WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Ten Best Moments From Men’s Rumble Match
By Tom Thomas
WWE.com
5. No returning legends or announcers in the Rumble match
Every year, the Royal Rumble match would feature a handful of legends returning to action for one night only. Usually, the likes of JBL, Jerry The King Lawler, Booker T and even Michael Cole on one occasion were all part of this ordeal. In the 2014 Rumble, even El Torito was a participant. Such booking often results in backlash and criticism from the fans as every spot in the 30 man rumble match is precious indeed.
When such a spot if kept aside for a returning veteran, who could still generate a nice pop albeit; another talented young star is asked to wait in the stands. However, that did not happen this year. The WWE is so filled with talent, up to the brim that there simply wasn’t any place for a legend or commentator to make an appearance.Even the brief appearance by The Hurricane could be a precursor to a role on 205 Live. Simply put, the rumble match this year was simply no country for old men.
Many notable names were absent from this year’s rumble match. Some of them were due to injuries. However, some were missing simply because there was no place to fill them all in. Compared to last year, when Lesnar, Goldberg and the Undertaker all took the spot light and a handful of eliminations, this year’s rumble match stood true to its purpose – elevate a new young star.