Royal Rumble Report by Kyle Combs
5….4….3….2…..1 and the buzzer sounds. Welcome to the WWE 2020 Royal Rumble. Minute Maid Park was the battleground for one of the best WWE pay per views every year.
The kickoff show consisted of two matchups between Shorty G and Sheamus and Andrade taking on Humberto Carrillo. Sheamus defeated Shorty G with a nice brogue kick to the face. Andrade vs. Carrillo was the high point of the kickoff show matches. Good back and forth and several near falls added to the drama of this match. Andrade won with the three count after a smooth roll through and maintains his status as the WWE United States Champion.
The kickoff is over, the talking is done, the time to rumble has come.
The Royal Rumble 2020 kicked off hard with a Superman punch to the face as Roman Reigns and King Corbin got it on in their falls count anywhere match. Reigns had about enough of the King’s drawn out entrance and went out to handle the King’s serfs. The match started outside the ring, went in and out and went back and forth with both of these guys hitting power moves. The Spanish announce table looked like it was going to get smashed early tonight, but it lived on as King Corbin escapes into the WWE Universe with an angry big dog hunting him down.
King Corbin gained the momentum back and went for his second cover attempt, no dice. As Roman went for a flying Superman punch, King Corbin intercepted him and slammed him into the Spanish announce table, destroying it (which is one of my favorite WWE ppv traditions) and almost got the cover. No love for the international announce tables as Roman Samoa dropped King Corbin through several of them. Roman and Corbin were all over Minute Maid Park. Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode came out to help the King and the Uso’s returned the favor, and a huge fight broke out.
As bodies were strewn about the outfield, Roman regained control, with help from the Uso’s and Corbin ended up in a porta potty which was tipped and that was hilarious. This match went all over the place including one of the dugouts. The match ended with a spear on top of the dugout and the three count for the big dog. After the porta potty incident, Roman never lost momentum.
Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe cut a fun promo and Joe reminds Kevin, again, that it’s every man for themselves unless it comes to Seth Rollins.
Fire and Desire, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville cut an interview with Kayla Braxton backstage, Sonya states if it were to come down to her and Mandy as the last two, she would eliminate herself. Mandy was left speechless.
Michael Cole offered some wonderful words regarding Kobe Bryant and him and his daughter’s tragic passing from a helicopter crash earlier in the day. WWE then offered a moment of silence, Rest in peace Kobe and Gigi!
Women’s Royal Rumble
Alexa Bliss comes out number one! The crowd pop was perfect as it always is, this was a surprising number one entrant and she was followed immediately by Bianca Belair! The crowd loved it. Alexa and Bianca were magic in the ring together as they put on a thrilling first 90 seconds. Number three was Mighty Molly Holly. The two-time women’s champ held her own and was joined by Nikki Cross, that put a smile on Alexa’s face. Bliss cross applesauce got in trouble early as Bianca and Molly did the smart thing and isolated those two.
Lana comes out at number five, and she had a hot mic in her hands which was highly unfortunate. It took Lana so long to get to the ring, the moment she got in there Mercedes Martinez was hot on her heels at number six. Nobody was eliminated up to this point and the ring got a little crowded but these women continued throwing each other around. Liv Morgan came out determined and she gets the first elimination by pushing Lana out of the ring. Mercedes tried to take Liv out to which she recovered and then Lana climbed up and threw Liv out.
Mandy Rose came out at number eight and Alexa was in trouble of elimination but found her way back in the ring. WWE NXT sent out the beasts as Candice LeRae had a huge opportunity at number 9! Bianca eliminated Molly Holly who had a good run up to that point. Alexa eliminated Mandy Rose...or did she? Otis was lying there ring side so her feet didn’t hit the ground and the crowd went insane. Sonya Deville rushed to the ring and she was on fire. Mandy and Sonya were brilliant together and they successfully changed the momentum and eliminated Mercedes Martinez and Kairi Sane enters at number 11 as the second third of the rumble begins.
WWE NXT sent out Mia Yim at number 12, good crowd pop. Bianca used Alexa as a weapon and eliminated Nikki. Otis remained ringside, he caught Mandy again who was accidentally thrown over by Sonya. Bianca capitalized and tossed Sonya out of the ring into Otis who dropped them both, look for things to get interesting for team fire and desire on the next Smackdown. Dana Brooke comes out, she’s lucky number 13. Bianca continued her domination, she had five at this point and just tossed LeRae out. Alexa tossed Kairi Sane over and the ring got a little more angry as Tamina came out at 14. Bianca Belair gained the women’s Royal Rumble elimination record as she threw out Tamina like she was nothing.
At the halfway point Dakota Kai came out at 15. Alexa got another elimination as numbers one and two are still in. Number 16 got a shush as the Chelsea Green made her way to the ring. Chelsea immediately ran out, tossed Dakota over, Bliss then eliminated Chelsea, dodged elimination by Dana and Bliss and Belair were the only two in the ring again. Belair now has extended the record to seven eliminations! Bliss and Belair engaged in a tug of war with Bianca’s hair and she got the advantage and tossed Alexa face first into the ring post getting elimination number eight. Her time in the ring one her own was short lived and nothing to celebrate as the queen, Charlotte Flair stalked the ring. Charlotte went to work immediately but number 18 caused Houston to feel the glow as Naomi made her WWE return. Beth Phoenix, the hall of famer, the glamazon came out at 19 and Charlotte was ready for her.
Number 20 was Toni time as Toni Storm stomped to the ring, she was ready to throw-down taking down Naomi and setting her sights on Flair. Belair lasted thirty three minutes, set the new Royal Rumble elimination record right before being thrown out by the queen. Kelly Kelly, much to nobody’s surprise was number 21, five women were in the ring at this time. Number 22 was wild as Sarah Logan came out, great to see her back in the ring, Logan immediately went after Flair, but that was short lived as Charlotte eliminated her. Kelly Kelly was a thorn in the side of Charlotte but she got eliminated. Natalya came out at number 23, focused ready to work. The queen had blood coming down her nose. Natalya team up with Beth and they started cleaning house.
Naomi was in danger quite often and did a lot to stay in and luckily for her Xia Li came in at 24 to draw the focus off of her, still alive. Xia Li targeted Flair like every other woman who’s come in after number 17, to no avail. Andrade’s handler Zelina Vega is number 25 and she brought in some serious energy. Up to this point, there are 7 women in the ring and the action was fierce from the moment it started. Shotzi Blackheart ran to the ring at number 26 ready to spice things up. Naomi was given another awesome opportunity to avoid elimination as she ran down the steps and somehow landed on the barrier, and climbed to the top of it. She’s too good at that and ended up on an announce table.
Number 27 is money, Mella moonwalked to the ring and got to work making everyone dizzy, especially Natalya. Charlotte Flair had a scare as she was thrown out by Beth and Natalya, but she wasn’t over the top and went through the ropes. Tegan Knox represented NXT and came out at number 28. She came in fresh and got to it. Beth Phoenix took a horrible cut, the back of her head was bleeding all over the place. Number 29 was Santina Marella which wasn’t fun for anyone involved, especially Beth Phoenix. This was the low point of a really badass rumble. Santina eliminated herself and all was right with the world again, and the final entrant was Shayna Baszler.
Shayna went right for the queen outside of the ring and then eliminated Xia Li, Tegan Knox, Zelina Vega, Shotzi Blackheart, Carmella, Toni Storm. Naomi made her way back to the ring but was also eliminated Baszler. Three were standing in the ring, Beth Phoenix, Natalya and Shayna. Beth eliminated Natalya and she was stunned by this. Charlotte Flair came back in and her and Shayna had a tense stare down, Beth was still alive but was eliminated by Shayna. Charlotte Flair put up a gutsy performance and eliminated Shayna Baszler. She pointed to the Wrestlemania sign, she punched her ticket.
The women’s Royal Rumble match was incredible, the Santina Marella moment was pointless and a dark spot on an otherwise fantastic Royal Rumble. Charlotte didn’t name who she chose but she let it be known that she’s a diamond and is ready for Wrestlemania, she lasted 27 minutes and put on an amazing effort. Great match!
King Corbin interrupted Kayla Braxton in the back, he’s ready for his chance in the Royal Rumble.
Smackdown Women’s Title
Bayley looked somber as she made her way to the ring and was joined by a much happier Lacey Evans. Lacey attacked early and went for an easy cover, Bayley’s way too good for that. Bayley regained momentum using classic heel tactics by faking a knee injury. Bayley had the momentum for a while and attempted a few pins to no avail. Lacey regained momentum but it didn’t last long as the match ended up on the outside. Bayley put up her knees, blocking the moonsault and regains the title. Mediocre match, but kept the tone and intensity of the pay per view up to this moment.
Universal Championship Strap Match
The build up to The Fiend vs Daniel Bryan has felt like an old school rivalry with a strap match to boot! It has been nearly a decade since the last strap match in WWE, wow. Bryan didn’t wait, he was prepared with a plan to end this thing early, but the Fiend delivered a massive power bomb and used that strap as a weapon. Bryan had welts built up early on as this match was all the Fiend after Bryan’s brief offense at the beginning. The Fiend played to the crowd a little bit, and gave Bryan an opportunity to gain the momentum.
This match ended up on the floor and stayed there for a while. On the German announce table, Bryan was on his back and delivered multiple low blows and delivered a DDT on top of the table, but it stayed standing. Momentum shifted and Bryan started whipping the Fiend with the strap. The crowd was much more into Bryan than they were the Fiend.
Bryan pulled the match back into the ring and had the crowd and momentum on his side. Several yes kicks landed as well as multiple attacks with the strap. The Fiend quickly bounces back up, begged to be hit more with the strap and Bryan obliged. The Fiend nailed a Sister Abigail out of nowhere after the Yes! Chants and Bryan somehow kicked out of this, the Fiend sat, perplexed in the middle of the ring. He yelled at himself, hit himself then took back over. Bryan fought off a mandible claw, almost got a triangle submission on the Fiend over the turnbuckle.
Bryan wrapped the strap around the face of the Fiend with his patented submission hold but the Fiend fought out of it and got into a little ground and pound. The Fiend went for another Sister Abigail and was reversed by Bryan who then delivers a solid knee but the Fiend kicked out, the crowd was disappointed, is the magic of the Fiend dissipating? The Fiend stood in the middle of the ring, he didn’t budge as Bryan lashed him several times with the strap, the Fiend retained the belt after a mandible claw and the three count. The WWE Universe was in awe, it was a fun match. No red light which was absolutely fantastic. Daniel Bryan is truly incredible. Bray Wyatt did a fantastic job and vanished as the lights went out.
After the lights came back, Bryan was tended to by several WWE staff members, he willed himself up to a great ovation from the crowd, this guy is special.
Raw Women’s Title
Becky Lynch came face to face with the woman who holds her debt, Asuka. Asuka and Becky started with some back and forth action and Asuka went for the first pin attempt. Kairi Sane was at ringside, an always dangerous threat. Becky used a lot of her power against Asuka to keep her off her game. Becky had a quick momentum shift and had a failed pinfall attempt. Asuka used a lot of her creative offense and delivered devastating strikes all throughout. The momentum shifted back and forth quickly, both utilizing their slick submissions, creative strikes and aerial maneuvers.
Asuka kicked out after getting demolished outside the ring and hit with a bexploder against the barrier and a leg drop from the top rope. The momentum shift inside the ring, Asuka delivered vicious strikes, she knows how to keep the momentum but Becky stayed in it even weathering a nasty arm bar with a rope break. The most dramatic moment was when Becky appeared to be knocked out and the ref almost called for the bell. In the end, Becky’s power, speed and ring smarts were too much for Asuka to overcome as she tapped to an arm bar. Debt collected, the champion, Becky Lynch retained, great match. Asuka has a skill set unmatched by anyone though, she’s something else.
Men’s Royal Rumble
Brock Lesnar came out number one, total power move and we all knew this. Number two, Houston got to walk with Elias, and 42000 shouting that was pretty cool. Elias got to walk with the beast and thought taunting with his guitar and a song was a terrific idea. Brock decided enough was enough and ran out to bring Elias to the ring and made quick work of Elias and threw him out.
Number three was Eric Rowan and his cage. It took Rowan longer to get to the ring than he lasted in the ring. Brock gained two quick eliminations. Number four blessed us with his glorious presence, Robert Roode made his walk to the ring and didn’t get there quick. Robert Roode tossed out like two week old leftovers.
Number five was John Morrison, Brock Lesnar was highly entertained by his entrance as he smiled watching him walk to the ring. So far, Brock tossed Morrison out in under nine seconds. Kofi walked out at number six and the crowd woke up. Kofi was the first to last until the next competitor which was Rey Mysterio at number seven, that got Brock’s attention. Brock took control of Rey fairly quickly and threw him into Kofi and proceeded to simultaneously clothesline and terrorize them. At this point, there were only three men in the ring.
Kofi got some relief at number eight when Big E ran to the ring. The three others were outside strategizing and all charged the beast to a wild crowd reaction, Kofi landed a trouble in paradise. Big E delivered a big ending to Brock with ease and their offense was shut down as Brock tossed Rey and Big E out soon after. Brock eliminated everyone and again, had another smile on his face as Cesaro came out at number nine who was quickly eliminated by Brock.
Number ten, the former college teammate at the University of Minnesota Shelton Benjamin. Paul Heyman and Shelton hug it out, Heyman loudly does his thing, Shelton and Brock hugged it out in the center of the ring, making it seem like they were going to team up on everyone. Brock suplexed him and tossed him out of the ring. Brock alone in the ring, meets Shinsuke at number 11 with his own mouthpiece Sami Zayn. Shinsuke also didn’t last long and was tossed over the top rope. Number 12 was MVP, it’s been a long time since the WWE Universe has seen MVP. Brock danced in the middle of the ring to the fire coming out of the speakers for MVP.
Brock eliminated his 11th straight and waited for Keith Lee at number 13. The new North American champ put a little fear on Brock’s face. The two exchanged a look with Brock getting to work early, but Keith Lee gained some quick momentum and this lead to the most exciting moment of the match to this point as they clotheslined each other. Things get interesting at this point as the monster among men Braun Strowman angrily stomped to the ring and proceeded to take on the other two monsters in the ring. Brock suplexed the hell out of both men and regained control as Keith and Braun square up on each other allowing Brock to eliminate both of them.
Ricochet comes out at 15 and is tossed around like a rag doll. Number 16 was the Scottish Psychopath, Drew McIntyre made his walk to the ring. Brock seemed to forget Ricochet was still in the ring, he delivered a low blow to the beast which gave Drew McIntyre the chance to eliminate him with a claymore kick, the crowd went nuts. Lesnar eliminated 13 men and lasted almost 27 minutes. McIntyre just eliminated Ricochet in a manner that resembled a dad throwing his young child in the pool.
Victim number 17, sorry competitor number 17 was the Miz. Drew McIntyre kept his focus on Brock even though he was eliminated and delivered a claymore kick to the Miz. McIntyre took over the role of Brock Lesnar, quickly eliminating everyone who steps into the ring. Number 18 of the 2020 Royal Rumble was Aj Styles, Drew realized he had better get focused at this point and ignore Brock, AJ’s presence added a whole new dynamic.
Drew showed incredible strength tossing AJ around and as the two continued to fight, Dolph Ziggler rolls out at number 19. McIntyre fell for the same thing Brock fell for, he let Dolph get in his face, AJ delivered a chop block allowing Dolph and AJ to team up on him. McIntyre gained control quickly over Dolph and the match continued. The crowd was fairly stunned at this point. Number 20 was Karl Anderson, the OC grew its presence in the rumble and they teamed up on McIntyre. AJ kicked Dolph for payback even though they had a prime opportunity to eliminate McIntyre.
The crowd went absolutely bonkers at number 21 when the one and only EDGE came out. “You think you know me?” The crowd lost it, Edge with one of the best moments ever. Edge came out and cleaned house, the crowd was awaken, this is a Royal Rumble people wanted to see. This was a killer Royal Rumble moment. Edge and AJ started exchanging in the middle of the ring and Edge delivered his spears better than anyone.
Number 22 didn’t get the same crowd pop as King Corbin walked in. The ring finally filled up a little bit and the chaos that we all know and love about a rumble was in full effect. AJ was eliminated by Edge. 23, the number of greatness is the one and only, bro. Matt Riddle smoothly made his way to the chaos. Edge wasn’t impressed with Riddle and lunged but was shut down, this was a perfect opportunity for King Corbin to eliminate Riddle.
The number 24 spot belonged to the other member of the OC, Luke Gallows. McIntyre eliminated King Corbin reaching his fourth of the night and the crowd really loved that. Corbin was stunned.
Number 25 was the one and only Viper Randy Orton. It seemed like there were two rumbles happening the Brock rumble then the post Brock rumble. Edge and Randy briefly became rated RKO and eliminated the OC, another great moment. Entry number 26 is Roman Reigns and the crowd reaction was mixed which was very odd. Randy Orton, Edge, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler were the only men still alive at this point.
Roman made quick work of Dolph Ziggler and set his sights on McIntyre. He and McIntyre continued to throw down as number 27 Kevin Owens made his way to the ring, number 27 has had more winners than any other number. Owens made quick work over everyone, delivered a stunner to Roman, was stalked by Randy Orton and caught him, delivering a stunner on Randy. Number 28 belonged to the dangerous Aleister Black, and he came right after Owens.
Black went to work with his stellar striking taking everyone down who got in his way including McIntyre. Samoa Joe was number 29, great crowd pop and he looked fired up but ran right into a flurry of strikes by Black. The final entry belonged to Seth Rollins and he was accompanied by the AOP and Buddy Murphy.
Joe and Owens went under the ropes and attacked Rollins and his entourage. Rollins and Murphy drug Edge and Orton out of the ring and threw them into the barriers. AOP threw Randy at Michael Cole and Booker T at the announce table. Rollins started stomping everyone in the middle of the ring and Black started to gain momentum but Rollins’ entourage at the side of the ring was a difference maker as Rollins was able to eliminate Black.
Owens made an attempt at eliminating Rollins but he was caught by the AOP. Joe tried to put Rollins to sleep but was disrupted by Buddy Murphy allowing Rollins to eliminate him. Edge and Randy slowly made their way back in the ring.
Rollins tried to form an alliance with Roman, after stomping his face and ate a Superman punch instead which lead to a claymore kick and his elimination by McIntyre which made five for him to this point.
Rated RKO decided to work together and take on Reigns and McIntyre. Edge speared McIntyre into the shadow realm and Rated RKO stood tall together at the center of the ring and did a double RKO on McIntyre. Edge eliminated Randy after Randy tried to pull a fast one on Edge. Roman and Edge went at it, center ring, Edge was able to leap over Roman’s spear and deliver a spear of his own and almost got an elimination. The two trade shots on the ring apron, allowing Roman to eliminate Edge. Great performance by Edge, he lasted 25 minutes.
The final two were Roman and Drew McIntyre and McIntyre delivered one of the most devastating claymores I’ve ever seen and threw Roman over the top rope. Drew McIntyre is your men’s Royal Rumble champion.
Overall this was a solid event, the rumble seemed like two rumbles in one. The Lesnar rumble and the post Lesnar rumble. The post Lesnar rumble was much more entertaining and the Lesnar rumble. The women’s Royal Rumble was the better of the two, but overall solid show, congrats to Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair, Wrestlemania is set. Let us know what you thought of the 2020 Royal Rumble.