Welcome to the Royal Rumble review for January 29, 2023.
Men’s Royal Rumble
Short on a big Hollywood surprise, this year’s rumble did have some great moments. Gunther going from 1 to the final two. The return of Booker T. Logan Paul and Ricochet colliding in mid air from across the ring. Edge eliminating most of Judgement Day. In the end, it was Cody Rhodes coming in at number 30 who went the distance. He fought Gunther in a hard fought last two. He even paid tribute to both his father and his brother. It might have been predictable, but it was also enjoyable.
Cody Rhodes won the Men’s Royal Rumble
L.A. Knight vs Bray Wyatt (Pitch Black Match)
The lights went out and an eerie neon glow filled the arena. Bray was his (normal?) self for this match. Knight threw everything he had, but Bray would not be denied. A Sister Abigail won the match, but it wasn’t over. Bray seemed to change, eyes glowing red. He stalked L.A., until he had him prone. Uncle Howdy appeared and dropped an elbow from high up. The puppets from FireFly House looked down as we all wondered if Bray has become even more dangerous.
Bray pinned Knight
Alexa Bliss vs. Bianca Belair (RAW Championship)
The specter of Uncle Howdy hovered over this match. Supriseling, it was a straightforward match with Belair bring the power and Bliss fighting from underneath. The end result was never really in doubt as it seems that Belair was really the better wrestler. After the match, a video played of demonic Bliss and Uncle Howdy asked her if she was really in control?
Belair pinned Bliss to retain the RAW Championship
Women’s Royal Rumble
Comparing the two, the women’s royal rumble was the better match of the night. From some surprise returns, Chelsea Green and Nia Jax, to the former Doudrop returning as Piper Niven. We got the return of a veteran, Michelle McCool and the beginning of the most dangerous version of Asuka, Kana. In the end, Rhea Ripley ran the entire thing, coming in at number 1 and eliminating Liv Morgan to get the win.
Rhea Ripley won the Royal Rumble.
Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens (WWE Championship)
Reigns and Owens always make it look like they really do not like each other. Ever punch and kick seems to have something a little extra to. The other story was Sami Zayn, as his expressions and reactions did not clearly show what he wanted to happen. In the end Reigns got the pin, but the post match beatdown led to Sami hitting Reigns with a chair. Jey would not attack Sami and left the ring. WOW!!
Reigns pinned Owens to retain the WWE Championship.
The Road to Wrestlemania begins.