WWE Royal Rumble 2019: Results, Highlights, and Grades

Kickoff Match: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable vs. Rezar & Scott Dawson

In a match few people saw coming, the first bit of action on the Kickoff Show featured the reigning Raw Tag Team Champions in non-title action against Rezar of Authors of Pain and Scott Dawson of The Revival. Backstage earlier in the Kickoff Show, Drake Maverick somehow got this match made because Akam is out with injury.

According to Maverick, this could lead to future title opportunities for The Authors of Pain and The Revival should they knock off Roode and Gable in non-title action. Things started strong with Rezar using his power and working surprisingly well with Scott Dawson, despite them being such an unfamiliar pairing.

Unfortunately, that bit of temporary chemistry couldn’t carry things throughout the match. Rezar and Dawson hit some great spots, but the Raw Tag Team Champions picked up the win after a moonsault to Dawson. This felt like a very poorly rushed attempt to wedge Raw’s Tag Team Champions onto the show, and didn’t seem to accomplish much by the time it was over.

Result: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable def. Rezar & Scott Dawson

Grade: C, I mean this is a passing grade because it was a passable match, but come on guys. At least act like you know what you’re doing with the tag division. 

United States Championship Kickoff Match: Rusev (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The next match of the night saw Rusev defend his United States Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura. The issues between these two have become increasingly personal, and that was on display early as Rusev tried to bring the aggression to the challenger.

Nakamura quickly turned the tides by sending Rusev into the barricade on the outside, giving him the advantage moving forward. That didn’t last though, with Rusev later utilizing his power and striking prowess to take control of the match once again.

Despite a consistent flurry of impactful moves and powerful strikes, Shinsuke Nakamura managed to keep things competitive throughout and stay in the fight. Rusev looked poised to recapture his title, but involvement by Lana threw things for a loop near the end.

Lana tried to distract Nakamura, but her well-intentioned actions ended poorly. Rusev accidentally knocks Lana off the apron, allowing a brief moment where Nakamura smashes him with a Kinshasa to the back of the head. Shinsuke Nakamura picked up the pinfall to become the new United States Champion.

I can’t say I’m sad to see the title back on Shinsuke Nakamura, but the entire storyline leading to things has made it difficult to get invested. The match itself felt like a continuation without purpose and putting the title right back on Nakamura just a month after Rusev won it only compounds those problems.

Result: Shinsuke Nakamura def. Rusev to become the new United States Champion

Grade: B, This was a solid match, but an uninteresting ending and accompanying storyline really hindered things. 

Cruiserweight Champion Fatal 4-Way Kickoff Match: Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami vs. Kalisto

The final match on the Kickoff Show saw 205 Live on display as Buddy Murphy defended his Cruiserweight Championship against Kalisto, Hideo Itami, and Akira Tozawa. If you’ve seen much of 205 Live, you probably knew going in that this bout would be a fast-paced affair with a lot of chaotic moments.

If that’s what you wanted, you won’t be disappointed in the slightest. Buddy Murphy put his power on display early, but the sheer chaos of the Fatal 4-Way made it difficult for anyone to keep a consistent advantage. As the action spilled to the outside, we got this unforgettable moment.

It’s hard to articulate how many crazy moments happened in this match, but the match is worth checking out if it sounded even the slightest bit entertaining to you. Everyone seemed close to victory at different moments, but it came down to Hideo Itami and Buddy Murphy near the end. Murphy countered a GTS attempt by Itami and followed with a stiff knee and Murphy’s Law to pin Itami and retain his title.

Result: Buddy Murphy def. Hideo Itami, Kalisto, and Akira Tozawa to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

Grade: A, It’s really disappointing that WWE didn’t put this on the main card. Not surprising, but still disappointing. This was a fantastic match between four amazing talents, and it’s a must-see for fans.