Cody Rhodes became the first to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches in 26 years, as he ousted CM Punk to cement his place in the main event of Wrestlemania XL.
Rhodes, entering at number 15, went into the final two with the returning Punk who was making his first televised WWE in-ring return for 10 years.
After a hellacious final stretch, the American Nightmare countered a ‘Go To Sleep’ to throw his opponent over the top rope, to book an eye-watering Mania rematch with Undisputed Universal champion Roman Reigns.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn one of the most anticipated Royal Rumble’s in years, 48,000 packed into Tropicana Field in Florida on one of the most historic days in the company’s history. This was the first Rumble without a member of the McMahon name in the hierarchy following the resignation of Vince from his role in TKO, WWE’s ownership group.
In the Women’s Royal Rumble, Bayley became the sixth different winner whilst setting a new record for time in the match (1 hour, 3 minutes and 3 seconds).
This was a highly entertaining match which included: a return for former superstar Naomi, incredible debut from the newly-signed Jade Cargill and the surprise featuring of TNA Knockouts champion Jordynne Grace.
Logan Paul retained his United States championship in controversial fashion against Kevin Owens. As Paul tried to bring brass knuckles into the play in the final stages, Owens reversed and used them instead.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs he had the champion down and out, he was caught out by the referee who awarded Paul the win via disqualification.
Elsewhere, Reigns continued his historic run as champion overcoming the challenges of Randy Orton, AJ Styles and LA Knight. As Knight collided with Styles, the ‘Tribal Chief’ brutally speared the latter and got the one, two, three.
However, now a familiar face is waiting in the wings for him when Wrestlemania goes to Philadelphia in April. Rhodes came back to the company to ‘finish the story’ his beloved father Dusty never managed to do, now he has a second chance to do so.
