WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Ten Best Moments From Men’s Rumble Match
By Tom Thomas
WWE.com
8. Andrade “Cien” Almas makes a big impression
The number seven entrant this year was surprising to say the least. As the sixth entrant Elias began to serenade the audience with a song, the countdown timer cut him off short. Once it reached zero, the reigning NXT Champion, Andrade “Cien” Almas made his way to the ring, accompanied by Selena Vega. For the first time in history, an NXT Champion became part of the chaos named as the Royal Rumble match.
His presence in the match was not relegated to a big pop at the time of his entrance either. For about twenty-nine minutes, Almas hung in the ring with some of the best performers on the main roster. When Elias threw him to the ropes in the beginning, it seemed for a moment that Almas’ time in the rumble was over before it started. But he showed his resiliency and athleticism (more than once) to hold on.
Cien was one among the two NXT competitors to make an appearance in the Rumble. Moreover, this was his main roster debut as well. To be able to make your main roster debut, while being the NXT Champion, at the Royal Rumble of all places. The only thing that could top it would be a WrestleMania debut. Fans will be talking about Almas for quiet while now.