WWE Royal Rumble 2020: Results, Highlights, and Grades

Shorty G vs. Sheamus [Grudge Match]

Sheamus and Shorty G start off WWE Royal Rumble 2020. Hopefully, this lasts longer than 18 seconds. Sheamus and Shorty G start off with some ground based offense and technical grappling.

Sheamus takes full control of Shorty G’s arm. Shorty G attempts to rally back but Sheamus shoves Shorty G’s head onto the mat and delivers a shoulder tackle to take control early on. Shorty G gains back momentum with a running crossbody to Sheamus outside the ring.

Shorty G attempts a quick ankle lock but Sheamus counters and tosses him into the steel post. He executes a shoulder breaker and Shorty G’s ear is bleeding. That’s gonna hurt in the morning. Sheamus maintains control.

Sheamus gives endless beats to Shorty G’s chest inside and outside the ring. Shorty G rallies back with a basement dropkick. He stomps at Sheamus at the corner turnbuckle. He attempts a Moonsault but Sheamus catches him.

Shorty G counters it into a Torando DDT and goes back on the top rope to deliver a Moonsault for the two-count. Sheamus attempts to rally back with a knee strike but Shorty G delivers a Rolling German Suplex for the two-count.

He locks in the ankle lock on Sheamus, but Sheamus gets out of it and attempts the Brogue Kick. Shorty G ducks the Brogue Kick and attempts the ankle lock for a second time but Sheamus gets to the ropes. Shorty G attempts the Crucifix roll up for the two-count. Sheamus kicks out and delivers the Brogue Kick for the pinfall and the victory.

Result: Sheamus

Grade: 2.5/5.0 Stars

Analysis: Some nice spots and counters but not a show-stealer. Overall, the pace was pretty good and it was nice to see a definitive finish. This rivalry did not have to be extended any further. Knowingly, Sheamus won the match and will move on to his next victim: Mustafa Ali. Up Next: Andrade (c) vs. Humberto Carillo for the United States Championship!

Andrade (c) (w/Zelina Vega) vs. Humberto Carillo [United States Championship Match]

Andrade and Humberto Carillo started off this match with a mixture of ground based and aerial based offense. Andrade locks Carillo’s arm as Carillo attempts to rally back in this match. Carillo’s rally results in a shoulder block by Andrade.

Andrade attempts a submission hold but Carillo counters with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for the two-count. He rallies with a flying crossbody and enziguiri. He attempts a Standing Moonsault but Andrade counters with knees to Carillo’s back.

Andrade now signals for the double knee strike in the corner but Carillo counters and delivers a Moonsault to Andrade outside the ring. Andrade gains back control in the ring with three Eddie Guerrero style Suplexes. However, Carillo counters the third Suplex into a suplex of his own.

Carillo attempts the Moonsault from the top rope but Andrade counters the Moonsault and delivers the Double Knees to Carillo at the corner turnbuckle. Andrade attempts the Hammerlock DDT to finish off Carillo but Carillo counters with a small package pinfall for the two-count.

As they reach a stalemate, they have a knife edge chop contest and Carillo executes a superkick for the two-count. He continues the offense and delivers a standing moonsault for the two-count. These two superstars execute some key counters until they reach the top rope.

Carillo delivers a picture perfect Hurricanrana from the top rope for the two-count. Carillo thought he had Andrade there. Carillo attempts another Hurricanrana but Andrade rolls Carillo up for the three-count and the victory.

Result: Andrade

Grade: 2.5/5.0 Stars

Analysis: Solid match for the pre show. That fluky roll up pinfall is a sign that this rivalry is far from over. Nonetheless, Andrade finally got his first victory over Humberto Carillo. His United States Championship run has been straight fire as of late and it should be interesting to see how his rivalry with Carillo goes from here. Up Next: Roman Reigns vs. King Corbin in a Falls Count Anywhere Match!