Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado defeated TJP, Drew Gulak & Gentleman Jack Gallagher. (Kickoff Match)
With the question of who would be announced as the new General Manger of 205 Live this Tuesday night weighing heavily on all of their minds, six of the brand’s best squared off, as Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado clashed with TJP, Drew Gulak & Jack Gallagher on Royal Rumble Kickoff.
The match showcased the absolute best of WWE’s Cruiserweight division, with both sides proving to be daring and tenacious in equal measure. TJP led the charge against the masked trio of luchadores, yet his side was unable to gain an advantage in the early goings, especially when their opponents took to the air.
The cunning of TJP’s squad eventually gained them an edge, however, as they found ways to corner the explosive crew. They quite literally took the air out from under the opposing team with a gritty ground-and-pound strategy that played to their strengths. It wasn’t until Gallagher took an uncharacteristic — and unwise — chance off the ropes that the luchadores were able to get back into the contest.
The opening Gallagher provided proved critical, as Metalik put on a dazzling display that left the TJP-led squad reeling. The offensive flurry allowed Kalisto the room to operate, fend off TJP’s efforts and defeat him with the breathtaking Solida Del Sol. (Via WWE.com)
The match showcased the absolute best of WWE’s Cruiserweight division, with both sides proving to be daring and tenacious in equal measure. TJP led the charge against the masked trio of luchadores, yet his side was unable to gain an advantage in the early goings, especially when their opponents took to the air.
The cunning of TJP’s squad eventually gained them an edge, however, as they found ways to corner the explosive crew. They quite literally took the air out from under the opposing team with a gritty ground-and-pound strategy that played to their strengths. It wasn’t until Gallagher took an uncharacteristic — and unwise — chance off the ropes that the luchadores were able to get back into the contest.
The opening Gallagher provided proved critical, as Metalik put on a dazzling display that left the TJP-led squad reeling. The offensive flurry allowed Kalisto the room to operate, fend off TJP’s efforts and defeat him with the breathtaking Solida Del Sol. (Via WWE.com)
The Revival defeated Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson. (Kickoff Match)
Raw 25 was as humiliating a night for The Revival as they could have feared, from a loss to Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson to a prolonged beating at the hands of D-Generation X and Finn Bálor. At Royal Rumble Kickoff, however, Dash & Dawson began to correct the record in a rematch against The Bálor Club’s resident enforcers.
Dash & Dawson were out for punishment from the jump, using their well-honed savvy to cut the ring in half and isolate their opponents, one good brother at a time. Although Gallows was able to bully his way out of the 2-on-1 attack, Anderson was far less lucky. The Revival mangled his left knee in the ropes and focused the entirety of their attack on his vulnerable joint. Bending the rules as far as humanly possible, Dash & Dawson teamed up on their opponent for as long as the ref would allow, though the complexion changed significantly when Anderson finally reached Gallows.
The arrival of The Suntan Biker Man seemed to spell doom for The Revival, especially when The Good Brothers got Dash Wilder in position for a Magic Killer. Dawson saved his partner at the last second, breaking up the maneuver and luring Gallows into a chase outside that ended with the big man plowing face-first into the ring post. Anderson attempted to take care of things by himself, but Wilder kicked his injured leg out from under him and pinned him.
It might not have had the emphatic edge to it that some of The Revival’s signature wins have had, but it was Dash & Dawson at their best and as advertised: no frills, no mercy, and not an ounce of brotherly love to be found. (Via WWE.com)
Dash & Dawson were out for punishment from the jump, using their well-honed savvy to cut the ring in half and isolate their opponents, one good brother at a time. Although Gallows was able to bully his way out of the 2-on-1 attack, Anderson was far less lucky. The Revival mangled his left knee in the ropes and focused the entirety of their attack on his vulnerable joint. Bending the rules as far as humanly possible, Dash & Dawson teamed up on their opponent for as long as the ref would allow, though the complexion changed significantly when Anderson finally reached Gallows.
The arrival of The Suntan Biker Man seemed to spell doom for The Revival, especially when The Good Brothers got Dash Wilder in position for a Magic Killer. Dawson saved his partner at the last second, breaking up the maneuver and luring Gallows into a chase outside that ended with the big man plowing face-first into the ring post. Anderson attempted to take care of things by himself, but Wilder kicked his injured leg out from under him and pinned him.
It might not have had the emphatic edge to it that some of The Revival’s signature wins have had, but it was Dash & Dawson at their best and as advertised: no frills, no mercy, and not an ounce of brotherly love to be found. (Via WWE.com)
WWE United States Championship: WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPION, Bobby Roode defeated Mojo Rawley. (Kickoff match)
Mojo Rawley answered the Glorious Open Challenge issued by United States Champion Bobby Roode, and the fired-up Superstar was looking to get retribution after Roode defeated him in a tournament semifinal match en route to capturing the vacant title. However, it was not meant to be for Mojo, as Roode valiantly fought through Rawley’s punishing attack to retain his title during the Royal Rumble Kickoff.
The ever-confident Glorious One put himself at a disadvantage, not knowing who his opponent would be in Philadelphia. Rawley took advantage of that, pummeling the champion from the get-go. Matters looked dire for Roode after he looked to take a brief respite on the arena floor and Mojo charged him, sending him crashing into the ringside barricade with a vicious tackle.
Roode survived Rawley’s initial onslaught and began to mount a comeback, only for Mojo to cut him off and hurl him into the ring post. However, Roode had enough gas left in the tank to counter Rawley’s running punch and connect with the Glorious DDT to hold onto his title.
By issuing the Glorious Open Challenge, Bobby Roode has shown that he intends to be a fighting United States Champion. Who will be the next to step up and try to knock Roode off his star-spangled pedestal? (Via WWE.com)
The ever-confident Glorious One put himself at a disadvantage, not knowing who his opponent would be in Philadelphia. Rawley took advantage of that, pummeling the champion from the get-go. Matters looked dire for Roode after he looked to take a brief respite on the arena floor and Mojo charged him, sending him crashing into the ringside barricade with a vicious tackle.
Roode survived Rawley’s initial onslaught and began to mount a comeback, only for Mojo to cut him off and hurl him into the ring post. However, Roode had enough gas left in the tank to counter Rawley’s running punch and connect with the Glorious DDT to hold onto his title.
By issuing the Glorious Open Challenge, Bobby Roode has shown that he intends to be a fighting United States Champion. Who will be the next to step up and try to knock Roode off his star-spangled pedestal? (Via WWE.com)
WWE Championship: WWE CHAMPION, AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn. (2-on-1 handicap match)
Although his victory came with its share of controversy, AJ Styles managed to survive stacked odds, defeating Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a 1-on-2 Handicap Match to retain his WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2018.
Owens & Zayn set out to frustrate the WWE Champion, tagging in and out before Styles could get his hands on either of them. Styles attempted to divide and conquer the two best friends, but the numbers game continually got the better of him.
Owens & Zayn took every chance to use their 2-on-1 advantage, grinding Styles into the canvas as the WWE Champion writhed in pain. Styles finally created separation by clobbering KO with a Pele Kick and creatively using Zayn and Owens as weapons against each other. Styles nearly pulled off the victory after locking the Calf Crusher on Owens.
Zayn was able to make the save, however. In the ensuing scrum, Zayn almost captured the title with the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Styles kicked out at the last second. That sent Styles on a tear as he battled back.
The Phenomenal One isolated Zayn, coming close to keeping Owens out of the match. Before being dumped out of the ring, though, Zayn appeared to tag KO in by his fingertips. That proved to be their undoing, as Styles countered a Pop-up Powerbomb attempt and rolled up KO for the victory.
KO & Zayn were furious after the bout, going straight to SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon to argue that Zayn had missed the tag and was still the legal man. McMahon was not going to make any changes (Via WWE.com)
Owens & Zayn set out to frustrate the WWE Champion, tagging in and out before Styles could get his hands on either of them. Styles attempted to divide and conquer the two best friends, but the numbers game continually got the better of him.
Owens & Zayn took every chance to use their 2-on-1 advantage, grinding Styles into the canvas as the WWE Champion writhed in pain. Styles finally created separation by clobbering KO with a Pele Kick and creatively using Zayn and Owens as weapons against each other. Styles nearly pulled off the victory after locking the Calf Crusher on Owens.
Zayn was able to make the save, however. In the ensuing scrum, Zayn almost captured the title with the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Styles kicked out at the last second. That sent Styles on a tear as he battled back.
The Phenomenal One isolated Zayn, coming close to keeping Owens out of the match. Before being dumped out of the ring, though, Zayn appeared to tag KO in by his fingertips. That proved to be their undoing, as Styles countered a Pop-up Powerbomb attempt and rolled up KO for the victory.
KO & Zayn were furious after the bout, going straight to SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon to argue that Zayn had missed the tag and was still the legal man. McMahon was not going to make any changes (Via WWE.com)
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, The Usos defeated Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin. (2-out-of 3 Falls Match)
Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable were confident that The Usos would be leaving Philadelphia as former champions — perhaps too confident. The duo’s avarice saw them fall to the SmackDown Tag Team Champions in two straight falls in this 2-out-of-3 Falls Match.
After The Usos declared that there was nothing Gable & Benjamin could do to prepare to face them in this grueling battle, the mat masters set out to prove them wrong, isolating Jimmy Uso and targeting his leg. Gable & Benjamin may have reveled in slowly inflicting pain on Jimmy just a little too much, though, as Jimmy was able to find an opening to tag in his brother.
Jey flew into action, quite literally, diving onto Gable & Benjamin on the arena floor, but he could not put the mat wizards away. Gable & Benjamin had similar troubles stopping their foes. A back-and-forth fray broke out, with both teams coming close to picking up the first fall. The Usos claimed the important first victory after dropping Gable with a devastating double superkick.
Gable & Benjamin did not waste any time starting the second fall, plastering Jimmy with their patented tandem powerbomb on the arena floor. Back in the ring, the two set their sights on Jey Uso, but they hesitated just a second too long. As Benjamin prepared to get Jey up for the same powerbomb, Jey rolled him up for a three-count, giving The Usos a clean sweep in this battle.
Gable & Benjamin were stunned as The Usos left the arena holding the SmackDown Tag Team Titles high. They had been given a first-hand lesson in what it means to go to the Uso Penitentiary. (Via WWE.com)
After The Usos declared that there was nothing Gable & Benjamin could do to prepare to face them in this grueling battle, the mat masters set out to prove them wrong, isolating Jimmy Uso and targeting his leg. Gable & Benjamin may have reveled in slowly inflicting pain on Jimmy just a little too much, though, as Jimmy was able to find an opening to tag in his brother.
Jey flew into action, quite literally, diving onto Gable & Benjamin on the arena floor, but he could not put the mat wizards away. Gable & Benjamin had similar troubles stopping their foes. A back-and-forth fray broke out, with both teams coming close to picking up the first fall. The Usos claimed the important first victory after dropping Gable with a devastating double superkick.
Gable & Benjamin did not waste any time starting the second fall, plastering Jimmy with their patented tandem powerbomb on the arena floor. Back in the ring, the two set their sights on Jey Uso, but they hesitated just a second too long. As Benjamin prepared to get Jey up for the same powerbomb, Jey rolled him up for a three-count, giving The Usos a clean sweep in this battle.
Gable & Benjamin were stunned as The Usos left the arena holding the SmackDown Tag Team Titles high. They had been given a first-hand lesson in what it means to go to the Uso Penitentiary. (Via WWE.com)
Shinsuke Nakamura won the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble Match.
The day after WrestleMania 33, Shinsuke Nakamura debuted as a SmackDown Superstar. The day after WrestleMania 34, he may well walk out as WWE Champion.
The King of Strong Style outlasted 29 other Superstars to win the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, earning a World Title opportunity of his choosing at WrestleMania. And he already knows who he’s going to challenge.
Entering at No. 14, The Artist’s first moments in the match were scored by the WWE Universe serenading him with his theme song. He notched an elimination early on by tossing Sami Zayn, who stole Tye Dillinger’s No. 10 position after Zayn and Kevin Owens — still smarting over their WWE Title loss to AJ Styles earlier in the night — jumped The Perfect 10 backstage. For the majority of his 44:40 in the contest, WWE’s RockStar played it safe, avoiding elimination while the typical Rumble shenanigans raged around him.
And true to form, there were some epic shenanigans afoot. Heath Slater, entering at No. 5, was clotheslined during his entrance by Baron Corbin and was then jumped by every Superstar on their way to the ring. Sheamus finally threw him into the ring to pick the bones, only to be eliminated himself by The One-Man Band.
Elsewhere, Kofi Kingston was saved from elimination by his eliminated New Day compatriots, who broke Kingston’s fall with their own bodies (Xavier Woods) and a plate of pancakes (Big E). “Woken” Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt joined forces to eliminate overwhelming sentimental favorite Rusev, only to eliminate each other moments later as their heated rivalry continued.
Surprise entrants included Rey Mysterio, who entered at No. 27 looking better than he did when he won the Rumble in 2006. The Hurricane entered at No. 21, but was quickly tossed by John Cena. (What’s up with that?!) NXT fielded two entrants, reigning NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas and Undisputed ERA ringleader Adam Cole (BAY-BAY).
In the end, the bout came down to a battle of generations, with Nakamura, Reigns and iron man Finn Bálor against Cena, Randy Orton and Mysterio. Once again, Nakamura played defense, making himself scarce as Reigns eliminated Orton while Mysterio was tossed by Bálor after executing a double-619 to Reigns and Cena. Bálor was next out, sent packing by a somber-looking Cena, and Nakamura struck soon thereafter, sending the 16-time World Champion tumbling after a Kinshasa through the ropes.
With Reigns now the only thing standing between him and WrestleMania glory, Nakamura came alive, daring The Big Dog to fight before bombarding him with a savage array of knees and elbows. Nakamura flirted with disaster, locking Reigns in an armbar over the top rope. Meanwhile Reigns, returning to the site of his own Rumble Match win in 2015, played it far more conservatively, looking to flatten Nakamura with power maneuvers before tossing him over.
Reigns seemed to have the match in hand, for all intents and purposes, after launching himself into a Spear that pulverized The Artist, but Nakamura answered by cutting off a second Spear with the Kinshasa. Nakamura tossed a dazed Reigns moments later to earn his first Royal Rumble Match victory.
In a post-match interview, Nakamura — who had the right to choose which title he would pursue — made it clear who he wanted: WWE Champion AJ Styles. The dream match is set, and The Artist has truly arrived, but his true masterpiece may be yet to come. (Via WWE.com)
The King of Strong Style outlasted 29 other Superstars to win the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, earning a World Title opportunity of his choosing at WrestleMania. And he already knows who he’s going to challenge.
Entering at No. 14, The Artist’s first moments in the match were scored by the WWE Universe serenading him with his theme song. He notched an elimination early on by tossing Sami Zayn, who stole Tye Dillinger’s No. 10 position after Zayn and Kevin Owens — still smarting over their WWE Title loss to AJ Styles earlier in the night — jumped The Perfect 10 backstage. For the majority of his 44:40 in the contest, WWE’s RockStar played it safe, avoiding elimination while the typical Rumble shenanigans raged around him.
And true to form, there were some epic shenanigans afoot. Heath Slater, entering at No. 5, was clotheslined during his entrance by Baron Corbin and was then jumped by every Superstar on their way to the ring. Sheamus finally threw him into the ring to pick the bones, only to be eliminated himself by The One-Man Band.
Elsewhere, Kofi Kingston was saved from elimination by his eliminated New Day compatriots, who broke Kingston’s fall with their own bodies (Xavier Woods) and a plate of pancakes (Big E). “Woken” Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt joined forces to eliminate overwhelming sentimental favorite Rusev, only to eliminate each other moments later as their heated rivalry continued.
Surprise entrants included Rey Mysterio, who entered at No. 27 looking better than he did when he won the Rumble in 2006. The Hurricane entered at No. 21, but was quickly tossed by John Cena. (What’s up with that?!) NXT fielded two entrants, reigning NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas and Undisputed ERA ringleader Adam Cole (BAY-BAY).
In the end, the bout came down to a battle of generations, with Nakamura, Reigns and iron man Finn Bálor against Cena, Randy Orton and Mysterio. Once again, Nakamura played defense, making himself scarce as Reigns eliminated Orton while Mysterio was tossed by Bálor after executing a double-619 to Reigns and Cena. Bálor was next out, sent packing by a somber-looking Cena, and Nakamura struck soon thereafter, sending the 16-time World Champion tumbling after a Kinshasa through the ropes.
With Reigns now the only thing standing between him and WrestleMania glory, Nakamura came alive, daring The Big Dog to fight before bombarding him with a savage array of knees and elbows. Nakamura flirted with disaster, locking Reigns in an armbar over the top rope. Meanwhile Reigns, returning to the site of his own Rumble Match win in 2015, played it far more conservatively, looking to flatten Nakamura with power maneuvers before tossing him over.
Reigns seemed to have the match in hand, for all intents and purposes, after launching himself into a Spear that pulverized The Artist, but Nakamura answered by cutting off a second Spear with the Kinshasa. Nakamura tossed a dazed Reigns moments later to earn his first Royal Rumble Match victory.
In a post-match interview, Nakamura — who had the right to choose which title he would pursue — made it clear who he wanted: WWE Champion AJ Styles. The dream match is set, and The Artist has truly arrived, but his true masterpiece may be yet to come. (Via WWE.com)
RAW Tag Team Championship: Cesaro & Sheamus defeated RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan.
After Jason Jordan sustained an injury early in the bout, Seth Rollins was forced to go it alone against The Bar, who preyed upon The Kingslayer to capture the Raw Tag Team Titles for a fourth time.
Although Rollins went into the battle with some momentum over the challengers after eliminating Cesaro during the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match immediately preceding this title bout, The Bar kept The Kingslayer isolated in the early goings, preventing Jordan from officially entering the fray.
When a battered Rollins was finally in position to tag in his “gold-blooded” partner, The Swiss Superstar yanked Jordan off the apron and hurled him face-first into the steel ringpost, incapacitating Raw General Manager Kurt Angle’s son at ringside.
Despite The Architect’s best efforts, he was utterly dissected by The Swiss Cyborg and The Celtic Warrior, and he failed to mount any significant offense against The Bar save for some daring desperation maneuvers. Cesaro & Sheamus, meanwhile, took great pleasure in shutting down the fighting champion at every opportunity.
After Rollins managed to hit both challengers with a last-ditch double splash, a dazed Jordan tagged in and then quickly tagged out, seemingly unable and unwilling to compete due to lingering injury.
Sheamus hit Rollins with a pinpoint Brogue Kick, which was punctuated by a White Noise/DDT combination that sealed the win for The Bar and began their fourth reign with the red brand’s tandem titles.
At Royal Rumble 2018, Cesaro & Sheamus didn’t just set the bar, they… well, you know the rest. (Via WWE.com)
Although Rollins went into the battle with some momentum over the challengers after eliminating Cesaro during the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match immediately preceding this title bout, The Bar kept The Kingslayer isolated in the early goings, preventing Jordan from officially entering the fray.
When a battered Rollins was finally in position to tag in his “gold-blooded” partner, The Swiss Superstar yanked Jordan off the apron and hurled him face-first into the steel ringpost, incapacitating Raw General Manager Kurt Angle’s son at ringside.
Despite The Architect’s best efforts, he was utterly dissected by The Swiss Cyborg and The Celtic Warrior, and he failed to mount any significant offense against The Bar save for some daring desperation maneuvers. Cesaro & Sheamus, meanwhile, took great pleasure in shutting down the fighting champion at every opportunity.
After Rollins managed to hit both challengers with a last-ditch double splash, a dazed Jordan tagged in and then quickly tagged out, seemingly unable and unwilling to compete due to lingering injury.
Sheamus hit Rollins with a pinpoint Brogue Kick, which was punctuated by a White Noise/DDT combination that sealed the win for The Bar and began their fourth reign with the red brand’s tandem titles.
At Royal Rumble 2018, Cesaro & Sheamus didn’t just set the bar, they… well, you know the rest. (Via WWE.com)
Asuka won the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble Match; Ronda Rousey debuted.
One woman, two women, 29 women. It’s all the same to Asuka. But while The Empress of Tomorrow made history by winning the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match, one woman who didn’t compete in the historic contest — Ronda Rousey — ended up casting the longest shadow over the evening.
With Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair watching from ringside, Asuka entered at No. 25, joining a field that included insurgent upstarts, Four Horsewomen and, remarkably, a group of veterans and Legends who proved that they did, indeed, still have it.
The first surprise was Lita, who entered at No. 5 and displayed the names of the late Superstars who never got to see this historic moment come to fruition on her arm. She was followed by Torrie Wilson (No. 9), Molly Holly (No. 12), Michelle McCool (No 14), Vickie Guerrero (No. 16), Kelly Kelly (No. 19), Jacqueline (No. 21), Beth Phoenix (No. 24), Nikki Bella (No. 27), Brie Bella (completing her comeback at No. 28) and finally, Trish Stratus at No. 30.
With the young Superstars and veterans of generations past sharing the ring, the historic match was a thrilling collision of past and present. Lita dished out a double Moonsault to Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks; Molly dropped Sasha with a Molly-Go-Round that took out both Superstars; The Divas of Doom reunited briefly to thwart a surging Nia Jax; Vickie Guerrero was eliminated en masse by Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Ruby Riott and McCool. Speaking of which, first-ever Divas Champion McCool eliminated an impressive four Superstars (Sonya Deville, Liv Morgan, Molly Holly and Lana) and was looking like a dark horse favorite before she was finally expelled by Natalya.
Proving equally impressive were NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon — who faced off with Asuka — and Mae Young Classic winner Kairi Sane, who delivered Insane Elbows to Sasha and Becky before suffering an upset elimination from Dana Brooke.
Asuka, Banks and The Bella Twins survived all the way to the Final Four. The Boss and The Bellas wisely ganged up on Asuka, but Sasha, who was the No. 1 entry in the match, got a little too enthusiastic and shoved the twins aside to get her shots in on The Empress of Tomorrow. Nikki & Brie responded by tossing her over in unison. The Fearless One shocked the WWE Universe when she eliminated Brie moments later, mouthing the unmistakable words to her stunned sister: “I want this.”
Asuka, as it turns out, wanted it just a little bit more. Despite suffering a Rack Attack 2.0, The Empress of Tomorrow lured Nikki into a slugfest on the apron. And it was Asuka, with a quick-thinking swipe of Nikki’s legs, who was the last woman standing.
Alexa and Charlotte made their way into the ring to find out which title The Empress of Tomorrow would select to compete for at WrestleMania, but unlike Men’s winner Shinsuke Nakamura, she never got the chance. Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey made her entrance to the strains of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation,” stood in front of the three competitors and pointed at the WrestleMania sign, seemingly implying that she was calling dibs on whichever woman Asuka didn’t select to be her opponent at The Show of Shows. While The Empress of Tomorrow slapped Rousey’s hand away as she went to shake it, guest commentator Stephanie McMahon was much more receptive as Rousey made her exit.
The interaction between Ronda and Stephanie implied some kind of agreement had been struck, but for now, the implications of her appearance remain unresolved. Only two things were certain as the Women’s Royal Rumble Match concluded: That 29 women weren’t ready for Asuka, and there’s only one more standing between The Empress of Tomorrow and a title. (Via WWE.com)
With Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair watching from ringside, Asuka entered at No. 25, joining a field that included insurgent upstarts, Four Horsewomen and, remarkably, a group of veterans and Legends who proved that they did, indeed, still have it.
The first surprise was Lita, who entered at No. 5 and displayed the names of the late Superstars who never got to see this historic moment come to fruition on her arm. She was followed by Torrie Wilson (No. 9), Molly Holly (No. 12), Michelle McCool (No 14), Vickie Guerrero (No. 16), Kelly Kelly (No. 19), Jacqueline (No. 21), Beth Phoenix (No. 24), Nikki Bella (No. 27), Brie Bella (completing her comeback at No. 28) and finally, Trish Stratus at No. 30.
With the young Superstars and veterans of generations past sharing the ring, the historic match was a thrilling collision of past and present. Lita dished out a double Moonsault to Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks; Molly dropped Sasha with a Molly-Go-Round that took out both Superstars; The Divas of Doom reunited briefly to thwart a surging Nia Jax; Vickie Guerrero was eliminated en masse by Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Ruby Riott and McCool. Speaking of which, first-ever Divas Champion McCool eliminated an impressive four Superstars (Sonya Deville, Liv Morgan, Molly Holly and Lana) and was looking like a dark horse favorite before she was finally expelled by Natalya.
Proving equally impressive were NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon — who faced off with Asuka — and Mae Young Classic winner Kairi Sane, who delivered Insane Elbows to Sasha and Becky before suffering an upset elimination from Dana Brooke.
Asuka, Banks and The Bella Twins survived all the way to the Final Four. The Boss and The Bellas wisely ganged up on Asuka, but Sasha, who was the No. 1 entry in the match, got a little too enthusiastic and shoved the twins aside to get her shots in on The Empress of Tomorrow. Nikki & Brie responded by tossing her over in unison. The Fearless One shocked the WWE Universe when she eliminated Brie moments later, mouthing the unmistakable words to her stunned sister: “I want this.”
Asuka, as it turns out, wanted it just a little bit more. Despite suffering a Rack Attack 2.0, The Empress of Tomorrow lured Nikki into a slugfest on the apron. And it was Asuka, with a quick-thinking swipe of Nikki’s legs, who was the last woman standing.
Alexa and Charlotte made their way into the ring to find out which title The Empress of Tomorrow would select to compete for at WrestleMania, but unlike Men’s winner Shinsuke Nakamura, she never got the chance. Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey made her entrance to the strains of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation,” stood in front of the three competitors and pointed at the WrestleMania sign, seemingly implying that she was calling dibs on whichever woman Asuka didn’t select to be her opponent at The Show of Shows. While The Empress of Tomorrow slapped Rousey’s hand away as she went to shake it, guest commentator Stephanie McMahon was much more receptive as Rousey made her exit.
The interaction between Ronda and Stephanie implied some kind of agreement had been struck, but for now, the implications of her appearance remain unresolved. Only two things were certain as the Women’s Royal Rumble Match concluded: That 29 women weren’t ready for Asuka, and there’s only one more standing between The Empress of Tomorrow and a title. (Via WWE.com)