WWE Royal Rumble 2019: Results, Highlights, and Grades

Credit: WWE.com

It’s finally here. The Road to WrestleMania begins tonight with the thirty-second annual Royal Rumble. With several championships on the line and two huge marquee matches, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night that sets the stage for WrestleMania 35.

The Road to WrestleMania usually comes up right around the end of the year, but it’s really the Royal Rumble that kicks things off. In both the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, one superstar will outlast 29 others to punch their ticket to WrestleMania 35.

On top of that, we’ve got seven championship matches. While leaving the Royal Rumble with championship gold doesn’t guarantee a spot on the card at WrestleMania, it surely increases the chances for anyone who can do so.

The Royal Rumble comes with a level of unpredictability that makes it truly special to most fans, and that trend will certainly continue tonight. There are swirling rumors of potential entrants from NXT, superstars returning from injury, and legends making surprise appearances.

As much fun as that aspect of the Royal Rumble matches will be, tonight is also packed with top-notch championship matches. Despite being on the Kickoff Show, the Fatal 4-Way for the Cruiserweight Championship could certainly steal the show. AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan are sure to have a fantastic match, and we’ve got two huge Women’s Championship matchups.

While it’s not clear what will be the night’s most memorable moment, this is surely an event that fans won’t want to miss. Who will win the Royal Rumble matches? Can Finn Balor conquer The Beast? Will we see “The Demon” despite Finn’s insistence we won’t? The Road to WrestleMania begins tonight.

Full Match Card

• United States Championship Match: Rusev (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Kickoff Show)
• Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami vs. Kalisto (Kickoff Show)
• SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Bar (c) vs. The Miz & Shane McMahon
• SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Asuka (c) vs. Becky Lynch
• Raw Women’s Championship Match: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Sasha Banks
• Universal Championship Match: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Finn Balor
• WWE Championship Match: Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles
• 2019 Men’s Royal Rumble Match (Participants: R-Truth, Drew McIntyre, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Seth Rollins, Jeff Hardy, Dean Ambrose, Bobby Lashley, Samoa Joe, Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, Apollo Crews, Andrade, Mustafa Ali, Rey Mysterio, Titus O’Neil, Randy Orton, Braun Strowman, and 10 unannounced entrants.)
• 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match (Participants: Carmella, Ember Moon, Natalya, Bayley, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Alicia Fox, Zelina Vega, Naomi, Mickie James, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Charlotte Flair, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Lana, Nia Jax, Nikki Cross, Alexa Bliss, Lacey Evans, and 7 unannounced entrants.)

Check back here at 5 p.m. ET for live results, highlights, grades, and analysis of the show. That’s when the Kickoff Show begins, but the main card will start at 7 p.m. ET on the WWE Network. 

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. 

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Asuka (c) vs. Becky Lynch

The Royal Rumble kicked off with one of the most highly anticipated matches of the night as Asuka defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch. Things got off to a hot start as both superstars gave things their all, but Becky Lynch took an early advantage.

With her confidence booming, Becky Lynch began to shout at and provoke the champion. Things quickly spilled to the outside, where Becky Lynch took control with this huge Bexsploder Suplex into the barricade.

Back in the ring, Asuka got tied up in the ropes and Becky went to take control with a flurry of strikes. Unfortunately for The Man, she made the mistake of turning her back on the champion. In the blink of an eye, Becky found herself trapped in the Asuka Lock in the ropes. After escaping, Becky returned the favor by wrapping Asuka in the Disarmher with the turnbuckle.

Becky maintained control as things moved to the apron, but Asuka hit a few key strikes then sent them plummeting to the floor with a spinning fisherman neckbreaker off the apron. The impact was brutal and kept both superstars down for a few moments. Once things were back in the ring, Asuka powered back with a series of strikes.

Becky Lynch wasn’t holding anything back though, later coming off the top rope with massive Avalanche Bexploder on Asuka. Becky missed a leg drop, and things really started to look evenly matched. Both superstars were trading submissions, even locking in their opponent’s trademark moves. Finally, with the Asuka Lock on Lynch, the champion suddenly flipped forward and turned it into a variant of the Cattle Mutilation! Lynch couldn’t withstand the pain, tapping out and allowing the champion to retain.

Result: Asuka def. Becky Lynch to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship

Grade: A+, A truly fantastic opening, and a great match between two very accomplished in-ring competitors. There were a lot of interesting moments here, but ultimately Asuka showed the viciousness that kept her undefeated for so long. 

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Bar (c) vs. The Miz & Shane McMahon

In one of the night’s weirder matchups, the odd pairing of Shane McMahon and The Miz challenged The Bar for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles. Despite being the less tenured duo, Shane McMahon brought frenzied aggression out of the gate and took things directly to Sheamus.

The spear and strikes seemed to send The Bar reeling, as things didn’t take long to spill to the outside. The Bar tried to eliminate Miz early by sending him through the announce table, but Shane saved him from it. Shane also then looked to hit his patented elbow through the table, but The Bar ensured it wasn’t happening.

Shane and Miz gained control back in the ring, with Shane even knocking both Sheamus and Cesaro into the corner. With both down, he looked for a huge double Coast to Coast on The Bar. Shane came flying, but was caught by Cesaro who put him in one of the most impressive Cesaro Swings he’s done in some time, as it seemed like it would just never end.

Shane looked for a triangle choke, but Cesaro managed to escape. The Bar looked close to victory as the finally planted Shane with a double team White Noise, but Shane McMahon still kicked out! After a miscommunication and assist by Miz caused Cesaro to catch a Brogue Kick to the face, things really turned. Miz planted Sheamus with a Skull Crushing Finale, and Shane McMahon then hit an amazing shooting star press on Cesaro to pick up the win.

Result: The Miz & Shane McMahon def. The Bar to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions

Grade: B+, Even with the unfortunate roots of this storyline and tag team, this was a great tag team contest that saw Miz and Shane really look like a complete unit. Seeing The Miz & Shane McMahon celebrate at ringside with The Miz’s dad was a nice cherry on top of things. 

Raw Women’s Championship Match: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Sasha Banks

Next up it was time for Ronda Rousey to defend the Raw Women’s Championship against “The Boss” Sasha Banks. Things were heated right from the start, with both superstars showing their confidence as things got rolling. Rousey went for the Three Amigos early, but Sasha countered it before Rousey could finish.

Things spilled to the outside shortly after, and Ronda Rousey went for a big strike on Sasha. Unfortunately, The Boss ducked out of the way and Ronda hit the turnbuckle post hard. This would turn out to be crucial throughout the match, as Sasha Banks targeted the injured hand and arm of Rousey from then on, even locking on this vicious armbar.

With Sasha Banks in control, she locked on the Bank Statement, but it wasn’t over just yet. Rousey got out and went for Piper’s Pit, nailing it, but she couldn’t go for the cover thanks to the damage to her arm. Rousey did managed to lock Sasha in a triangle over the ropes for a few moments before things spilled to the outside.

Sasha went for a suicide dive, but Rousey caught her and quickly locked in the armbar. Sasha began to frantically tap, but it didn’t count because they were on the outside. Back in the ring, Sasha ate a big knee to the face but kicked out of Rousey’s accompanying pin attempt.

Ronda started looking for the armbar once again, but Sasha slipped away and locked in the Bank Statement. Sasha continued to wrench on the neck and even stomp at the hand of Rousey, but the champion still got to the ropes. Sasha turned it into a fujiwara armbar, but Rousey fought out and finally planted her with Piper’s Pit and collapsed into a successful cover to retain her title.

Result: Ronda Rousey def. Sasha Banks to retain the Raw Women’s Championship

Grade: A+, This match had to deal with a lot of hype, but succeeded in living up to that hype. Rousey looked fantastic and fought through a lot of pain, finally picking up the win. Sasha threw up the Four Horsewomen hand sign before heading to the back. 

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1089696114838667264

2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The match got started with Lacey Evans berating the crowd and declaring her future success, but Natalya was the second entrant and quickly took it to the young Evans. Mandy Rose out at number three, but Natalya quickly kept control and even locked them both in a double sharpshooter.

Liv Morgan was the fourth entrant but lasted only moments before being eliminated by Natalya. From there, things started to pile up with success entrants Mickie James, Ember Moon, and Billie Kay. Once Kay got out, she insisted she was not going to enter the ring until Peyton Royce entered.

Nikki Cross was the eighth entrant, attacking Kay on the outside and coming into the ring with a huge crossbody taking out a group of competitors. Peyton Royce was out next, and The IIconics immediately targeted Nikki Cross. Tamina was the tenth entrant, landing a Samoan Drop on several competitors in succession.

NXT’s Xia Li was the 11th entrant, showing her striking skills early. Sarah Logan was in next, quickly showing her aggression against several entrants. The next elimination say Nikki Cross eliminated by The IIconics, but Peyton and Royce were taken out by Lacey Evans not long after.

Charlotte Flair came in at 13, immediately going to work and eliminating Xia Li and Tamina. NXT’s Kairi Sane came in at 14, quickly going toe to toe with Charlotte. Sarah Logan was the next out, eliminated by Natalya and Kairi. Maria Kanellis entered at 15, marking the halfway point in things.

Naomi was the 16th entrant in the match, immediately going after Mandy Rose with a flurry of offense. Naomi didn’t take long to eliminate her rival, and Mandy looked to return the favor. Naomi managed to get her feet to the barricade and kept them from hitting the floor. Naomi carefully walked the barricade and leapt to the ring steps, but Mandy pulled her feet out from under her and finally eliminated Naomi.

NXT’s Candice LeRae was out at 17, followed by veteran Alicia Fox. In the ring, we saw a temporary alliance between Maria and Alicia, but Kanellis quickly turned on her and stomped on the hat, sending Fox into a literal temper tantrum. NXT’s Kacy Catanzaro, a veteran of American Ninja Warrior, entered at 19 and was followed by Zelina Vega at 20.

Ruby Riott was out at 21, along with the reemergence of Liv Morgan. The Riott Squad created complete chaos and started yanking people out of the ring. At this point Zelina Vega also chose to slide under the ring, hiding from the action but remaining in the match because she didn’t go over the top rope. Dana Brooke entered at 22, joining a packed field.

Ruby Riott, with her friends helping, managed two successive eliminations on Alicia Fox and then Kairi Sane. Io Shirai came in at 23, quickly getting revenge on The Riott Squad for their attack on Kairi. Rhea Ripley of NXT UK came in at 24, immediately showing her viciousness.

Kacy Catanzaro looked to be eliminated by Dana Brooke, but kept her feet from hitting the floor and then did a handstand and walked on her hands back into the ring. Kacy came flying in, but was caught and shortly thrown out by Rhea Ripley. Sonya Deville was out at 25, but Rhea Ripley continued her rampage and eliminated Dana Brooke next.

On the outside, Zelina Vega finally reemerged by suddenly Hornswoggle also popped out from under the ring. Vega fleed into the ring, being thrown out by Rhea Ripley moments later. Hornswoggle continued chasing Vega all the way to the back. Alexa Bliss came in at 26, immediately impressing with standing moonsault knees to Ember Moon.

Alexa Bliss followed up her assault by eliminating Sonya Deville, but Bayley came in at 27 and was hot from the start. Bayley quickly eliminated Ruby Riott, and then took out Rhea Ripley who had been on fire since entering the  match.

Lana came in at 28, but was barely limping towards the ring. Medical staff came out to check on her before Lana even got down the ramp. At number 29, Nia made her way down the ramp and immediately attacked Lana who still hadn’t gotten to the ring. Nia entered the fray and quickly changed the landscape by eliminating Io Shirai and then Natalya.

Carmella came out at 30 as the night’s final entrant, but at that point Lana had never entered the match. Suddenly “The Man” Becky Lynch made her way down the ramp, arguing with agent Fit Finlay that she should replace Lana in the match. After some discussion, Finlay conceded and Becky Lynch entered the match.

In the ring, Nia Jax looked absolutely stunned to see Becky Lynch coming for her. They quickly traded strikes in the ring, but things quickly broke down moments later with Charlotte going after Becky. Moments later, Becky sent Jax to the mat with a big dropkick off the top rope. Alexa Bliss and Ember Moon began to trade attacks, carrying their fight out onto the apron where both struggled to stay in. Alexa Bliss finally shoved Ember out and eliminated her.

We then saw a reunion of the old NXT BayMella friendship as Bayley and Carmella teamed up to eliminate Alexa Bliss. After back and forth from Charlotte and Carmella, it was Flair who finally knocked Carmella out with a big boot. That left the final four as Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Nia Jax.

It was Nia Jax who scored the next elimination, taking out Bayley and bringing things down to only three. Nia and Charlotte traded blows, with Nia looking to eliminate her but failing. Charlotte hit several successive boots to wear down Jax, then showing her strength by getting her up in the air but collapsing under the weight and her sheer exhaustion.

Charlotte fought back to her feet, finally hoisting Nia over the top rope. Becky Lynch, who had been knocked through the ropes shortly before, grabbed Nia’s feet and pulled her off the apron. Becky slowly went to get back into the match, but Nia knocked Becky off the steps before Lynch could enter the match.

On the outside, Lynch landed awkwardly and looked like she may have injured her knee. Charlotte Flair and Becky were the only ones left, but Becky struggled to get to her feet. It looked like Becky might not be able to get back in, but she fought her way to her feet and finally climbed into the ring. Hopping on one leg, Becky refused to go down and insisted she would continue to fight.

Charlotte Flair immediately targeted the injured knee with several strikes, even hanging Becky up in a tree of woe to add pressure to it. Charlotte tried to get Becky out, but The Man wouldn’t let it happen. Becky hit an enziguri and threw Charlotte over the top, but Flair landed on the apron. Charlotte got back in and quickly hit an exploder suplex on Lynch.

Becky leaned on the ropes for assistance as Charlotte went for a big boot, but Becky ducked and sent Charlotte tumbling over the top to eliminate her! By last eliminating Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch wins the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble!

Result: Becky Lynch wins the Women’s Royal Rumble after eliminating Charlotte Flair

Entrance Order: Lacey Evans, Natalya, Mandy Rose, Liv Morgan, Mickie James, Ember Moon, Billie Kay, Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce, Tamina, Xia Li, Sarah Logan, Charlotte Flair, Kairi Sane, Maria Kanellis, Naomi, Candice LeRae, Alicia Fox, Kacy Catanzaro, Zelina Vega, Ruby Riott, Dana Brooke, Io Shirai, Rhea Ripley, Sonya Deville, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, Carmella.

Elimination Order: Liv Morgan by Natalya, Mickie James by Tamina, Nikki Cross by The IIconics, The IIconics by Lacey Evans, Xia Li by Charlotte Flair, Tamina by Charlotte Flair, Sarah Logan by Natalya & Kairi Sane, Mandy Rose by Naomi, Naomi by Mandy Rose, Lacey Evans by Charlotte Flair, Maria Kanellis by Alicia Fox, Alicia Fox by Ruby Riott, Candice LeRae by Ruby Riott, Kairi Sane by Ruby Riott, Kacy Catanzaro by Rhea Ripley, Dana Brooke by Rhea Ripley, Zelina Vega by Rhea Ripley, Sonya Deville by Alexa Bliss, Ruby Riott by Bayley, Rhea Ripley by Bayley, Io Shirai by Nia Jax, Natalya by Nia Jax, Ember Moon by Alexa Bliss, Alexa Bliss by Bayley & Carmella, Carmella by Charlotte Flair, Bayley by Charlotte Flair & Nia Jax, Nia Jax by Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair by Becky Lynch.

Grade: A++, Not to exaggerate or slip into hyperbole, but this was truly magnificent. So many NXT stars got to show their skills. We saw some amazing performances and eliminations along the way. Finally, the sequence near the end with Charlotte and Becky was a perfect ending to set the stage for WrestleMania 35. 

https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/1089717988440199168

WWE Championship Match: Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles

After the amazing Women’s Royal Rumble, it was time for “The New” Daniel Bryan to defend the WWE Championship against “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles. Things got off to a raucous start with both stars showing just how personal things are between them. As fast as things started, it was clear early that it would become a war of attrition.

Daniel Bryan started by targeting the arm of AJ Styles, aiming to weaken him for the LeBell Lock later on in the matchup. AJ felt the pain early, and Bryan made sure that continued as he laid in with vicious kicks to the arm and chest of AJ Styles. The challenger fought through it, gaining some momentum and going for a few quick pinfall attempts.

At that point, AJ’s target was clear as he went after the knee of Daniel Bryan to set up for the Calf Crusher. The action later spilled to the outside, seeing AJ Styles dig deep for an old trick as he springboarded off the barricade with a moonsault reverse DDT onto Bryan that planted him on the ringside mat with a powerful thud.

Things heated up back inside the ring as both superstars continued to damage their opponent’s limbs and looked for an advantage. The more they fought, they more things escalated. The fight made its way to the top turnbuckle as Daniel Bryan looked for a huge back suplex off the top rope, but AJ countered and quickly locked in the Calf Crusher a few moments later.

Despite the damage, Daniel Bryan refused to tap. He continued to fight back, and each man looked on their way to finishing things off at different moments. Things got weird moments later, as the previously injured Erick Rowan walked down the ramp and began stalking the ring.

Daniel Bryan looked to gain an edge with an enziguri, but AJ ducked and the kick caught the referee. With the referee down, AJ Styles hit a Styles Clash but was quickly the recipient of an assault by Rowan. The referee slowly came to, and Bryan merely crawled and put an arm over AJ to pick up the victory.

Result: Daniel Bryan def. AJ Styles to retain the WWE Championship

Grade: B, This was a decent match, but I have a feeling it suffered some from crowd exhaustion. There were still some great moments, and genuine intrigue with Erick Rowan appearing to cost AJ the match and join forces with Daniel Bryan. 

Universal Championship Match: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Finn Balor

Next up was our final championship match of the night as “The Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar defended the Universal Championship against Finn Balor. Contrary to speculation he could be trying to swerve fans, Balor entered the fray simply as himself and did not compete as “The Demon.”

Things were off to a quick start as the bell sounded and Finn Balor immediately took the fight to Lesnar. A quick dropkick and flurry of strikes caught The Beast off guard, but unfortunately that advantage didn’t last. As the action quickly spilled to the outside, Balor was planted with a belly to belly suplex.

Brock Lesnar then cleared an announce table, looking to put Finn Balor through it. Balor suddenly slipped out, shoving Lesnar into the exposed corner of the table two separate times. The corner jabbing into Lesnar’s stomach would become a turning point in the match, as Balor continued to focus on it. Lesnar tried to power through the pain, but failed a few suplex attempts thanks to the lingering damage.

Lesnar hit a few powerful strikes, almost decapitating Balor with a stiff clothesline at one point, but Balor continued to fight back. As he kept the focus on the midsection, Balor delivered several strikes and stomps to the injured champion. The assault sent Lesnar reeling to the outside, and Finn hit three successive dives to the outside on Lesnar to continue the damage.

Finally, Finn got Lesnar back in the ring and hit the Coup de Grace. It looked like the Cinderella story was coming true, but Lesnar kicked out right at the count of two and all of a sudden put Balor in the Kimura Lock. Balor tried his hardest to escape to the ropes, but Lesnar had it in tight and increased the pressure. Unable to get away, Balor finally tapped out and Brock Lesnar retained the Universal Championship.

Result: Brock Lesnar def. Finn Balor to retain the Universal Championship

Grade: A, Brock Lesnar matches are always different than those that others do, and this was a great example. It wasn’t an instant classic, but it told a great story. Balor had some amazing moments and showed he could hang with Lesnar, but the dangerous champ put in the Kimura Lock and it was all over. 

2019 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Finally, it was time for the Men’s Royal Rumble Match. Things got off to a weird start with Elias at number one looking to deliver a performance, but he was interrupted by “Double J” Jeff Jarrett who entered at number two. After what looked like a potential duet, Elias struck down Jarrett and even blasted him with a guitar before eliminating the veteran.

Shinsuke Nakamura came out at number three, taking the fight to Elias and looking to carry over the success he had in capturing the United States Championship earlier in the night. WWE Hall of Famer Kurt angle was out fourth, hitting his familiar german suplexes and taking the fight to his younger opponents.

Big E came out at number five, quickly sending people flying with belly to belly suplexes. Big E followed it up with a big splash to Nakamura but got caught by an Angle Slam only moments later. Nakamura took advantage of Angle being distracted and sent him shoulder first into the turnbuckle, delivering a Kinshasa then to eliminate Kurt Angle.

The night’s sixth entrant was current NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano, who immediately took the fight to Elias with a hurricanrana. The seventh entrant was former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, taking out superstars with slams and strikes without hesitation. Mahal looked to eliminate Gargano, but got tossed over the top and caught a kick from Johnny that sent Mahal out of the ring.

Samoa Joe entered at number eight, quickly showing his vicious streak and desire. Big e tried to hit Joe with a belly to belly suplex, but Joe countered and threw Big E over the top to eliminate him. Curt Hawkins was out at number nine, looking very cautious and consistently sliding out under the bottom rope to escape the fray.

It was a good plan until Samoa Joe locked Hawkins in the Coquina Clutch and nearly put Curtis to sleep. Elias struck Joe and broke the hold, and Hawkins scurried to the outside and hid under the ring. It was then time for the tenth entrant, and Monday Night Raw’s Seth Rollins entered the match with a series of strikes before planting Gargano with a Falcon Arrow.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1089737689635663872

Rollins managed to toss Elias onto the apron moments later, but Elias gripped onto the turnbuckle post trying to stay in. Rollins simply slapped his hands, and Elias fell to the outside. Titus O’Neil was out at 11, carefully making his way to the ring to avoid a repeat of “Titus World Slide.”

Curt Hawkins then peeked out from under the ring, and O’Neil realized where he was hiding. O’Neil climbed under the ring after Hawkins, with both men emerging moments later on the opposite side. Hawkins slid in first, catching a pursuing Titus and throwing him over the top rope. Hawkins celebrated the elimination but was quickly eliminated himself by Samoa Joe.

Out at 12 as Kofi Kingston, who showed his agility early and dove into the ring. Perennial underdog Mustafa Ali came out at 13, quickly showing his heart and eliminating US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. It was a big moment for Ali, but the tone shifted moments later as Dean Ambrose entered the match at 14 and immediately went after rival Seth Rollins.

Ambrose then looked to eliminate Kofi Kingston, but Kofi showed his versatility once again as he kept his feet off the floor and rolled his way to the steps to climb back into the ring and keep up the fight. No Way Jose made his way out at 15 with the conga line in tow but was eliminated in the blink of an eye by Samoa Joe.

Drew McIntyre was out at 16, demolishing No Way Jose and some of the conga line on his way to the ring. The New Day’s final member Xavier Woods was out at 17, immediately saving Kofi Kingston from elimination with some…unorthodox teamwork. It was a great moment, but Drew McIntyre ended the fun by immediately eliminating both Kingston and Woods.

The match’s 18th entrant was reigning WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne. The Bruiserweight started his attack on Ali with a german suplex and stomp to Ali’s hands. He then showed his fearlessness by taking the fight to Samoa Joe and Drew McIntyre before dropping Ali on Drew with an X-plex.

Andrade entered the match at 19, looking to make an impact immediately by going for Pete Dunne. Andrade looked to eliminate the UK Champion, but Pete Dunne went for The Bitter End. Andrade somehow reversed it into a DDT that spiked Dunne on the mat. Apollo Crews came out at 20, going after every competitor around him.

Things looked crowded but amazingly stacked at this point, with such a plethora of talented superstars inside the ring. That stacked situation only ramped up as former NXT Champion Aleister Black entered at 21, hitting a springboard moonsault shortly after entering the ring. He then took down Ali with a stiff knee moments later, but Ambrose brought toe fight to Aleister.

Ambrose tried to attack the former champion but felt a sudden impact as Aleister hit The Black Mass and sent Ambrose flying out of the ring. Shelton Benjamin was out at 22, taking the fight to Apollo Crews and planting Pete Dunne with Paydirt. Samoa Joe looked to put Mustafa Ali to sleep with the Coquina Clutch, but Shelton Benjamin hit a running knee to Joe to break up the hold. With Joe staggered, Mustafa Ali suddenly showed his heart by eliminating Joe.

Benjamin tried to ruin the moment by eliminating Ali, but Ali held on tight and stayed in the match. Baron Corbin came in at 23, also trying and failing to eliminate Ali. Corbin did manage to eliminate Apollo Crews moments later, but felt the fight from entrant 24, Jeff Hardy, as The Charismatic Enigma came into the match.

Baron Corbin continued his good fortune by eliminating Aleister Black, much to the disdain of the crowd in Phoenix. Drew McIntyre followed it up by eliminating Pete Dunne a just after that, thinning slightly the packed field. Rey Mysterio entered at 25 but ate a stiff backbreaker from Corbin only moments after getting in the ring.

SmackDown rival Andrade immediately targeted Mysterio, knocking the legend hard to the mat. The 26th entrant of the night was Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley. “The All Mighty” lasted only moments before being eliminated by Seth Rollins. In a frenzy, Lashley dragged Rollins out under the bottom rope and put him through the announce table at ringside.

Things got dangerous as The Monster Among Men entered the match at 27, quickly eliminating Shelton Benjamin and tearing into the competition. Rollins was still out on the outside but had not been properly eliminated. Dolph Ziggler entered at 28, immediately getting revenge on Drew McIntyre by eliminating The Scottish Psychopath.

“The Viper” Randy Orton entered the match at 29, and Braun Strowman looked ready to take on the veteran as soon as Orton slid into the ring. The two stars faced off for a moment before Orton went for an RKO, but Strowman countered and powerslammed Orton hard on the mat.

We then got a truly mindboggling moment. Strowman approached Andrade at the turnbuckle and got Andrade on his shoulders, but Andrade also grabbed Mustafa while at the turnbuckle and held him for a suplex. With both of them stacked on Strowman’s shoulder, Rey Mysterio dove off the top rope with a crossbody that sent everyone crashing to the mat.

R-Truth looked to make an impact as the final entrant but was ambushed by Nia Jax. Truth got thrown directly into the entrance screen, and Nia Jax took his place and entered the match at number thirty. Things continued to be unpredictable as Jax quickly showed her power and eliminated Mustafa Ali.

Nia Jax then came face to face with The Viper, and things got crazy. Nia knocked Orton into the ropes and motioned to Rey Mysterio to hit a 619. Rey went running but Jax caught him. While she had Rey up, Nia caught a superkick directly to the chin by Dolph Ziggler. She then felt an RKO and 619 in quick succession before being chunked over the top rope by Orton and Mysterio. Nia held on for a moment, but a baseball slide by Mysterio finally dashed her hopes of winning the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.

Randy Orton found himself eliminated by Andrade only moments later, bringing things down to the final four. Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins had been down on the outside but were still in the match. That left the final four as Andrade, Dolph Ziggler, Seth Rollins, and Braun Strowman. Strowman didn’t take long to thin the herd by eliminating Ziggler and Andrade, which left only Rollins.

The final two men traded blows and both looked close to elimination in moments, but things finally spilled to the apron where Rollins looked to end it. Rollins hit a superkick that knocked Strowman to one knee, suddenly driving him into the apron with a stomp to eliminate Braun and punch his ticket to WrestleMania 35.

Result: Seth Rollins wins the Men’s Royal Rumble after eliminating Braun Strowman

Entrance Order: Elias, Jeff Jarrett, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kurt Angle, Big E, Johnny Gargano, Jinder Mahal, Samoa Joe, Curt Hawkins, Seth Rollins, Titus O’Neil, Kofi Kingston, Mustafa Ali, Dean Ambrose, No Way Jose, Drew McIntyre, Xavier Woods, Pete Dunne, Andrade, Apollo Crews, Aleister Black, Shelton Benjamin, Baron Corbin, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton, Nia Jax

Elimination Order: Jeff Jarrett by Elias, Kurt Angle by Shinsuke Nakamura, Jinder Mahal by Johnny Gargano, Big E by Samoa Joe, Elias by Seth Rollins, Titus O’Neil by Curt Hawkins, Curt Hawkins by Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura by Mustafa Ali, Johnny Gargano by Dean Ambrose, No Way Jose by Samoa Joe, Kofi Kingston by Drew McIntyre, Xavier Woods by Drew McIntyre, Dean Ambrose by Aleister Black, Samoa Joe by Mustafa Ali, Apollo Crews by Baron Corbin, Aleister Black by Baron Corbin, Pete Dunne by Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley by Seth Rollins, Baron Corbin by Braun Strowman, Shelton Benjamin by Braun Strowman, Jeff Hardy by Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre by Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali by Nia Jax, Nia Jax by Randy Orton & Rey Mysterio, Rey Mysterio by Randy Orton, Randy Orton by Andrade, Andrade by Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler by Braun Strowman, Braun Strowman by Seth Rollins

Grade: A+, While the Women’s Rumble felt like it told a slightly more compelling story, the Men’s Rumble was still a great way to cap off the night. Despite an odd start, the match picked up and really thrived thanks to a wealth of talented superstars. Seth Rollins was the clear favorite going in, but his win still felt very special.