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Kenny Omega Makes First Statements Since New Beginning

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On the final night of the 2-day New Beginning in Sapporo event, Cody attacked Kenny Omega to kickstart a rivalry which has been building for months.

Cody gave Omega the Cross Rhodes and was instructing Marty Scurll and Hangman Page to join in the assault when Kota Ibushi made the save. Omega had previously saved Ibushi from a 3-on-1 attack from Cody, Scurll, and Page at New Year’s Dash.

Omega recently released a statement to Tokyo Sports which has since been transcribed by Chris Charlton.

Kenny Omega Statements

“When he came to help me I had a flashback to our time as Golden Lovers. Ibushi’s always been hard to figure out, but I kind of understood something. The real Kenny is always at Kota’s side.

I said I wanted to face him (in the G1 Final) but the truth is what I wanted was to stand in the ring with him.

(I didn’t go to WWE) because I was waiting for him. If we aren’t together, there’s no point. I want us to change the world together. I took belts with Bullet Club, did a lot, but that was all the job. Golden Lovers transcends wrestling. This is real life. As long as there was a chance for this to happen, I wasn’t going to say goodbye to NJPW.

I don’t know if he wants what I want, but if he does we can do something amazing together.”

Ronda Rousey Her Debut, WrestleMania, Roddy Piper (Video)

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Ronda Rousey was interviewed by WWE after her big debut at the conclusion of Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view from Philadelphia. The former UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion interrupting Asuka’s post-Rumble win, just as it appeared Asuka would declare if she’ll challenge for the RAW or SmackDown Women’s championship at WrestleMania. Rousey pointed at the WrestleMania 34 sign, took a look at both titles and tried to shake Asuka’s hand but Asuka slapped it away. Rousey also shook Stephanie McMahon’s hand at ringside to squash their storyline beef.

Rousey says she really doesn’t know how to process everything but this is not something she does every day and is something very different from fighting. Rousey says it was a real pleasure being able to soak everything up and she’s very aware of how lucky she is. Rousey says coming to WWE has been her dream since before she could talk. She talks about asking late WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper if she could use the “Rowdy” nickname when she got into MMA. Rousey says no matter what else she did in life, pro wrestling kept following her around and it was time to take a hint from the WWE Universe.

Rousey also reveals that the leather jacket she wore at the Rumble was brought to her by Piper’s son Colt, who flew the jacket in from Las Vegas to Philadelphia. Rousey says she wants people to remember Piper every time she’s out there and says she wouldn’t be here or had her run in UFC if it weren’t for Piper. Rousey says Piper taught her so much from afar and showed her that she can also touch people from afar. Rousey says she is a better person because Piper lived.

Regarding the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match, Rousey says she was thinking about how a women’s Rumble would have been laughed at before and how she’s been laughed out of gyms in the past. Rousey says women have been brushed aside in combat sports for so long but to see everyone give a standing ovation to the women’s Rumble was big, and how fans were really invested in the match, and how it was well-accepted by the fans, not forced on them. Rousey says she didn’t even know about women’s wrestlers when she was a kid but she wants to make sure there’s not another generation that doesn’t know about women’s wrestlers when they’re little.

When asked about pointing to the WrestleMania 34 sign, Rousey says she thinks it’s a big fat hint that she’s going to be there in New Orleans at the big event.

Update On Rey Mysterio’s WWE Status Following Surprise Rumble Appearance

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As seen Sunday night at the Royal Rumble, the big surprise of the men’s battle royal was Rey Mysterio making his first time in a WWE ring in several years. According to sources close to the situation, the deal for Mysterio to participate in the event came together over the past week. The company did a great job of keeping it a secret.

At this time, Mysterio’s appearance in the Rumble was a one-time thing, although his strong performance could motivate WWE to try signing him. It’s worth noting that Mysterio has been training his son Dominick, so the prospect of plugging back into the WWE machine could be an appealing prospect for Mysterio.

The former World Heavyweight champion (and 2006 Royal Rumble winner) had been negotiating with Impact Wrestling to appear at their most recent set of tapings, but Impact couldn’t close the deal.

Mysterio looked to be in peak physical shape on Sunday night, sporting a tanned physique that was leaner and more athletic than his last WWE run when he was carrying a lot more muscle. Mysterio has reportedly undergone stem cell treatments on his knees, which have allowed him to compete at a level not seen in a decade.

Shane Helms Talks WWE Return (Video), Stephanie McMahon On The Rumble, Road To WrestleMania

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– Below is video of Charly Caruso talking to “The Hurricane” Shane Helms after his quick Royal Rumble appearance on Sunday. Helms says the WWE Universe spoke to him again and as soon as the music hit, the signal went up and it said stand back as the Universe knew a hurricane was coming. Helms tells Cathy to always remember through howling winds and pouring rain, all evil shall fear The Hurricane.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Fv119IeZY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– WWE posted this new promo for The Road to WrestleMania 34 on the WWE Network – RAW’s Elimination Chamber on February 25th, SmackDown’s Fastlane on March 11th and the biggest show of the year on April 8th.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpq5GXInQpM?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, RAW General Manager Kurt Angle and SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon tweeted the following on the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, which were won by Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka. As noted, Nakamura vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles is the only official match for WrestleMania 34 as of this writing.

Ronda Rousey Post-Royal Rumble Video, New Rumble Record Set?, AJ Styles On Shinsuke Nakamura

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– Below is video of Heath Slater talking to Charly Caruso after his WWE Royal Rumble appearance on Sunday. Slater says he eliminated new RAW Tag Team Champion Sheamus in .8 seconds, beating the previous 1 second record set by Kane and Santino Marella. Rhyno joins the interview and gives Slater props for showing a side he’s never seen before. Rhyno says Slater never gave up and that’s what matters.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOj06EZSo8s?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– Ronda Rousey returned to the ringside area after the Royal Rumble pay-per-view went off the air and greeted fans who were hanging around. Below is video from the post-show segment:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vjs3zWDfTLw?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– WWE Champion AJ Styles posted the following Twitter comments after his win over Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in the 2-on-1 Handicap Match at the Royal Rumble and after Shinsuke Nakamura won the men’s Rumble match to earn a WrestleMania 34 title shot:

Rey Mysterio Talks WWE Return (Video), Ronda Rousey’s First WWE Photoshoot, Sheamus

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– Below is video of Rey Mysterio talking to Cathy Kelley after his return in the 30-man Royal Rumble match on Sunday. Rey says it was awesome to hear the WWE Universe react to his return and he’s truly blessed to come back and realize that the fans and WWE family hasn’t forgot about him.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isw2muH2aXI?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– Below is video from Ronda Rousey’s first official photoshoot with WWE. As noted, the former UFC Champion has reportedly signed a full-time deal with WWE.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdwdUVlvbpY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– Sheamus tweeted the following after he and Cesaro defeated Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan to become the new RAW Tag Team Champions at the Royal Rumble. As noted, The Bar are now four-time RAW Tag Team Champions.

Nakamura On His Royal Rumble Win, Rumble Attendance News, The Usos

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– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos spoke to Charly Caruso after retaining in the 2-of-3 Falls Match over Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin at the WWE Royal Rumble on Sunday night. They brag on making it through 2 falls, their success in Philadelphia and how they are still the champions, then leave to go celebrate.

– WWE announced 17,629 fans in attendance at the sold-out Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for this year’s Rumble pay-per-view. WWE announced 17,289 fans for the 2004 Rumble and 17,164 fans in attendance for the 2015 Rumble, which both took place in the same arena.

– Shinsuke Nakamura reveals why he chose AJ Styles as his ideal opponent at WrestleMania 34 after The King of Strong Style finally “did it” in the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble Match.

Nakamura also tweeted this following the big win:

Alicia Fox Injury Update, WWE Royal Rumble Opening Video, Nigel McGuinness

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– Below is the opening video package used for the 2018 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view in Philadelphia:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRysPyXqDPc?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– As noted, Nigel McGuinness did not call Saturday’s WWE NXT “Takeover: Philadelphia” event as he was under the weather. F4Wonline.com notes that Nigel is currently recovering from the flu. Takeover was called by Mauro Ranallo and Percy Watson.

– As noted, Alicia Fox was pulled from the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match due to an injury. WWE reports that Fox is suffering from a broken tailbone. A new Mixed Match Challenge partner for Goldust should be revealed this week. Fox wrote the following on missing tonight’s big match:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BegwU5kn6tM/

Ronda Rousey Signs Full-Time Deal With WWE

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Asuka eliminated Nikki Bella to win the first ever women’s Royal Rumble match. After the match, RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte got in the ring. Asuka looked at them both when Rousey’s music hit.

Ronda pointed at the WrestleMania sign hanging in the Wells Fargo Center. Rousey went to shake Asuka’s hand but Asuka slapped it away. Rousey laughed and then pointed at the WrestleMania sign once again.

Rousey exited the ring and high-fived fans in the crowd. Rousey then approached the announce table where Stephanie McMahon was the guest commentator for the women’s Royal Rumble. Rousey and Stephanie shook hands and then Rousey made her way up the entrance ramp as the Royal Rumble went off the air.

It was then announced on social media that Ronda Rousey has come to terms with on a full-time contract with WWE. This has been rumored for a long time but Rousey has finally made her way to WWE and will no doubt be a factor at WrestleMania 34 this April.

Rousey made the following comments to ESPN about signing with WWE:

“This is my life now. First priority on my timeline for the next several years. This is not a smash-and-grab; this is not a publicity stunt.

“When I first met with Triple H, I told him, ‘There are other things I can do with my time that’ll make way more money, but I won’t enjoy nearly as much.’”

“It’s funny — it’s kind of like acting, in that it was something I always wanted to do but I never thought was in the cards for me. And now that I realize I really do have this opportunity, I feel like my 6-year-old self would totally kick my ass if I didn’t take it.”

Women’s Royal Rumble 2018: Full List Of Entrants & Eliminations

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Order Of Entry:

  1. Sasha Banks
  2. Becky Lynch
  3. Sarah Logan
  4. Mandy Rose
  5. Lita
  6. Kairi Sane
  7. Tamina
  8. Dana Brooke
  9. Torrie Wilson
  10. Sonya Deville
  11. Liv Morgan
  12. Molly Holly
  13. Lana
  14. Michelle McCool
  15. Ruby Riott
  16. Vickie Guerrero
  17. Carmella
  18. Natalya
  19. Kelly Kelly
  20. Naomi
  21. Jacqueline
  22. Nia Jax
  23. Ember Moon
  24. Beth Phoenix
  25. Asuka
  26. Mickie James
  27. Nikki Bella
  28. Brie Bella
  29. Bayley
  30. Trish Stratus

Order Of Elimination:

  1. Mandy Rose by Lita
  2. Tamina by Lita
  3. Lita by Becky Lynch
  4. Kairi Sane by Dana Brooke
  5. Dana Brooke by Torrie Wilson
  6. Torrie Wilson by Sonya Deville
  7. Sarah Logan by Molly Holly
  8. Sonya Deville by Michelle McCool
  9. Liv Morgan by Michelle McCool
  10. Molly Holly by Michelle McCool
  11. Lana by Michelle McCool
  12. Vickie Guerrero by Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch & Michelle McCool & Ruby Riott
  13. Michelle McCool by Natalya
  14. Becky Lynch by Ruby Riott
  15. Jacqueline by Nia Jax
  16. Kelly Kelly by Nia Jax
  17. Ruby Riott by Nia Jax
  18. Naomi by Nia Jax
  19. Beth Phoenix by Natalya
  20. Ember Moon by Asuka
  21. Carmella by Nikki Bella
  22. Mickie James by Trish Stratus
  23. Nia Jax by Nikki Bella & Brie Bella & Trish Stratus & Bayley & Asuka & Natalya
  24. Bayley by Sasha Banks
  25. Natalya by Trish Stratus
  26. Trish Stratus by Sasha Banks
  27. Sasha Banks by Nikki Bella & Brie Bella
  28. Brie Bella by Nikki Bella
  29. Nikki Bella by Asuka

Winner: Asuka

 

6 Takeaways From WWE Royal Rumble 2018

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The 2018 Royal Rumble aired live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kickoff Show Results:

  • Kalisto, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik defeated TJP, Jack Gallagher & Drew Gulak
  • The Revival defeated Gallows & Anderson
  • Bobby Roode defeated Mojo Rawley

Both the RAW & SmackDown Tag Team Championships were defended tonight. AJ Styles defended his WWE Championship in a Handicap match against Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens. Brock Lesnar put his Universal Championship on the line against Kane and Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat match. The road to WrestleMania also officially began as both a women’s and men’s Royal Rumble took place. The winners of the Royal Rumble matches now have a title shot at WrestleMania 34.

Here are takeaways from WWE Royal Rumble 2018:

AJ Styles Is Still WWE Champion After Controversial Finish

wwe championship styles owens zayn royal rumble

The Handicap match for the WWE Championship kicked off Royal Rumble 2018. AJ Styles put his title on the line against both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. If Owens & Zayn win, they will become the first ever co-WWE Champions.

The Philly crowd chanted “AJ Styles” right when the match started. AJ and Owens started off the match as Sami was on the ring apron. Owens immediately tagged in Sami and then Zayn tagged Owens back in before Styles could confront them. Owens took a kick to the midsection and then jogged across the ring to tag in Zayn.

Styles went for a roll-up but Sami kicked out. Zayn then tagged in Owens once again and Styles shouted “come on!”. AJ put himself between Owens and Zayn so that Owens couldn’t tag out. Owens proceeded to roll out of the ring, run to the corner, slide back into the ring and tag in Zayn.

AJ hit Sami with a Dropkick and Zayn once again tagged out. Owens charged at AJ and knocked him to the corner. Owens stomped on AJ for a few times and shouted “and that is why this is my show!”. Owens tagged Sami back in and he continued to beatdown AJ in the corner.

Styles battled back and hit a couple of chops but Sami responded with a Back Body Drop for a two count. Owens tagged in and launched AJ into the turnbuckle. The action spilled out of the ring and Owens launched AJ into the barricade. Back in the ring, Owens hit a Double Stomp on AJ’s chest and tagged Sami back in.

Zayn connected with a couple of jabs and taunted AJ a bit for applying a Chin Lock. AJ backed Sami into the corner but Owens tagged himself back in. AJ punched Sami off the ring apron and hit Owens with a couple of chops. Owens lifted Styles up in the electric chair and dropped him face first to the canvas for a two count.

Owens applied a Headlock but AJ broke the hold with a couple of elbows to the ribs. Owens went for the Cannonball in the corner of the ring but AJ got out of the way. Owens landed on his leg that he injured on SmackDown this past Tuesday. Owens quickly tagged Sami Zayn back in the match. AJ delivered a Hurricanrana off the top rope to Sami Zayn.

Owens tagged back in and walked directly into a Pele Kick from the WWE Champion. Owens tagged out and Sami went for the Helluva Kick but Styles was ready. AJ booted Sami in the face, went for a Moonsault off the second rope, landed on his feet and transitioned into a reverse DDT. Owens tagged back in and AJ locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring as Sami Zayn was knocked to the floor outside the ring.

Sami slid back into the ring just in time and broke the hold before Owens tapped out. Owens went for a roll-up but AJ kicked out. Owens charged at Styles but AJ got out of the way and Owens crashed into the ring post. Sami tagged himself back in and Owens hit a cheap shot Superkick to Styles on the ring apron. Sami planted Styles with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count.

Zayn hit AJ with a couple of chops in the corner and then perched Styles up on the top rope. AJ broke free and slammed Sami into the middle turnbuckle. Owens went for another cheap shot on the apron but AJ was ready and knocked him to the floor. AJ then connected with the Phenomenal Forearm to Sami and went for the cover but Owens broke it up at the last second.

AJ and Sami traded punches to the face. AJ got the better of the exchange and lifted Sami onto his shoulders. Sami went for the tag but couldn’t tag Owens. AJ then launched Sami out of the ring and Owens attacked AJ from behind with a Superkick. Owens went for a Pop-up Powerbomb but Styles countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Owens and Zayn approached Shane McMahon backstage. They demanded that Shane not let a referee cost them another match. Sami asked if Shane saw it and Shane replied with a big grin on his face, “yep”. Shane then walked away as Owens lost his mind.

It looks like this storyline is continuing on SmackDown. Sami and Owens have a legitimate complaint here, as Zayn clearly never tagged out. This match was more entertaining than I thought it was going to be. I figured there would be some kind of controversial finish. I’d rather it had been this than Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan arguing ringside and distracting from the match.

The Usos Easily Retained Their Titles

the usos gable benjamin royal rumble

The Usos defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable in a 2 out of 3 falls match.

Jimmy Uso controlled the match early and hit Gable with a couple of chops in the corner. Benjamin tagged himself in and Jimmy Uso didn’t realize it. Gable hit a chop block to Jimmy’s knee and then Shelton slammed it into the ring post. Shelton targeted his attack on Jimmy’s knee and locked in a submission hold in the middle of the ring. Gable tagged in and continued to attack the knee.

Benjamin tagged back in and continued to stomp on Jimmy’s knee. Gable and Benjamin kneed Jimmy in the face and then sprinted across the ring and kneed Jey off the apron. Benjamin posed for the crowd for a moment and this allowed Jimmy some time to regroup. Jimmy connected with an Enziguri and finally tagged Jey into the match.

Gable tagged in and was immediately knocked out of the ring. Jey threw Shelton out of the ring as well and then leaped onto both of them outside the ring. The action returned to the ring and Jey climbed up to the top rope. Jey missed with the Splash but landed on his feet. Benjamin kneed Jey in the face from outside the ring and then Gable hit a Tiger Suplex for a two count.

Benjamin tagged back in and went for the tandem Powerbomb off the top. Jimmy Uso broke it up but Gable connected with a Dropkick that knocked him to the corner. Shelton then Powerbombed Jey onto Jimmy in the corner and connected with Paydirt to Jey Uso for a two count. Both Usos were thrown out of the ring and Chad Gable delivered an awesome Moonsault onto them outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Gable went to cover Jimmy Uso but the referee told him that was the wrong Uso. Gable then got hit with two Superkicks and a Splash from Jey but somehow still kicked out. Jimmy and Jey then hit a double Superkick on Chad Gable and picked up the first pinfall victory. The Usos now lead 1-0.

Benjamin got back intot he ring and launched Jey Uso into the ring post. Gable and Benjamin beatdown both Jimmy and Jey. Gable and Benjamin connected with the tandem Powerbomb to Jimmy Uso outside the ring. Back in the ring, Gable hit an overhead kick and tagged in Benjamin. Gable climbed to the top rope but Jey Uso rolled up Shelton for the victory. The Usos won the match 2-0 and are still SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

I was really looking forward to this match. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly as good as I thought it was going to be and the ending felt random. I wanted to see Gable & Benjamin at least be built up as a legit team on SmackDown. Getting swept by The Usos doesn’t accomplish that.

The Right Superstar Won The Men’s Royal Rumble

mens royal rumble

The men’s Royal Rumble started just before the second hour of the PPV. The winner of the match will go on to get a title shot at WrestleMania 34.

#1. Aiden English came down to the entrance ramp and performed a song about Rusev Day. Rusev then came down to the ring as the first entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble. The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev entered the ring.

#2. Finn Balor was the second entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble.

Balor and Rusev tried to eliminate each other for a bit. Balor hit Rusev with a Dropkick.

#3. Rhyno was the third Superstar in the Royal Rumble. The crowd chanted “ECW!” as he marched towards the ring. Rhyno and Rusev traded punches. Rhyno got the advantage and connected with a Belly to Belly Suplex. Rhyno then planted Balor with a Suplex as well. Rusev connected with a spinning kick that knocked Rhyno to the mat.

#4. Baron Corbin was the fourth entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble. Corbin leveled Rusev with a Clothesline but was slammed to the mat by Rhyno. Rhyno set up for the Gore but Corbin countered it into a Deep Six. Corbin then eliminated Rhyno. Finn Balor eliminated Baron Corbin from behind. Corbin lost it and attacked Rusev and Balor outside the ring. Security tried to restrain Corbin but it didn’t work out too well.

#5. Heath Slater was the fifth entrant in the rumble but walked right into a Clothesline from Corbin. Baron finally walked backstage as Slater, Rusev and Balor were on the floor outside the ring.

#6. Elias was the sixth entrant in the rumble and came down to the entrance ramp with his guitar. Elias strolled down the entrance ramp while strumming his guitar. He took a brief break and booted Slater in the face. Elias brought his guitar into the empty ring and stated that the countdown clock will not start until he is done giving the crowd the performance of the year. Elias’ song was interrupted by the countdown.

#7. NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas was the seventh entrant in the rumble. Almas competed in an unreal match against Johnny Gargano last night at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia and retained his NXT Championship. Almos delivered the running knees to Elias but Elias responded with a Clothesline.

#8. Bray Wyatt was the eighth entrant in the rumble. Before getting into the ring, he slammed poor Heath Slater into the barricade. Heath had still not been able to make it to the ring at this point. Bray leveled Balor with a Clothesline in the ring. The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev finally started to get back into the ring. Bray Wyatt wouldn’t let him and punched him off the ring apron several times.

#9. Big E drew number 9 and came down to the ring. Big E mushed some pancakes in Slater’s face before getting into the ring. Rusev and Elias teamed up and knocked Big E to the canvas.

#10. Tye Dillinger was the tenth entrant to the 2018 Royal Rumble. Dillinger didn’t make it to the ring because he was attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn backstage. Sami Zayn came down the entrance ramp and threw Heath Slater into the barricade again. Sami Zayn then entered the ring.

#11. Sheamus and his mohawk were the eleventh entrant in the Royal Rumble. Sheamus threw Slater in the ring and then slid into the ring himself. Heath Slater then Clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope and eliminated him. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Sheamus was embarrassingly eliminated by Heath Slater on his birthday. Slater celebrated for a moment before being hit with a Sister Abigail by Bray Wyatt. Bray then eliminated Slater.

#12. Xavier Woods was entrant number twelve and came down to the ring and teamed up with Big E.

#13. Apollo Crews drew unlucky number thirteen. Balor battled Almas in the corner and traded chops with him. Balor then connected with a Double Stomp on Bray Wyatt in the ring.

#14. Shinsuke Nakamura entered the rumble at number fourteen. Nakamura attacked a few Superstars in the ring as the crowd sang Shinsuke’s theme for a minute. They then transitioned into a loud “Nakamura!” chant. Shinsuke draped Sami Zayn across the top rope and kneed him in the chest. Sami Zayn tumbled out of the ring and was eliminated.

#15. Cesaro was the fifteenth entrant in the men’s Royal Rumble. Cesaro hit a flurry of uppercuts to Rusev in the ring.

#16. Kofi Kingston entered at number sixteen. Apollo Crews was eliminated by Cesaro after being hit with an uppercut on the ring apron.

#17. Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal was number seventeen. Mahal attacked Woods upon entering the ring and Jerry “The King” Lawler declared Mahal as his pick to win the rumble. Mahal eliminated Woods and then eliminated Big E moments later.

#18. Seth Rollins was the eighteenth entrant in the 2018 Royal Rumble. Rollins planted Elias with a Slingblade and then delivered another to Finn Balor. Cesaro tried to eliminate Rollins but Seth countered and used his leg strength to launch Cesaro out of the ring to eliminate him. Kofi was thrown over the top but one of his feet landed on Woods. Big E then proved a plate of pancakes for Kofi to place his foot on. Jinder tried to block Kofi from getting back in but Woods and Big E launched Mahal over him in a ridiculous spot. Kofi then connected with a kick that sent Mahal over the top rope and Jinder was eliminated. Big and Woods threw pancakes at him. Almas then launched Kofi over the top to eliminate him.

#19. Matt Hardy was entrant number nineteen. Wyatt and Hardy started working together and eliminated Rusev. Wyatt and Hardy started trading punches. Wyatt and Hardy’s brawl caused them both to eliminate each other at the same time.

#20. John Cena was entrant number twenty. The rest of the Superstars attacked Cena once he got into the ring. Elias went for the Drift Away but Cena countered it into an Attitude Adjustment that sent Elias over the top rope and to the floor.

#21. The Hurricane was entrant number twenty-one! He faced off with Cena and was quickly eliminated. The crowd booed Cena after he eliminated Helms. The Hurricana slipped on some pancakes but recovered to pose outside the ring.

#22. Aiden English came down to the ring as entrant number twenty-two. Dueling “lets go Cena!” and “Cena sucks!” chants broke out in the crowd.

#23. Adam Cole was number twenty-three and got a great reaction from the crowd. Adam Cole competed in an awesome Extreme Rules match against Aleister Black last night at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia. Finn Balor eliminated Aiden English.

#24. Randy Orton was entrant number twenty-four. Orton planted Almas with an RKO and eliminated him. Almas was in the Royal Rumble match for almost thirty minutes.

#25. Titus O’Neil was number twenty-five. Cole and Rollins tried to eliminate Nakamura but Shinsuke was able to break free.

#26. The Miz was number twenty-six in the Royal Rumble. The Miz came down to the entrance ramp with the IC Title and raised it in the air. He then handed it to Bo Dallas and sprinted to the ring. The Miz slammed Cena and Rollins to the mat and hit a series of It Kicks to both of them. Cena went for the AA but The Miz countered into a Skull Crushing Finale. Rollins connected with a Superkick to The Miz.

#27. Rey Mysterio made his return as entrant number twenty-seven. Mysterio booted Cole in the face and slung him into the middle turnbuckle. Rey Mysterio wrapped his legs around Cole and slung him out of the ring to eliminate him. Mysterio hit the 619 on The Miz.

#28. Roman Reigns was entrant twenty-eight and came down to the ring to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Reigns punched everyone in the face and then stared at The Miz. Roman leveled Miz with a Clothesline and then beat him down in the corner of the ring. Reigns eliminated Titus O’Neil. Reigns tried to eliminate The Miz but Dallas and Axel came down to the entrance ramp and saved him. Rollins hit The Miz with the Curb Stomp as Reigns Superman Punched The Miztourage off the apron. Rollins and Reigns Powerbombed The Miz over the top rope onto Axel and Dallas. Reigns then eliminated Seth Rollins and Seth made his way to the back with a smirk on his face.

#29. Goldust was entrant twenty-nine. Goldust escaped an Attitude Adjustment and hit Cena with an Atomic Drop.

#30. Dolph Ziggler was the final entrant in 2018 Royal Rumble. Dolph sprinted to the ring and leaped onto John Cena. Dolph escaped an AA and delivered a Superkick to Cena. Goldust planted Dolph with a Powerslam. Ziggler knocked Goldust to the ring apron and then Superkicked him out of the ring. Dolph hit Shinsuke with a Zig Zag and then geared up for a Superkick.

Nakamura knocked Ziggler to the ring apron and Balor connected with a forearm that knocked Ziggler out of the ring and he was eliminated.

It was now down to Reigns, Balor, Nakamura, Orton, Mysterio and Cena. Mysterio hit Reigns with a 619 and Orton planted Nakamura with an RKO. Roman Reigns hit Orton with a Superman Punch and then eliminated him. Mysterio connected with a double 619 to Reigns and Cena. Finn Balor caught Mysterio from behind and eliminated him.

It was now down to Finn Balor, Nakamura, Cena and Reigns. The four Superstars stared at each other in the ring. Cena punched Nakamura and Reigns beatdown Balor in the ring. Cena and Reigns circled each other in the ring as the crowd chanted “you both suck!”. Nakamura and Balor attacked Cena and Reigns to the delight of the crowd.

Balor and Nakamura circled each other as the crowd cheered. Nakamura draped Balor up on the top rope and kneed him in the chest. Balor didn’t fall out of the ring and knocked Nakamura to the canvas. Shinsuke got up and booted Balor in the head.

Cena and Reigns got back up and the crowd booed as they knocked Nakamura and Balor to the mat. Cena and Reigns traded punches. Cena connected with a shoulder tackle but Roman responded with a Samoan Drop. Reigns geared up for the Superman Punch but Cena avoided it and planted him in the ring. Cena went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Balor planted him with a Slingblade. Balor Dropkicked Cena and Reigns and then hit Nakamura with a Slingblade. Shinsuke went for the Kinshasa but Balor countered it with a Double Stomp. Cena eliminated Balor from behind and the crowd booed.

The crowd chanted for Nakamura as Reigns and Cena teamed up on him. Reigns connected with a shoulder tackle on Reigns and then slammed him to the mat. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Reigns. Roman responded with a Superman Punch. Reigns booted Nakamura out of the way and geared up for a Spear. Reigns went for it but Cena caught him with an Attitude Adjustment. Shinsuke Nakamura knocked Cena to the apron and connected with a Kinshasa to eliminate him.

We were now down to Roman Reigns and Shinsuke Nakamura. The entire crowd chanted for Shinsuke as the two Superstars stared at each other in the ring. Nakamura dared Reigns to charge at him. Reigns obliged and the two Superstars traded punches. Reigns hit a Superman Punch that knocked Nakamura to the mat. Reigns tossed Nakamura over the top rope but Shinsuke caught himself on the apron. Nakamura locked in a Triangle submission on the ropes but Reigns showed off his power and lifted him back into the ring. Reigns then planted Nakamura with a Powerbomb and both Superstars fell to the canvas.

Reigns got up first and set up in the corner for a Spear. Nakamura countered it into a knee and then hit another knee off the second rope. Shinsuke went for the Kinshasa but Reigns countered it into a massive Spear. Nakamura and Reigns sprinted off the ropes and Shinsuke hit a Kinshasa. Nakamura then launched Roman Reigns over the top rope to win the 2018 Royal Rumble.

After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura announced that he wanted to face AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 34.

This was a very entertaining Royal Rumble match. I found the stuff with Heath Slater hilarious and the annual Kofi escaping elimination was great this year.

I was completely flipping out at the end of the match because I thought Reigns was going to win it. The right Superstar won and now we get to see AJ Styles versus Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania. I simply cannot wait to see that match. Reigns might very well wind up in a match for the Universal Championship anyway.

Jason Jordan Cost His Team The Titles

jordan rollins rumble

Jason Jordan & Seth Rollins defended their RAW Tag Team Championships against Sheamus & Cesaro.

Rollins and Cesaro started off the match in the ring. Rollins hit a couple of Arm Drags and followed it up with a Back Drop. Cesaro and Sheamus took control of the match. Cesaro dragged Jordan off the apron and threw him into the ring post.

Booker T started arguing with everyone on commentary and honestly nothing he said made any sense. Doctors came down to the ring to check on Jason Jordan. Sheamus and Cesaro spent the next few minutes beating the hell out of Rollins. Booker T said Rollins was on Gilligan’s Island right now because Jordan was injured. Graves pointed out that there were a bunch of people on Gilligan’s Island.

Jordan was still lying on the floor outside the ring. Sheamus and Cesaro teamed up for a Backbreaker on Rollins. Sheamus went for the cover but Seth kicked out at two. Sheamus charged at Rollins but Seth got out of the way and Sheamus crashed into the post.

Rollins hit Cesaro with a Blockbuster off the second rope. Rollins hit a Suplex and rolled through and went for a Falcon Arrow but Cesaro escaped. Rollins then hit the Falcon Arrow anyway for a two count.

Sheamus tagged back in and battled Rollins on the top rope. Cesaro joined the party and started punching Rollins in the face. Rollins knocked them both to the canvas and followed it up with a Frog Splash onto both of them.

Jason Jordan finally made his way up the steps and tagged himself in. Jordan held his head and wobbled a bit. Jordan tagged Rollins back in and proceeded to take a seat on the steps.

Sheamus hit Rollins with a Brogue Kick. The Bar teamed up and slammed Rollins to the mat for the pinfall victory. Sheamus & Cesaro are the new RAW Tag Team Champions.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/957803993681428480

The crowd was dead for this match after the men’s Royal Rumble. This match was also predictable as everyone knew Rollins & Jordan weren’t going to stick together for long. This storyline will continue on RAW tomorrow night between Jordan and Rollins. I’d like to see The Revival built up again in RAW’s tag division.

Brock Lesnar Is Still Universal Champion

lesnar strowman kane

Brock Lesnar had a giant smile on his face before the match and taunted Kane before the bell rung.

Lesnar drove Kane to the corner to start off the match. Strowman hit a ridiculous Dropkick that knocked Lesnar to the mat. Strowman threw Kane out of the ring. Kane got back in the ring as Strowman and Lesnar were trading knees. Strowman caught Lesnar in the hand and Brock responded by punching him right in the face. Kane Chokeslammed Brock and then grabbed Braun’s throat.

Lesnar hit Kane with a chair. Strowman punched the chair out of Lesnar’s hand and then threw Brock out of the ring. Strowman followed him out there and launched Brock into the barricade. Strowman grabbed a couple of tables and brought them into the ring. Strowman set up a table in the corner of the ring and Kane grabbed Braun by the throat. Strowman then grabbed Kane by the throat and Chokeslammed him to the mat.

Brock hit three German Suplexes in a row but Braun shrugged them off and hit Lesnar with a Running Powerslam through a table in the ring. Strowman went for a cover but Kane broke it up. Kane then shoved Strowman to the corner and Braun awkwardly fell through the table. Kane then Chokeslammed Strowman. Lesnar hit Kane with an F5 but Strowman broke up the pinfall attempt.

Strowman then showed off insane strength and German Suplexed Lesnar and Brock fell out of the ring. Braun cleared off the German announce table but Brock lifted Braun up onto his shoulders and delivered an F5 through the table. Lesnar then flipped another announce table onto Strowman.

Kane grabbed Lesnar by the throat but Lesnar countered with an F5 through the announce table. Strowman got up and stared at Lesnar. Brock couldn’t believe it. Strowman threw Lesnar back in the ring and hit the Running Powerslam. Strowman hit another one and Kane came into the ring and blasted Strowman with a steel chair. Strowman was knocked out of the ring and Lesnar battled with Kane. Braun hopped up on the ring apron but Lesnar shoved Kane into him. Lesnar then hit an F5 to Kane for the victory.

After the match, Strowman got back into the ring and shouted at Lesnar that he never beat him.

This match went pretty much how everyone thought it would. Lesnar retained in a quick and chaotic match and Kane took the pinfall. It was a fun match, but not all that memorable. I’m looking forward to seeing a new Universal Champion in a couple of months.

The Women’s Royal Rumble Was Full Of Surprises

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The first ever women’s Royal Rumble match was the main event of the PPV. Maria Menounos introduced Stephanie McMahon as the guest commentator for the match. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair came down to the ringside area for the match.

#1. Sasha Banks was the first entrant to the Royal Rumble and came down to the ring in Wonder Woman attire.

#2. Becky Lynch was the second entrant to the Royal Rumble. Becky connected with a couple of Arm Drags and then transitioned into an Arm Bar. Sasha broke free and the two Superstars connected with a double Clothesline at the same time.

#3. Sarah Logan was the third entrant in the rumble. Logan went right after Becky Lynch and stomped on her. Logan launched Sasha Banks across the ring and followed it up with a big headbutt. Logan then beatdown Becky in the corner.

#4. Mandy Rose was the fourth entrant in the rumble. Rose went right after Sasha Banks and Corey Graves declared that she was his pick to win the match.

#5. Lita was the fifth entrant of the rumble and the crowd went crazy. Lita, Sasha and Becky had a staredown in the ring. Becky and Sasha teamed up on Lita but she fought them off. Mandy attacked Lita from behind but Lita once again battled back. Mandy Rose booted Lita in the face from the ring apron and took a second to pose. Lita then booted Mandy off the apron and she was eliminated.

#6. Kairi Sane was the sixth entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble. The Mae Young Classic winner knocked Becky and Sasha to the canvas. Sane geared up in the corner and sprinted across the ring and elbowed Lita in the face. Sane leaped off the top rope and leaped onto Sarah Logan. Sane connected with a Neckbreaker to Banks and then climbed to the top and hit her awesome finisher Elbow Drop.

#7. Tamina came down to the ring as the seventh entrant and walked into a DDT from Lita. Lita then hit a Twist of Fate to Sasha Banks and then another one to Becky Lynch. Lita climbed to the top and Moonsaulted onto both Banks and Lynch. Tamina missed with a kick as the crowd chanted “you still got it!” at Lita. Lita then eliminated Tamina but Becky Lynch came up from behind and eliminated Lita.

#8. Dana Brooke came down to the ring as the number 8 entrant. Dana got in some offense and then eliminated Kairi Sane to the shock of the crowd.

#9. Torrie Wilson was the ninth entrant in the rumble and got a great reaction from the crowd. Torrie slammed Dana face first into the mat and Clotheslined Banks. Sarah Logan connected with a massive Dropkick to Torrie and then booted Dana in the face. Torrie then eliminated Dana Brooke.

#10. Sonya Deville was the number 10 entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Deville went right after Banks and beat her down in the corner. Sonya kneed Logan in the midsection and then attacked Torrie Wilson. Deville eliminated Torrie and the crowd booed. Becky attacked Deville from behind.

#11. Liv Morgan was the eleventh entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble. Liv went after Banks and slammed her face first into the mat a couple of times. Morgan and Logan tried to eliminate Sasha but she hung on to the ropes.

#12. Molly Holly made her way down to the ring as number twelve and the crowd gave her a great reaction. Molly eliminated Sarah Logan quickly and then booted Banks in the face. Molly climbed to the top rope and flipped onto Sasha Banks.

#13. Lana was the thirteenth entrant in the rumble. The crowd greeted her with Rusev Day chants. Deville and Liv Morgan teamed up to beatdown Lana. Lana connected with a slap to Deville and then tackled Liv Morgan.

#14. Michelle McCool was the fourteenth entrant in the rumble. Michelle booted Lana and then knocked Morgan to the canvas. Michelle perched Deville up on the top rope and then eliminated her. McCool then eliminated Liv Morgan but Molly Holly attacked her from behind. McCool then eliminated Molly Holly. Lana attacked McCool from behind but Michelle wound up eliminating her with ease. McCool eliminated four Superstars with ease.

#15. Ruby Riott was number fifteen and she was also almost eliminated by Michelle McCool. Sasha Banks dragged Michelle to the ring apron but didn’t eliminate her.

#16. Vickie Guerrero was number sixteen and came down to the entrance ramp while shouting “excuse me!”. Vickie got into the ring and continued shouting “excuse me!” on the microphone. Vickie said that when she speaks, all of them must listen. Everyone started staring at Vickie and Vickie tried to run away. They all teamed up to throw Vickie out of the ring to eliminate her.

#17. Carmella was number seventeen and came down to the ring with her briefcase. Vickie grabbed the briefcase and struck Carmella with it before making her way to the back.

#18. Natalya was the eighteenth entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match. Natalya dropped her jacket on Carmella. Carmella got back up and knocked Natalya to the floor outside the ring. Carmella finally was able to get into the ring and booted Riott in the face. Carmella drove Becky to the corner but Becky battled out and connected with a Suplex.

#19. Kelly Kelly was number nineteen in the women’s Royal Rumble. Natalya tried to eliminate Kelly Kelly but she held onto the ropes. Kelly Kelly and Michelle McCool battled in the ring. Kelly Kelly took McCool down with Headscissors and then Natalya eliminated McCool.

#20. Naomi was number twenty and came down to the ring and hit the Rear View to Kelly Kelly. Naomi then booted Sasha in the face. Becky hit a Dropkick to Naomi off the top rope. Becky then Suplexed Natalya and Carmella. Ruby Riot then eliminated Beckly Lynch from the rumble.

#21. Jacqueline was number twenty-one and got a great reaction from the crowd. Jacqueline leveled Carmella with a Clothesline and then delivered another one to Ruby Riott. Jacqueline and Natalya teamed up and tried to eliminate Kelly Kelly but she held onto the ropes.

#22. Nia Jax was number twenty-two and eliminated Jacqueline and Kelly Kelly right away. Nia then lifted Ruby above her shoulders and dropped her across the top rope. Jax shoved Riott and Ruby was eliminated. Nia knocked Naomi to the ring apron and shoved her onto the recently eliminated Superstars. Naomi hopped onto the barricade and wasn’t eliminated.

#23. NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon was number twenty-three. Moon had her arm bandaged up from her battle with Shayna Baszler last night at TakeOver. Nia threw Ember across the ring as Naomi walked on the barricade. Naomi hopped onto a chair and started crawling with her hands to the steel steps. Naomi hopped onto the steps and climbed to the top rope. Naomi went for a Crossbody but Nia caught her and threw Naomi out of the ring to eliminate her.

#24. Beth Phoenix was number twenty four and the crowd greeted her with “this is awesome!” chants. Beth tried to lift up Nia but couldn’t do it. Beth then lifted her onto her shoulders but Nia broke free. Natalya got back into the ring and teamed up with Beth to attack Nia. The two knocked Nia through the second rope and out of the ring. Beth and Natalya shared a hug in the ring. Natalya then punched Beth in the face and threw her over the top rope to eliminate her. Carmella attacked Natalya from behind.

#25. Asuka was number twenty-five. Ember Moon confronted her as the crowd chanted “NXT!”. Moon delivered a one-armed Eclipse to Asuka. Asuka then quickly eliminated Ember Moon and attacked Carmella in the corner.

#26Mickie James was number twenty-six in the women’s Royal Rumble. Mickie connected with a Neckbreaker to Banks. Mickie connected with another Neckbreaker to Natalya. Asuka tried to eliminate Carmella but Carmella held onto the ropes.

#27. Nikki Bella was number twenty-seven and came to the ring to a great reaction. She battled with Carmella for a bit and then eliminated her. Asuka attacked Nikki from behind and Sasha joined in.

#28. Brie Bella was number twenty-eight and came down to the ring to an awesome reaction. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Brie and Nikki teamed up.

#29. Bayley entered the women’s Royal Rumble match at number twenty-nine. Bayley got in some offense but Asuka attacked her from behind and knocked her to the mat.

#30. The final entrant to the women’s Royal Rumble was Trish Stratus. Trish knocked Bayley, Asuka and Sasha Banks to the mat.

Stratus connected with a double Stratusfaction to the Bella twins. Trish and Mickie then had a stare down int he ring as the crowd chanted “yes!”.

Trish Stratus eliminated Mickie James but Nia Jax got into the ring and leveled her with a shoulder tackle. Everyone teamed up and attacked Nia. Jax fought them off for a bit but eventually the rest of the Superstars were able to eliminate her.

Sasha Banks eliminated her best friend Bayley and had a smile on her face in the ring. Natalya knocked Stratus to the canvas and locked in the Sharpshooter. Stratus was able to break the hold but the damage was done. Stratus knocked Natalya to the apron and then booted her in the face and Natalya fell to the floor and was eliminated.

Banks and Stratus started taunting Sasha. Trish went for a Stratusfaction but Banks caught her and eliminated her. Banks turned around and Asuka was waiting for her. The crowd chanted “Asuka is gonna kill you!” as the two stared at each other. Banks knocked Asuka to the mat and the Bella twins started stomping on Asuka.

Banks connected with a running knee to Asuka and Brie & Nikki beat her down in the corner some more. Sasha went for Double Knees on Asuka but the Bella twins caught her and threw her out of the ring to eliminate her. Banks lasted around 55 minutes in the match.

Brie and Nikki tried to eliminate Asuka but she fought them off. Asuka then delivered kicks to them both as the crowd chanted “yes!”. Asuka threw Brie to the ring apron. Nikki leveled Asuka with a shoulder tackle. Nikki slammed Asuka to the mat and then punched Brie off the ring apron to eliminate her.

Asuka shouldered Nikki in the midsection and then climbed to the top rope. Asuka connected with a Dropkick that knocked Nikki to the mat.

Nikki connected with a kick off the second rope and both Superstars fell to the mat. Nikki lifted Asuka up onto her shoulders and threw her onto the ring apron. Nikki connected with a punch but Asuka held onto the ropes. Nikki charged at Asuka but Asuka caught her and used her leg strength to drag Nikki over the top rope and to the apron. Nikki punched Asuka in the face and Asuka fell to the mat. Asuka then booted Nikki’s legs out from under her and Nikki fell to the floor and was eliminated. Asuka won the first ever women’s Royal Rumble.

Asuka pointed at the WrestleMania sign as Charlotte and Alexa Bliss got in the ring. Charlotte and Alexa raised their titles as Asuka stared at them.

Ronda Rousey came down to the entrance ramp to a great reaction from the crowd.

Rousey got into the ring and pointed at the WrestleMania sign as the crowd chanted “holy sh**!”. Rousey tried to shake Asuka’s hand but Asuka slapped it away.

Rousey then exited the ring and shook hands with Stephanie McMahon outside the ring. Rousey waved to the crowd and walked up to the entrance ramp. It was then announced on social media that Ronda Rousey has signed a full-time contract with WWE.

Well, that was awesome. I’m pumped to see Ronda Rousey in WWE and I’m also glad Asuka won the first women’s Royal Rumble. The two Royal Rumble matches were great and overall the PPV was very entertaining.

Men’s Royal Rumble 2018: Full List Of Entrants & Eliminations

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Order Of Entry:

  1. Rusev
  2. Finn Bálor
  3. Rhyno
  4. Baron Corbin
  5. Heath Slater
  6. Elias
  7. Andrade Almas
  8. Bray Wyatt
  9. Big E
  10. Sami Zayn (stealing Tye Dillinger’s spot after Owens & Zayn attacked him backstage)
  11. Sheamus
  12. Xavier Woods
  13. Apollo Crews
  14. Shinsuke Nakamura
  15. Cesaro
  16. Kofi Kingston
  17. Jinder Mahal
  18. Seth Rollins
  19. Matt Hardy
  20. John Cena
  21. The Hurricane
  22. Aiden English
  23. Adam Cole
  24. Randy Orton
  25. Titus O’Neil
  26. The Miz
  27. Rey Mysterio
  28. Roman Reigns
  29. Goldust
  30. Dolph Ziggler

Order Of Elimination:

  1. Rhyno by Baron Corbin
  2. Baron Corbin by Finn Bálor
  3. Sheamus by Heath Slater
  4. Heath Slater by Bray Wyatt
  5. Sami Zayn by Shinsuke Nakamura
  6. Apollo Crews by Cesaro
  7. Xavier Woods by Jinder Mahal
  8. Big E by Jinder Mahal
  9. Cesaro by Seth Rollins
  10. Jinder Mahal by Kofi Kingston
  11. Kofi Kingston by Andrade Almas
  12. Rusev by Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt
  13. Bray Wyatt by Matt Hardy
  14. Matt Hardy by Bray Wyatt
  15. Elias by John Cena
  16. The Hurricane by John Cena
  17. Aiden English by Finn Bálor
  18. Andrade Almas by Randy Orton
  19. Adam Cole by Rey Mysterio
  20. Titus O’Neil by Roman Reigns
  21. The Miz by Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins
  22. Seth Rollins by Roman Reigns
  23. Goldust by Dolph Ziggler
  24. Dolph Ziggler by Finn Bálor
  25. Randy Orton by Roman Reigns
  26. Rey Mysterio by Finn Bálor
  27. Finn Bálor by John Cena
  28. John Cena by Shinsuke Nakamura
  29. Roman Reigns by Shinsuke Nakamura

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura 

After the match, Nakamura announced that he will challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34.

Superstar Pulled From Women’s Royal Rumble Match Due To Injury

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RAW General Manager Kurt Angle announced on Sunday night that Alicia Fox has been pulled from tonight’s historic Women’s Royal Rumble match due to injury.

With Alicia Fox no longer cleared to compete, only 17 out of the 30 participants have been confirmed for the Women’s Rumble.

The nature of her injury has been been revealed, but Angle stated that Fox’s condition will prevent her from competing in Mixed Match Challenge as well. As a result, Goldust will select a new partner.

What’s strange is that Alicia Fox has been active on social media all weekend and expressing excitement for the Women’s Rumble. On Saturday, Alicia Fox posted a photo on Instagram with a caption stating that she was “#Royalrumble ready.”  On Sunday morning, just hours before Angle’s announcement about her injury, she posted another photo on Instagram after getting her makeup done backstage for tonight’s PPV.

Alicia Fox has since confirmed the news with the following message:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BegwU5kn6tM/

WWE Royal Rumble 2018 Results

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WWE’s Royal Rumble 2018 took place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Royal Rumble kickoff show:

– Renee Young, Peter Rosenberg, Jerry Lawler and Dave Otunga welcome us to the kickoff show and run down tonight’s card. Alexa Bliss comes out to briefly replace Otunga and talk about how excited she is for tonight.

– Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are backstage getting ready for a “social media lounge” interview later in the kickoff show.

– Sam Roberts is outside with some fans who are waiting in line to get in the arena.

– Jason Jordan approaches Seth Rollins backstage and tells him it’s an honor to be his partner, and tries to get Rollins pumped up for their match tonight. Jordan says his dad didn’t just throw them together for no reason, he knew they’d be great. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin walk in and tease Jordan, but they embrace and catch up. Jordan and Shelton meet, and Shelton tells him a bit about his history with Angle. They trade some chirps and there seems to be some tension between them as Jordan walks off.

– The crowd is coming in the still-mostly-empty Wells Fargo Arena, and a six-man cruiserweight tag match is up first to start things off.

– We see a video package looking back at Hacksaw Jim Duggan’s Royal Rumble win.

Kalisto, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik vs. TJP, Jack Gallagher and Drew Gulak: The crowd is still being seated here, but the ones who are seated seem to be reacting to the match. Dorado fires up early on and hits a series of moves on TJP, finishing with a standing moonsault for a two count. The babyfaces stay in control as Dorado dumps both TJP and Gulak outside. Kalisto, Dorado and Metalik all go up to the top rope, and they all moonsault at the same time onto different heels standing at ringside. Back in the ring, TJP gets the upper hand on Dorado when he dropkicks him out of mid-air. Gulak comes in and takes Dorado into the corner where he stomps on him. Gallagher hits a cheap shot behind the ref’s back as Gulak clears the babyface apron. Gallagher comes in now and works on keeping Dorado grounded. Gallagher starts working over Dorado’s knee until Gulak tags back in. TJP tags in shortly after and continues working on Dorado’s knee. Dorado comes back with a sunset flip powerbomb for a two count. TJP gets back up and dumps Dorado into the corner. Gallagher tags in for more knee holds on Dorado. Gallagher goes up to the middle rope, but Gulak starts yelling at him not to fly. Gulak misses the headbutt and Dorado gets the tag to Metalik. Metalik springboards in and hits an arm drag and then a chop on Gulak. Metalik leaps up onto the middle rope then hits a dropkick on Gulak. Back up to the top rope, Metalik walks the rope and hits a flying elbow on Gulak. Kalisto gets the tag and kicks both Gallagher and Gulak, then springboards off the ropes and hits a stunner on both of them. The heels fall outside and Metalik hits a suicide dive on them. He throws Gulak back in the ring where Kalisto covers for a 2 count. TJP tags himself in, but Kalisto quickly hits the Salida Del Sol for the three count.

Winners: Kalisto, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik

– Sami and Owens are backstage fielding questions in the social media lounge.

– Charlotte briefly joins the pre-show panel to discuss the Rumble tonight.

The Revival vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson: Anderson and Dash start off, and they fight into the Revival corner where Dawson tags in an takes over. Anderson fires up with a dropkick, then tags in Gallows for a double team backdrop. Dawson rolls outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Dash tags in and hits a cheap shot to the eyes of Gallows. Dash unloads in the corner but Gallows fights out and fires back with body shots of his own. Gallows cleans house and both Revival members tag a breather at ringside. Back in the ring, Anderson is in and Dawson gets the upper hand on him. Dash tags in and starts working over Anderson’s knee. Anderson finally comes back with a spinebuster for a two count. Dawson takes out Gallows at ringside, then he slides in the ring and The Revival double teams Anderson for the win.

Winners: The Revival

– JBL and Alundra Blayze join the pre-show panel. JBL and Blayze have some banter and Blayze tells him to shut it, then makes fun of his shoes. We see Anderson limping up the ramp behind them selling the knee injury.

– Bobby Roode comes out to defend his U.S. Title, and cuts a promo about being the solve survivor in the U.S. Title tournament. He asks who his mystery opponent will be tonight, then looks to the stage.

U.S. Title Match: Bobby Roode (c) vs. Mojo Rawley: Mojo runs down for the surprise entrance and takes control early on. Mojo overpowers Roode and drops him, and works on keeping Roode grounded. Roode fights his way back up and goes for the Glorious DDT early on, but Mojo escapes and hits a spinebuster on Roode. Mojo taunts Roode and slaps him upside the head a couple of times. The fight spills outside and Mojo whips Roode into the barrier before taking him back inside. Back in the ring, Mojo charges at the corner but Roode blocks with an elbow to the face. Roode keeps the momentum going with some strikes and a neckbreaker. Roode follows up with a Blockbuster for a two count. Roode goes for the Glorious DDT, but Mojo escapes once again and drops Roode. Mojo talks trash to Roode, and Roode hulks up and hits a spinebuster for a two count. Mojo hits a backdrop and throws Roode into the ring post. Mojo charges, but Roode blocks it and hits a variation of the DDT out of the corner for the win.

Winner & still U.S. Champion: Bobby Roode

– Ric Flair joins the pre-show panel now where he discusses Charlotte, NXT, and his match against MVP at the Royal Rumble before.

WWE Royal Rumble 2018:

– We see an opening video focusing on the Strowman/Kane/Lesnar feud, and shows us some previous WrestleMania footage to highlight the “road to WrestleMania.”

– Tom Phillips welcomes us to the arena, he’s joined by Byron Saxton and Corey Graves. The WWE Championship match is up first!

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn: This one is under handicap match rules. Owens and Zayn trade frequent tags and try to get in AJ’s head before even touching. AJ finally gets a hold of Owens and drops him. Owens rolls outside, runs around the ring, slides back in, and tags in Zayn. Zayn and AJ lock up, then they run the ropes and AJ plants him with a dropkick. Owens comes back in and finally starts to get in some offense on AJ. He takes AJ into the corner and tags in Zayn, who stomps a mud hole in AJ in the corner. Owens briefly takes AJ outside and whips him into the barricade, then back in the ring Zayn continues to work on AJ. AJ starts to fire up and Owens tags back in. AJ gets a shot on Owens, then leaps up to the top rope, but Owens catches him and hits an electric chair drop for a two count. Owens goes for a cannonball on AJ in the corner, but AJ rolls out of the ring and Owens crashes. Zayn tags in and looks for a tornado DDT, but AJ gets out and hits him with right hands. AJ climbs up and hits a Frankensteiner on Zayn off the top. Owens tags back in and AJ drops him with a Pele kick. Both men are down. Zayn gets the tag and charges, but AJ catches him with a boot to the face. AJ goes up top and hits the moonsault inverted DDT. Owens comes in but AJ hits an elbow to the face. AJ drops Zayn, then puts Owens in the Calf Crusher. Zayn breaks it up. Zayn picks up AJ, but AJ drops him with a series of strikes. Owens rolls up AJ from behind for two. Owens charges, but AJ dodges and Owens crashes into the ring post. Zayn comes back in and hits the Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Zayn takes AJ in the corner and slaps him across the face. Zayn takes AJ up top, but AJ slides out and drops Zayn. AJ hits the Phenoenal Forearm on Zayn, but Owens breaks up the pin. Zayn and AJ trade strikes in the middle of the ring, and Zayn tries to get the tag but AJ throws him outside. Owens runs in and superkicks AJ behind the ref’s back. The ref turns around and sees AJ and Owens fighting, but doesn’t seem to throw Owens out. AJ reverses a Pop Up Powerbomb into a pin, and rolls up Owens for the three count. AJ is declared the winner, even though Owens didn’t appear to be the legal man.

Winner & still WWE Champion: AJ Styles

– We go backstage where Zayn and Owens immediately confront Shane McMahon about the finish of their match. They repeatedly ask Shane if he saw what just happened. Shane says “yep,” and walks off.

SmackDown Tag Titles: The Usos (c) vs. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin: This one is a best-two-of-three falls match. Benjamin and Gable take control of Jimmy early on using frequent tags. They work over Jimmy’s knee despite his efforts to kick them off. Jimmy finally comes back with an enziguri on Benjamin, and both men are down. Jey unloads with strikes on Benjamin, then knocks Gable off the apron. He throws Benjamin outside and follows up with a suicide dive. Jey runs back in the ring and runs through the ring for a suicide dive on Gable on the other side of the ring. Back in the ring, Jey hits a flying cross body on Gable for a two count. Benjamin hits a knee through the ropes, and Gable comes back with a suplex with a bridge for a two count. Benjamin tags in now. Gable hits a missile dropkick on Jimmy, then Benjamin powerbombs Jey into Jimmy in the corner. They send the Usos outside, then Gable hits a moonsault off the top onto the Champions at ringside. Back in the ring, there seems to be some confusion over which Uso is the legal match, which leads to Gable taking a superkick. Jimmy hits a splash off the top for a two count. A blind tag leads to The Usos scoring the first pinfall on Gable via a rollup. Benjamin and Gable come back with a double team powerbomb onto Jey Uso at ringside, and Uso’s head hits the ringisde floor hard. Back in the ring, Gable hits a kick to Jimmy and drops him. Benjamin comes in and looks for a suplex on Jimmy, but Jimmy reverses into a roll-up pin for the quick three count. That’s two falls for the Champions, and The Usos run up the ramp and Gable and Benjamin are shocked at the Usos stealing the win. The Usos are given their Tag Title belts, and Gable and Benjamin look on in disbelief.

Winners & still Tag Champs: The Usos

– Jerry “The King” Lawler comes out to join the commentary team for the Royal Rumble match up next. Aiden English comes out first to the stage and gets a big Rusev Day chant. English introduces Rusev, who will be #1.

Royal Rumble match:

Finn Balor is in at #2, and the Rumble has officially begun. Rusev overpowers Balor early on and slams him down with a hip toss. Rusev tries to throw Balor outside, but Balor escapes. Rhyno comes in at #3 and he hits the ring and drops Rusev immediately. Rhyno goes to throw Balor outside, but Rusev hits Rhyno from behind. Rusev hits a spinning heel kick on Rhyno, then turns his attention to Balor. Baron Corbin comes in at #4. Corbin rights into in the ring and starts laying people out. Corbin hits the Deep Six on Rhyno and throws him out. Balor runs up behind Corbin and throws him over the top. Rhyno and Corbin have been eliminated. Corbin is not happy, and he pulls Corbin outside and whips him into the barricade. Corbin pulls Rusev out and hits the Deep Six on him on the floor. Heath Slater enters at #5, but Corbin clotheslines him down on the ramp. Referees and trainers finally haul Corbin backstage. Corbin and Rusev are still in the match, but they’re recovering from the beating at ringside. Elias enters at #6, and he comes in with his guitar and cuts a promo on the headset. Elias kicks Slater down on the way to the ring. Elias gets in the ring by himself and says the clock is stopped so he can sing a song. He starts singing a song trashing Philadelphia, but the clock counts down and NXT Champion Andrade Almas comes out at #7. He hits Slater on the way to the ring, then slides in and starts brawling with Elias. He drops Elias with an elbow, then hits the running knees in the corner. He goes for the hammerlock DDT, but Elias gets out and clotheslines him down.

Bray Wyatt comes in at #8 and starts dropping people in the ring. He uppercuts Almas down then chokes him on the ropes. Rusev tries to come back in the ring (he’s not eliminated), but Wyatt keeps punching him down. Big E enters at #9, and before getting in the ring he picks up Slater and shoves pancakes in his mouth. Big E hits the ring and hits a belly to belly on Wyatt. Rusev drops Big E with a kick to the head. Tye Dillinger’s music hits for #1, but he doesn’t come out. We see backstage that Owens and Zayn are beating down Tye. Zayn says he has an idea, and runs off. Zayn comes down to the ring, and hits Slater from behind. Sami hits the ring, but it doesn’t seem he’s an official entrant. The announcers now seem to indicate Zayn really is part of the Rumble. Sheamus is in at #11, and he throws Slater in the ring on his way in. As soon as Sheamus gets in the ring, Slater immediately clotheslines him outside. Sheamus is shocked at ringside as Slater celebrates in the ring. Slater turns around into a Sister Abigail from Bray, then Bray throws him outside for the elimination. Xavier Woods is out at #12. Woods hits the ring and starts brawling with Bray, then he links up with Big E to double team Sami Zayn. The New Day members also double team Elias, then they start brawling with Rusev.

Apollo Crews is in next at #13, then Nakamura is in at #14. Nakamura goes right for Zayn and drops him with a kick, then he drops Rusev with an elbow to the face. Nakamura and Crews start going at it now. Nakamur turns his attention back to Zayn, and hits the knee in the corner then eliminates him. Cesaro is in at #15 and he hits the ring and immediately starts handing out European uppercuts. Kofi comes in at #16. Cesaro eliminates Crews with a European uppercut on the apron. Jinder Mahal is in at #17 and he starts giving out suplexes and knee drops. Woods charges at Jinder in the corner, and Jinder back body drops Woods to the outside for the elimination. Jinder and Big E brawl out to the apron, and Jinder hits a big boot on Big E. Big E falls down to the floor for the elimination, and Jinder climbs back through the ropes. Seth Rollins is in next at #18. Rollins comes in with flame print pants and starts dropping people in the ring. Rollins monkey flips Cesaro to the outside. Jinder throws Kofi outside next, but Kofi’s foot lands on Woods’ body, so he’s not eliminated. Big E puts a plate of pancakes under Kofi’s foot next, so since both feet didn’t hit the ground, Kofi isn’t eliminated. Kofi tries to get back in the ring, but Jinder blocks his path. Big E and Woods launch Kofi into the ring over Jinder’s head in a cool acrobatic move. Kofi hits the Trouble In Paradise on Jinder for the elimination, then Big E and Woods throw pancakes at Jinder at ringside. Kofi gets thrown out next for the elimination, then Matt Hardy comes out at #19. Matt and Bray seem to temporarily work together, and they eliminate Rusev. Matt hits the Side Effect on Almas next, then Matt and Bray come face to face. Matt and Bray start pummeling each other with right hands, then they brawl over the top rope and eliminate themselves from the match.

John Cena is in at #20. He hits the ring and everyone immediately starts beating on him and stomping on him. Elias grabs Cena and goes for his finisher, but Cena escapes and eliminates him. The #21st entrant is Hurricane Helms. Helms hits the ring and poses next to Cena. Helms goes for the chokeslam on Cena, but Cena escapes and throws Helms outside. Aiden English is in at #22, and he gets a Rusev Day chant. Adam Cole is in next at #23. Balor throws English outside for the elimination. Randy Orton is in at #24 and he hits the RKO on Almas, then eliminates him. Titus is in at #25 and he starts brawling with Cena. Titus tries to eliminate Adam Cole, but Nakamura kicks titus from behind. Titus fires back with a chop to the chest of Nakamura. The Miz is out next at #26, with Axel and Dallas by his side. Miz hits a DDT on Rollins, then one on Cena. Miz does the Yes Kicks, but misses one and Cena grabs him. Cena goes for the AA, but Miz escapes and hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Cena. Rollins hits a superkick on Miz and drops him.

Rey Mysterio comes in at #27 and immediately hits a hurricanrana on Balor. Rey starts dropping people and hitting kicks. Rey eliminates Adam Cole, then hits the West Coast Pop on Miz. Rey then hits the 619 on Miz. Roman Reigns is out at #28. Reigns starts dropping everyone who comes near him with uppercuts. Miz charges at Reigns but Reigns drops him with a series of clotheslines. Reigns then hits a series of clotheslines on The Miz in the corner, then eliminates Titus. Reigns tries to eliminate Miz next, but Dallas and Axel hit the apron and save him. Reigns superman punches Axel and Dallas off the apron. Rollins drops Miz then hits the curb stomp on him. Rollins and Reigns team up for the double powerbomb on Miz, and they powerbomb him onto Axel and Dallas at ringside. Reigns then immediately throws Rollins outside for the elimination. Goldust is in at #29 at immediately starts brawling with Orton. Goldust turns his attention to Cena and drops him with an uppercut. Entrant #30 is Dolph Ziggler.

Ziggler hits a superkick on Cena (which visibly missed by maybe a foot) and then tries to eliminated him. Ziggler superkicks Orton, then Goldust grabs Orton with a spinning powerslam. Ziggler comes back with a superkick on Goldust, then eliminates him. Nakamura and Zigler start brawling by the apron, and Balor hits a running forearm on Ziggler for the elimination. Cena hits an AA on Balor, then Rey hits a 619 on Reigns. Nakamura misses a kick on Orton, and Orton drops him with an RKO. Orton goes for an RKO on Cena, but Cena escapes it. Reigns hits a superman punch on Orton and eliminates him. Rey hits a dropkick on both Cena and Reigns, then hits a double 619 on them. Balor comes up from behind and throws Rey to the outside. It’s down to Cena, Reigns, Balor and Nakamura.

Reigns and Cena drop Balor and Nakamura, then Reigns and Cena come face to face. Nakamura and Balor fire up and start beating on Cena and Reigns. Now Balor and Nakamura come face to face. Nakamura hits the running knee on Balor, but Balor fires back with a flying kick. Balor drops Nakamura with a running elbow to the face, but Nakamura answers with a kick to the face. Balor and Nakamura go back and forth, until Cena and Reigns get up and clothesline them down. Cena and Reigns start trading punches, then Reigns drops him with a Samoan Drop. Cena hulks up and suplexes Reigns. Cena goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Balor interrupts with a sling blade. Balor also drops Reigns and Nakamura. Balor sets up Nakamura in the corner, but NAkamura stops him with a boot to the face. Nakamura charges at Balor, but Balor stops him with a double foot stomp and he appears to land on Nakamura’s throat. Cena immediately throws Balor outside for the elimination. Cena and Reigns start double teaming NAkamura now, then Cena turns his attention to Reigns. Cena hits the suplex and goes for the Fuve Knuckle Shuffle, and he hits it. Reigns hits the superman punch on Cena, then goes for the spear, but Cena reverses into the AA. Nakamura comes up behind Cena and goes for a suplex, but Cena gets out. Cena tries to eliminate Nakamura, but Nakamura puts Cena out to the apron. They fight near the apron, then Nakamura hits a running kneed to the face of Cena to eliminate him. It’s down to Reigns and Nakamura.

Reigns and Nakamura start brawling in the middle of the ring until Reigns drops him with a superman punch. Reigns throws Nakamura out to the apron, then Nakamura kicks Reigns in the head from the apron. Nakamura puts Reigns in a triangle choke over the top rope, but Reigns reverses into a powerbomb in the ring. Reigns goes for the spear, but Nakamura blocks with a knee. Nakamura hits a kick, then a flying knee off the middle rope. Nakamura goes for the Kinshasa, but Reigns stops him with a spear. Reigns is slow to get up, then he goes to eliminate Nakamura but fails. Nakamura ducks a shot and runs the ropes, and hits the Kinshasa on Reigns. Nakamura throws Reigns outside for the elimination, and Nakamura has won.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

– After the match, Renee Young gets in the ring and asks Nakamura now that he’s won the Rumble, which champion does he want to face at WrestleMania: Brock Lesnar or AJ Styles. Nakamura answers AJ Styles, then poses on the corner and points to the WrestleMania.

– Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon are backstage celebrating Nakamura’s win, while Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle look disappointed. They trade some banter, and Stephanie says this is all about making history tonight, and she thinks everyone will be pleasantly surprised.

– We see a new KFC commercial featuring Ric Flair dressed as the Colonel.

RAW Tag Team Titles: Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan (c) vs. The Bar: Sheamus and Cesaro get in control of this one early on and they take turns beating on Rollins in the opening moments. Rollins comes back with a kick to the head of Sheamus. Rollins looks for the tag, but Cesaro pulls Jordan off the apron and throws him into the ring post. Sheamus misses a kick on Rollins in the ring and sheamus falls outside. Rollins follows up with a suicide dive on Sheamus and Cesaro. Sheamus turns it around on Rollins at ringside, then takes him in the ring where he and Cesaro double team him. Jordan is still down at ringside, and now at trainer is down checking on his head after taking a shot to the ring post. Jordan waves off the trainer as Cesaro works over Rollins in the ring. Sheamus and Cesaro go for a double team powerbomb on Rollins, but Rollins reverses and sends the challengers out to ringside. Rollins wants the tag, but Jordan is still at ringside selling the blow to his head. Cesaro charges at Rollins but Rollins lays into him with strikes. Rollins hits the sling blade and the blockbuster on Cesaro, then hits a running forearm shot. Rollins hits a suplex, then goes for the Falcon Arrow but Cesaro escapes. Rollins goes for it again and does connect this time. Rollins hits a superkick and covers, but Sheamus breaks it up. Sheamus takes Rollins up top and looks for the White Noise, but Rollins elbows him away. Rollins also knocks down Cesaro, then he hits a frogsplash off the top onto both of them. Jordan finally tags himself in, but as soon as he steps in the ring he starts really selling the head injury, then he tags Rollins back in. Rollins is exhausted, but he gets in the ring while Jordan sits on the ring steps selling a concussion. Rollins hits Cesaro, but then Sheamus boots him in the face. The Bar follows up with the double white Noise for the win.

Winners & new RAW Tag Team Champions: The Bar

– We see a promo video for the Universal Championship, and that’s up next.

WWE Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Braun Strowman vs. Kane: Paul Heyman grabs the mic away from Jojo during the introductions to do Brock’s intro. Lesnar immediately backs Kane into the corner off the opening bell, but then Strowman grabs him and rams Lesnar in the corner. Strowman bats Kane away, then hits a running dropkick on Lesnar. Strowman hits a stiff knee to Lesnar’s head, and Lesnar gives him a receipt in the form of a very stiff punch to the side of the head. Kane and Lesnar start going at it, and Lesnar goes outside. Strowman drops Kane, then Lesnar comes in and nails Strowman with a chair. Strowman comes back and punches the chair into LEsnar’s face. Strowman throws Lesnar outside, then drops Kane. Strowman gets some tables and throws them in the ring. Kane gets up and grabs Strowman by the throat, but Strowman comes back and hits a chokeslam of his own. Lesnar runs in the ring and hits a German suplex on Braun. Lesnar follows up with a series of Germans. Strowman gets up and shakes it off and comes right back with a running powerslam on Lesnar through a table. Strowman goes for one on Kane, but Kane escapes and pushes Strowman through the table. Kane follows up with a chokeslam on Strowman and pins, but Lesnar breaks it up. Lesnar decks Kane and pins, but Strowman breaks it up with a German suplex off the ground on Lesnar. The fight spills outside and Lesnar hits an F5 on Strowman through an announce table. Lesnar then flips the other announce table on top of Strowman. Kane runs up and goes for a chokeslam on Lesnar, but Lesnar gets out and hits an F-5 on Kane onto the announce table. The announce table doens’t break at first, but the tablet he landed on did. The table breaks a couple seconds after Kane lands on it. Strowman now gets up from the other table wreckage and he drops Lesnar into the ring steps. Lesnar takes BRock in the ring and hits a running powerslam on him, but he doesn’t pin. He hits another one on Lesnar, then gets up again. Before Strowman can hit it again, Kane hits Strowman repeatedly with a steel chair. Strowman falls outside, then Lesnar decks Kane. Strowman gets on the apron, but Lesnar knocks him off then hits the F-5 on Kane onto a steel chair. Lesnar pins Kane for the three count.

Winner & still Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar

– We see a trailer for the new Andre The Giant special on HBO in April. Back at ringside, the announce tables are being cleaned up while Michael Cole says he wonders what Andre would have thought of that match.

– We see a promo video featuring Stephanie McMahon’s women’s Royal Rumble announcement. That match is up next.

Women’s Royal Rumble match:

Jojo does the rules for the match, then she hands the mic to Maria Menounos who introduces Stephanie McMahon. Maria also talks about how these women deserve this match and how proud of them she is. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte come down to ringside for a closer look. Sasha Banks is #1, and Becky Lynch is #2.

Becky starts off with a headlock on Sasha , then Sasha misses a backstabber attempt. Becky hits some arm drags on Sasha, then they clothesline each other down. #3 is Sarah Logan. Sarah hits the ring and starts trying to throw out Becky. Sasha comes at Sarah, but Sarah drops her with a headbuutt. #4 is Mandy Rose, and she immediately goes after Sasha. Rose tries to eliminate Sasha, but Sasha fights away with elbows to the head. Lita is out next at #5. Sasha and Becky double team Lita, but Lita fights back with kicks and a double clothesline. Rose gets back up and fights with Lita in the corner, then Lita hits a monkey flip on her. Rose gets on the apron and hits a knee on Lita, but then taunts to the crowd and Lita shoves Rose outside for the elimination. Kairi Sane is out next at #6. She hits the ring and hits a double spear on Becky and Sasha. She hits a running forearm on Lita, then a flying forearm off the top on Sarah. She takes down Sasha then hits a neckbreaker. She follows up with a flying elbow on Sasha, then hits one on Becky. Tamina is in next at #7. Tamina hits a superkick on Kairi, then Sasha, then Becky. She hits a forearm shot on Logan, then Lita grabs Tamina and hits a DDT on her. Lita hits a Twist of Fate on Sasha. Lita hits a Twist of Fate on Becky next, then she goes up top. Lita hits a moonsault off the top onto Becky and Sasha at the same time. Tamina hits a kick on Lita, but then Lita throws Tamina outside for the elimination. Becky runs up behind Lita and eliminates her. Dana Brooke is in next #8, and she eliminates Kairi, who falls down onto the ring steps. Torrie Wilson is in at #9 and she hits an X-Factor on Sasha Banks. Torrie takes Dana into the corner and fights with her there, while Becky and Sasha fight in the other corner. Torrie dumps Dana outsie for the elimination, then Sonya Deville comes in at #10.

Sonjya hits the ring and starts hitting knees on Torrie Wilson and Becky. Sonya catches Torrie in the corner and throws her outside for the elimination. Molly Holly is out next at #11 and she starts handing out suplexes. She eliminates Sarah Logan, then hits the Molly Bomb on Sasha. Michelle McCool is out next, and we get an “Undertaker” chant from the crowd. McCool start cleaning house and eliminates Sarah Logan, Molly Holly, Lana, and Liv Morgan. Ruby Riott is out next. Sasha and McCool fight on the apron, but neither fall outside. “Excuse Me,” Vickie Guerrero is out next at #16. Vickie screams in the ring on the mic, and the other girls in the rumble gang up on her an throw her outside.

Carmella is in next at #17, but on the way in, Vickie steals her Money In The Bank briefcase and hits Carmella with it from behind. McCool appears to be going for a Styles Clash on Sasha, but they go for a powerbomb instead. Natalya is out next at #18, but Carmella attacks her at ringside. Carmella finally gets in the ring and starts dropping people with superkicks. Carmella and Becky have an awkward exchange that doesn’t really lead to any move, then Carmella kicks Ruby in the face. Kelly Kelly is in next at #19. Natalya tries to throw Kelly Kelly outside, but it doesn’t happen. Sasha kicks Natalya, then Kelly Kelly hits a very slow hurricanrana on McCool. Naomi is in next at #20. Becky goes up top and hits a missile dropkick shortly after Naomi enters, and Naomi rolls out to ringside for a breather. Becky hits t-bone suplexes on Natalya and Carmella. Ruby comes up behind Becky and eliminates her. Jacqueline is out next at #21.

Jacqueline starts dropping people and then starts working on Kelly Kelly. Nia Jax is in next at #22, and she immediately eliminates Jacqueline and Kelly Kelly. Nia throws Ruby into the turnbuckle, then turns around into a kick from Naomi. Naomi goes for a hurricanrana, but Nia throws her down. Nia dumps Naomi to the apron, then knocks her out to ringside, but Naomi lands on some other women and then sits on the barricade, so her feet never hit the floor. Ember moon is in next at #23. She starts going at it with Nia and hits a springboard kick. Naomi is now walking on the barricade, over to an office chair by the timekeeper area. Naomi uses the chair to get over by the ring steps then climb back in the ring. She comes off the top at Nia, but Nia catches her and throws her outside for the elimination. Beth Phoenix is out next at #24. Beth and Nia start trading punches in the middle of the ring. Nia misses a shot in the corner, and Beth goes for a Samoan drop but can’t get Nia up. Beth finally gets Nia up, but Nia elbows her and gets down. Natalya runs back in and teams up with Beth on Nia. They knock Nia out through the middle ropes, then Beth and Natalya hug. Natalya then slaps Beth and throws her outside for the elimination.

Asuka is in next at #25, and Carmella screams and runs outside when she sees her. Asuka goes at it with Ember Moon then eliminates Moon. Mickie James is out next at #26. Mickie hits a splash off the top on Asuka, then a neckbreaker on Sasha. Mickie and Natalya now go at it in the corner, while Carmella nad Sasha fight in the other corner. Nikki Bella runs in and starts dropping women left and right. She hits a springboard kick on Natalya, then Carmella attacks Nikki from behind and stomps on her in the corner. Carmella hits the bronco buster in the corner on Nikki, then they fight over to the apron. Nikki drops Carmella’s neck across the top rope to eliminate her. Nikki is getting ganged up on in the ring now, and Brie Bella enters at #27 for the save. She drops everyone and starts hitting running knees. The Bellas hit a double suplex on Natalya, then work on eliminating her. Bayley is in nect at #29.

Bayley comes in strong and starts dropping everyone. Asuka finally stops her with a spinning heel kick to the face. #30 is Trish Stratus who is out to the ring next. Trish hits a Thesz Press on Natalya and starts pummeling on her. Trish now turns her attention to the Bellas and start chopping them. Trish then hits a double bulldog on the Bellas. Trish charges Bayley in the corner, but Bayley blocks her with a boot. Trish goes back and hits a hurricanrana off the top on Bayley. Trish and Mickie face off now and start trading blows in the middle of the ring. Mickie goes up top, but Trish kicks her down to the outside for the elimination. Nia runs in and drops Trish with a clothesline, then the other women start ganging up on Nia. Nia fights them off, but Asuka and Trish come back and double team her with kicks. The BElla Twins then both try to pull Nia outside from the apron, then the other women join in and all push Nia outside together. Sasha then grabs Bayley from behind and throws her outside for the surprise elimination.

Natalya looks for a Sharpshooter, but she ends up getting eliminated by Trish. Sasha and Trish now face off, and Trish decks her. Sasha comes back and eliminates Trish, then turns around into Asuka. They start going at it, then Sasha tries to throw her outside in the corner. The Bella Twins come over and they start ganging up on Asuka, but the Bella Twins turn on Sasha and throw her outside. The Bella go to double team Asuka, but Asuka fires back at them with strikes, then hits a series of kicks on each of them. Brie is out on the apron, and Nikki hits an elbow to the face to eliminate her. Brie looks shocked at ringside, and Nikki turns around into a shot from Asuka. Asuka goes up top and hits a missile dropkick on Nikki. Nikki comes back with a springboard kick, and both women are down. They fight out to the apron, and Nikki punches Asuka down on the apron. Nikki walks over to her, but Asuka kicks her leg out from under her, and Nikki falls down to the floor for the elimination.

Winner: Asuka

After the match, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte, and RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss both get in the ring on either side of Asuka. Before Asuka can pick which Champion she wants to face, Ronda Rousey comes out on the stage to interrupt. Rousey walks down to the ring nd points at the WrestleMania sign, then goes to shake Asuka’s hand. Asuka slaps her hand away, then Rousey points at the sign again.

Ronda Rousey walks over to Stephanie McMahon and shakes her hand, although Stephanie is very hesitant, They shake, and Rousey walks to the back to close the show.

Possible Spoilers On Entrants For Women’s Royal Rumble

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Ahead of tonight’s first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match, Nikki and Brie Bella are both backstage at the Royal Rumble event at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to PWInsider.

During an episode of Total Divas that aired a few weeks ago (and filmed back in the summer), there was a tease that the twin duo could return to WWE television at this time. There was a scene where Nikki and Brie sat down with WWE Senior Director of Talent Relations Mark Carrano about their future in the company. The result of the conversation was that they would return to WWE for the Royal Rumble and be a part of storylines through WrestleMania 34 in April.

The Bella Twins’ brother JJ was also spotted in Philadelphia, which indicates they’re being filmed for Total Divas as well.

Nikki last wrestled at WrestleMania 33, where she and John Cena beat The Miz and Maryse in a Mixed Tag Team Match. After the match, Cena legitimately proposed to Bella, which she accepted. Two days later, Nikki announced via Instagram that she would be taking time off from wrestling.

Brie last wrestled in April 2016 on the WrestleMania 32 Kickoff, where she pinned Naomi in a 10-Diva Tag Team Match. After giving birth, she has said that she be open to wrestling again.

The Bella Twins were among the female legends honored by WWE last Monday on Raw 25.

Stephanie McMahon Says She Would Love To Wrestle Again, WWE Stars Talk Women’s Royal Rumble Match

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– During an interview at a Make-A-Wish event last Monday at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, Stephanie McMahon said she would love to return to the ring.

“I would love to do it,” Stephanie said when asked if she would like to return to the ring. “I think anytime I have the opportunity to be physical in the ring, it’s a privilege for me. So if, you know, the storyline and our audience demands it, then, of course, I’m going to give it to them.”

The Commissioner of Monday Night Raw also discussed tonight’s Royal Rumble event, her match with Brie Bella at SummerSlam 2014, Raw 25, Ronda Rousey and more.

– Natalya, Carmella, and Bayley are guests on the latest edition of Chasing Glory with Lilian Garcia as they discuss the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Becky Lynch is also on the show as Lilian Garcia’s co-host. You can listen to the interview on PodcastOne or iTunes.

Former Women’s Champion Won’t Be In The Royal Rumble, Hulk Hogan Remembers Andre The Giant

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– Former WWE Women’s Champion Gail Kim will not compete in tonight’s first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match.

In response to fan speculation on Twitter that she could appear as a surprise entrant, Kim replied “Hell no.” She will actually be in Dallas, Texas for a Royal Rumble viewing party.

Kim again said she won’t be in the match after a fan said he hoped to hear her first WWE theme song. She said that song was good, but hated her song during her second run with the company.

Kim also named some female WWE legends she would like to see in the match.

– Saturday marked the 25-year anniversary of the passing of Andre the Giant. On the night of January 27, 1993, he died in his sleep of congestive heart failure in a hotel room in Paris, France. He was in Paris to attend his father’s funeral.

In this post on Instagram, Hulk Hogan remembers his friend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeeX6mRAV3y/

Kenny Omega Reacts To Being Attacked By Cody Rhodes

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Earlier today at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) New Beginning Jay White defeated Kenny Omega to become the new IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion. Following the match Adam Page challenged White by taking the title from him, before Omega took it back and handed it to White again. Cody Rhodes then hit the ring, along with more Bullet Club members, and began to argue with “The Cleaner.”

Cody said Omega wasn’t being a leader before hitting Omega with the Cross Rhodes. Page held Omega while Cody got a chair to hit him with. Koto Ibushi then came out for the save and chased everyone off. Ibushi and Omega hugged before heading to the back. Check it out here:

Shortly after everything transpired, Omega took to Twitter to react to everything and teased ‘a new beginning’:

5 Star Wrestling Announce Full Card for First FreeSports Taping (2/1) feat. Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Rob Van Dam and John Morrison

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UK promotion 5 Star Wrestling has announced the full card for their first taping on the FreeSports channel. The company has issued the following press release for the event emanating from Liverpool’s Echo Arena on February 1st:

When we created the 5 Star Wrestling brand, we set ourselves some extremely ambitious targets. We wanted to work with the biggest and best stars from around the world, to put on huge events in front of the largest possible audiences and above all else, we wanted to finally bring LIVE wrestling to prime-time UK television.

It is with great pride that we announce a MULTI-YEAR DEAL to broadcast all future 5 Star Wrestling events LIVE on British TV, 7pm-10pm every Thursday night, starting February 1st LIVE from the Liverpool Echo Arena.

This is set to be a truly historic night featuring the 5 Star debut of the iconic Rob Van Dam!

FreeSports is a brand new channel here in the UK that can be found for FREE on FreeView, Sky, FreeSat, BT, TalkTalk TV and very soon on Virgin Media, making 5 Star Wrestling programming available in over 22 million homes across the country.

For those who aren’t in on Thursday nights, every episode of 5 Star Wrestling will repeat multiple times per week on FreeSports and we’ll be making them available via various catchup services as well as right here on our Facebook page and over on our YouTube channel.

The full announced card is as follows:

  • 5 Star Championship Match – Rob Van Dam vs John Morrison (c)
  • Tap or Snap Championship Match: Submission Elimination Match – Mark Haskins vs BT Gunn vs Nathan Cruz vs Joey Axl vs Flash Morgan Webster
  • The Legendary Rey Mysterio vs Liverpool’s No.1 Zack Gibson 
  • Eddie Ryan vs Jake Hager (WWE’s Jack Swagger) 
  • 5 STAR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT – SEMI FINAL
    Carlito & Chris Masters vs Adam Maxted & Charlie Sterling
  • 5 STAR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT – SEMI FINAL
    El Ligero & Jody Fleisch vs Big Grizzly & Dave Mastiff
  • Moose vs Rampage Brown
  • Jack Jester vs ‘The Primate’ Jason Prime
  • Brian Cage vs The Darewolf PJ Black

DEFIANT Wrestling #7 Now Available on YouTube feat. Zack Sabre Jr vs Mike Bailey

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DEFIANT Wrestling has released their seventh weekly programme for free on their YouTube channel. The ongoing series features some of the very best talent from the UK scene and beyond and this week’s show is no different.

This episode features an outstanding main event between Zack Sabre Jr and Mike Bailey for the DEFIANT Internet Title as well as Millie Mckenzie and Xia Brookside facing off to decide the new #1 contender to Kay Lee Ray’s Defiant Women’s Title.

You can check out the full show below:

Major UK Tag Tournament Finals Set for Birmingham’s NEC Arena

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UK Promotion Fight Club: Pro has announced that Night 3 of their Dream Tag Team Invitational Tournament will be held at the iconic Birmingham NEC Arena. This is the biggest event that the company has held and another major indication that the UK wrestling boom is not going away anytime soon.

Nights 1 and 2 of the Tournament are scheduled to be held in Wolverhampton and Manchester respectively and the currently announced teams for the tag team extravaganza are as follows:

  • The Chosen Bros (Matt Riddle & Jeff Cobb)
  • Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta)
  • The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero M & Rey Fenix)
  • Aussie Open (MArk Davis & Kyle Fletcher)
  • Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven & Tyler Bate)

Tickets for the events are available to purchase via the tweet below:

Seth Rollins Has New Theme Music (Audio)

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RAW Superstar Seth Rollins had new theme music at Saturday night’s WWE live event from Baltimore, Maryland.

Rollins and Jason Jordan will defend the RAW tag team championships tonight at the Royal Rumble against Sheamus and Cesaro.

You can hear a clip of Rollins’ new entrance theme here:

Kurt Angle Tweets Royal Rumble Poster Featuring Ronda Rousey, Ex-WWE Champ Says He Wasn’t Invited To RAW 25

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– Monday Night RAW General Manager Kurt Angle may have just given away a major spoiler for tonight’s Women’s Royal Rumble match. The WWE Hall Of Famer posted the following blurry poster for the Women’s Rumble, featuring former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey – who has been speculated for the event for some time now:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bef_r23hzUv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_control

The poster looks to be a fake but WWE actually retweeted Angle’s post on Twitter rather than telling him to take it down. We’ll keep you updated….

Sports Illustrated recently caught up with former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam who revealed he didn’t receive an invite from the company to return at RAW 25. He also said he prefers wrestling sporadically on the independent circuit compared to working for WWE:

“I know some people can’t understand that, but I’m wrestling overseas and I’m wrestling way less matches,” said RVD. “I don’t enjoy the road life or WWE’s really hectic schedule.”

PROGRESS Announces Australian Tour

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PROGRESS Wrestling has announced that they will be heading to Australia on a three date tour this April.

The highly rated UK promotion has been building their portfolio of events outside of British shores with shows taking place in the United States, Main Europe and beyond over the past year and now they are set to invade one of the hottest wrestling territories in the world.

The company will be co-hosting the events with local Australian independent promotions EPW, PWA and Melbourne City Wrestling, the dates scheduled can be seen below:

17th April – Perth – PROGRESS x

18th April – Sydney – PROGRESS x

20th April – Melbourne – PROGRESS x

WWE Royal Rumble: Final Card, Live Coverage Tonight

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History will be made tonight as WWE presents the 2018 edition of the Royal Rumble. In addition to 4 big championship matches, this year’s event will feature the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match.  Here is the final card:

Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Title
– Kane vs. Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar (c)

2-on-1 Handicap Match for the WWE Title
– Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles (c)

30-Man Royal Rumble Match
Confirmed participants include:

John Cena, Finn Balor, Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura, Elias, Baron Corbin, Matt Hardy, Bray Wyatt, Aiden English, Rusev, Titus O’Neil, Apollo Crews, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Tye Dillinger, WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz and Roman Reigns.

30-Woman Royal Rumble Match
Confirmed participants include:

Asuka, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Sasha Banks, Nia Jax, Bayley, Naomi, Natalya, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, Mickie James, Tamina Snuka, Lana, Carmella, Becky Lynch, Dana Brooke, Alicia Fox, TBA

Guest Commentator: Stephanie McMahon
Guest Ring Announcer: Maria Menounos

RAW Tag Team Title Match
– Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan (c)

2 of 3 Falls for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles
– Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin vs. The Usos (c)

Kickoff Show

– WWE United States Champion Bobby Roode hosts his first-ever “Glorious US Open Challenge”

– Tag Team Match: The Revival vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson

– Cruiserweight Match: Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado vs. TJP, Drew Gulak and Jack Gallagher

Join us here later tonight for our WWE Royal Rumble Live Coverage.