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Edge Appearing On Tonight’s WWE NXT

Michael Reichlin
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Edge is headed to the Capitol Wrestling Center for this week’s episode of NXT on USA. The Rated R Superstar won the Men’s Royal Rumble this past Sunday.

He tweeted that he is currently in Orlando with his wife, NXT announcer and WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix. Since he would be in the same city that hosts NXT, why not pay them a visit Wednesday night.

Edge’s WrestleMania Opponent

Winning the Royal Rumble earned Edge a WrestleMania 37 title match against the champion of his choosing. He can face WWE Champion Drew McIntyre or Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Edge could also challenge NXT Champion Finn Balor, similar to last year’s Women’s Rumble winner Charlotte facing NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania last uyear.

Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from last week’s NXT broadcast:

Lars Sullivan Released by WWE

Michael Reichlin
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Lars Sullivan is no longer with WWE, as first reported by PWInsider. The news has since been confirmed by WWE.

Sullivan was with the company since 2013. He spent several years training in developmental before debuting for NXT in 2017. Sullivan had some success in NXT and was pushed as a monster heel. He made his main roster debut in April 2019, the night after WrestleMania 36 when he attacked Kurt Angle, who had just retired. For the next several months, he attacked several top babyface acts on Raw.

He was abruptly sidelined later that year when he was at the center of a scandal. Prior to joining WWE, Sullivan was very outspoken on certain Internet message boards. A series of posts were unearthed that included some remarks that were racist and homophobic. Many fans on social media knew about this flagrant activity for years, but apparently WWE became aware of them in 2019.

WWE announced that he was fined $100,000 and required to undergo sensitivity training. A company statement read, “WWE supports a culture of inclusion regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we are committed to embracing all individuals as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide. Dylan Miley (aka Lars Sullivan) will be fined $100,000 and required to complete sensitivity training for offensive commentary uncovered from his past. WWE will also facilitate meetings for Dylan with community organizations to foster further discussion around the power of social media and the impact of your words.”

Sullivan issued a statement apologizing for those who were offended. Soon after this incident, he blew out his knee and was off television for over a year. He made one final appearance on WWE SmackDown back in October 2020 before disappearing once again.

WWE Raw Ratings Stay Steady For Post-Royal Rumble Edition (2/1)

Andrew Ravens
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Monday’s edition of WWE Raw averaged 1.892 million viewers with a 0.58 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic. Last week’s show did 1.819 million viewers with a 0.52 rating.

Here’s the hourly viewership breakdown for Monday night:

  • The first hour did 1.981 million viewers and a 0.61 rating (A18-49).
  • The second hour did 1.885 million viewers and a 0.57 rating.
  • The final hour of the show had just 1.811 million viewers and a 0.55 rating.

This was the post-show edition of Raw for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event, which is traditionally the second or third highest rated Raw of the year.  Next week will be more interesting to follow as there will not be the same intrigue like this. 

This same episode last year did 2.402 million viewers while the 2019 edition did 2.703 million viewers.

SmackDown Viewership

Friday’s SmackDown averaged 2.304 million viewers. This is down from the 2.383 million viewers on FS1 that the show did for the previous week.

SmackDown pulled in a 0.62 rating in the 18-49 demos, down from the 0.63 rating the previous week’s show. The episode drew an average of 2.228 million viewers in the overnight ratings, down from the previous week that did 2.282 million viewers. 

The first hour saw it pull in 2.294 million viewers while hour two did 2.161 million viewers. The show did 2.284 million viewers in hour one while hour two did 2.280 million viewers two weeks ago.

Rey & Dominik Mysterio Reveal They Tested Positive For COVID-19

Chris Stephens
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Rey & Dominik Mysterio appeared recently on the Start Today podcast and revealed that they tested positive for COVID-19 in December. During the podcast, Mysterio revealed that other members of their family tested positive as well.

“It has been so confusing for me and my family to try and really understand how this works because it changes every time. My parents ended up catching COVID and we were taking care of them, so making sure they didn’t catch it, but somehow they caught it, brought it to my house, passed it on to my housekeeper, my housekeeper then passed it onto my wife. I was with my wife maybe for about 3 days, flew out to Tampa to do SmackDown. I found out that Friday morning before we walked into the arena that my housekeeper had tested positive, so I then brought it to (WWE’s) attention.”

“Keep in mind that my daughter, Dominik and myself were around my housekeeper and my wife. My wife tested negative, my housekeeper tested positive.”

“Saturday, we fly back home in the morning. We were able to fly back because we were negative. Saturday night, I felt really sick. Woke up Sunday with a massive headache.”

They then decided to get tested on the Tuesday.

“I test positive, my wife tests positive, Dominik tests negative, Aalyah tests negative,” Rey continued.

Dominik then started to feel sick on Tuesday night and woke up the next day feeling really bad. He then tested positive on Thursday. Aalyah at this point was the only one testing negative and she took care of the rest of them.

“It was probably about a 7 (out of 10),” Rey said when asked how bad it was.

They begin talking about what happened with about 25 minutes remaining in the below podcast:

Edge Confirmed For Friday’s WWE SmackDown, His WrestleMania Opponent

Jake Skudder
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WWE has confirmed that RAW Superstar Edge will be appearing on this week’s episode of SmackDown on FOX.

Edge of course won the Men’s Royal Rumble 2021 match and has the choice between challenging for the WWE, Universal or NXT Championship at WrestleMania in April.

The ‘Rated R Superstar’ appeared on the opening segment of RAW this week and confronted WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. Whilst Edge did not confirm if he wanted to face Drew at ‘Mania, he did not outright say that he didn’t. It’s not yet known if Edge will be appearing on SmackDown specifically to confront Universal Champion Roman Reigns, but it is extremely likely.

Edge vs Finn Balor?

What WWE has also not mentioned is the fact that Edge could challenge for any title in WWE. Charlotte Flair set somewhat of a precedent on the NXT brand last year; having won the Women’s Royal Rumble in 2020, she opted to go on and face then NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley. This was the first time that a Rumble winner has chosen to fight for an NXT belt, and at this time it may well be the last.

There’s still a chance that Edge appears on NXT to help the brand pop a rating on a Wednesday; but again this is just conjecture.

It was recently confirmed by Dave Meltzer who Edge will be choosing to face at WrestleMania. This has not been confirmed publicly by WWE, so you can check out that spoiler here.

Bianca Belair Talks About Her Plan For WrestleMania, Royal Rumble Win

Michael Reichlin
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Bianca Belair made history Sunday night by winning the 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble. Her monumental achievement put her in the driver’s seat on the road to WrestleMania 37.

Belair spoke with Complex Sports to discuss her Royal Rumble win, sharing an emotional moment with husband Montez Ford immediately after the match and more.

During the Rumble match, there was a memorable spot that saw Bianca Belair and Naomi at risk of elimination. They worked together in a dramatic moment that fans were buzzing about on social media. Belair was proud to ‘create magic’ with Naomi.

“That’s definitely one of my favorite moments of the match,” said Belair. “I got to be in the ring with Naomi last year for the Royal Rumble for a very short time. But having that moment with her, we both almost being eliminated and dangling off of the rope and realizing like, ‘Look, if we got to do this together, we have to work together.’ And when we finally work together, we end up saving ourselves in the process.”

https://twitter.com/reg6late/status/1356054610163728388

Bianca Belair received a standing ovation from her peers backstage after winning the Royal Rumble. She also shared an emotional moment with husband Montez Ford of the Street Profits.

Belair told Complex, “It’s just amazing that I’m doing this alongside the person I love. And to be able to have your husband standing there as soon as you walk through the curtain, he’s the first person you can go to. I just went to him and I hugged him and we really didn’t say much at first we just embraced each other and then we prayed.”

Bianca Belair Undecided For WrestleMania

Bianca Belair’s Royal Rumble victory earned her a title shot at WWE WrestleMania 37. Her choices are Raw Women’s Champion Asuka or SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks. Belair says it’s a huge decision that she’s been giving a lot of thought to. She does not want to make an emotional decision. For now, she plans to continue celebrating winning the Rumble.

Her first thought after winning was that she outlasted 29 other women and was the last one standing. She then saw the WrestleMania sign and realized it was just the beginning of a new journey.

“Looking over and seeing the WrestleMania sign, it hit me like a couple of seconds later I was like, ‘Oh, wait, you’re going to WrestleMania!’ It hit me at two different times and it was like a wave of emotions. And so just, the fact that it just hit me at two different times, I’m just living in the moment of winning the Royal Rumble and just trying to figure out my emotions right now and trying to not cry every five seconds. So I feel like I don’t want to make an emotional decision right now. I’m just trying to like get my emotions in check and weigh my options and then go from there.”

Discussion: Who should Bianca Belair challenge at WrestleMania – Asuka or Sasha Banks?

Visit Complex Sports to read their full interview with Bianca Belair.

Hulk Hogan Comments On Dustin Diamond’s Passing

Chris Stephens
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Actor Dustin Diamond passed away this week due to cancer at 44-years of age. Diamond was a big wrestling fan and appeared on Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling show in 2008. Hogan took to Twitter to say he always enjoyed speaking with Diamond about wrestling psychology.

Hogan also noted that he enjoyed when Diamond would visit him and Brian Knobbs in Florida.

“So sad to hear about the passing of Dustin Diamond,he was a total pro on Celebrity Championship Wrestling and always have his heart to perform his best,loved it when he came to Clearwater to see me and Knobbs. God Speed my friend R.I.P. HH,” Hogan Tweeted.

Dustin Diamond Wrestling Career

Before appearing on Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling, Diamond also appeared on an NWA TNA PPV in 2002. He defeated Tiny the Bell Keeper on the company’s 13th ever show.

Diamond also wrestled 3x on the independent scene.

  1. 2/11/2011: Krotch, Marion Fontaine & MsChif defeated Dustin Diamond, Jordan McEntyre & Knight Wagner (AAW Path of Redemption) – Merrionette Park, Illinois, USA.
  2. 3/17/2011: Bushwhacker Luke, Doink, Izzy Slapawitz & Screech defeated Ashley Sixx, Celine Jian, Sheena & Virgil (TWE Rethink Rumble) – Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
  3. 7/7/2012: The Crue (Damien Darling & The Rockstar) defeated AHTU & Dustin Diamond (FTW Summer of Synn) – Ronkonkoma, New York, USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJK_D2A0EV0

Jey Uso Not Medically Cleared To Perform, Jimmy Update

Chris Stephens
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Jey Uso was notably absent from the Royal Rumble on Sunday. He hasn’t wrestled on WWE programming since the January 15th edition of Smackdown, when he lost to Shinsuke Nakamura.

According to the Wrestling Observer, Uso’s absence is due to an undisclosed medical situation.

“Jey Uso was not there because of a medical reason,” said Dave Meltzer. He also continued to talk about some other changes that were made to the Rumble. “Otis was a last-minute decision. Angel Garza was going to be in and then he got pulled.”

There is currently no timetable for Jey Uso’s return to the ring. Back in October, Jey Uso spoke to Chris Van Vliet about his angle with Roman Reigns.

“We showing you real emotion, we showing you feeling. You can put the Fiend with Roman, you can put Seth Rollins with Roman, whoever, whatever, whatever top guy they got, put him with Roman, I guaran-damn-tee you, uce, they didn’t pull out emotion, they didn’t pull out real feeling, they didn’t pull out storytelling the way me and uce did that thing.”

Jey’s twin brother Jimmy is currently recovering from knee surgery. He was operated on last spring and was expected to be out for 6-to-9 months while recovering.

Jay White Takes Shot At Bullet Club Reunions, Young Bucks Respond

Chris Stephens
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Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Jay White returned to NJPW at yesterday’s Road to New Beginning event in Korakuen Hall. The promotion has recently published White’s backstage comments from the event where he takes a shot at recent “Bullet Club reunions” in other promotions.

“In case you forgot, in case there is any question to it, it’s still my era!” White said. “New Japan, across the world of pro-wrestling, it’s still my era. It is the real era!”

“I’m still Bullet Club, I’m real Bullet Club. This is real Bullet Club right here!” White continued. “We’re not a cheap ripoff trying to recreate the past to try and regain some relevance and doing corny reunions just so you can sell sh**ty t-shirts to you all but, of course, you all still buy them because you are you.”

“Let me tell you what real Bullet Club is about. It’s about change, it’s about moving forward, it’s about progression. It’s not about living in the past, it’s not about going backwards. So, what’s next for me? What am I progressing towards? You just saw, you just saw out there. Ishii, that’s who I’m moving towards.”

The official Young Bucks Twitter account responded to White’s comments.

“The original Bullet Club t-shirt design hadn’t been in the Top Sellers List for two years.. until the night we all decided to throw up Too Sweet again. You’re welcome,” the account Tweeted.

Footage of White returning at the February 1st Road to New Beginning event at Korakuen Hall can be seen in the player below. Backstage comments appear later in the same video.

Randy Orton Calls Out Karrion Kross: Let’s Fight & Make Some Money

Michael Reichlin
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WWE legend Randy Orton sees dollar signs in former NXT Champion Karrion Kross.

The Viper competed against Edge on Monday’s WWE Raw (Results). The longtime rivals wrestled in the main event. 24 hours after winning the Royal Rumble, Edge defeated Orton thanks to a distraction by Alexa Bliss.

Orton stayed up late Monday night and shared some thoughts on social media. Orton came across a video posted by NXT star Karrion Kross. As seen below, Kross is depicted in Manhattan’s financial district. He narrates the video and speaks about one of his favorite subjects: time.

“Time tells all,” said Kross. “You know, I’ve always had an obsession with time. Or perhaps, time has had an obsession with me. I’ve never really known the difference.”

Randy Orton responded to the video with a message to Karrion Kross. He told Kross, “Get yo ass up here,” a reference to WWE’s main roster. Orton then laid out a challenge, sharing his opinion that the two grapplers could do big business together.

“Let’s fight, make some money and crack a beer. Wtf you waiting for??? Time? F*ck time.”

You can see the video and Orton’s reply in the tweet below:

Randy Orton Reaches Out to Stone Cold

Randy Orton also reached out to WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold Steve Austin.” Orton lamented that Austin has not invited him to be a guest on his Broken Skull Sessions. In a tweet deep into the night, Orton said it’s “f*cked up” that he’s yet to be interviewed on Austin’s WWE Network show.

He complimented Austin as the “Baddest MFer to lace a pair of boots” and praised him as one of the greatest of all time. Randy Orton wants to know, “Where you at Steven?”

Randy Orton has had an incredible 20-year career thus far. He’s certainly got plenty to talk about. Steve Austin gets some killer interviews out of his guests. This is a pairing we’d love to see in the months ahead.

WWE RAW Results (2/1): Edge vs. Randy Orton, Sheamus Attacks Drew McIntyre

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the ThunderDome inside Tropicana Field. It was the first episode of RAW following last night’s Royal Rumble. Randy Orton battled Edge in this week’s main event.

RAW Results (2/1)

  1. Riddle def. Lashley via DQ
  2. Xavier Woods def. Mustafa Ali
  3. Damian Priest def. The Miz
  4. Hurt Business def. Lucha House Party to retain the RAW Tag Titles
  5. Lana & Naomi def. Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke, Asuka & Charlotte to become #1 contenders
  6. Carlito & Jeff Hardy def. Elias & Jaxson Ryker
  7. Alexa Bliss def. Nikki Cross
  8. Edge def. Randy Orton

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Sheamus Attacked Drew McIntyre

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring to begin this week’s show. McIntyre defeated Goldberg last night at Royal Rumble to retain the title. Drew said he earned Goldberg’s last night and gave props to Bianca Belair for winning the women’s Royal Rumble match. McIntyre was about to bring up the men’s Royal Rumble match when Edge (the winner of the 2021 Royal Rumble) interrupted and made his way to the ring.

McIntyre told Edge that he has already been a mentor to him and thanked him for everything. Drew added that he was there when Edge retired and it blew his mind when he returned last year at Royal Rumble. McIntyre complimented Edge for outlasting 29 other men and winning the Royal Rumble.

Edge told McIntyre that he appreciated the compliments but asked McIntyre what is wrong with him. Edge noted that he won the Royal Rumble and is an immediate threat. Edge wondered why McIntyre didn’t kick his head off and Drew said that is not the kind of champion. Sheamus interrupted and blasted Edge for questioning McIntyre. Sheamus said Drew has brought this company to uncharted waters while Edge was nursing his injuries. Edge said he will make his decision on which title he is going for soon and left the ring. Sheamus then leveled McIntyre with a Brogue Kick to end the segment.

Sheamus was interviewed backstage and said Drew McIntyre is no longer his friend and he wants the WWE Championship. Sheamus then grabbed his luggage from Drew Gulak and left.

The US Title Match Ended In A DQ

Bobby Lashley defended the United States Championship against Riddle in the first match of the night. MVP was ringside for the match. Lashley dominated the action early and planted Riddle with a Suplex. Riddle sent Lashley out of the ring and hit the Floating Bro off the apron. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock on the ropes and wouldn’t let go of the hold. The match ended in a DQ but Lashley wasn’t finished. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock again on the entrance ramp and then threw him into the barricade.

Randy Orton Warned Edge

Randy Orton cut a backstage promo directed at Edge. Orton said he didn’t think it was possible for Edge to return to the ring and mockingly congratulated him for winning the Royal Rumble. Orton stated that he told the world that Edge was done and he made him look like a liar. Orton added that he sent him home to be a husband and a father all out of compassion. Randy claimed that Edge is not going to main event WrestleMania because he made the decision to overlook him. Orton warned Edge that there will be no compassion tonight in their match.

Xavier Woods def. Mustafa Ali

Xavier Woods squared off against Mustafa Ali. RETRIBUTION and Kofi Kingston were ringside for the match. Woods sent Ali out of the ring with a Clothesline and went for a Crossbody but Mustafa got out of the way. Back in the ring, Ali connected with a Neckbreaker as Woods was distracted by RETRIBUTION.

Woods battled back with a Russian Leg Sweep and followed it up with a Discus Clothesline. Woods went for the cover but T-Bar broke it up. Kingston used T-Bar as a springboard and hit Slapjack with a Splash. Mustafa rolled up Woods from behind but Xavier reversed it. The best of 5 series is now tied at 2-2.

Damian Priest Debuted With A Win

The Miz and John Morrison came down to the ring for an episode of Miz TV. Miz said Bad Bunny’s performance was the highlight of the Royal Rumble and welcomed him to the ring. The Miz apologized to Bad Bunny for their argument last night and he accepted. The Miz got annoyed that Bad Bunny didn’t apologize for getting involved in the Royal Rumble and costing them their shot at main eventing WrestleMania.

Miz noted that Bad Bunny wants to become a WWE superstar and boasted about his track record of training talent. Miz and Morrison said that they just wanted help recording an album. Bad Bunny refused and Miz threw a tantrum. Damian Priest interrupted and came to the ring. Priest shook hands with Bad Bunny and attacked Miz and Morrison as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, The Miz and Priest were in a singles match with Bad Bunny and Morrison ringside. Priest hit Miz and Morrison with a Crossbody and followed it up with a punch to the face. Miz poked Damian in the eye and sent him into the ring post. The Miz got distracted with trash talking with Bad Bunny and it cost him.

Priest hit the Broken Arrow and went for the cover but Miz kicked out at two. Morrison hopped on the apron for a distraction and Miz capitalized with a boot to the face. Morrison hopped on the apron again and Miz tried to grab the Money in the Bank briefcase. Bad Bunny ripped it away and then handed it to Morrison. Bad Bunny hit Morrison with a microphone as Damian Priest hit Miz with the Reckoning.

Hurt Business Retained

Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin defended the RAW Tag Team Championships against Lucha House Party tonight. MVP joined commentary for the match. Lucha House Party controlled the majority of the action because Shelton and Cedric couldn’t get on the same page. Hurt Business was able to battle back and Cedric went for the Lumbar Check but Benjamin tagged himself in. Shelton connected with Paydirt for the pinfall victory. Hurt Business are still the RAW Tag Team Champions.

Lana & Naomi Earned A Title Shot

Charlotte Flair and Asuka faced Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke and Lana & Naomi in a Triple Threat Tag Team match. Charlotte leveled Naomi with a shoulder tackle and then both superstars went for a Dropkick at the same time. They both hopped up and had a stare down as Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax were shown watching backstage.

Mandy and Asuka tagged in and also went for a Dropkick at the same time. Mandy leveled Asuka with a Clothesline and tagged in Dana Brooke. Dana and Mandy beat Asuka down some more as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Charlotte and Mandy were battling in the ring. Charlotte rolled up Mandy Rose for a two count and then booted her to the mat.

Dana tagged in and unloaded some punches to Charlotte before bringing her to the corner. Mandy Rose tagged back in and went for a Suplex but Charlotte escaped and hit a Clothesline. Asuka tagged in and hit Mandy with a German Suplex. Asuka followed it up with a boot to the face for a near fall.

Charlotte booted Lana in the face and set up for the Figure Four but Mandy broke it up. Charlotte hit Dana Brooke with Natural Selection when Ric Flair’s music hit. Ric and Lacey came to the entrance ramp and distracted Charlotte. Flair tagged in Asuka and left the ring. Naomi hit Asuka with the Rear View for the pinfall victory. Naomi and Lana are now the #1 contenders for the Women’s Tag Team Championships.

McIntyre Responded To Sheamus

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre was interviewed about Sheamus’ attack earlier in the night. McIntyre said it would be an honor to face Edge at WrestleMania, regarding Sheamus he said that friends fight all the time but this was different. Drew looked into the camera and said if Sheamus is willing to throw their twenty year friendship away for a shot at the WWE Championship then he has got it.

Carlito & Jeff Hardy Picked Up A Win

Elias and Jaxson Ryker faced Jeff Hardy and Carlito tonight on RAW. Carlito beat Elias down to start off the action and tagged in Jeff Hardy. Jaxson tagged in and walked into an Atomic Drop from Hardy. Jeff followed it up with a Dropkick and went for the cover but Ryker kicked out at one. Elias tagged back in and stomped Jeff down to the canvas.

Elias knocked Carlito off the apron and brought Jeff back to the corner. Ryker tagged in and drove his shoulder into Jeff’s chest. Elias tagged back in and hit a Chokeslam for a two count. Carlito finally tagged back in and leveled Ryker with a Dropkick. Ryker connected with a slam and tagged in Elias. Carlito connected with a Backstabber and tagged in Jeff. Hardy made his way to the top rope and hit the Swanton Bomb for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/1356441045697978368?s=20

Alexa Bliss def. Nikki Cross

Alexa Bliss squared off against Nikki Cross tonight. Nikki controlled the match early and hit Bliss with a Crossbody for a two count. Nikki asked Alexa what she wants from her and wondered why she wouldn’t just leave her alone. Alexa smiled at Nikki and Cross hit a Suplex for another near fall. Bliss leveled Nikki with a punch and jumped around with joy before going for the cover.

Nikki kicked out at two and Alexa looked confused. Bliss hit Cross with a Dropkick and stomped her head into the canvas. Alexa booted Nikki in the midsection for a two count. Bliss set up for the Mandible Claw but Cross was able to escape. Nikki stomped on Alexa in the corner of the ring before Bliss’ theme hit. Alexa was in her normal ring gear now and had a smile on her face.

Alexa dared Nikki to fight and then went for a hug. Cross booted Alexa and hit her with a Clothesline. Cross hit a Splash in the corner and the Firefly Fun House theme played. Bliss was back in her childish attire and was laughing in the corner. Bliss hit Cross with a shoulder tackle and followed it up with Sister Abigail for the pinfall victory.

Alexa Bliss Distracted Randy Orton

Edge cut a backstage promo and said that Randy Orton had the chance to go bell to bell last night just like him but faked a knee injury. Edge said that Orton is just jealous because not the type of man that he is. Edge vowed to put Orton in the rear view after tonight and take back the title that he never lost at WrestleMania. Edge added that tonight he gets closure with Randy Orton and it ends tonight.

Orton made his way to the ring and walked right by Alexa Bliss after her victory over Nikki Cross. Edge went for the Anti Venom submission but Orton blocked it. Edge connected with the Edgecution and went for the cover but Orton was able to power out at two. Edge set up for the Spear but Orton was ready and countered into a Powerslam. Orton launched Edge into the ring post and booted him to the floor outside the ring. Orton launched Edge into the steel steps as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Orton was in control but Edge caught him with a forearm to the face and both superstars crashed to the canvas. Edge made his way to the apron and then slowly up to the top rope. Orton hit Edge with a punch to the face and joined him on the top rope.

Orton went for a Superplex but Edge blocked it with a headbutt. Edge connected with a Clothesline off the top rope and went for the cover but Randy kicked out at two. Orton went for an RKO but Edge countered into a Edge-o-Matic for a two count. The action spilled out of the ring and Orton slammed Edge on top of the announce table.

Back in the ring, Randy stalked Edge as he crawled to the apron. Orton snapped Edge’s neck into the bottom rope and followed it up with the Draping DDT. Orton set up for the RKO but Alexa Bliss appeared on the turnbuckle behind him. Bliss was drooling a black a liquid and Edge capitalized on the distraction with a Spear for the pinfall victory.

Roman Reigns’ Opponent At WrestleMania 37 Revealed

Andrew Ravens
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There has been a lot of speculation as to who will be challenging Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reports that that Royal Rumble winner Edge will be Reigns’ opponent.

“Not sure when this will be officially announced, but Roman Reigns vs. Edge is the planned main event at WrestleMania,” Meltzer wrote. “The Bianca Belair match isn’t 100 percent right now.”

The WWE Hall of Famer worked his first match in months at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event by entering the Men’s Royal Rumble Match at number one. He lasted more than 58 minutes and last eliminated Randy Orton to win the event.

At the Royal Rumble, Reigns successfully retained his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing Match.

Edge had been on the sidelines when he ended up tearing his triceps last June. It also marked the second straight year that Edge made his return at this event. Last year, Edge made his surprise return to the ring since being forced to retire in 2011.

It is unclear at this point who Women’s Rumble winner Bianca Belair will be challenge at WrestleMania.

WrestleMania 37 takes place across two nights on April 10 and April 11 in Tampa, FL.

Cesaro’s WWE Contract To Expire After WrestleMania 37 (Report)

Andrew Ravens
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Cesaro has a decision to make about whether or not he wants to stay with WWE. Wrestling Inc reports that his contract with the company expires after WrestleMania 37, which will take place over the course of two nights on April 10th and 11th. There’s no word yet on exactly which date his contract expires. 

Cesaro is currently on the SmackDown brand and lost a match on last Friday’s episode of the blue brand where he teamed up AJ Styles and Sami Zayn to Big E, Daniel Bryan, and Shinsuke Nakamura.

During an appearance on Talking Smack this past week, he noted that if he should win the Men’s Royal Rumble Match then he would want to challenge WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns for the strap at WrestleMania 37 due to Reigns’s recent actions towards Shinke Nakumra as they’re past tag team partners. 

Cesaro, who is 40-years-old, started his pro wrestling career in 2000 and joined WWE in 2011 where he started working in FCW and later was called up to the main roster the following year. 

During his time with WWE thus far, he won the United States Title once, Raw Tag Team Titles five times, SmackDown Tag Team Championships twice, and was the inaugural Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal in 2014.

Latest On Christian’s In-Ring Status With WWE

Andrew Ravens
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Christian was the big surprise appearance in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble Match at Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event and now fans are wondering what his future exactly holds. 

PWInsider.com reports he will be making future appearances and the belief is that he’s working a part-time schedule. However, as of this afternoon, he was not scheduled to appear on tonight’s episode of Raw from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The report goes on to state the story making the rounds backstage after the Royal Rumble was he secretly got cleared a week before the Rumble after a visit to Pittsburgh.  

It was added that up until he started to warm up for the appearance, his return was kept quiet from everyone backstage beyond a very small amount who were aware ahead of time.

Christian’s career in the pro wrestling business ended due to his history of suffering concussions in 2014. However, in a situation like Daniel Bryan, who also had a history of concussions, he was medically cleared years after he was told that he couldn’t wrestle again. 

Before the Royal Rumble, the closest he came to wrestling again came back on the June 15, 2020 edition of Raw where he had an unsanctioned match with Randy Orton. 

Tyson Kidd Says Vince McMahon Wouldn’t Let Him In The Royal Rumble

Chris Stephens
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Tyson Kidd’s final wrestling match took place a few weeks before his 35th birthday. He wrestled Samoa Joe in a dark match on RAW in the summer of 2015. During the bout, Kidd took a Muscle Buster from Joe that resulted in a career-ending spinal injury. According to comments he made recently in an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Kidd tried to get back in the ring for an appearance in the Royal Rumble but the idea was shot down by Vince McMahon.

“The truth is I won’t wrestle again,” Kidd said during the interview. “I tried doing one Royal Rumble. A lot of thought went into it but it got turned down and I’m not mad at it. It was kind of funny the way Vince laid it out to me he said ‘we can control everything that we can in our power but what if something happens? What if something we don’t control happens?'”

He would later mention some dates in his story which confirm this was the 2019 Royal Rumble in Phoenix he was referring to.

“I always had it in my head to at least approach (coming back),” he continued. “Take it day by day, see how I feel with my neck and stuff. I knew the secret with the Royal Rumble was I could do it and not have to take any bumps.”

“Bumping is the thing that stops me,” he continued.

A clip of Tyson Kidd talking with Chris Van Vliet is below:

WWE Hires Comedy Producer As Vice President Of Creative Writing

Chris Stephens
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WWE has hired Emmy-nominated producer Christine Lubrano as its new Senior Vice President, Creative Writing Operations. Lubrano has not worked in the wrestling industry previously but brings a wealth of experience in comedy to the table. In particular, she was heavily-involved in IFC’s cult-hit “Portlandia” starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein.

“In her new role, Lubrano will be charged with developing and leading a team of writers for WWE’s weekly flagship programs, Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. She will oversee long-term planning for the Creative Writing team and manage its operations in collaboration with Executive Director, Bruce Prichard,” reads a WWE press release announcing her hiring.

Lubrano has also worked with Armisen and other SNL veterans on the documentary-spoof show “Documentary Now”. She was also an Executive Producer on the show “Maron” for IFC starring Marc Maron. Wrestling fans might know Maron best for his role on Netflix’s GLOW. Additionally, Lubrano was an Executive Producer for The Onion News Network, a satire news outlet, as well as for the TV series, Comedy Bang Bang. Lubrano was also a producer for the Canadian comedy sketch troupe, Baroness Von Sketch. She earned an Emmy nomination for her work on the documentary “Monty Python: Almost the Truth (the Lawyer’s Cut).”

In her new role, Lubrano will report to Brad Blum, WWE Executive Vice President, Operations.

John Cena Says He Will Not Be At WWE WrestleMania 37

Chris Stephens
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John Cena has confirmed that he won’t be participating in WrestleMania this year. He spoke to SI.com recently and stated that there is “no mathematical way” he can make it to the event. This is due to him currently filming an HBO series in Canada.

“Currently, I’m in Vancouver shooting Peacemaker, the series for HBO Max,” Cena said. “Given the quarantine regulations, if I were to leave Canada, upon return I would have to quarantine for another two weeks. Essentially, that would shut production down. Strictly based on the letter of the law right now, there is no logistical way I can be there. We film now until July.”

John Cena also cracked a joke about how during his full-time career, he was critical of part-timers coming in for big shows. He hasn’t wrestled in WWE since last year’s WrestleMania.

“What a hypocritical situation,” he said. “I used to be very open about the fact that part-timers were just that, and here I am at 44 years old and I’ve become what I despise, as they say. That is kind of what it is.”

If John Cena does not appear at WWE WrestleMania 37, it will be the first WrestleMania he’s missed since WrestleMania 19 back in 2003 (he was on the preshow in a battle rap segment that year). Even recent WrestleManias where Cena did not wrestle (WrestleMania 32 and 35), he was still featured in a major segment.

John Cena In Super Bowl Ad

While Cena won’t be at Mania this year, he will be in a Super Bowl Ad for Mountain Dew a week from Sunday.

“A Super Bowl ad for me is a life-changing opportunity, and it’s also going to change someone’s life,” Cena says. “Mountain Dew Major Melon is really changing the perspective of advertising with this campaign, and I am really honored to be part of it. It’s a uniquely awesome flavor, Mountain Dew’s first new permanent flavor in over a decade, and it’s a brand that stands for passion.”

The full interview with John Cena can be read here.

Jay White Returns To NJPW At Road To New Beginning

Chris Stephens
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Despite seemingly having quit the promotion at New Year’s Dash, Jay White is back with New Japan Pro Wrestling. He returned last night/this morning at the Road to New Beginning event in Korakuen Hall. White attacked Tomohiro Ishii after a match featuring his Bullet Club stablemates.

Shortly after White stated he was leaving NJPW, a report from the Super J-Cast stated that there was real concern he was leaving the company. There was also said to be interest from WWE in White.

According to comments made by Dave Meltzer, however, White was never leaving NJPW. He reportedly told AEW in 2018 that he signed a 7-year deal with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Tony Schiavone also poured cold water on the idea of White joining AEW. He expressed skepticism that White really was a free agent recently on an AEW Dynamite post-show.

“I don’t think so,” Schiavone responded to a fan question. “I think he’s pretty much locked into what he’s doing there.”

In storyline, White said after losing to Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom that New Year’s Dash would be his last show with NJPW.

“I am out here in Japan wasting my life away for what? During a global pandemic. I’m not going to do this anymore. If this is all it’s for, I’m not going to do it. If they wanna make me show up tomorrow…I’ll show up tomorrow if you want me to. But after that…that’s it. I’m done.”

Christian On What’s Next For Him After Royal Rumble Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former world champion Christian made a surprise in ring return during this year’s edition of the Royal Rumble PPV for the first time since 2014.

The former champion was interviewed backstage after the show was over. When asked how he felt being part of the action after so long, he said that it was surreal and he didn’t know what to expect:

“It was surreal to be honest with you, I didn’t know what to expect. You know it’s funny, everybody has a plan until you get hit. And that’s exactly what happened to me.” said Christian, “I got hit once and I was like, ‘ok, it’s on.’

This is what I was born to do, so I felt like I was home. I was playing coy all day in the locker room since nobody knew what was going on. It was a fun surprise.”

Talking about the victory of his former tag team partner Edge, Christian said that if he couldn’t win the battle royal, he is glad the Rated R Superstar did.

Captain Charisma was then asked the question which is in everybody’s mind and when asked what’s next for him after the big return, Christian said this:

“What’s next for Me? All I ever promise was one more match. That could be it,”

You can check out his interview below:

Edge Reacts To Royal Rumble Victory (Video)

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE Hall Of Famer Edge pulled off the impossible at the Royal Rumble 2021 and the Rated R Superstar became only the third person to win the battle royal by entering the match at #1 and outlasting the 29 other superstars.

WWE’s cameras caught up with the former champion after the show was over and they asked the Ultimate Opportunist for his reaction to the incredible victory.

Replying to it, Edge explained how this feat seemed impossible only a few years ago and he said that he feels like it’s a dream which he is going to wake up from:

“If you had told me four years ago that I’d be in the Royal Rumble, enter the match first, win it, and go onto WrestleMania. I feel like I still need to pinch myself and feel like I’m going to wake up, It still doesn’t make sense.”

Edge also mentioned how he got to share a moment with his former tag team partner Christian who made his return during the show as well and he said that he will try to stop analyzing his victory and just try to enjoy it:

“And for Christian to also be in there…if you wrote this as a script for a Hollywood movie, they’d say it’s impossible, it can’t never happen. Yet, here we are. I still don’t get it, I think I’m going to stop trying to get it and just enjoy it.

I’m going to stop analyzing why and how.” said the former world champion, “F–k it, it’s happening and it’s awesome, and I feel great and I have my best friend back with me again. I couldn’t be happier.”

There is no word yet on which champion Edge will be challenging at WrestleMania and it would be interesting to see if he picks Drew McIntyre or Roman Reigns as his opponent for the Show Of Shows.

Backstage News On Carlito’s Return, Next Appearance

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former Intercontinental Champion Carlito finally made his return to WWE programming during the Royal Rumble PPV this year after not appearing at Raw legends night and he entered the battle royal at #8.

While the former champion was not able to win the bout and Elias eliminated him, latest reports suggest that this wasn’t a one off appearance for him.

According to reports from PWInsider, the word backstage at Royal Rumble was that Carlito will be making an appearance at this week’s episode of Raw. Not only that but there is also talk that the wrestling veteran may be getting a tryout in near future to rejoin the company as a backstage producer.

Former United States Champion MVP had a similar experience last year where he was brought back for a couple of appearances during the WrestleMania season and he made his in ring return for the company during Royal Rumble.

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The promotion later hired him as a backstage producer and the former champion has since become a regular for WWE programming once again.

Now the big question with Carlito’s return is if we can see him going down the same route and if this return leads to another WWE run for the Puerto Rican star.

Check out this video of Carlito reacting to his big return at the WWE Royal Rumble:

WWE Royal Rumble 2021 Results: Two Rumble Matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens

Robert Lentini
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WWE Royal Rumble 2021 aired live in the ThunderDome inside Tropicana Field. Both the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship were on the line tonight in addition to the two Royal Rumble matches.

Royal Rumble Results

  1. Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax def. Charlotte & Asuka to win the Women’s Tag Team Champions (Kickoff Show)
  2. Drew McIntyre def. Goldberg to win the WWE Championship
  3. Sasha Banks def. Carmella via submission to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship
  4. Bianca Belair won the women’s Royal Rumble
  5. Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens to retain the Universal Championship
  6. Edge won the men’s Royal Rumble

Here are the takeaways from WWE Royal Rumble 2021:

McIntyre Retained The WWE Championship

Drew McIntyre defended the WWE Championship against Goldberg tonight at Royal Rumble. McIntyre hit Goldberg with a Spear before the match began. Goldberg battled back and sent Drew into the steel steps outside the ring. Goldberg then hit McIntyre with a Spear through the barricade. The match then officially started and McIntyre hit a Claymore for a two count. Goldberg hit two Spears but Drew kicked out. Goldberg followed it up with a Jackhammer but McIntyre kicked out at two. McIntyre then hit the Claymore for the pinfall victory. After the match, the two superstars shook hands.

Opinion: This was a typical Goldberg match and it just isn’t for me. Goldberg has his fans and maybe they enjoyed this match. I’m just happy Drew McIntyre walked out of the PPV still the WWE Champion.

Sasha Banks Tapped Out Carmela To Retain The SD Women’s Title

Sasha Banks defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella tonight at the PPV. Sasha quickly went for the Bank Statement but Carmella escaped out of the ring to regroup with Reginald. Banks chased her but Carmella hit a Clothesline and brought the champ back into the ring. Carmella locked in a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Banks escaped and hit Carmella with a Meteora off the middle turnbuckle.

Banks grabbed her left knee after hitting the move and Carmella went after her. Carmella tied Sasha to the bottom rope by her hair and stomped on her several times. Sasha escaped and hit Double Knees in the corner of the ring for a two count. Carmella threw Banks onto Reginald outside the ring. Sasha punched Reginald in the face and then the referee threw him out from ringside. Carmella then over shot a Suicide Dive and Banks barely caught her.

Back int he ring, Sasha hit Carmella with a Suplex but Carmella was able to battle back and lock in the Code of Silence. Banks broke free and connected with a knee to the face. Carmella hit Sasha with a Superkick and went for the cover but Banks kicked out at two. Sasha was then able to apply the Bank Statement for the submission victory. Banks is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Bianca Belair Won The Women’s Royal Rumble

30 superstars competed in the women’s Royal Rumble tonight. The winner of the match will earn a title shot at WrestleManaia.

1. Bayley was the first entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble.

2.Naomi entered second and unloaded some punches to Bayley. Naomi connected with the Rear View and tried to eliminate Bayley but she held onto the ropes.

3. Bianca Belair entered the match third and went right after Bayley. Bianca leveled Bayley with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Spinebuster. Naomi and Belair cartwheeled around the ring in a crazy sequence but were unable to eliminate each other.

4. Billie Kay was the next entrant but opted to take a seat at commentary instead of entering the ring.

5. Shotzi Blackheart entered the Royal Rumble next and came down to the entrance ramp in her tank. Blackheart entered the match with a Dropkick off the top rope to Bayley. Shotzi booted Naomi in the midsection and then beat Bianca down in the corner.

6. New Women’s Tag Team Champion Shayna Baszler entered at #6 and rejected Billie Kay’s resume. Shayna shoved Billie into the barricade and then tried to throw Bianca over the top rope.

7. Toni Storm made her way down the entrance ramp and Billie Kay approached her as well. Storm ignored her and hopped into the ring. Toni hit Shotzi and Bayley with a German Suplex but turned around into a Rear View by Naomi. Shayna Baszler eliminated Shotzi Blackheart.

8. Jillian Hall was next and accepted Billie Kay’s offer to be a team in the Royal Rumble match (Jilly & Billie). Billie and Jillie beat Naomi down in the corner.

9. Ruby Riott entered the match at #9 and Toni greeted her with a German Suplex. Ruby battled back with a Superkick after Billie Kay helped her.

10. Victoria entered the match next and slammed Ruby Riott to the canvas. Naomi hit Victoria with a Dropkick that sent her through the ropes. Victoria hopped onto the apron and connected with a Leg Drop on Naomi.

11. Peyton Royce entered the match next and went after Ruby Riott with a series of kicks. Peyton threw Ruby to the apron but Riott was able to hang onto the ropes. The IIconics reunited for a moment but Bayley attacked them from behind. Victoria planted Peyton with the Widow’s Peak.

12. Santana Garrett entered the match next and went after Ruby Riott. Toni tried to eliminate Ruby as well but she hung onto the ropes.

13. Liv Morgan entered the match next and made the save for Ruby. Liv hit Belair with a knee to the face and then slammed Shayna to the canvas. Billie Kay then eliminated Jillian Hall but was thrown over the top rope by Ruby and Liv.

14. Rhea Ripley entered the match next and hit Toni with a Dropkick. Ripley then launched Toni Storm over the top rope for the elimination. Shayna eliminated Victoria and Rhea eliminated Santana Garrett.

15. Charlotte Flair was the next superstar in the match and hit Ripley with a Belly to Back Suplex. Bayley eliminated Ruby Riott with a Powerbomb off the ring apron.

16. Dana Brooke was #16 and leaped off the top rope onto a bunch of superstars. Dana hit Beliar with an elbow to the face and tried to eliminate Rhea but Ripley held onto the ropes. Peyton Royce eliminated Liv Morgan.

17. Torrie Wilson entered at #17 and hit Belair with a Clothesline. Torrie whipped Dana across the ring and planted Peyton with a Suplex. Rhea and Dana Broke then battled on the ring apron. Ripley hit a massive Powerbomb and Dana fell to the floor for the elimination.

18. Lacey Evans was up next and was wearing Ric Flair’s robe. Lacey interfered in the Women’s Tag Team Championship match during the kickoff show and cost Charlotte and Asuka the titles. Charlotte attacked Lacey outside the ring and shouted at her to get out of her dad’s robe. Charlotte eliminated Peyton Royce and Shayna eliminated Torrie Wilson. Bianca Belair eliminated Bayley as well but the camera somehow missed it but it was shown in a replay.

19. Mickie James entered the match next and got in a shoving match with Charlotte.

20. Nikki Cross was next up and planted Belair with a Bulldog in the middle of the ring. Nikki delivered a Crossbody to Shayna and then hit Rhea with a Tornado DDT. Mickie tried to eliminate Naomi but she was able to hold onto the ropes.

21. Alicia Fox was #21 and made her way to the ring. 24/7 Champion R-Truth made his way to the ring because he had no clue it was the women’s Royal Rumble. The jobbers chased him around to try get the title but Alicia Fox rolled him up from behind to win the title.

22. Mandy Rose entered the match next and eliminated Alicia Fox. R-Truth then rolled up Alicia and captured the 24/7 Championship once again.

23. Dakota Kai made her way to the ring and booted Ripley in the face.

24. Carmella was next and Rhea eliminated Dakota Kai during her entrance. Ripley then eliminated Mandy Rose as well. Carmella eliminated Nikki Cross and was thrown out of the ring but Reginald caught her.

25. Tamina marched down the ramp and hit Reginald with a boot to the face. Reginald dropped Carmella to the floor for the elimination. Belair tried to eliminate Naomi but she was able to hang on by Bianca’s hair.

26. Lana made her return and tried to eliminate Rhea. Ripley held onto the ropes and Tamina hit Lana with a boot to the face.

27. Alexa Bliss entered at #27 and slammed Naomi to the mat. Bliss hit Naomi with Double Knees and started dancing around the ring. Rhea Ripley tackled Bliss and the rest of the superstars attacked Alexa as well. The lights began going out and Alexa’s demeanor changed. Rhea didn’t care and launched Bliss out of the ring for her 6th elimination.

28. Ember Moon entered the match and hit the Eclipse on Shayna. Lana tried to eliminate Moon but Ember was able to fight her off.

29. Nia Jax was #29 and made her way to the ring as Shayna eliminated Lacey Evans. Nia Jax got into the ring and quickly eliminated Ember Moon. Nia and Shayna launched Naomi over the top rope ending her 47 minute run in the match. Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia and Baszler then launched Tamina out of the ring for the elimination and started trading shots with each other. Nia eliminated Baszler and apologized to her. Lana tried to get Nia in a Sleeper Hold but Jax threw her off. Nia charged at Lana but she ducked and Jax launched herself over the top rope for the elimination.

30. Natalya was the final entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler attacked Natalya during her entrance and then got back into the ring. Jax and Baszler attacked Lana and then rolled Natalya into the ring. Natalya hugged Lana and then launched her over the rope for the elimination. Natalya threw Belair to the ring apron and then slammed Ripley to the canvas. Bianca eliminated Natalya and we are down to three superstars.

Charlotte Flair, Natalya, and Bianca Belair slowly made their way to their feet and had a stare down. Ripley and Bianca beat Charlotte down but Flair battled back. Rhea sent Charlotte to the apron and then Belair and Ripley knocked her to the floor for the elimination. Beliar and Rhea then battled on the apron but agreed to allow each other to get back into the ring. Belair ducked a Clothesline and perched Riply on the top rope. Belair hit a punch to the face and Rhea fell to the apron. Ripley got back into the ring and both hit a Crossbody at the same time. Rhea went for the Riptide but Belair escaped and Clotheslined Ripley over the top rope for the victory.

Opinion: I thought this match was excellent and it was good to see Bianca Belair get the win. The only part of the match that stunk was the R-Truth spot. Both Ripley and Belair have incredibly bright futures in WWE and it was cool that they were the final two. Bianca Belair versus Sasha Banks at WrestleMania would be an incredible matchup.

Roman Reigns Retained In An Awesome Last Man Standing Match

Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match. Roman took his sweet time getting to the ring for the match. Reigns went for a Spear right away but Owens caught him with a knee to the face. Owens followed it up with a Pop-Up Powerbomb and Roman rolled out of the ring to regroup.

Owens followed him and bounced the Universal Champions’ face off the ring post. Reigns shrugged it off and sent Owens flying into the steel steps. Reigns brought Owens in between the screens in the ThunderDome and beat him down for a couple minutes. Owens grabbed a steel chair and hit Roman on the knees a few times.

Kevin Owens connected with a Stunner and tried to throw Owens off the platform but Reigns blocked. Roman hit Owens with a Superman Punch and threw him off the platform and through a table below. Roman Reigns then ran over Owens with a golf cart in an awesome moment.

Owens battled back and hit Reigns with a Frog Splash through an announce table. Kevin then hit a Swanton off the top of a forklift through a table. The action returned to the entrance ramp area and Reigns hit a Spear through the screens.

Reigns grabbed some handcuffs and unloaded a flurry of punches to Owens’ face. Kevin Owens somehow was able to hit a Stunner and both superstars fell to the floor. Owens then grabbed the handcuffs and cuffed him to a part of the entrance ramp. Reigns couldn’t make it to his feet and beat the count by bashing the referee into the stanchion. Paul Heyman unlocked Reigns and he locked in the Guillotine on Owens. Another referee then counted to 10 and Roman Reigns retained the Universal Championship.

Opinion: I wasn’t a big fan of the finish to the match but everything else was awesome. Paul Heyman couldn’t the handcuffs off for whatever reason and the referee just stopped counting. Other than that botch, this match was highly entertaining and this entire fued was very well done. There’s no way Roman Reigns is losing that belt before WrestleMania and I’m absolutely fine with that.

Edge Won The Men’s Royal Rumble

The men’s Royal Rumble match was the main event. The winner will get a title shot at WrestleMania.

1. Edge made his return and entered the match first.

2. Randy Orton was the second superstar in the match and Edge attacked him during his entrance.

3. Sami Zayn entered the match at #3 and teamed up with Orton to beat Edge down.

4. Mustafa Ali joined the party and helped Sami and Randy beat Edge down some more.

5. Jeff Hardy came to the ring next and hit a Twist of Fate and turned around into an RKO from Orton. Sami started taunting Jeff and turned around into an RKO from Orton. Randy planted Mustafa with an RKO and then Edge caught him with a Spear. Orton rolled under the bottom rope and Edge followed him. Edge bounced Orton’s face off the announce table a couple times. Edge followed it up with a DDT onto the table but it did not break.

6. Dolph Ziggler entered the match next (his 14th Royal Rumble appearance) as Edge unloaded a couple chair shots to the knees of Orton. Dolph Ziggler capitalized on the distraction and eliminated Jeff Hardy.

7. Shinsuke Nakamura entered the match next as Orton was still outside the ring and officials were checking on him.

8. Carlito made his triumphant return and distracted Nakamura with an apple. Carlito hit Shinsuke with a Backstabber as Orton was helped backstage by WWE officials.

9. Xavier Woods entered at #9 and went right after RETRIBUTION’s leader Mustafa Ali. Sami Zayn helped Mustafi Ali beat Woods down in the corner.

10. Intercontinental Champion Big E entered the match next and helped Xavier Woods. Xavier lifted Big E onto his shoulders and dropped him onto Sami for a Splash. Woods and Big E then launched Sami Zayn over the top rope for the elimination.

11. John Morrison was #11 as Mustafa Ali eliminated Xavier Woods. Big E got pissed off and grabbed Mustafa Ali by the throat. Big E launched Mustafa over the top rope for the elimination.

12. Ricochet entered the match next and hit Ziggler with a kick to the side of the head. Ricochet delivered a Dropkick to Edge but Nakamura then beat him down in the corner.

13. Elias made his way to the ring and hit Ricochet with a Clothesline. Elias hit Morrison with the Drift Away and turned his attention to Carlito. Elias kneed Carlito in the face and eliminated him.

14. NXT star Damian Priest was #14 and planted John Morrison with a slam. Priest launched Elias over the top rope for the elimination.

15. Mr. Money in the Bank The Miz entered the match and destroyed Bad Bunny’s DJ set up on the stage. Bad Bunny turned down The Miz earlier in the night when he wanted to start some kind of entertainment company. Miz and Morrison planted Ricochet with a DDT and then John delivered a boot to Ziggler’s face. Bad Bunny made his way down the entrance ramp and Damian Priest capitalized on the distraction. Priest sent Miz and Morrison over the top rope and Bad Bunny followed it up with a Splash off the top rope.

16. Riddle entered the Royal Rumble next and booted Damian in the face.

17. Daniel Bryan entered at #17 and hit Damian with a Dropkick in the corner. Bryan hit Ricochet with some Yes Kicks but Ricochet battled back. Priest tried to eliminate Edge but he was able to hold onto the ropes. Big E leveled Ziggler with a shoulder tackle as Riddle unloaded some kicks on Shinsuke in the corner of the ring.

18. Kane entered next and delivered a bunch of Chokeslams before eliminating Dolph Ziggler. Kane and Bryan teased a Team Hell No reunion but Kane wound up just Chokeslamming Bryan. Damian Priest then eliminated Kane.

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19. King Corbin entered at #19 and leveled Riddle with a Clothesline. Bryan went for a Crossbody but Corbin caught him and connected with a slam. Nakamura hit Corbin with the Kinshasa but Corbin shrugged it off and hit Deep Six. Corbin then eliminated Nakamura.

20. Otis was up next and showed off his power by Body Slamming Big E. Otis launched Priest across the ring and then slammed Riddle to the canvas. Otis climbed to the second rope and King Corbin eliminated him by shoving him to the outside. Bryan booted Corbin in the leg a few times and then some Yes Kicks in the corner.

21. Dominik entered at #21 and went right after King Corbin. Dominik got in a couple shots but Corbin quickly overpowered him. Dominik battled back and sent Corbin over the top rope for the elimination. King Corbin shouted that Dominik is going to pay for this before heading backstage. Riddle and Bryan exchanged punches in the middle of the ring. Priest got in the action and whipped Riddle to the canvas. Riddle hopped back up and beat Damian down in the corner.

22. United States Champion Bobby Lashley made his way to the ring and eliminated Dominik with ease. Lashley then Clotheslined Damian Priest over the top rope for another elimination. Big E and Bobby Lashley had a stare down before trading punches. Riddle got in some punches on Lashley in the corner.

23. Hurricane Helms entered the match and poked Big E in the eye. Hurricane did the same to Lashley and went for a double Chokeslam but Big E and Lashley just launched him out of the ring for the elimination.

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24. Christian made his return to the ring as the 24th entrant in the Royal Rumble. Four superstars teamed up and eliminated Bobby Lashley. Edge and Christian shared a hug and Riddle tried to join the party but got his ass kicked for his troubles.

25. The Phenomenal One AJ Styles entered the match and attacked Big E in the corner. Omos made his way ringside as AJ set up for a Phenomenal Forearm. Edge dodged it and leveled Styles with a Spear.

26. Rey Mysterio entered the match with a mask sponsored by Victoria beer. Omos grabbed Big E as he was trying to eliminate AJ and dragged him over the top rope. Omos then launched Big E over the announce table.

27. Sheamus was next up and hit Riddle and Edge with a Clothesline. Christian unloaded some punches on Sheamus but the Celtic Warrior responded with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus delivered another Brogue Kick to Daniel Bryan as Rey went for a 619 to Styles. Omos caught him and slammed Mysterio onto the barricade and to the floor for the elimination.

28. Cesaro entered at #28 and hit Riddle and Styles with a couple uppercuts. Cesaro went to strike Sheamus but we got a brief The Bar reunion. Cesaro tripped Sheamus up and then got him in the Big Swing. Daniel tried to eliminate Cesaro but he got him in the Big Swing as well.

29. The Messiah Seth Rollins returned and entered the Royal Rumble at #29. Rollins and Cesaro traded punches in the middle of the ring. Seth took control and hit Cesaro with some chops in the corner of the ring.

30. Braun Strowman was the final entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Strowman slammed Riddle to the mat and sent AJ over the top rope. Omos caught AJ and brought him back into the ring. Strowman eliminated Cesaro and then eliminated Styles on the opposite side of the ring so Omos couldn’t stop it. Daniel Bryan and Riddle traded kicks in the middle of the ring. Bryan hit Edge with the Running Knee and threw him over the top rope but Edge caught himself on the apron. Bryan leveled Christian with a Dropkick and then delivered one to Braun Strowman.

Seth Rollins launched Daniel Bryan out of the ring for the elimination. Riddle hit Seth with the Ripcord Knee and sent him over the top rope to the appron. Riddle hopped over the top rope but Strowman caught him with a jab. Rollins followed it up with the Stomp for the elimination. Seth tried to team up with Strowman but Braun wasn’t interested. Seth Rollins snuck up from behind and eliminated Christian and Strowman. Edge then sent Rollins over the top rope for the elimination. Orton came back and hit Edge with an RKO. Orton tried to eliminate Edge but Edge revered it and sent Orton over the top rope and to the floor. Edge lasted over 58 minutes and is the third superstar in history to win the Royal Rumble after enterting at #1.

Opinion: This year’s Royal Rumble event absolutely flew by and was a great PPV. Edge winning the Royal Rumble was great but I was pulling for Daniel Bryan. It will be interesting to see if Bryan finds his way into the title scene before this year’s WrestleMania. Edge’s return to the ring last year at the Royal Rumble was incredible and it was cool to see it culminate with him emerging victorious this year.

Edge Wins 2021 Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Andrew Ravens
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The winner of this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match is Edge. The former WWE Champion outlasted the likes of Seth Rollins, Christian, and Braun Strowman in the Final Four at the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.

He has earned the right to be in one of the main events of WrestleMania 37 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.

Some notable entrants include the likes of Carlito, The Hurricane, Christian, who hasn’t worked an actual match since 2014 due to a history of concussions, and Seth Rollins, who has been gone since Survivor Series. 

A notable spot in the match was Orton getting helped to the backstage arena after an attack by Edge with a chair. The final five were Strowman, Rollins, Edge, Orton, and Christian. When it looked like Edge was the last man standing, Orton came from nowhere to hit an RKO. However, when it looked like Edge would be eliminated, he countered an irish whip and sent Orton to the floor. 

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Royal Rumble List of Entrants

Here’s a list of the entry of superstars who competed in this fan-favorite match:

  1. Edge
  2. Randy Orton
  3. Sami Zayn
  4. Mustafa Ali
  5. Jeff Hardy
  6. Dolph Ziggler
  7. Shinsuke Nakamura
  8. Carlito
  9. Xavier Woods 
  10. Big E
  11. John Morrison
  12. Ricochet
  13. Elias
  14. Damian Priest
  15. The Miz
  16. Matt Riddle
  17. Daniel Bryan
  18. Kane
  19. Baron Corbin
  20. Otis
  21. Dominick Mysterio 
  22. Bobby Lashley
  23. The Hurricane
  24. Christian
  25. AJ Styles
  26. Rey Mysterio
  27. Sheamus
  28. Cesaro
  29. Seth Rollins
  30. Braun Strowman

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 Kevin Owensror the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, who worked Goldberg in the opener. 

Roman Reigns Retains Universal Title At WWE Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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The third and likely final match for the foreseeable future between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens was memorable. 

Reigns put the Universal Title on the line against the SmackDown star in a Last Man Standing bout. at the Royal Rumble. The match saw Reigns toss him off the platform with all of the screens through tables. Owens crawled to the backstage area, but Reigns ran him over in a golf cart. Owens climbed a forklift and hit a swanton bomb off it. 

Owens handcuffed him to the stage support beam, but Reigns shoved the referee into the beam. Moments later, Paul Heyman came out to let Reigns free. Reigns locked in the guillotine choke to make Owens pass out for the win.

Their first match took place at last month’s TLC pay-per-view event where “The Big Dog” walked out victorious. The rematch took place on the December 24th edition of SmackDown inside a Steel Cage that also saw Reigns retain the title. 

It appeared that WWE was moving on from this feud, but that wasn’t the case. WWE held a Gauntlet Match on the January 8th edition of SmackDown that featured Daniel Bryan, King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, and Rey Mysterio. 

It was later revealed that WWE agent Adam Pearce would be the final competitor after Paul Heyman pulled some strings so that way he could face Nakamura. The plan went accordingly as Uso and Reigns beat down Nakamura, which allowed Pearce to win and become the #1 contender to the Universal Title.

A few weeks passed by that eventually led to Owens replacing Pearce and he was declared as the new challenger. 

What are your thoughts on Roman Reigns retaining the Universal Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

Bianca Belair Wins 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

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The winner of this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match has been revealed and it’s Bianca Belair. Now, her journey to WrestleMania 36 begins.

A cool spot saw Naomi get tossed to the floor, but landed on her back and wasn’t eliminated. Naomi lasted 47 minutes. 

Belair outlasted the likes of Rhea Ripley, Natalya, and Charlotte Flair in the Final Four at the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. Ripley fought Belair in 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 Asuka. The other option is challenging SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks, who also defended her championship against Carmella on this show.

Royal Rumble List of Entrants

Here’s a list of the entry of superstars who competed in this fan-favorite match:

  1. Bayley
  2. Naomi
  3. Bianca Belair 
  4. Billie Kay
  5. Shotzi Blackheart
  6. Shayna Baszler
  7. Toni Storm
  8. Jullian Hall
  9. Ruby Riott
  10. Victoria
  11. Peyton Royce
  12. Santana Garrett
  13. Liv Morgan
  14. Rhea Ripley
  15. Charlotte Flair
  16. Dana Brooke
  17. Torrie Wilson
  18. Lacey Evans
  19. Mickie James
  20. Nikki Cross
  21. Alicia Fox
  22. Mandy Rose
  23. Dakota Kai
  24. Carmella
  25. Tamina Snuka
  26. Lana
  27. Alexa Bliss
  28. Ember Moon
  29. Nia Jax
  30. Natalya

What are your thoughts on Belair winning this match and being placed in the main event scene at WrestleMania 37? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

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