The winner of this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match is Brock Lesnar. He outlasted the likes of Riddle, Shane McMahon, and Drew McIntyre in the Final Four at the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. Lesnar hit the F5 to McIntyre for the win.
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura started off the match. Johnny Knoxville was entrant #9 and attacked Sami Zayn. Styles was eliminated by Madcap Moss. Owens pushed Kofi off a springboard attempt and onto the barricade, but Kofi’s feet touched the floor so they called it like a shoot. Bad Bunny hit a Canadian destroyer to Riddle then eliminated Sheamus. Shane McMahon returned and eliminated Kevin Owens. Brock Lesnar hit an F5 to Bad Bunny.
Lesnar has earned the right to be in one of the main events of WrestleMania 38 and will have his choice to go after one of the top titles in the company, as a result of beating out 29 other stars.
In storyline, he will have to decide whether he’ll challenge for the Universal Title, which is held by Roman Reigns, who successfully retained the title over Seth Rollins at this show or a rematch with WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. Of course, WWE has planned for months to book Lesnar vs. Reigns at Mania and with Reigns costing Lesnar the WWE Title earlier in the night, it’s pretty much set.
Royal Rumble List of Entrants
Here’s a list of the entry of superstars who competed in this fan-favorite match:
WWE Royal Rumble aired live from The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO. Roman Reigns put the Universal Championship on the line against Seth Rollins with The Usos barred from ringside for the match. Brock Lesnar defended the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley. The winners of the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches tonight will earn a title shot at WrestleMania.
Royal Rumble Results
Seth Rollins def. Roman Reigns via DQ (Reigns is still Universal Champion)
Ronda Rousey won the women’s Royal Rumble match
Becky Lynch def. Doudrop to retain the RAW Women’s Championship
Bobby Lashley def. Brock Lesnar to become the new WWE Champion
Edge & Beth Phoenix def. The Miz & Maryse
Brock Lesnar won the men’s Royal Rumble match
Here are the takeaways from this year’s Royal Rumble:
The Universal Title Match Ended In A DQ
Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Seth Rollins in the first match of the night. Seth Rollins made his entrance to The Shield theme and was wearing the old gear in an awesome moment. Reigns was absolutely furious as he waited for Rollins to get into the ring.
Seth ducked under a Clothesline and laughed in Roman’s face. Reigns threw Seth to the corner but Rollins battled back and stomped the Tribal Chief to the mat. Rollins connected with a Slingblade and Clotheslined Roman out of the ring. Seth followed it up with a couple Suicide Dives.
Back in the ring, Rollins went for a springboard move but Reigns caught him with an uppercut to the face. Seth rolled to the ropes and Roman hit him with the Drive By. Rollins then hit a massive Powerbomb through the announce table and rolled Roman back into the ring. Rollins climbed to the top rope and hit a Frog Splash but Reigns somehow kicked out at two.
Roman went for a Spear but Rollins countered with a boot to the face. Seth delivered a Buckle Bomb to Reigns and then the Stomp for a two count. Rollins set up for a Stomp again but Reigns popped up and hit a Clothesline. The Universal Champion regrouped and started unloading punches to Seth’s face.
Reigns hit a Powerbomb of his own for a near fall and started trash talking Rollins. Seth laughed in Roman’s face and Reigns got angry. Reigns wildly started swinging and Rollins got him in a Triangle submission in the center of the ring. Roman showed off his strength and broke the hold by Powerbombing Seth to the mat.
The Universal Champion launched Seth into the ring post and Rollins tumbled out of the ring. Reigns followed him out there and launched Seth into the timekeeper’s area. Roman launched Rollins into the steel steps before the action returned to the ring. Roman hit the Superman Punch and went for the cover but Rollins was able to kick out at the last moment.
Rollins rolled out of the ring but Roman went after him and hit a Spear. Reigns quickly rolled Seth into the ring and geared up in the corner. Roman went for another Spear but Rollins countered into the Pedigree for a close two count. Rollins went for the Stomp again but Reigns blocked. Roman went for a Uranage but Rollins blocked it. Reigns hit Seth with a Spear but Rollins was laughing at it.
Seth held out his hand for a fist bump and said “I’ll always love you” while continuing to laugh in Roman’s face. Reigns got Rollins in the Guillotine choke and Seth looked out. Referee Charles Robinson lifted Seth’s hand up to check on him and Rollins’ hand landed on the ropes. Roman wouldn’t let go of the hold to end the match in a DQ. Reigns beat Seth down with a steel chair after the match.
Ronda Rousey Returned & Won The Women’s Royal Rumble
30 superstars competed in the women’s Royal Rumble match tonight. The winner will get a shot at the RAW or SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.
Sasha Banks was the first entrant in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble.
Melina returned and got a great reaction from the crowd. Banks and Melina traded words before Melina went for a kick. Sasha caught her and quickly threw Melina over the top rope for the first elimination. Sasha then did the splits in the ring to taunt Melina.
Tamina entered the rumble third and Banks greeted her with a Dropkick to the face. Banks followed it up with Double Knees off the apron and rolled Tamina into the ring. Sasha tried to eliminate Tamina but she was able to hold onto the ropes.
Kelly Kelly entered the rumble at #4 and danced around after hitting a Splash. Tamina leveled her with a Clothesline. Kelly Kelly got Banks trapped in the ropes but Sasha countered and eliminated her. Banks laughed in the ring as the countdown began.
Aliyah was #5 and Banks unloaded some punches. Sasha went for another quick elimination but Aliyah escaped. Aliyah got in some punches of her own before Tamina slapped her in the face. Aliyah ducked under a Clothesline and battled with Tamina in the corner. Sasha broke it up and hit Aliyah with a knee to the face.
Liv Morgan entered the rumble at #6 and sprinted to the ring. Morgan tried to eliminate Banks before delivering a Dropkick to Tamina. Liv pointed to the WrestleMania sign as Banks hit Aliyah with Three Suplexes in a row.
Queen Zelina was the 7th entrant and came to the ring as Tamina was on the verge of elimination. Zelina ripped Morgan and Sasha away from Tamina and then got Banks to the apron. Queen Zelina came out of nowhere with a running kick and Banks was eliminated. The crowd wasn’t a fan of this.
Bianca Belair got in the match at #8 and booted Tamina into the ring post. Belair hit a Suplex and launched Liv over the top rope. Liv held onto the ropes and got back into the ring.
Dana Brooke was the 9th entrant to the rumble match and Reggie accompanied her to the ring. Dana carried Zelina to the ropes but Tamina broke it up. Dana hit a Dropkick and then a Splash onto Belair. Dana planted Liv with a Neckbreaker but Zelina slammed her to the canvas.
Michelle McCool was the 10th entrant to the women’s Royal Rumble match. Michelle sent Dana Brooke over the top rope but Reggie caught her. McCool hit her finisher and delivered a big boot to Dana’s face. McCool then eliminated Dana Brooke. Tamina hit McCool from behind and bashed her into the turnbuckle.
Sonya Deville entered the match at #11 but didn’t get in the ring right away. Sonya took a seat at the announce table instead.
Natalya entered at #12 and Liv Morgan attacked her right away. Natalya booted Morgan in the face and then battled with Bianca Belair. Natalya tried to eliminate Tamina and Belair at the same time but Bianca held onto the ropes and Tamina was eliminated.
Cameron entered the match at #13 and strutted to the ring. Cameron hit Aliyah with a Codebreaker and sent Liv Morgan to the corner. Sonya got up from the announce table and went right after Cameron. Deville bashed Cameron’s face into the turnbuckle and brought her over the top rope and to the apron. Sonya bashed Cameron into the ring post and she fell to the floor for the elimination.
Naomi was #14 and checked on Cameron before getting into the ring. Naomi went after Deville and tackled her to the mat. Naomi connected with a springboard Dropkick and threw Sonya over the top rope. Naomi booted Deville in the face and she fell to the floor for the elimination. Natalya tried to eliminate Naomi but she held onto the ropes.
Carmella was the 15th entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match. She decided not to get into the ring as well.
Rhea Ripley entered at #16 to a great reaction. Ripley dragged Carmella into the ring but Queen Zelina attacked Ripley from behind. Natalya then leveled Ripley with a Clothesline. Ripley battled back and eliminated Zelina & Carmella at the same time with a Dropkick. Ripley booted McCool in the face and then hit Belair with a Dropkick. Ripley delivered a headbutt to Natalya and a slam to Aliyah.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair entered the rumble at #17. Flair hit Natalya with a big boot and then gave Aliyah the wedgie of a lifetime while eliminating her. Charlotte almost eliminated Naomi but Sonya showed up and knocked Naomi to the floor for the elimination. Naomi chased Deville to the back.
Ivory returned and entered the match at #18. Ivory cut a promo before the match and said that everyone in this match were lost little girls and she wanted to see women. Rhea Ripley promptly eliminated Ivory and taunted her.
Brie Bella entered the match at #19 to a great reaction from the crowd. Brie did the “yes!” chant in a cool moment and tried to send Natalya over the rope. Natalya escaped and tried to eliminate Brie but she was able to hold on.
Impact Women’s Champion Mickie James entered the rumble at #20 and was wearing the belt. McCool booted Mickie in the face before she could get into the ring. Mickie battled back and eliminated McCool.
Alicia Fox entered at #21 and hit Liv with a Dropkick. Fox connected with an Enziguri on Rhea and then a kick to Mickie James. Alicia slammed Natalya to the mat as Flair and Belair battled in the corner. Rhea lifted Alicia up and sent her to the apron. Liv and Rhea tried to eliminate Fox but she held onto the ropes.
Nikki A.S.H. was #22 and Rhea Ripley stared at the entrance ramp. Nikki showed up from behind and got Ripley over the top rope. Rhea held on and got back into the ring. Nikki backed away and rolled out of the ring under the bottom rope. Charlotte hit Ripley from behind and bashed her face into the turnbuckle. Nikki got back into the ring and battled with Alicia Fox.
Summer Rae was the 23rd entrant in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match. Summer went after Natalya with a flurry of punches but Natalya shrugged them off. The two traded slaps in the middle of the ring before Summer dropped Natalya with a spin kick. Charlotte hit Rae with a Clothesline and posed for the crowd. Natalya grabbed Summer by the hair and threw her over the top rope for the elimination. Charlotte tried to eliminate Natalya but she held onto the ropes.
Nikki Bella entered the rumble at #24 to a big pop from the crowd. Nikki hit Natalya with a Spinebuster but got booted in the ribs by Belair. Bianca went for a Suplex but Brie broke it up. The Bella Twins slammed Bianca face-first to the mat and then eliminated Alicia Fox.
Sarah Logan returned at #25 and attacked The Bella Twins. Liv Morgan had tears in her eyes and shared a moment with Logan. The Bella Twins attacked them both and quickly eliminated Sarah Logan. Nikki and Liv battled to the apron and Brie booted Morgan to the outside. Brie held up a loser sign at Liv as she looked on from the floor.
Lita entered at #26 to an awesome reaction. Lita sent Mickie James to the corner and then over the top rope to the apron. Mickie tried to get back into the ring but Lita hit her with a DDT. Mickie tumbled to the floor for the elimination. Lita and Charlotte Flair had a stare down and traded chops in the middle of the ring.
Molly Holly was #27 and Nikki A.S.H. attacked her during her entrance. Nikki sent Molly Holly into the steel steps before ripping the cape off. Nikki then eliminated Molly Holly and posed in the ring.
Ronda Rousey entered the match at #28 to a massive pop from the crowd. Rousey beat Nikki A.S.H. down and sent her and Nikki Bella to the apron. Ronda got a choke on both of them and then eliminated A.S.H. Brie Bella then turned her back on Nikki Bella and eliminated her. Rousey attacked Brie and hit her with some jabs in the corner of the ring.
Shotzi entered the rumble at #29 and hit a Crossbody on Ripley & Belair. Shotzi hit Charlotte with a kick to the face and tried to eliminate Lita but she held on. Rousey eliminated Brie Bella and beat Rhea Ripley down in the corner. Lita slammed Shotzi to the canvas as Ronda was now beating Bianca Belair down. Ronda tried to eliminate Belair but Ripley broke it up. Ronda beat them both down in the corner as the countdown began.
Shayna Baszler was the final entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match. Shayna teamed up with Rousey and started hitting people with Suplexes. Baszler slammed Lita to the mat and dragged her to the ropes.
Shayna caught Natalya with a knee to the face and stared at Ronda Rousey. The two then circled each other but Charlotte Flair attacked Shayna. Ronda got distracted with Natalya and sent her to the apron. Rousey booted Shotzi in the face and then eliminated her.
Belair eliminated Natalya but she got back into the ring. Rousey then sent Natalya over the top rope again. Lita hit the Twist of Fate on Charlotte Flair but then Ripley drove her to the corner. Charlotte then hit Lita with a running boot to eliminate her.
Rousey and Ripley battled again and Flair knocked them both to the apron. Ripley launched Ronda into the ring post but Charlotte eliminated Ripley with another running boot. Bianca tried to eliminate the SmackDown Women’s Champion but Flair held onto the ropes.
Bianca planted Shayna with a Spinebuster but she battled back and locked in the Kirifuda Clutch. Belair escaped but Flair sent them both over the top rope. It was now down to Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey. Charlotte charged but Ronda was ready and sent her over the top rope. Ronda Rousey won the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble and earned a title shot at WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Doudrop tonight at Royal Rumble. Doudrop dominated early and leveled the champ with a shoulder tackle. Becky Lynch rolled out of the ring to regroup for a moment. Lynch caught Doudrop with a kick but she shrugged it off. Doudrop set up for a Vader Bomb but Becky rolled out of the ring again. Doudrop showed off her strength and booted Becky into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Doudrop hit a Senton and Lynch rolled to the outside again. Becky rested against the steps and Doudrop took the opportunity to go for a Cannonball. Lynch got out of the way and Doudrop crashed into the steps. Lynch took advantage and stomped on Doudrop in the ring.
Doudrop tried to battle back but Becky got her in a Sleeper Hold in the middle of the ring. Doudrop eventually escaped and charged but Lynch got out of the way. Doudrop crashed into the turnbuckle and Lynch followed it up with a Leg Drop. Doudrop battled back and leveled Becky with a Clothesline and then a Body Slam. Doudrop connected with a Senton and went for the cover but Becky kicked out at two.
Doudrop went for a Splash but Becky got out of the way. Lynch then applied the Dis-Arm-Her in the middle of the ring and started booting Doudrop in the face at the same time. Doudrop wouldn’t stay down and planted Becky with a Powerbomb for a near fall. Doudrop hit a Cannonball in the corner of the ring and went for the cover but Lynch was able to kick out at two. The pyro that had gone off previously had apparently caused the WrestleMania sign to catch fire during this match.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 30, 2022
Lynch hit a Senton off the top rope on Doudrop but couldn’t keep her down for a three count. Doudrop hit a series of headbutts and knocked Becky to a knee. Doudrop went for a Suplex but Lynch held onto the ropes and broke free. Doudrop grabbed Lynch by her hair and dragged her up.
Becky hit a Jawbreaker and then a Leg Drop while Doudrop was draped across the top rope. Lynch went for the cover but Doudrop again was able to kick out at two. Lynch went for the Man-Handle Slam but Doudrop countered into a slam for a two count. Lynch attacked Doudrop while she was climbing the turnbuckle and hit her with the Man-Handle Slam for the pinfall victory. Becky Lynch is still the RAW Women’s Champion.
Lashley Won The WWE Title After Roman Reigns Interfered
Brock Lesnar defended the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley tonight at Royal Rumble. Paul Heyman and MVP were ringside for the match. Lashley & Lesnar locked up in the middle of the ring to start the match. Both couldn’t get an advantage and backed away before locking up again. Brock hit a German Suplex and Lashley got right back up as Brock laughed in the corner.
Lesnar and Lashley circled each other before locking up again. Lashley hit Lesnar with a German Suplex and Brock almost landed on the top of his head. Lesnar laughed it off and delivered two German Suplexes to Lashley. Bobby got up and had blood coming out of his mouth.
Lashley attacked Lesnar with some punches but Brock battled back. Lesnar went for the F5 but Lashley escaped and hit a Spear. Lashley didn’t go for the cover and opted to hit another massive Spear that sent Lesnar tumbling out of the ring. Lashley followed him and went for another Spear but Brock got out of the way and Bobby crashed through the barricade. Lesnar pointed to his brain to indicate how smart he was and set up for an F5.
The challenger escaped and shoved Lesnar into the ring post. The action returned to the ring and Lashley charged. Lesnar got out of the way and Bobby crashed into the ring post. The Beast set up for another German Suplex but Lashley held onto the ropes. Brock booted Bobby away from the ropes and delivered a few powerful German Suplexes.
Lashley tried to get up using the ropes and Brock planted him with another German Suplex. MVP offered some advice as Lashley stumbled to his feet. Brock went for the F5 but Lashley spun free and got Lesnar in the Hurt Lock in the middle of the ring. Lesnar broke the hold by driving Lashley to the corner but the referee got trapped against the turnbuckle. Lesnar then hit the F5 but Lashley’s legs hit the referee and he fell out of the ring in a rare double ref bump. Lesnar went for the cover but there was nobody to make the count and the match continued.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns got into the ring and hit Brock Lesnar with a Spear. Roman stuck out his hand and Paul Heyman gave him the WWE Championship. Reigns hit Lesnar with the title and left with Paul Heyman. Lashley covered Lesnar and won the WWE Championship.
The Miz & Maryse faced Edge & Beth Phoenix in a mixed tag team match. Beth chased Maryse around to begin the match. The Miz tagged in and Edge beat him down. Maryse distracted Edge and Miz capitalized with a Neckbeaker. Miz kept Edge isolated for the next couple minutes as Beth Phoenix got pissed. Beth grabbed a steel chair but through it to the floor. Edge capitalized on the distraction and planted Miz with the Edgecution.
Edge booted Miz out of the ring and crawled towards Beth Phoenix. Maryse desperately tried to stop Edge but he reached the corner. Beth tagged in and unloaded some strikes on Maryse before dragging her around the ring by the hair. Phoenix connected with a Backbreaker and went for the cover but Miz broke it up at two. Beth bumped Miz form behind and he turned around with a smirk on his face. Miz demanded Edge tag in but Beth lifted him up and drove him to the corner. Beth hit Miz with some punches but Maryse attacked her from behind with the brick as the referee wasn’t looking. Maryse went for the cover but the brick wasn’t enough to keep The Glamazon down.
Maryse applied the Camel Clutch as Edge tried to fire up the crowd. Beth battled to her feet and lifted Maryse up in the Electric Chair. Maryse escaped and both superstars hit a Clothesline. Edge tagged in and slammed Miz to the mat for a two count. Edge climbed to the top rope but Maryse distracted him. Beth knocked Maryse off the apron and then Powerbombed Miz off the top rope. Edge followed it up with an Elbow Drop off the top rope for a near fall.
Maryse attacked Beth outside the ring and sent her into the steel steps. Edge got a crazed look in his eye and set up for the Spear. The Miz slowly made his way to his feet but Maryse distracted Edge for a moment. Edge went for a Spear but Miz jumped over him. Edge crashed into the turnbuckle and Maryse then caught him with a Hurricanrana off the top rope. Maryse knocked Beth out of the ring as Miz planted Edge with the Skull Crushing Finale for a two count. Miz and Maryse went for a double Skull Crushing Finale but Beth broke it up. Beth hit Maryse with a Spear and then the Grit Couple hit Miz with a double Spear. Edge and Beth planted Miz and Maryse with the Glam Slam for the pinfall victory.
30 superstars competed in the men’s Royal Rumble match in the main event the show. The winner of the Royal Rumble match will get a title shot at WrestleMania.
AJ Styles was the first superstar in the match. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura entered the match at #2. Styles and Nakamura battled for a couple minutes before Austin Theory entered the rumble at #3. Michael Cole noted that Theory vowed to win the rumble to impress Vince McMahon.
Theory hit AJ with a Dropkick and tried to eliminate Nakamura. Shinsuke held onto the ropes and Styles snuck up from behind. Theory held onto the ropes and stomped AJ down in the corner.
Robert Roode entered at #4 and hit Theory with a Spinebuster. Roode and Styles had a stare down and a “TNA!” chant broke out in a cool moment. AJ went for the Styles Clash but Roode was able to block it. Styles sent Roode over the top rope for the first elimination of the night. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa but Theory countered into a slam.
Ridge Holland was the 5th entrant and rushed to the ring. Ridge hit Theory with a chop block and followed it up with a Suplex. AJ Styles booted Nakamura to the floor and the IC Champion was eliminated.
Montez Ford entered at #6 and quickly tried to eliminate Styles but the Phenomenal One held onto the ropes. Montez hit Theory with a beautiful Dropkick and threw him over the top rope. Theory desperately held onto the bottom rope as Styles tried to boot him to the floor. Ridge Holland connected with a Powerslam on Montez Ford and then a Back Body Drop to Styles.
United States Champion Damian Priest was the 7th superstar to enter the Royal Rumble match. Damian tried to eliminate Styles but AJ held on. Priest hit Austin with a Backbreaker and got him on the ropes. Theory held on and slid back into the ring.
Sami Zayn entered at #8 and opted to stay away from the action in the corner. Montez Ford went after Sami but Zayn knocked him to the apron. Ford held onto the ropes and got back into the ring as Priest beat Sami down in the corner.
Johnny Knoxville entered at #9 and some of the Jackass cast accompanied him to the ring. Johnny tackled Sami and hit him with some punches. Knoxville pointed at the WrestleMania sign and Styles got in his face. Knoxville hit him with a forearm to the face and Styles dropped the Jackass star with some strikes. Montez Ford climbed to the top rope and hit Knoxville with a Frog Splash. Ridge carried Johnny to the apron and put him there. Sami took the opportunity to hit Knoxville with the Helluva Kick for the elimination. AJ then eliminated Sami from behind.
Angelo Dawkins was #10 and rushed the ring. Angelo punched Damian in the face and stomped AJ to the canvas. Angelo tried to eliminate Styles but he once again was able to hang onto the ropes.
Omos entered at #11 and marched to the ring as all the superstars stared at him. Omos hit Ridge with a shoulder tackle and swatted Austin Theory out of midair with ease. Omos eliminated Dawkins as Montez climbed to the top rope. Omos dared him to jump and then caught him with a Chokeslam over the top rope for the eliminate. Austin Theory tried to attack Omos but he slammed him down. Omos launched AJ Styles into the ring post and let out a primal scream. Styles fell to the floor as Omos grazed Ridge with an uppercut.
Ricochet was the 12th superstar in the rumble and hit Omos with a springboard Dropkick. Omos was unbothered and slammed Ricochet to the canvas. Omos shoved his boot in Ridge’s face until Austin Theory attacked him. Ricochet joined in but Omos kept fighting everyone away. Omos hit Ricochet with a chop that knocked him down before hurling him across the ring.
One half of the RAW Tag Team Champions Chad Gable entered at lucky #13. Omos glared at Gable as he made his way to the ring. Gable huddled everyone up to try and get Omos out of the match. Damian charged but everyone held back. Omos leveled Damian with a Clothesline before casually shoving him over the top rope for the elimination.
Everyone else then tried to eliminate Omos from behind but he held onto the ropes. Dominik Mysterio entered at #14 and joined in on trying to eliminate Omos. Styles leaped in with a Phenomenal Forearm to send Omos over the top rope for the elimination. Dominik and Theory battled in the corner. Theory tried to get Mysterio out but he was able to hang on.
Happy Corbin entered at #15 and went after Dominik. Corbin planted Austin Theory with a Chokeslam and then sent Ricochet over the top rope for the elimination. Dolph Ziggler was the 16th superstar to enter the rumble. Ziggler hit Happy Corbin with a Superkick and beat him down in the corner. Corbin battled back before launching Dominik over the top rope for another elimination. AJ Styles eliminated Austin Theory as the countdown began.
Sheamus entered at #17 as Styles hit Ridge with a Pele Kick. Styles Clotheslined Ridge over the top rope for the elimination. Sheamus got into the ring pissed off and went right after AJ to avenge his friend. Sheamus hit a knee to the face but Gable attacked him from behind. Sheamus planted Gable with the Irish Curse Backbreaker and sent AJ to the apron. Sheamus clubbed AJ across the chest several times.
Rick Boogs entered at #18 and went right after Gable. Boogs perched Gable up on the top turnbuckle before slamming him to the mat. Boogs lifted Gable up with one arm and threw him over the top rope for the elimination.
Madcap Moss was the 19th superstar in the rumble and teamed up with Happy Corbin. Boogs lifted Ziggler up and tried to eliminate him but Dolph held onto the top rope. Styles hit Corbin with a Pele Kick and battled with Moss. Corbin hit Styles with a Backbreaker and then Madcap Moss eliminated AJ Styles. Riddle entered the match at #20 and came to the ring on his scooter.
Moss and Corbin attacked Riddle but Boogs broke it up. Happy Corbin hit Boogs with a Clothesline and Moss sent him to the apron. Corbin then hit Boogs in the face and he fell to the floor for another elimination for Corbin. Madcap Moss stomped Riddle down to the canvas as the countdown began.
Drew McIntyre made his return and entered the Royal Rumble at #21. McIntyre marched to the ring and stared at Corbin & Madcap Moss as they in storyline caused his injury. McIntyre leveled Riddle with a Clothesline before getting his hands on Madcap Moss. McIntyre eliminated Moss and then tossed Corbin over the top rope as well. Drew rolled under the bottom rope and attacked Corbin & Moss outside the ring. Drew planted Moss with a Suplex before bashing Corbin with the steel steps. McIntyre then Suplexed Moss onto the steps.
Kevin Owens entered the match at #22 and traded punches with McIntyre in the entrance way. McIntyre brought Owens into the ring but Kevin turned the tables and planted him with a Powerbomb. Owens hit Ziggler with a Senton before going after Sheamus. Riddle went for a kick but Owens caught him and booted him in the knee. Riddle grabbed his knee in pain and fell to the canvas.
Rey Mysterio was the 23rd superstar to enter the match. Mysterio hit Sheamus with a Crossbody and then almost eliminated Riddle but he held onto the ropes. Owens hit Rey with a Stunner but turned around into some punches from Sheamus. McIntyre and Sheamus briefly renewed their friendship to stomp the hell out of Owens in the corner.
Kofi Kingston entered the rumble at #24 and went after Kevin Owens in the corner. Owens tossed Kofi to the apron but Kingston battled back. Kofi went for a springboard move but Owens shoved him off the ropes. It appeared that Kingston was supposed to catch himself on the barricade without his feet touching the floor. Unfortunately, Kingston’s feet hit the floor and he was eliminated.
Otis entered at #25 and promptly hit Riddle with a Suplex. Otis slammed McIntyre and posed for the crowd. Former WWE Champion Big E entered the match at #26 and hit Owens with a Belly to Belly Suplex. Big E delivered a Suplex to Riddle before dancing over Owens in the middle of the ring. Big E hit Owens with a Splash and fired up the crowd. Sheamus caught Big E with the Brogue Kick before hitting Rey with a Backbreaker.
Bad Bunny was the 26th entrant and got a great reaction from the crowd. Sheamus charged but Bad Bunny hit a Crossbody off the top rope. Bad Bunny hopped around before Owens went after him. Owens went for a Stunner but Bad Bunny escaped and hit Kevin with a Hurricanrana. Riddle posed with Bad Bunny but it backfired. Bad Bunny planted Riddle with a Canadian Destroyer but Sheamus leveled him from behind. Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick but Bad Bunny ducked and Sheamus tumbled over the top rope for the elimination.
Rey hit a 619 and Bad Bunny eliminated Ziggler. Bad Bunny tried to eliminate Rey but he held onto the ropes. Otis eliminated Rey as Shane McMahon made his return as the 28th entrant in the Royal Rumble. Shane McMahon blocked a Stunner and sent Kevin Owens over the top rope for the elimination.
Randy Orton was the 29th superstar to enter the Royal Rumble match. Orton hit Big E with an RKO and then eliminated him. Riddle leaped off of Otis’ back and planted McIntyre with an RKO. RK-Bro then eliminated Otis and posed in the ring.
Brock Lesnar was the final superstar to enter the Royal Rumble match. Lesnar planted Orton with a Suplex and then did the same to Shane. Brock eliminated Orton with a Clothesline and circled Bad Bunny.
Lesnar chuckled and lifted Bad Bunny up for the F5 before eliminating him. Lesnar planted Shane with another Suplex before sending Riddle over the top rope. Brock awkwardly eliminated Shane McMahon and it was down to Lesnar & McIntyre.
McIntyre leaped onto Lesnar but The Beast caught him. Brock went for the F5 but McIntyre escaped. Drew went for the Claymore but Lesnar dodged it. Brock then hit McIntyre with the F5 over the top rope for the elimination. Brock Lesnar won the 2022 Royal Rumble match.
After years of speculation of what the match would be like, Brock Lesnar stepped into the ring with Bobby Lashley with the WWE Title on the line at the Royal Rumble event.
The match saw Lashley hit a german suplex Lesnar on his head after some clinch work. Lesnar did it to Lashley. Lashley hit two straight spears before missing the third one and going through the barricade.
Lashley locked in the hurt lock, but Lesnar got out of it. Lesnar hit the F5, but took out the referee. This led to Roman Reigns coming out to hit a spear to Lesnar then connected with a title shot after Paul Heyman gave him the championship. Lashley pinned Lesnar to win the WWE Title.
Lashley got the title match when he defeated Big E, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens in a fatal four-way number one contender’s match in the main event of the January 3rd edition of Monday Night Raw. Lashley pinned Owens to win the bout.
Lashley was the only wrestler in the match that Lesnar didn’t hit the F-5 on while Lashley gave Lesnar a spear through the barricade at one point in the match and hit a spear on Lesnar for a second time in the ring for a near fall.
“The Beast Incarnate” became the WWE Champion by defeating Big E, Rollins, Owens, and Lashley in a fatal five-way match at Day 1 after he was added to the match at the last minute due to Roman Reigns testing positive for COVID-19. Reigns had been scheduled to defend his Universal Championship against Lesnar.
The winner of this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match has been revealed and it’s Ronda Rousey. Now, her journey to WrestleMania 38 begins.
Sasha Banks and Melina started it off. Zelina Vega eliminated Banks. Rhea Ripley eliminated Vega and Carmella at the same time. When Brie Bella made her entrance, she did the yes chant in the ring. Mickie James came out with the Impact Knockouts Title and to Hardcore Country. Lita came out and eliminated James with DDT. Charlotte Flair eliminated Lita with a big boot.
Rousey outlasted the likes of Bianca Belair, Shayna Bazler, and Flair in the Final Four at the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. Rousey and Flair were the final two.
With her beating out 29 other stars, she has earned the right to be in one of the main events of Mania and will have her choice to go after one of the top titles in the company. The decision for her comes down to the Raw Women’s Title, which is held by Becky Lynch. The other option is challenging SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, who was in this same match.
Rousey’s return was expected as it was reported earlier in the week that WWE had pushed for the former Raw Women’s Champion to make a return at this show and the decision was her call. Regarding Paige, she was medically cleared to return to in-ring action after being forced into retirement due to a history of spinal stenosis.
Royal Rumble List of Entrants
Here’s a list of the entry of superstars who competed in this fan-favorite match:
Sasha Banks
Melina
Tamina
Kelly Kelly
Aliyah
Liv Morgan
Zelina Vega
Bianca Belair
Dana Brooke
Michelle McCool
Sonya Deville
Natalya
Cameron
Naomi
Carmella
Rhea Ripley
Charlotte Flair
Ivory
Brie Bella
Mickie James
Alicia Fox
Nikki A.S.H
Summer Rae
Nikki Bella
Sarah Logan
Lita
Molly Holly
Ronda Rousey
Shotzi Blackheart
Shayna Baszler
2??0?? MICKIE JAMES WITH THE KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP AROUND HER WAIST!!!!
Seth Rollins was the first challenger of the new year to step up to take on Roman Reigns for his WWE Universal Title just weeks after Reigns set the record of the longest-reigning champion in the history of the title at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.
Rollins trolled Reigns before the bout even started by coming out to The Shield entrance music and even through the crowd while wearing his old gear. The match started off with Seth in control including him hitting a powerbomb through a table. Seth hit the buckle bomb then the stomp for a near fall. Reigns went for a spear, but Rollins reversed it into a pedigree for a near fall.
Reigns put him in the guillotine choke and Seth grabbed the rope, but Reigns didn’t break the hold so Reigns was DQ’d, but retained. Post-match, Reigns grabbed a chair and attacked Rollins with it.
The match was made official on the January 7th edition of SmackDown as Rollins was revealed as the next challenger. There was a storyline where Adam Pearce said WWE management informed him that he needed to choose Reigns’ Royal Rumble opponent before the end of the night and the show ended with Rollins going into Reigns’ locker room where he was just laughing.
Rollins is still a member of the Raw roster and was involved in the fatal five-way match at Day 1 where Brock Lesnar pinned Big E to win the WWE Championship. WWE is still moving forward with its plans for Lesnar and Reigns to face off again at WrestleMania 38.
The WWE has reportedly decided on Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair’s opponent for Wrestlemania 38.
Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reports that Ronda Rousey will challenge Flair for the Smackdown Women’s Championship at Wrestlemania 38. The event will be a two-night affair held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on April 2nd and 3rd.
Rousey had a two-year run in WWE before taking time off. However, she quickly became one of WWE’s most featured talents on TV. The report states that the WWE wants Rousey to be a member of the Friday Night Smackdown roster to appease Fox. She could also appear for Monday Night Raw to help their TV ratings.
“Her being on Smackdown is to throw a major bone to Fox, which had hoped for both Rousey and Brock Lesnar to be regulars on the show,” said Meltzer.
Lynch recently teased facing Rousey on social media. While the report shares that it won’t happen at Wrestlemania 38, Meltzer doesn’t rule that the matchup could happen at Wrestlemania 39. He also admitted that Rousey vs. Lynch made more sense for this year’s Wrestlemania, but WWE thinks differently.
WWE superstar Mustafa Ali still wants out of the company.
Ali posted on Twitter this morning that he refused to be in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. He also shared that he’s adamant about wanting to leave the WWE. Ali had requested his release on January 16th. However, the WWE refused to honor his wishes.
“No, I would not like to be in rumble. I would like my release,” wrote Ali.
Ali’s Twitter post reconfirms that he and the WWE aren’t on good terms. The company has yet to share if he will participate in the Royal Rumble. While he isn’t on good terms with the company, both fans and wrestlers continue to show their support for Ali. A fan shared that the WWE on FOX’s Twitter account blocked her for voicing support for him, and Ali decided to block WWE on Fox. Based on Ali’s social media posts, it’s unclear if the company will be able to convince him to compete tonight.
Ali isn’t the only talent that wants to leave the company. PWInsider Mike Johnson reported that Brian Kendrick requested his release several weeks ago and hasn’t appeared at NXT tapings. However, the WWE hasn’t allowed him to go either. It’s unclear why the WWE refuses to grant Kendrick or Ali their releases.
The WWE faced criticism from fans last year for releasing talent. The company released over 80 wrestlers, claiming that the decision was due to budget cuts. However, they also praised themselves for having a successful year financially. With both Ali and Kendrick requesting their release, WWE fans wonder why they are hesitant to allow them to leave.
Royal Rumble is not only the place for old veterans to have another moment but it also provides an opportunity for young prospects to make a name for themselves. One such star who will get an opportunity to showcase her talent at such a stage for the first time is WWE superstar Aliyah.
The former NXT star recently had an interview with The National News. Speaking of her upcoming Rumble appearance, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity:
“I’m so excited, I was in NXT for like six years and every year I was in there I would think ‘Okay, maybe this is the year. Is [this] the year I’m going to be the Royal Rumble?’ I would pray and hope and it’s finally happening. I’m so happy and I’m so grateful.”
One of the most unexpected announcements for the upcoming show was the inclusion of Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James. Talking about James’ return to WWE, Aliyah said that she has always wanted to get in the ring with her:
“I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to get into the ring with her and it’s finally happening, so it’s very cool to see. I grew up watching her and idolising her. I’m super looking forward to it,”
After almost 6 years in the developmental, Aliyah was called up to SmackDown during the 2021 draft. She recently made some headlines after scoring the fastest recorded win in WWE over Natalya.
Brock Lesnar slammed Jackass star Wee Man onto a table on Friday night.
Lesnar and Wee Man are in St. Louis this weekend for WWE’s highly anticipated Royal Rumble premium live event. You never know what you’re going to see when you attend a big pro wrestling weekend. Patrons who were enjoying their dinner got an eye-full here.
Wee Man’s Jackass co-star Johnny Knoxville as also at the restaurant, but (wisely) didn’t step in to break up the mayhem. The table didn’t break, but some glass did and we can’t speak for Wee Man’s physical condition.
The 2022 WWE Royal Rumble airs live Saturday night on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network internationally.
Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley, while Wee Man is in town to support Johnny Knoxville’s Royal Rumble apparitions.
Knoxville has teased that he’ll have support from his Jackass Forever co-stars at the Rumble. Fellow Jackass alum Steve-O is also in town. We’ll see if Wee Man makes it to The Dome after what he went through at the hands of Brock Lesnar.
Jackass Forever hits theaters Friday, February 4th.
After WWE announced Mickie James for the Royal Rumble, there is lots of speculation on which other outside names can appear at the show. One of the biggest names thrown around is Cody Rhodes, who recently confirmed that he is not under contract with AEW and AJ Styles is all for it.
The Phenomenal One recently spoke to WrestlingInc. During the talk, the former world champion was asked if he would like to see Rhodes at the Rumble and he said “Of course. Who wouldn’t?” Styles also called him out to make it possible:
“Well, I think I read it on your website that he said he wasn’t coming back. I don’t know about that. Cody, I am going to call you out man, I don’t know about that one.” said AJ Styles, “Because, you’re able to do independents while working for AEW, right? So what’s the difference?”
Cody Rhodes is one AEW star who has always been open to a potential crossover with WWE. During an interview earlier this month, he explained that they want to keep things fresh in AEW. The former TNT champion claimed that their doors are open if the right business opportunity arises.
Whatdo you think about the potential of Cody Rhodes making an appearance at the Royal Rumble tonight? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Many things have changed in wrestling in recent decades. Things such as the reduced drug usage and better locker atmospheres have been for the better. However, not everything that has changed is good. The one difference that especially bothers Randy Orton is the dwindling level of respect among the new stars for each other.
The viper talked about it in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani for BT Sport. While he didn’t name names, Orton explained that the stars coming out of NXT nowadays are more concerned about themselves instead of making their opponent feel safe.
“I would never name any names, but you see the general attitude coming out of NXT is ‘Alright, I’m here. Where’s my stuff? Where’s my music? I’m gonna go do my thing.’ You have to respect everybody that came before you. You have to respect everybody that you’re in there with.
If I’m out in the ring with you, I have to be able to know that you’re gonna put my body first and you’re going to protect me in everything that you’re doing and you have to know that about me. With that comes respect. I just feel like sometimes now, that level of respect has dwindled. If anything, that’s what’s upsetting to me as an old-timer.”
Randy Orton Wants Talent to Show Respect for Their Opponents
Randy Orton
Randy Orton mentioned how many of the development talents nowadays do not have a wrestling background. They got here because of their size or their accolades in other sports. The 22-year veteran explained that the downside of this is that they don’t know how to show the proper respect to their opponents:
“They don’t understand that when you’re so big, you don’t have to take any bumps because you’re the giant. You got that guy in the ring opposite you, bumping all over the place and wearing his body down to make you look like a giant. You owe him a steak dinner. You need to thank him every chance you get.
If he needs a bag of ice after the match because he took all these big moves because you’re a big son of a bitch and he was trying to make you look like a killer.” said Randy Orton, “Then you go get that ice for him. See if he’s ok. Check on him. I feel like guys take for granted how much we’re beating each other up.”
Randy Orton Has A Problem With Selfish Talents
The former world champion continued by saying that the young stars take for granted how gruelling the business can be in the long haul. According to him, the locker room is like a band of brothers and you need to have each other’s back. However, it’s hard to trust somebody when they are only concerned about themselves:
“When you can tell guys don’t get that. Or it’s not as much of a team player mentality, but it’s more me, me, me, me, me. There’s a time and a place for that. But when it’s all the time, then that’s not a good look. When I can’t trust you to respect me enough to be thinking about my body and my health rather than you knocking my head off on live TV and making it look like you killed me. Then we got a problem.”
The card for tonight’s (Saturday, January 29, 2022) WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event has been finalized.
The company hasn’t officially announced the main event of this show that takes place in St Louis, Missouri but it will most likely be the men’s Royal Rumble match.
As a reminder, we will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this special on Saturday evening starting at 8 PM EST. Here is the final card for the show:
Final WWE Royal Rumble Card
Men’s Royal Rumble Match: competitors announced thus far – Johnny Knoxville, Austin Theory, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Sheamus, Damian Priest, AJ Styles, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Sami Zayn, Madcap Moss, Happy Baron Corbin, Kevin Owens, Omos, Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode, Randy Orton, Riddle, Otis, Chad Gable, Ricochet, Rick Boogs, Shinsuke Nakamura
Women’s Royal Rumble Match: competitors announced thus far – Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H., Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Shotzi, Natalya, Michelle McCool, Dana Brooke, Carmella, Zelina Vega, Mickie James, Tamina Snuka, Kelly Kelly, Aliyah, Summer Rae, Naomi, Shayna Baszler, Lita, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Sasha Banks
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley
Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. The Miz and Maryse – Mixed Tag Team Match
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – The Usos are banned from ringside
Vicki Askew, the mother of WWE owner and chairman of the boards Vince McMahon has sadly passed away at the age of 101.
According to her obituary, Askew passed away of natural causes in her sleep at her home in The Woodlands, TX on Tuesday, January 20.
Born on July 11, 1920, in Florence, South Carolin, Vicki was the only daughter of four children. Her family moved to Stanford when she was a young girl and Vicki spent her childhood there.
She gave birth to two sons namely Rod and Vince. The elder of the two Rod unfortunately passed away at the age of 77 last year.
After graduating from high school, she pursued a career in Civil Service. She worked as a secretary and administrative assistant until her retirement from the Chamber of Commerce in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Vicki Askew was an avid tennis player and she played until the age of 94. She also had a beautiful soprano voice and sang in several church choirs.
Her funeral services were held on January 22. A Memorial Mass for the Ebensburg community will be held on Saturday, January 29.
SEScoops extends our thoughts and prayers to the whole extended McMahon family.
Ronda Rousey has been in news lately after it was reported that the former Raw women’s champion would be returning to WWE for the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer recently talked about the former UFC star. He confirmed her contractual status with the company.
Meltzer revealed that Ronda is under contract with the promotion at the moment. Though he couldn’t report whether she has signed a new deal:
“Either a new deal was put together or WWE froze her three-year deal since she really only worked the first year and a few months of it.”
– Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Ronda Rousey made her official WWE debut during the Royal Rumble PPV in 2018. She went on to win the Raw women’s championship at SummerSlam that year.
After a historic 231 days reign with the title, The Baddest Woman on the Planet dropped the championship to Becky Lynch in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 35.
WWE usually keeps their doors closed when it comes to allowing outside talents to make appearances for the company. Though it appears things may change in future.
The January 21 edition of SmackDown saw not only Eric Bischoff but Jeff Jerrett also making a surprise appearance during the show.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer recently talked about this. He noted that we can expect more such WWE cameos in future because Fox likes these surprises.
According to Meltzer, “the idea is to try and create buzz with the idea of who unannounced may show up on television each week.”
The WWE officials are also discussing the idea of signing outside stars to short-term contracts. Such wrestlers could be used to work with younger talents.
Former NXT champion Samoa Joe was originally signed to a similar deal in 2015. He was then offered a long-term contract after becoming a top merchandise seller.
Joe ended up having a seven-year-long run with the promotion before being let go earlier this month. He was once released on April 15 last year but was brought back by Triple H before his non-compete clause expired.
There is no word on if any specific names are being considered for such roles. It’s still interesting to know that WWE is looking to open the forbidden door some more in the upcoming times.
WWE’s development brand in NXT is now directly under the control of Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard. There are several names they see as future megastars.
Dave Meltzer talked about the revamped brand on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He revealed how the officials feel about certain names.
Per Meltzer, officials are ‘very high right now’ on LA Knight. The former Impact world champion was originally supposed to be called up to the main roster in spring.
However, he has recently been competing in dark matches on SmackDown and Raw. WWE even posted a video of Knight having a confrontation with Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. So it’s possible that his progression may have been sped up.
A couple of other names the officials seemed to be impressed with are Brutus Creed and Julius Creed, the Creed Brothers.
Internal comparisons have been made between Julias and a young Kurt Angle. The Idea internally is that ‘both will at some point be WrestleMania headliners.’
Finally, the officials are high on Von Wagner and Xyon Quinn because of their look and size. They are ‘very forgiving’ of the young star’s inexperience in the ring and the management is hoping that they will pick things up in time.
Only time will tell which one of these talents actually end up becoming big stars, but it’s still good to know that officials are looking at names that can be future champions.
Brock Lesnar appearances are generally a rare occurrence but it appears we are going to see a lot of the Beast Incarnate during this WrestleMania season.
If local advertisements are to be believed, then the WWE champion will be a part of this year’s Elimination Chamber PPV from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Not only that but Lesnar is also expected to make at least a few appearances after the Saudi PPV. Here are the shows he is currently being advertised for during the WrestleMania season:
Monday Night Raw – February 14 from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis IN
Elimination Chamber – February 19 from Jeddah Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Monday Night Raw – February 21 from Colonial Life Arena in Columbia SC
Friday Night SmackDown – February 25 from Giant Center in Hershey PA
Friday Night SmackDown – March 11 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham AL
Brock Lesnar is also scheduled to defend his WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley at the Royal Rumble PPV this Saturday.
The SmackDown appearances are in line with the reports suggesting that WWE is planning a match between the former UFC champion and the Universal champion Roman Reigns for WrestleMania 38.
Though the advertised Raw appearances are interesting. It suggests that Lesnar may end up keeping the WWE title until the PPV in Saudi Arabia before dropping the championship to someone.
AEW Rampage aired tonight on TNT and featured three title matches. Jurassic Express put the AEW Tag Team Championships on the line against Private Party in the main event. Jon Moxley faced Anthony Bowens tonight as well.
Rampage Results
Jon Moxley def. Anthony Bowens
FTR def. Lee Johnson & Brock Anderson
Jade Cargill def. Julia Hart to retain the TBS Championship
Jurassic Express def. Private Party to retain the AEW Tag Team Championships
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Bryan Danielson Is Keeping An Eye On Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley faced Anthony Bowens in the first match of the night. Moxley dominated early and beat the hell out of Bowens in the corner of the ring. Bowens got out of the ring to regroup but Jon went after him. Moxley sent Bowens into the barricade and then they battled into the crowd.
Moxley brought Bowens back to the ringside area but Bowens sent Moxley into the ring post. Back in the ring, Bowens unloaded some punches and chops to Moxley’s chest. Bowens went for a Suplex but Moxley countered into one of his own. Caster tripped Moxley up from outside the ring and the distraction allowed Bowens to beat Moxley down.
When Rampage returned from a commercial break, Moxley and Bowens were battling on the top turnbuckle. Jon went for a Paradigm Shift but Bowens was able to block it. Bowens connected with a Dropkick and then a Superplex for a near fall. Moxley battled back and threw Bowens out of the ring.
Moxley went for a Suicide Dive but wound up just hitting Max Caster. Bowens planted Moxley with a DDT in the ring and went for the cover but Jon powered out at two. Jon responded with a Piledriver but couldn’t put Bowens away. Bowens hit Claim to Fame but Moxley kicked out at two. Moxley dared Bowens to hit him and he dropped Jon with a few forearms shots to the face. Max Caster slid Bowens a chain but Moxley saw it coming. Moxley hit a Cutter and then the Paradigm Shift for the pinfall victory. Danielson was shown watching a TV backstage and then looked directly into the camera with a smirk on his face before walking away.
Andrade El Idolo tried to recruit Darby Allin backstage but wound up getting laughed at. Darby told Andrade that he respects him as a wrestler but wondered if he had lost his mind. Allin brought out a baseball bat and told Andrade to leave.
FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) battled Lee Johnson & Brock Anderson tonight on Rampage. Cash and Lee started off the action and Wheeler took control. Brock Anderson and Dax tagged in and traded punches. Harwood went for a shoulder tackle but Brock stood tall. Lee Johnson tagged in and FTR was thrown out of the ring. Lee hit a dive onto FTR as Rampage went to a commercial break.
When Rampage returned, Lee was trapped in the ring but eventually tagged in Brock Anderson. Brock hit some Clotheslines and then a DDT on Wheeler. Lee followed it up with a Frog Splash and went for the cover but Cash got his boot on the bottom rope. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard argued outside the ring and Arn connected with a punch. FTR hit Lee with a Piledriver for the pinfall victory.
Jade Cargill defended the TBS Championship against Julia Hart. Smart Mark Sterling was ringside for the match. Julia Hart got in some offense and rolled up Cargill for a two count. Cargill hit a Backbreaker and taunted Hart by doing some pushups. Julia tried to battle back but Cargill quickly hit Jaded for the pinfall victory. Cargill retained the TBS Championship and is now 26-0 in All Elite Wrestling.
Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus defended the AEW Tag Team Championships against Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) in the main event. Gunn Club were ringside for the match.
Private Party hit Gin & Juice on Jungle Boy early but he kicked out at two. Quen and Kassidy climbed to the top rope and went for a Splash but Jungle Boy got out of the way. Luchasaurus tagged in but Matt Hardy hit him with a chair while the referee was distracted.
When Rampage returned from the break, Private Party knocked Jungle Boy to the floor outside the ring and isolated Luchasaurus for a few minutes. The big man eventually battled back and tagged Jungle Boy back in. Jungle Boy hit Kassidy and Quen with a couple Suicide Dives and followed it up by flipping onto them outside the ring.
Luchasaurus had Jungle Boy up on his shoulders and Kassidy climbed to the top rope. Isiah went for a Crossbody but Jungle Boy rolled through into a Powerslam for a two count. Jungle Boy got Kassidy in the Snare Trap in the middle of the ring but Quen broke it up with a Shooting Star Press. Jurassic Express then hit their finisher for the pinfall victory. Gunn Club attacked Jurassic Express after the match and hit them with the belts to close the show.
Lita has not only paid attention to WWE’s women’s division but also their rival in All Elite Wrestling.
The WWE Hall of Famer gave her take about the roster the promotion has put together during an appearance on the latest episode of Booker T’s Hall Of Fame podcast.
Lita stated that she thought for a while it was just all about AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker. However, she sees them starting to add strength.
“I think they’re finally starting to add and strengthen that roster,” Lita said. “Because for a while, and this tends to happen a lot, something catches fire and then you go with it, and it ends up being a one-person show. So it was like the Britt Baker show for quite a bit there, and then they were like, ‘oh, wait we can’t just throw Nyla to the wayside after we’ve used her, we can’t throw Ruby.’ You’ve got to build everybody up and kind of keep it going.”
Lita continued by noting that the women were lacking, but now that the promotion has put some emphasis on that. She recalled seeing the lights out match between Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker thinking that really put the women’s division on the map for them.
As previously reported, Lita did have talks with AEW President Tony Khan regarding joining the company, but she returned to WWE and will be part of the Women’s Royal Rumble Match this Saturday night.
While some were expecting Johnny Gargano to make a surprise appearance in Cleveland this past Wednesday at AEW Dynamite, it ended up being independent star Danhausen who shocked the world with an appearance during the show.
It was later revealed that AEW has in fact signed the popular wrestler and YouTube star. On Friday, Danhausen himself reacted to his signing in a video published to the AEW Twitter account.
“Well, Danhausen’s good friends with Orange Cassidy, so he thought he could help him out by decimating Adam Cole. Which we saw he did, or he helped Orange Cassidy loosen Adam Cole up so he could decimate him up. Soften him up if you will. And one thing led to another, looks like Orange Cassidy got the job done. As Danhausen knew he would. Now, Danhausen’s very elite. Very evil,” he said.
Danhausen’s debut has already proven to be a winner for AEW. A quick glance at the AEW YouTube channel reveals that his debut this past Wednesday is by far the most viewed video on the channel from Wednesday night’s show. As of press time, his debut has done 850,000 views. The next closest video from Dynamite is the Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara ladder match at 625,000 views.
Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.
WWE SmackDown aired live from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO. It was the final SmackDown before WWE Royal Rumble tomorrow night. Naomi and Sonya Deville finally squared off tonight. Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins met face-to-face one final time before their title match tomorrow night at Royal Rumble.
SmackDown Results
Sheamus & Ridge Holland def. Cesaro & Ricochet
Naomi def. Sonya Deville
Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura def. Jinder Mahal & Shanky
New Day def. Happy Corbin & Madcap Moss
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Sasha Banks Returned & Will Be In The Royal Rumble
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring to begin the show. Charlotte will be in the women’s Royal Rumble and vowed to win it so she can pick her opponent at WrestleMania. Flair got the crowd to boo her by claiming that the Chiefs will never win a title again and hyped the women’s Royal Rumble match as being unpredictable.
Shayna Baszler interrupted and told Charlotte that she will not hesitate to snap her like a twig. Aliyah interrupted wearing an “Aliyah 3:17” shirt and she vowed to win the rumble. Charlotte told Aliyah that she had no chance of winning and Aliyah bragged about embarrassing Natalya a couple weeks back. Natalya joined the party as the crowd became restless. Natalya said that Aliyah’s win was a fluke before Shotzi showed up. Shotzi claimed that this was just a preview for tomorrow night, a whole bunch of egos clashing, creating an opportunity for her to shine.
Sasha Banks’ music hit and The Boss made her way to the ring. Sasha got a great reaction from the crowd and stated that she is ready to rumble. Banks caught Charlotte with a punch and a brawl broke out. Aliyah took out Natalya and sent Shayna out of the ring. Charlotte leveled Aliyah with a big boot and had a stare down with Banks. Flair went for a kick but Banks blocked it. Sasha launched Flair over the top rope to end the segment.
Sheamus & Ridge Holland faced Cesaro & Ricochet in the first match of the night. Cesaro and Ricochet isolated Sheamus in the corner to start off the match. Sheamus battled back and tagged in Holland. Ricochet knocked Ridge out of the ring and connected with a dive as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Sheamus planted Ricochet with the Irish Curse Backbreaker and tagged Ridge back in. Holland connected with a Body Slam and went for the cover but Ricochet kicked out at two. Sheamus and Cesaro tagged back in and Cesaro unloaded some uppercuts. Cesaro sent Sheamus out of the ring and followed him out there with another uppercut that knocked the Celtic Warrior into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Cesaro climbed to the top turnbuckle and attempted a Crossbody but Sheamus caught him. Sheamus went for the Backbreaker again but Cesaro escaped. Cesaro rolled up Sheamus but Holland broke it up at two. Ricochet connected with a Dropkick off the top rope that knocked Holland to the outside. Cesaro planted Sheamus with a Backbreaker of his own for a two count.
Cesaro set up for the Gotch Neutralizer but Sheamus was able to break free. Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick but Cesaro blocked it. Holland tagged himself in but Cesaro didn’t see it. Cesaro got Sheamus in the Swing but Holland rushed into the ring with his mask on. Holland hit Cesaro with a headbutt using the mask and followed it up with Northern Grit for the pinfall victory.
Sonya Deville and Naomi squared off tonight in a singles match. Sonya tried to boss around the referee during Naomi’s entrance but the ref said that he has to call the match down the middle. Sonya rolled Naomi up for a two count before applying a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Naomi escaped but Sonya threw her down and started yelling at the referee again.
Deville went back to the Headlock while arguing with the referee. Naomi got up but Sonya threw her down by her hair. Naomi battled back with a boot to the face and a Stunner. Naomi booted Deville in the face and slammed her into the turnbuckle. She connected with a Crossbody and went for the cover but Sonya kicked out at two.
Naomi hit a Leg Drop for a two count. Naomi went for a Bulldog but Sonya countered and launched her into the turnbuckle. Deville followed it up with a Suplex into a Uranage type move (what a maneuver!) for a close two count. Naomi hit a Full Nelson slam for another near fall. Deville rolled Naomi up and used her tights for leverage but Naomi still kicked out at two. Naomi hit Rear View and then a split legged Moonsault for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Naomi grabbed a microphone and said she is done with Sonya throwing everything she has at her for 153 days. Naomi claimed Deville couldn’t stop the glow and exited. Deville got on the microphone and announced that she will be in the Royal Rumble match tomorrow night with Naomi.
Sami Zayn had a talk show segment tonight with Jinder Mahal & Shanky as his guests. Sami said “In-Zayn” is now a live podcast and thanked them for being here. Zayn said he never wanted to hear the name “Johnny Knoxville” again and the crowd started chanting the name. Sami wanted to discuss consumerism in a post-modern society with Shanky but Jinder interrupted. Mahal vowed to embarrass Shinsuke Nakamura and told Sami that Jackass is huge in India.
Shanky complimented one of the stunts and Sami got annoyed. Rick Boogs & Nakamura interrupted and made their way to the ring. Nakamura booted Sami in the face as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Mahal & Shanky battled Nakamura & Boogs in a tag team match. Sami Zayn kept interfering but Nakamura & Boogs prevailed. Boogs planted Shanky with a Suplex and followed it up with the Boogs Cruise for the pinfall victory.
New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) faced Madcap Moss & Happy Corbin this week on SmackDown. New Day controlled the action early and sent Madcap and Happy out of the ring. Kofi went for a Trust Fall but they caught him and threw him into the ring post as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Big E and Corbin were battling in the ring. Big E hit two Belly to Belly Suplexes and went for a third but Corbin blocked it. Madcap got in the ring and Big E planted him with a Uranage before delivering the third Belly to Belly to Happy Corbin.
Kingston tagged in and Corbin connected with a Chokeslam/Backbreaker. Corbin hit Deep Six for a near fall and tagged in Madcap Moss. New Day took out Corbin and connected with Midnight Hour on Madcap Moss for the pinfall victory.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his way to the ring at the end of this week’s show. Reigns will defend the Universal Championship against Seth Rollins tomorrow night at Royal Rumble.
Rollins was wearing a shiny purple suit and claimed that he played Roman like a fiddle last week and got The Usos barred from ringside. Roman suggested that it is embarrassing to get pinned by Rollins. Seth responded by saying that Roman has brought more shame on his family than anyone. Roman stated that he’s on god mode now and made light of all the times Rollins has beaten him in the past. Seth brought up turning his back on The Shield and attacking Roman with a chair.
Rollins noted that Reigns has beaten everyone but Rollins when it matters the most. Seth claimed that nothing is personal and that he will always love Reigns like a brother. Reigns told Seth that he will never forgive him for breaking up The Shield and that he hates him. Rollins cackled and called Roman’s family a joke. Reigns shoved him and set up for the Superman Punch but Rollins escaped to end the show.
Lio Rush is continuing to find success in the music world as he announced on Twitter that he has signed with Universal Music Group, Thump Records, and Virgin Music.
Rush released his debut single, “Scenic Lullaby,” in 2019, and his second single, “I Wonder”, was released soon thereafter. This past September, his second EP, “Not Found” was released.
Rush was released by WWE in 2020 along with several other wrestlers due to budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He continued his career by working for MLW and NJPW before making his promotional debut for AEW by being the mystery entrant in the Casino Battle Royale at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in 2021.
Rush previously announced his retirement from wrestling last August but continued wrestling. He later returned to AEW and last wrestled on AEW programming during the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal on the December 8th, 2021 episode of Dynamite.
WWE is bringing in several former stars and legends for this Saturday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.
WWE decided to go against what they typically do regarding surprise entrants for the event as they have already announced Mickie James, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Summer Rae, and Lita in advance for the women’s Royal Rumble match in advance. However, WWE will still have surprises in store for fans.
Those expected to be in the women’s bout include Aksana, Melina, and Asuka. Kairi Sane’s name has been tossed around as a possible entrant, despite her contract slated to expire next month.
WWE has pushed for Ronda Rousey to make an in-ring return at the Royal Rumble and be in the bout and belief is she will wrestle in the Women’s Royal Rumble.
Wrestlers who have been spotted in town already include Kaitlyn, Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, JBL, Jerry Lawler and Shane McMahon.
NXT 2.0 stars Bron Breakker and Gunther (formerly known as WALTER) are being flown into St. Louis.
WrestlingNews.co reports that a source in WWE stated Paige is medically cleared and she will be one of the surprise entrants in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. The former WWE Divas Champion had to retire from in-ring action due to a neck injury she suffered at a house show in late 2017. It’s unclear whether this is a one-off or if she will be back full-time wrestling. Her contract is slated to expire in June. The report added that there’s another person who was spotted in St. Louis and is being kept hidden from everyone.
We will update this post throughout the day as there are more ‘sightings’ and additional news comes in.
Sasha Banks made her WWE TV return earlier than expected during the opening segment of this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair was in the ring for a promo segment when she was interrupted by Natalya, Shotzi, Shayna Baszler, and Aliyah where they all talked about winning the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Banks came out and declared, “The Boss is back, baby, and I’m ready to Rumble.” A brawl broke out with Banks standing tall to end the segment.
Banks had been on the sidelines since earlier this month when she suffered an injury at a house show during a match against Charlotte Flair in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The injury occurred when she took an over-the-knee backbreaker as her leg was planted awkwardly.
WWE later announced that Banks would be out of action for 6-8 weeks due to an injury.
Before the show, Fightful had reported that WWE had plans to bring Banks back ahead of the publicly announced schedule and the company informed after the injury creative that she wouldn’t be factored into the Royal Rumble plans because they expected her to be out past the show.
The 2022 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event takes place Saturday night, January 29th from St Louis, Missouri at The Dome.
The Road to WrestleMania begins at the Royal Rumble. The card is stacked and WWE is about to kick the year’s top storylines into high gear.
SEScoops staff members Fernando Quiles, Andrew Ravens and I have gotten together to provide our official Royal Rumble Predictions.
But first, SEScoops correspondent Ella Jay did an in-depth preview for the Women’s Royal Rumble match on the latest episode of Women’s Wrestling Focus.
Royal Rumble Predictions:
Edge & Beth Phoenix vs. The Miz & Maryse
Andrew: Another month, another match involving Edge and Miz against each other. To WWE’s credit, at least they didn’t run back another single match, but got straight to the point. If WWE wants to extend this feud then the heels could go over. As much as I hope WWE moves on from this feud, I can’t see WWE beating Miz in back-to-back matches so have Maryse and Miz go over before booking a third and final match.
Prediction: The Miz and Maryse
Fernando: I’ve gone back-and-forth with this one. A loss in this situation doesn’t hurt anybody although Miz would lose to Edge in back-to-back PPVs with another defeat. Edge will be due for a big singles match at WrestleMania and I can see Miz sharing the ring with another celebrity at the big event. Ultimately, I’m gonna go with Beth pinning Maryse in her return match.
Prediction: Edge & Beth Phoenix
Michael: This match is somewhat of a guilty pleasure. It’s a little corny with the warring couples but most of the participants can really go in the ring and I think they will all rise to the occasion. I don’t see Beth Phoenix coming out of retirement to lose and WWE should want to keep Edge strong in this stage of his career so he can still be featured at the top of cards as a singles wrestler.
Andrew: No one is giving Doudrop a chance here to win the match. I wouldn’t be surprised to see if WWE runs this match back for next month’s Elimination Chamber match, but Lynch isn’t losing the title before Mania and especially not to do Doudrop.
Prediction: Becky Lynch
Michael: Becky Lynch isn’t losing to Doudrop. She’s in the upper echelon of box office draws on the entire roster and she’s on the fast track to big things at WrestleMania 38. Doudrop’s booking on the main roster has been questionable, despite her in-ring abilities. This is a chance for Doudrop to make a statement with a strong showing on the biggest stage of her career. However, Becky is getting her hand raised.
Prediction: Becky Lynch
Fernando: Becky and Doudrop had a pretty good segment on the go-home episode of Monday Night Raw. Doudrop has done her best to make herself appear to be a viable threat to Becky’s championship but we all know the outcome here. I’m just hoping that this match ends up being a banger, which both wrestlers are more than capable of doing. It’ll boil down to how this one is booked. Becky will move on to a massive WrestleMania match.
Michael: The Women’s Royal Rumble has more intrigue this year than the men’s. It’s looking like at least a third of the participants will be legends from the past. Most of these blasts from the past have no chance of winning, but only a handful of competitors have a chance at winning anyways, legends or not. We’ve seen the reports that Ronda Rousey is rumored to be at the Royal Rumble. She could win the Rumble to set up a big WrestleMania match against Becky Lynch. However, I think WWE uses this as a chance to reset Bianca Belair and push her back to the top tier after her big push faltered last year around SummerSlam. Bianca Belair makes history and becomes the first person to win the Women’s Royal Rumble back-to-back.
Prediction: Bianca Belair
Fernando: There’s been a lot of buzz about a potential return for Ronda Rousey. Before the hoopla, I would’ve guessed that Bianca Belair would win her second straight Royal Rumble and go on to avenge her SummerSlam loss to Becky Lynch. With Rousey now potentially in play, there’s only one prediction to make here.
Prediction: Ronda Rousey
Andrew: Before this week, I would say that Bianca Belair is the clear-cut favorite and still could be if Ronda Rousey doesn’t show up during the match. Belair, Rousey, and Charlotte Flair are really the top favorites in my mind. WWE could hold off on plans for Rousey so I will stick with my Bianca pick that will send her to WrestleMania.
Prediction: Bianca Belair
Consensus: Bianca Belair
Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
Andrew: This should be the best normal match of the night as these guys have worked together a lot both as a tag team and against each other. There is no chance Reigns loses the title here as WWE has much bigger plans in place for him, but fans can still sit back and watch a classic this match could be.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Fernando: It’s hard to see this match not being a banger. When it comes to the bright lights, Reigns and Rollins are absolute pros. They also have great chemistry whether they’re teaming together or facing each other. Seth will likely get the babyface treatment from the crowd here but I doubt Reigns is eating a pin before WrestleMania. Get ready for a slew of near-falls, however.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Michael: These work so well together. Rollins and Reigns will deliver a match worthy of the stadium they’ll be fighting in. Roman Reigns is the top dog in WWE and Seth Rollins is not the man to dethrone him. Once again, WrestleMania fantasy booking comes into play. Reigns is on a collision course with Brock Lesnar an Rollins isn’t knocking this thing off course. Roman Reigns stands tall when all is said and done in what I predict will be match of the night. Believe that.
Fernando: This match has been years in the making and may have never happened if Roman Reigns wasn’t pulled from the Day 1 event, allowing Brock to capture the WWE Championship. I’m hoping this is a fast-paced hard-hitting match similar to Lesnar vs. Goldberg. It doesn’t have to go long, it just has to be exciting. I think Lesnar drops the WWE Title due to interference from either Reigns or The Usos.
Prediction: Bobby Lashley
Michael: I won’t believe this match is really happening until both men are standing in the ring together. The phrase dream match gets thrown around a lot, but Lashley has been talking about wanting to face Lesnar for so long now. This is Lashley’s moment and I see him scoring a career-highlight victory over Brock Lesnar. A win for Lashley would mean much more for Lashley and Lesnar doesn’t need the WWE Championship for the big showdown with Reigns. Bobby Lashley gets his moment
Prediction: Bobby Lashley
Andrew: A title change will happen. WWE doesn’t want to do title vs. title for Reigns and Lesnar at Mania so Lesnar has to drop the title at some point. While the case for Big E to be the man to beat Lesnar can be made, if WWE wanted to go in that direction they wouldn’t have had him eat the pin at Day 1 nor not book Big E vs. Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. Lashley is the second most credible guy on the Raw roster to beat Lesnar so have Lashley take the title and allow Lesnar to move on.
Prediction: Bobby Lashley
Consensus: Bobby Lashley regains the WWE Championship
Michael: The Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated matches of the entire year. I’m looking forward to seeing the creative spots and surprise appearances WWE has planned. My personal pick would be for Big E to win and get a true ‘chase’ storyline for the WWE Championship. However, I think we’re going to see Brock Lesnar pull double duty, enter and win the Royal Rumble after dropping the WWE title earlier in the night.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Fernando: This is going to be a boring prediction but one I can easily see coming to fruition. I don’t believe both Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar will successfully defend their world titles. I only see one of them walking out of Royal Rumble with gold and WWE isn’t having Roman lose before WrestleMania. My prediction is The Bloodline costs Lesnar the WWE Title in his match with Bobby Lashley. This will give WWE an excuse to throw him in the Rumble match and win it.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Andrew Ravens: My lock here is Brock Lesnar, who isn’t confirmed for the match just yet as he’s facing Lashley on this show. I still stand by my theory that Lesnar will drop the title here so why not have him come back strong and win the rumble match as the #30 entrant in the bout, which will no doubt get a big pop. This would allow WWE to get to their plans at WrestleMania.
