The annual Royal Rumble event took place last night and it was a wonderful show. It was unreal how the news about Kobe Bryant’s tragic accident affected so many people and that definitely didn’t exclude the wrestling world. The performers put on a tremendous show and to be honest, it could’ve been booked much better than it was last night. Going into the show, I figured it would be a lengthy PPV, but it was worth every second. We saw some things that were expected, but they provided more than enough surprises. The Rumble match favorites didn’t win and they actually were the last ones eliminated, which was interesting. It seems like they knew they were the favorites and they wanted to build as much anticipation for the winners as possible, who would’ve thought? It was the best Royal Rumble in many years and here is my breakdown of each match.

- Men’s Singles Match

Sheamus over Shorty G

It wasn’t a surprise to see this relegated to the kickoff show, but nevertheless it was still a good showing from both. They got a little more time to showcase in the 2-hour kickoff show, but it was rightfully placed. There was a decent amount of anticipation for the return of Sheamus and it was good to see him back in action. Sheamus picked up the win, but Shorty G looked great. It will be interesting to see what is next for these two, but I think that Sheamus will be in the Intercontinental title discussion with a month or two.

GRADE: 8.2/10

- Men’s Singles Match: United States Championship

Andrade (C) over Humberto Carrillo

More of the same in this contest. It was relegated to the kickoff show, but was a solid showing. I didn’t expect to see Andrade lose and he didn’t. It really was never in doubt. I personally liked Sheamus and Shorty G’s match better, but it wasn’t far off. It looks like Humberto Carrillo is headed to a lesser role and it appears that Andrade is becoming a rising star.

GRADE: 7.9/10

- Men’s Falls Count Anywhere Match

Roman Reigns over King Corbin

I totally expected Corbin to go over here, only because I thought Roman was going to win the Rumble. With that being said though, I thought this was a perfect ending to a long feud. It was the perfect amount of entertainment and hard-hitting competition. It looks like Roman still could be in line for a Universal Championship shot by the time WrestleMania rolls around, but I think he is doing perfectly fine away from the title picture. It was a solid opener and things got a lot better as the show progressed. I don’t know what is next for Corbin, but he is in a great spot I feel like.

GRADE: 8.6/10

- 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match

WINNER: Charlotte Flair

FINAL FOUR: Shayna Baszler, Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Charlotte Flair

There are things that could’ve been improved upon in this match, but all-in-all, it was perfectly fine. Charlotte Flair wasn’t the favorite, but she certainly was never ruled out. In the back of your mind, you have to think Flair is a favorite in any match that she is in. Most people thought Baszler was going to win and I’m glad to see she was featured a good bit, but looking back, she didn’t have to win. The MVP of the match was Bianca Belair by a large margin. Her Rumble performance shouldn’t be forgotten and it will make her upcoming TakeOver match must-watch. I am totally fine with Flair winning the Rumble. She can literally work with any woman in the ring and put on a wonderful match. A lot of people were disinterested in the result, but the truth is, her win is best for the women’s division at the moment. They could’ve went in a number of directions, but Flair winning opens up a lot of possibilities in the next couple months.

GRADE: 8.5/10

- Women’s Singles Match: SmackDown Women’s Championship

Bayley (C) over Lacey Evans

Going into the PPV, I thought that this match had the best story going in, but I was pretty disappointed here. I thought it was the perfect time for Lacey Evans to win a title, but apparently those in charge didn’t think so. That’s not why I was really disappoint though. It was dull. The placement of the match was partly to blame, but I thought they could’ve done a lot more here. It wasn’t a horrible match, but there are a lot of different thing they could’ve done to make it better. I’m still not buying into Bayley as a bad person. It doesn’t do it for me and I honestly don’t think I ever will buy in to that.

GRADE: 7.2/10

- Strap Match: Universal Championship

“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt (C) over Daniel Bryan *MATCH OF THE NIGHT*

What a match! These two put on an absolute show. I was surprised to see that there wasn’t the normal red lighting that we’ve been accustomed to in matches featuring Bray Wyatt. Not that it is a big deal either way, but I knew these two would be perfect in a strap match. Both performers took an absolute beating and put it all on the line. I legitimately thought Daniel Bryan had a shot here and that is saying a lot. Nobody expected Bryan to win, but the fact that it was seemingly in doubt is a credit to both performers. There are a lot ways they can go from here, but it appears that Daniel Bryan could be sitting out for a little while. Match of the Year favorite as it stands right now.

GRADE: 9.9/10

- Women’s Singles Match: RAW Women’s Championship

Becky Lynch (C) over Asuka

It was difficult to follow such an outstanding match, but somehow these two put on a wonderful showing. Not that I doubted their abilities, but it was a tough act to follow. These are two of the best that the women’s division has to offer and it was on full display. Much like the previous match, it felt like it was in doubt during the match, although heading into the contest Becky was the favorite by large margin. Definitely a credit to both of the compeitors and I would be completely satisfied if this feud continues, but I wouldn’t count on it.

GRADE: 9.3/10

- 30-Man Royal Rumble Match

WINNER: Drew McIntyre

FINAL FOUR: Roman Reigns, Edge, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre

I’ve been saying all along that I’ll believe it when I see it with Drew McIntyre and last night, I saw and now I believe. What a moment for the Scotsman! If you know his story it makes it that much more of an awesome moment. I predicted that he would win the Rumble last year, but I’m kind of glad they waited for this moment, because it made it that much better. First and foremost, Brock Lesnar was the MVP of the match. Not only did he eliminate every single one of the 13 competitors ahead of him, but he was the one who helped get McIntyre, Keith Lee, and Ricochet over. Watching him completely obliterate everyone for the first half of the Rumble was a lot better of a show than I could’ve imagined. Keith Lee and Matt Riddle were the only representatives from NXT and while Riddle’s time in the match wasn’t impactful. Keith Lee’s was. Although he was only in the match for a little over 3 minutes, it felt like a lot longer due to the moment of him entering the ring with Brock Lesnar. Oh, and by the way, EDGE IS BACK!!! What a moment!!! Edge made his in-ring return after retiring 9 years ago. He looked great in the ring and I’m definitely interested to see what happens next with him. Roman Reigns was the favorite and the last one eliminated. It seemed like a lot of fans still aren’t keen to the idea of Roman winning another Rumble at the moment, so I’m glad they didn’t go that route. I am super excited for Drew McIntyre. It is insane that he hasn’t had a major title match ever, but he can’t say that now.

GRADE: 9.5/10

Yacs

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2020 Royal Rumble Results and Reaction