Hogan’s Current Health & Status
Although Hart believes Hogan could work the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble Match, the chances seem slim. The former WWE Champion has a history of health issues, which would make the decision difficult for WWE to allow him to compete.
That said, Hart shared that Hogan is in great shape and in a good place.
“…Hulk and I talk about every couple of days, and I’m always concerned about his health, but right now, he’s doing phenomenal and he works out religiously. Twice a day, believe this or not, twice a day, and if you looked at him, you wouldn’t think anything is wrong with him. He looks just how he used to look,” said Hart.
“The Mouth Of The South” also noted that Hogan is enjoying what WWE is doing and looks forward to doing something with the company again.
“…He loves the talent. He watches Roman Reigns. He watches Seth(Rollins). He loves Cody(Rhodes). He thinks that what Triple H is doing up there is phenomenal, and like I said, whenever they call us to do something, we are always there,” said Hart.
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…
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.
I can still go at the drop of hat, at least for a few minutes. I can do all my kicks, except the one in the corner & I can do that again with a few weeks training. I'm at least month away from taking my shirt off in public, so zero chance I'll be in the 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…
The WWE Royal Rumble is approaching on January 27th, and that will always spark speculation about potential returns. Rey Mysterio may be out of action with an injury, but he is eyeing a return at Tropicana Field.
Rey Mysterio Gives Positive Injury Update
Rey Mysterio is currently in recovery after undergoing knee surgery a few weeks ago. His absence from television was prompted by an attack from Santos Escobar. In reality, this was a planned procedure, because Mysterio needed to get this work done on his knee.
Unfazed by this physical setback, Rey Mysterio is determined to make a swift return to the ring. While speaking to Baker Banter, Mr. 6-1-9 mentioned actively engaging in physical therapy and expressed optimism about being back in action for the Royal Rumble.
“I’m really working hard on my physical therapy,” Mysterio stated. “I just had knee surgery, thanks to Santos Escobar, and his time will come eventually. I do hope that I can return for the Rumble, if not shortly after that. I am working very hard to make my return as soon as possible.”
Rey Mysterio Speaks on Seth Rollins
If Rey Mysterio can win the 2024 Royal Rumble match, he may elect to take on Seth Rollins for his WWE World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 40. Myserio has seen Seth Rollins operate, and he had a unique take on The Visionary’s career metamorphosis in WWE.
“Seth Rollins, to me, he’s like a chameleon. He disguises himself as many characters. He had beef with a lot of Superstars because he does carry the World Title. But now that CM Punk is on board, it’s like he pushed all the rivals that he had on [in] his site and is now focused strictly on one person. Personally, I respect Seth Rollins. I enjoy watching his work, and I appreciate that he was Dominik’s godfather. He was the first superstar to step in the ring with Dominick [SummerSlam 2020] and trusted Dominik. So at that time, Dominik and I were very close and that makes me feel full of respect towards Seth Rollins. But in the ring right now, he’s a crazy man.”
Rey Mysterio also inked a new deal with WWE, along with his son, Dominik Mysterio. While it is believed that Dominik’s contract is a full five-year deal, many believe that Rey Mysterio only inked a three-year agreement. Either way, that will ensure that WWE fans have years to come for that father/son storyline to finally circle back to each other.
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:
In preparation for the company’s next premium live event, Rhodes is in fantastic shape and motivated to win the Royal Rumble Match for the second time.
Unfortunately for “The American Nightmare,” he was unsuccessful in defeating Reigns and has to rebound in the 2024 Royal Rumble Match. Reigns and his “Wise Man” Paul Heyman refuse to give Rhodes a rematch, which has given the “babyface” added motivation to win the battle royal.
His recent physical appearance is promising for Rhodes’ fans as he looks to stay healthy and attempt to become a two-time Royal Rumble Match winner.
The Obstacles Cody Rhodes Has To Face Heading Into The 2024 Royal Rumble Match
Although Rhodes looks incredible and is hungry to win the Royal Rumble Match, he has some obstacles. Besides having to eliminate 29 other wrestlers, he is also in an ongoing feud with Nakamura.
The former NXT Champion is also looking to win the Royal Rumble Match for the second time and ensure Rhodes doesn’t. Nakamura is similar to Rhodes, who won the Men’s Royal Rumble Match in 2018 but didn’t win the WWE Championship. Nakamura has shared that “The American Nightmare” ambition to win next year’s match inspired him to be victorious.
Image Credit: WWE
The Japanese superstar will try to stand in Rhodes’s way to ensure that he loses seemingly by any means.
Another star Rhodes has to look out for is CM Punk, who wants to win his first Royal Rumble Match. Punk announced on the December 11 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw that he would compete in next year’s match. The former WWE Champion has momentum and fans behind him, as he will also try to ruin Rhodes’s chances.
“The American Nightmare” has many obstacles standing in front of him. However, he is physically ready and confident he will be the main event at WrestleMania again.
It’s been over two decades since the WWE Universe was introduced to John Cena on the June 27, 2002, episode of SmackDown. This week, Cena looked back at his debut match against Kurt Angle and poked fun at the unfortunate ring attire he wore for his first match on TV.
Randy Orton is back in WWE and is ready to take out every member of the Bloodline. The Viper will have the chance to do just tonight on SmackDown when he teams with LA Knight to face Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa.
Last week, WWE filed trademarks for a series of new names and now some have been appointed to NXT talent. PW Insider reports that Andrzej Hughes-Murray, a former LA Rams linebacker, will now compete as Dion Lennox. Kevin Robertson, a former Temple University defensive tackle will now be working as Kanu Carver.
Latest on WWE NXT Europe
WWE announced NXT Europe in 2022, but despite initial hopes for the brand to be up and running in 2023, that hasn’t been the case at all. Speaking on the pre-NXT Deadline media call, Shawn Michaels said that WWE remains committed to NXT Europe. WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative pointed at upcoming shows in Europe such as Bash in Berlin and WWE Backlash: France as a sign WWE has big plans for the continent.
A Women’s Royal Rumble Favorite
Next month, WWE will host its seventh-annual Women’s Royal Rumble match, with the winner earning a title shot at WrestleMania 40. In odds shared by Sky Bet, Bayley is the favorite to win next month’s match with 10/11 odds. Behind the Role Model is Jade Cargill (2/1), Becky Lynch (10/1), Raquel Rodriguez (10/1), and Charlotte Flair (12/1.) WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY and WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley share 16/1 odds.
While fans were blown away by the closing moments of last month’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, Kurt Angle has a different pick for his segment of the night.
The finale of the January 28 event saw Sami Zayn’s time with the Bloodline end after he refused to attack Kevin Owens and instead struck Roman Reigns.
The segment has been praised by fans and those in the industry as an excellent culmination of Zayn’s near-year-long angle with the Bloodline.
Women’s Rumble
Before Reigns and Owens headlined the event, fans saw Rhea Ripley become the sixth woman to win a Rumble match.
The Judgment Day’s Eradicator now joins Asuka, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Ronda Rousey, and is the first woman to win a Rumble from #1.
Speaking on his show, Kurt Angle praised the finish which saw Ripley face off against a returning Asuka and Liv Morgan (who entered at #2.)
“I thought it was a great Royal Rumble and I’m not gonna lie to you the women’s finish of the women’s Royal Rumble was the best finish I’ve seen in years. Rhea Ripley — the way that that match ended was incredible. I was so impressed by it. I have to give the women five stars for that match.”
Kurt Angle.
Ripley at WrestleMania
On last week’s Raw, Ripley declared that she will be challenging SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39.
This match will mark the second WrestleMania match between the two, after Flair dethroned Ripley to become NXT Women’s Champion at the crowd-less WrestleMania 36.
Should Ripley win this year, she’ll be the first woman to hold the Raw, SmackDown, NXT and NXT UK Women’s Championships.
Sami Zayn’s turn at the end of Royal Rumble 2023 captivated the 51,000+ fans in the Alamodome, millions watching worldwide, and the WWE roster and crew.
In the main event, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns retained his title against Kevin Owens, and the Bloodline continued their beatdown post-match.
When Zayn refused to attack his best friend, he instead struck Reigns with a steel chair, and was beaten down by the Bloodline (sans Jey Uso) for his insubordination.
Curtain Sellout
The main event of WWE Royal Rumble 2023 and what transpired after the match has been heralded by many as some of the company’s best storytelling in years.
The segment was also a hit backstage, with Fightful Select reporting that it was a “curtain sellout” with wrestlers and the crew gathering around monitors to see what happened.
It has been reported that WWE’s plan for this angle will see Zayn challenge the Tribal Chief at next month’s WWE Elimination Chamber event, in Sami’s hometown of Montreal.
During this week’s Raw, 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match winner Cody Rhodes confirmed his plans to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39.
Rumble Backstage
After the disaster of last year’s Royal Rumble (which resulted in Shane McMahon being fired) a lot was riding on this year’s event.
Fightful adds that the mood backstage was “very laid back” and that the children of several wrestlers were having fun behind the scenes.
The WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event went a bit over time, as it was scheduled for four hours and lasted four hours and 12 minutes.
Statistically, entering a Royal Rumble match from the #1 position is the worst possible number for a wrestler hoping to headline WrestleMania.
As seen at the 2023 Royal Rumble, Rhea Ripley won the Women’s Rumble match from the #1 position and has made history in the process.
With Ripley’s win, the #1 spot has now produced four winners, tying the coveted #27 spot.
Being third from the last has often been touted as the best position to be in, with Big John Studd (1989,) Yokozuna (1993,) Bret Hart (1994,) and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (1997) all winning from #27.
While #27 has long been considered the best spot, it has now fallen to second place, as Cody Rhodes’ victory in the #30 spot is the fifth overall.
Winning from #1
Rhea Ripley is just the latest Superstar (and first female) to win a Rumble match from the #1 position, and has joined some notable names.
In 1995, Shawn Michaels became the first Superstar to go the distance, eliminating ‘The British Bulldog’ Davey Boy Smith, who had entered at #2.
Nearly a decade later, Chris Benoit did the same, entering at #1 in 2004 and last eliminating the Big Show to earn a championship match at WrestleMania.
Aware that then-SmackDown GM Paul Heyman was planning to screw him, Benoit jumped from SmackDown to Raw for his WrestleMania title opportunity.
It was Benoit’s action that led to the rule that the Royal Rumble winner can choose which title they challenge for when there are two WWE World Championships.
Fans would wait another 17 years before Edge won the Men’s Rumble at #1, at the (thankfully) only Rumble to happen without a live crowd.
This week on Top Rope Nation, SEScoops Site Manager Ryan Droste is joined by Jesse Velasquez of the Unplugged Wrestling Podcast to review Saturday night’s WWE Royal Rumble event.
Each week, the video version of Top Rope Nation streams live to the SEScoops YouTube channel. You can join the live streams by subscribing to the channel and turning on notifications so you never miss a live broadcast. This will include a regular weekly edition of Top Rope Nation (typically Thursday nights), as well as reviews of all major WWE and AEW PLE/PPV shows.
On episode 282 this week, every match on the Rumble card is covered. Plus, Ryan and Jesse have a conversation about where the Bloodline, Roman Reigns, and Sami Zayn storyline ranks all-time. Also, what does Sami Zayn’s popularity mean for Cody Rhodes and the build to WrestleMania?
You can watch the show via the embedded YouTube video at the top of this page. Additionally, you can listen to the audio-only podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are found. You will also find an embedded audio player below.
“Sometimes when people look at the Royal Rumble, they just look at the winner. I tend to look at who has the moments that are most spectacular. That’s what our business really a lot of the time is. It’s about those big moments. That moment that catapult’s you to another moment that raises you up to another even bigger moment.”
“There were a lot of people who had moments tonight. Logan Paul and Ricochet. It’s one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen. Cody with the win. But GUNTHER, going in there at number one, with Sheamus which is tough enough because you know you’re going to take a beating.”
“To have the performance that he did, all through that hour [was incredible.] There was never a moment in that Rumble match I feel where you lost GUNTHER. Where he just blended into the background. He stood out the whole thing. He’s a star. He is an incredible talent.”
“He stood out the whole thing. He’s a star. He is an incredible talent.”
Triple H.
“It’s funny how many talents come to me when they walk through that curtain after they work with him, whether it’s briefly or whether it’s a long match, and walk through that curtain and say ‘oh my God. He’s incredible.’ He’s a special talent and he had a big night tonight and I’m excited to see where he can take that. If each moment leads to another, I’m excited to see where he takes it next.”
The American Nightmare is one step closer to fulfilling his promise to his father the American Dream.
Entering the Men’s Royal Rumble match at the coveted #30 spot, Cody Rhodes eliminated 5 Superstars to win the match, earning a Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 39.
Rhodes’ final elimination saw him throw out GUNTHER, who broke the record for the longest time in a traditional Royal Rumble match.
Biggest Night of My Career
For Cody Rhodes, the road to this victory has been far from easy.
Cody was not with WWE this time last year, and plans for his return were severely delayed by his torn pectoral muscle injury last June.
Throughout his recovery, Rhodes has been on the receiving end of well-wishes from fans and those within the industry.
Speaking after the match to Ryan Satin, Rhodes thanked the fans for their support
“Thank you for everything. I can’t thank you enough [from the] bottom of my heart. The biggest night of my career so thank you very much.”
Cody Rhodes.
WrestleMania Moment
With this victory, Rhodes now has a World Championship match assured for WrestleMania, something that alluded the American Nightmare during his first run with WWE.
In a separate interview with Cathy Kelley, an emotional Rhodes made it clear he’s looking forward to walking into his first WrestleMania main event.
“I don’t have a, sorry I’m very emotional. I don’t have a frame of reference. I’ve never punched a ticket to WrestleMania.
“I don’t have any words other than, I’ve got to finish it, right? There’s no one better in the world than Roman Reigns. I can’t say I’m better, but I have to beat him to say I’m better.”
Unless Reigns drops the title before April, the Tribal Chief will face the American Nightmare at WrestleMania 39.
Chelsea Green has made her long-anticipated return to WWE, though her return didn’t go as she had planned.
Green was released from WWE in April 2021, months after suffering an injury during her debut match on SmackDown in November 2020.
After her WWE departure, Green returned to Impact Wrestling, where she became a former Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champion.
Rumble Return
After her contract with Impact Wrestling expired, it was reported that Green was set to return to WWE.
Green had been teasing her return to WWE for months and said in November 2022 that she would be open to the idea, while saying she doubted she would join All Elite Wrestling.
It had also been reported that the Canadian wrestler had been re-signed for months, and was waiting on WWE’s Creative team to figure out her return.
That return came as part of the Women’s Royal Rumble as the #20 entrant.
This match marked Green’s second time in a Royal Rumble, after competing in the 2020 Women’s Rumble match, where she eliminated Dakota Kai.
Unfortunate Record
Chelsea Green is once again a WWE Superstar, but she had the worst performance in the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Green was immediately tossed over the top rope, and her four-second stint has broken the record as the shortest appearance in a Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Prior to the Canadian Superstar, the record was held by Liv Morgan, who was thrown over the top rope in 2019 after lasting eight seconds.
WWE Royal Rumble is quickly approaching, and the planned match order has been revealed based on the internal production listing.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens will headline the show.
There are a total of title matches on this card. There are no titles expected to change hands, according to the final betting odds released. The event starts with the Kickoff show at 7 PM EST and the main card at 8 PM EST.
WWE Royal Rumble Match Order
According to Fightful Select, the current scheduled match order for tonight is as follows:
Men’s Royal Rumble Match: GUNTHER, Austin Theory, Kofi Kingston, Ricochet, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin, Santos Escobar, Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, Omos, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, Karrion Kross, Dominik Mysterio, The Miz, Brock Lesnar
Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight – Pitch Black Match
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss
A mascot dressed as WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin saved a Houston Rockets’ mascot from taking a severe beating during their “WWE Night.”
WWE is holding this year’s Royal Rumble event in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 28. As the state of Texas prepares for the special occasion, the Houston Rockets took part in the wrestling activities. For their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 26, they had their “WWE Night.”
The Rockets worked alongside Reality of Wrestling, founded by NXT Announcer Booker T, to hold matches during the game. The team cheerleaders danced to WWE themes, and the organization sold Undertaker bobbleheads. During halftime, The Rockets also had a mini royal rumble for a replica WWF Championship with other mascots and people dressed as other wrestlers like John Cena.
Video of The Mascot Brawl at WWE Night
The Houston Rockets’ mascot won, but the Cavaliers’ mascot wasn’t happy. The Cavaliers’ mascot attacked the winner from behind and took the belt. However, a Stone Cold Steve Austin mascot made the save and ran the Cavaliers’ mascot off the basketball court.
This Saturday, WWE will hold its annual Royal Rumble event. The card will have a Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble match, with the winner of the respective matches earning a title opportunity at WrestleMania. The event will also have Roman Reigns defending his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens.
To check out who the SEScoops team thinks will win at the Royal Rumble, check out our predictions here.
WWE Royal Rumble takes place this Saturday from San Antonio, Texas. This will be the 36th Royal Rumble event for the company; it originated as a standalone PPV event in 1988. This is the fourth time that the Rumble has been held in San Antonio (1997, 2007, and 2017).
SEScoops correspondents Andrew Ravens, Tyriece Simon, and Ryan Droste have assembled to provide our official WWE Royal Rumble predictions.
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss
Andrew Ravens: Bliss has been a fine title contender, but I’m not sure anyone takes her seriously as a threat to Belair’s protected reign as champion. That may hurt the reaction from the live crowd in the match, although I don’t rule out some interference by Uncle Howdy. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Tyriece Simon: This match is interesting because different stories are happening with this rivalry. We have Belair defending her title against Bliss. However, we also have Uncle Howdy helping or distracting Bliss. I expect Uncle Howdy to be involved with Bliss somehow at the Royal Rumble. Regardless, Belair should win the match and end the feud this weekend. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Ryan Droste: Associating Bliss with this Wyatt nonsense again isn’t good in my book. Absolutely dreadful television. Do we really need “Uncle Howdy” involved in two stories? Please, make it stop! There’s no way that Belair should lose here, so I’ll go with the champ to retain. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Consensus: Bianca Belair
Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight (Pitch Black Match)
Andrew Ravens: No one knows what to expect from this match other than maybe being a street fight in a dark arena where you barely see the competitors brawl. What is likely is the fact that Wyatt is nearly a lock to win the match, and it would be a mistake to beat him in his first televised match. (Prediction: Bray Wyatt)
Tyriece Simon: This rivalry has been fun to watch. LA Knight has stepped his game up, and WWE is behind him. Bray Wyatt has reminded me of people of just how great he is. Wyatt should win the match decisively, but I hope Knight has some highlight moments in the match. (Prediction: Bray Wyatt)
Ryan Droste: Nothing makes me want to change the channel faster than this latest incarnation of Bray Wyatt. The Fiend was responsible for some of the worst television segments to ever air on a WWE program, and we’re toeing that line again here with “Uncle Howdy.” I had hoped that his return would equate to better storytelling and television than when we last saw The Fiend. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. There’s no way they beat him here, though. (Prediction: Bray Wyatt)
Consensus: Bray Wyatt
WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens
Andrew Ravens: Although this should be a fun match, Owens isn’t winning the title here. WWE has done a great job of building him up as a worthy contender, and it’s nice to see him back into the fold as a worthy challenger for the top title in WWE, but he won’t win here. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Tyriece Simon: The story of The Bloodline vs. Kevin Owens has been so good. Owens winning the match would be well deserved, as he has lost to Reigns numerous times for the title. However. The champion will win this match. I expect Sami Zayn to get involved in the match to try to help Reigns. Reigns will stand tall at the end, but The Bloodline and Owens story will continue past Royal Rumble. Another thing for fans to look out for is if the match will be the main event. If this match is the main event, I can see an angle happening after Reigns wins. If Rhodes wins the Royal Rumble match earlier in the night, the Rock could still show up to set up a match at WrestleMania. I can see a scenario where the Bloodline beats down Owens, and The Rock comes out to make the save to end the show, which could set up a confrontation with Reigns. I don’t want The Rock involved, but I can see it happening if they want him for WrestleMania. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Ryan Droste: To state the obvious, the Bloodline, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn are responsible for what has been, far and away, the best WWE television for many months now. I’m looking forward to this match as Reigns and Owens have delivered big at the Rumble twice before, and I expect this to be the same. It would be completely asinine to beat Reigns here, though, and there’s no way it happens. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Consensus: Roman Reigns
Women’s Royal Rumble Match
Andrew Ravens: This is a real pick em, but I will side with Rhea Ripley. She makes the most sense to get the win here as she’s pushed as a top star and I could see her take the Raw Women’s Title away from Bianca Belair at WrestleMania with a program that could last months. (Prediction: Rhea Ripley)
Tyriece Simon: The build for this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble has been underwhelming. WWE has different storylines happening in the women’s division, so it has taken away from building the Women’s Royal Rumble match. With that said, Rhea Ripley will win the match. She is the most featured talent in the match, but she is also an opponent Belair has yet to face for the title and has unfinished business with Charlotte. Ripley had a great year in 2022 with The Judgement Day, and I can see WWE giving her the opportunity for a WrestleMania title match. (Prediction: Rhea Ripley)
Ryan Droste: The obvious answer here is Rhea Ripley. The question is whether they go with the obvious (and right) call or try to get cute and change things just to do so. I hope they stick with the obvious and put Ripley over. (Prediction: Rhea Ripley)
Consensus: Rhea Ripley
Men’s Royal Rumble Match
Andrew Ravens: Cody Rhodes is a heavy favorite to get it done here, and unless WWE wants to swerve fans, I believe he is the man that will win the bout. It makes too much sense unless there is another road to the WrestleMania main event for him. I see Rhodes challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at Mania and will pick him to win. (Prediction: Cody Rhodes)
Tyriece Simon: The winner has to be Cody Rhodes, right? WWE has shown video packages for the last couple of weeks to promote his return at Royal Rumble this Saturday. Rhodes is seemingly the favorite to win the Rumble, but another option exists. You have to also factor in The Rock if they did get him for WrestleMania 39. They have the Royal Rumble poster with the lighting images, he has a natural story with Reigns, and the company has wanted The Rock to have one last match at WrestleMania for some time. I hope this isn’t the case, so I’m going with Rhodes. However, I’m not entirely assured that WWE won’t pull a swerve. (Prediction: Cody Rhodes)
Ryan Droste: Feels like a contest between two men, Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes, unless a big surprise is planned (The Rock, Steve Austin). The way that Rhodes has been built, it almost feels like he has to win it. Once again, they might try to swerve the audience since it is so obvious. Then again, the obvious choice in the past has often been the correct winner (Michaels in ’96, Austin in ’98, Austin in ’01, Batista in ’05, McIntyre in ’20 and many others). I’ll go with Cody.
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam is feeling “awesome” ahead of this Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.
Van Dam, a veteran of six WWE Royal Rumble matches, hasn’t competed for WWE since August 2014 when he was on the losing end of a match to Seth Rollins.
Outside of WWE, RVD has competed for TNA/Impact Wrestling and various other smaller promotions.
Rumble Return
With only 15 spots filled in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, there are plenty of available spots for returning Superstars such as RVD.
“It’s happened before [returning at a Rumble.] you know when I left way back in 2006 or seven. I guess it was six. But yeah, hey, that’d be cool. I got no plans to share with you.”
Rob Van Dam.
Van Dam in the Rumble
After signing with the WWF in 2001, RVD would make his Rumble debut in January 2002 as the 29th entrant.
Van Dam would not last long, being eliminated by Booker T (his future tag-team partner) in just over two minutes.
Van Dam would fare much better the following year, lasting 33 minutes and scoring two eliminations, before being thrown out by Kane (another tag-partner of his.)
After an injury forced Rob to miss much of 2005, he returned in 2006, and would make a one-night return as part of the 2009 Rumble match (which was won by Randy Orton.)
Could WWE fans see Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock Vs. Chris Masters’ Master Lock, 16 years after the two last did battle?
When Masters debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2005, he put away countless opponents with his take on the Full Nelson, and would have a weekly ‘Masterlock Challenge.’
On the March 19, 2007, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Lashley broke the Master Lock on his road to the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23.
Lashley Vs. Masters
After returning to WWE in 2018, it wasn’t long until Lashley adopted the Full Nelson himself, calling the move the Hurt Lock.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times this past week, Lashley spoke about the possibility of facing Masters again, possibly as soon as this Saturday’s Royal Rumble.
“I think if he has an opportunity to come back, I think that would be a really cool showcase. Whether it happens at the Rumble, you never know. The Rumble always has surprises. I think Chris has kind of proved himself in the professional wrestling world.”
Bobby Lashley.
Since leaving WWE in 2011, Masters has worked for TNA/Impact Wrestling, GFW, and the NWA, and is a two-time NWA National Champion.
Breaking the Lock
Masters has not been confirmed for an appearance at the Royal Rumble and has instead stated that he will likely not be competing this weekend.
Sorry to say I have not been contacted for The Rumble and will almost certainly not be taking part at this point.
In the interview, Lashley said that if somehow, the two do cross paths this Saturday, he is ready to break the Master Lock for the second time.
“If he comes back, you know what I would do? I’d literally just turn around and put my hands out and tell him to put it on me again. Then I’d ask him to do the same. And I guarantee you he’s not breaking out of The Hurt Lock.”
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Cody was not 100% medically cleared by WWE when his entry into the Rumble match was announced.
WWE was confident that Rhodes would be cleared, with the Observer saying that the process of his medical clearing being confirmed was just a “formality.”
This year will mark Rhodes’ ninth Rumble match and his first since 2016 when he competed as Stardust.
Favorite?
With his impressive recovery and his WWE booking since WrestleMania 38, many consider Rhodes a favorite to win the Men’s Rumble match.
The odds of Rhodes winning have increased given reports that The Rock is not expected to compete at this year’s WrestleMania and ergo, the Royal Rumble.
Sami Zayn is being considered a dark horse favorite by some to set up his inevitable split from the Bloodline.
Logan Paul’s return to WWE programming could be a matter of days away if WWE gets its way.
The Youtuber-turned-boxer made an impression last year, having victories at both WrestleMania 38 and Summerslam, but lost at WWE Crown Jewel.
During the latter match with Roman Reigns, Paul suffered a torn meniscus injury which has kept him on the shelf since.
The Rumble
Fightful is hoping that Paul is fully healed and ready to appear at next week’s Royal Rumble, Fightful Select reports.
The report says that WWE hopes for an appearance by the Maverick, but does not confirm if WWE wants him in the Men’s Rumble match.
Fightful did specify that WWE is hoping he will train for an “upcoming match” and that they have “at least inquired” about it.
Recent reports suggested that Paul will face John Cena at WrestleMania 39, but an updated report has stated it will be Cena against U.S. Champion Austin Theory in April.
CryptoZoo
Paul hasn’t competed for WWE in months, but his name has been in the media for all the wrong reasons.
CryptoZoo, a game that Paul has heavily promoted on his ImPaulsive podcast, has been called little more than a scam by several users.
The game (which is currently offline) allows users to make money in the form of NFTs designed as various cartoon animals.
Paul has apologized to those who have lost money in the game, and Fightful’s report says that this controversy hasn’t been an issue for WWE’s booking of the YouTuber.
The first woman to win the SmackDown and Raw Women’s Championships (albeit at separate times) Alexa Bliss is no stranger to gold.
Bliss is a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and three-time Raw Women’s Champion, in addition to two reigns as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions (with Nikki Cross.)
In recent years though, the Goddess has been on something of a singles title drought, with her most recent Raw women’s title reign ending at Summerslam 2018 at the hands of Ronda Rousey.
Bliss’ only singles title reign since then was the seconds she spent as WWE 24/7 Champion during the July 18, 2022, episode of Raw.
Will NXT’s Grayson Waller win this month’s Men’s Royal Rumble match? It’s certainly a possibility according to the man himself.
Waller made his WWE TV debut in June 2021 and was one of the top names in WWE NXT 2.0.
His prominent position on the card continued following the end of NXT 2.0 and the revamp back to WWE NXT.
Royal Rumble
Waller has had a handful of appearances outside of NXT on WWE Main Event, but he is optimistic about his chances on one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year.
Speaking to Steve Fall of Ten Count, the Australian Superstar was asked about possibly entering the Royal Rumble.
“You’re trying to get me in trouble with Roman right now. I can feel it. I know what you’re doing, but that’s okay. Because if I get the opportunity in the Royal Rumble, I have confidence. I know I could go on and win that thing.”
Grayson Waller.
Waller mentioned that he has experience defeating Bloodline members, as he holds a victory over Solo Sikoa, which came “pretty easily” according to the NXT star.
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has been virtually untouchable since his return in August 2020, and is closing in on 900 days as WWE Universal Champion.
Calling the Tribal Chief the toughest challenge in wrestling today, Waller was optimistic about facing the Champion, if he has plenty of time to prepare.
“if I get in there with Roman, and I have time, and I can come up with a strategy, and I can get some backup [I can beat him.] …Who knows? Imagine me doing a shoey with three championships in my hand? That’s pretty impressive.”
Grayson Waller.
The third title Waller is referring to is the NXT Championship, which Waller will challenge for as a result of winning the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.
Planning is well underway for next month’s Royal Rumble premium live event, with things kicking into high gear after the holidays.
WWE presents the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome. The event will stream live on Peacock in the US and on the WWE Network internationally.
Matches the Rumble will be announced in the coming weeks, but WWE has already locked in the top of the card. Some aspects of the Rumble can’t be announced until after the December 30th edition of SmackDown, which will be headlined by John Cena teaming with Kevin Owens against Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns.
Royal Rumble 2023 Matches
Here’s what’s currently in the works for the Royal Rumble, according to our friends at WrestlingNews.co:
Barring an injury, the card will feature Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Kevin Owens.
Ronda Rousey defending the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship against Raquel Rodriguez
Edge will battle Finn Balor, who will revive his Demon alter-ego. There’s been talk of this being a Hell in a Cell match.
It’s also been rumored that WWE will be introducing a new stipulation match at the Rumble, a Pitch Black match. Bray Wyatt, who has been feuding with LA Knight, was linked to this Pitch Black concept. However, it seems unlikely WWE would hold four big stipulation events on the same card (two Royal Rumbles, Hell in a Cell and Pitch Black), so it’s likely we’ll see either Hell in a Cell or Pitch Black.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could be mere weeks away from his return to WWE as part of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.
The 2023 Royal Rumble will take place on January 28, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and will kickstart the road to WrestleMania 39.
The 36th Rumble Premium Live Event, next year will be the sixth year that the show has featured a men’s and women’s Rumble match.
If You Can Smell…
For months, rumors of The Rock’s return to WWE have circulated, with many believing he will challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
Both men have teased the highly-anticipated collision, which has also been referenced on NBC’s Young Rock.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that discussions within WWE have called for The Rock to not only compete in the Men’s Rumble match but to also win.
Meltzer stressed that rumors exist within WWE, and while this could be the plan, as “far as those who would be in a position to know,” nothing has been confirmed as the plan.
A win would see The Rock earn an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match against Reigns at WrestleMania, but it’s noted that WWE would make a Mania match happen even if The Rock doesn’t make the Rumble.
Sources who spoke to the Observer said that plans for the WrestleMania main event will need to be locked down by mid-January so a decision from Johnson will be needed by then.
The report adds that a “pie-in-the-sky” idea is for The Rock to be a surprise as the #30 entrant.
Last Match
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns, whether for a championship or not, is worthy of the WrestleMania main event, but could also mark Johnson’s final match.
Meltzer reports that the belief in the past has been that The Rock wants Reigns to be his last opponent, given they are related.
This is a match that has been talked about for years, and it’s reported that The Rock has hoped for his last match to be in Los Angeles, the home of WrestleMania 39.