WWE Royal Rumble 2017 Review: Results, Analysis, and Grades
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Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Nikki Bella vs. Alexa Bliss, Mickie James, and Natalya
Result: Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Nikki Bella defeats Alexa Bliss, Mickie James, and Natalya via pinfall.
Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars
The three feuds in the SmackDown women’s division would collide in the opening match at the Royal Rumble—Bliss and Naomi, Bella and Natalya, and James and Lynch. All of them were highlighted too in what has been a deep pool on a shorter show.
#SDLive's @NaomiWWE, Nikki @BellaTwins and @BeckyLynchWWE prove that TEAMWORK makes the DREAM WORK in the #RoyalRumble #Kickoff! pic.twitter.com/24dajuoyi6
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2017
The focus ended up going on Naomi with the hot tag she received. It’s no coincidence that she’s also the likely No. 1 Contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship, so she got a spotlight here to show off against Bliss.
Naomi would get the win for her team with a backflip off the second turnbuckle for the win. She’s definitely getting a title shot, likely at the Elimination Chamber in just two weeks. There’s the opportunity for her to claim her first-ever title, so this match pushed her in the right direction.
Other than that, the in-ring action wasn’t anything much to note. It got the crowd to react rather than an awkward finish with a heel winning. This is only Match No. 1 of the pre-show, however, as we still have plenty to go.
Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho Interview
Jericho would be interviewed about being in a shark cage later on and how Owens will succeed during his title match.