2024 Royal Rumble: The Road to WrestleMania Begins
On January 27th, 2024, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida witnessed the electrifying 2024 Royal Rumble, marking the official commencement of the road to WrestleMania 40. The event captivated fans with thrilling matches, including the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, a United States Championship bout, and a tantalizing fatal four-way match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Men’s Royal Rumble Match: A Tale of Two Legends
The men’s Royal Rumble match ignited excitement from the outset, culminating in a captivating showdown between two WWE icons, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. These titans engaged in an intense battle, showcasing their signature moves and unwavering determination. As the match reached its climax, Rhodes executed a stunning counter to Punk’s GTS, ultimately eliminating him and securing the victory.
Rhodes’ triumph marked a historic moment, making him the first Superstar to win consecutive Royal Rumble matches since Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1997-98. This victory propelled him towards a championship opportunity at WrestleMania, setting the stage for a potentially legendary clash.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Bayley’s Historic Victory
The women’s Royal Rumble match captivated the audience with its duration and unpredictable twists. Bayley, entering at number 3, displayed exceptional resilience and determination throughout the contest. She eliminated numerous competitors, including the formidable Jade Cargill and Liv Morgan, before ultimately emerging as the victor.
Bayley’s victory held immense significance, as she shattered the record for the longest time spent in the ring during a women’s Royal Rumble match. This achievement earned her the opportunity to challenge either Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley or Damage CTRL cohort and WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky at WrestleMania.
United States Championship Match: Logan Paul Retains Amidst Controversy
The United States Championship match between Logan Paul and Kevin Owens promised high-octane action, and it delivered. Both competitors showcased their athleticism and signature maneuvers, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Paul landed a powerful right-hand punch, but Owens refused to stay down, kicking out of the pin attempt.
As the match progressed, Paul attempted to gain an unfair advantage by using brass knuckles, but the referee caught him in the act and had his friend escorted out. However, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller interfered, allowing Paul to retrieve the brass knuckles. He attempted to strike Owens with them, but Owens reversed the attack, using the knuckles to his advantage.
Despite Owens’ valiant efforts, the referee noticed the knuckles in his hand during the pin attempt and disqualified him. Paul retained his title, but Owens, filled with fury, unleashed an attack on Paul, sending him crashing through the announcer’s table. This heated rivalry is likely to continue in the lead-up to WrestleMania.
Fatal Four-Way Match for Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Reigns Retains His Dominance
The main event of the evening featured a high-stakes fatal four-way match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Roman Reigns, the reigning champion, defended his title against three formidable challengers: Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight. The match lived up to its billing, with each competitor showcasing their exceptional skills and signature maneuvers.
Orton executed three consecutive RKOs, targeting each challenger, but Solo Sikoa’s interference prevented the pinfall. Sikoa neutralized Orton and Knight, allowing Reigns to hit the Superman punch and the spear on Styles, securing the victory and retaining his championship.
Pat McAfee’s Return and WrestleMania 40 Sign Revealed
WWE commentator Pat McAfee made a special appearance at the Royal Rumble, serving as a commentator for the event. His presence added an entertaining dynamic to the broadcast, bringing his signature humor and insight to the matches.
During the event, the WrestleMania 40 sign was unveiled inside Tropicana Field, symbolizing the official start of the road to the grandest stage of them all. The winners of the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches pointed to the sign, signaling their upcoming championship opportunities.
Predictions for WrestleMania 40 Main Events
Based on the outcomes of the Royal Rumble matches and the ongoing storylines, several potential main events for WrestleMania 40 have emerged, each promising an unforgettable spectacle:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: A rematch between the two rivals, with Rhodes seeking revenge for his loss at SummerSlam 2023.
- Bayley vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship: A clash of two dominant forces in the women’s division, with Bayley looking to add another championship to her collection.
- Logan Paul vs. Kevin Owens for the United States Championship: A continuation of their rivalry, with Owens determined to dethrone Paul and reclaim the title.
- AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: A dream match between two of the most iconic performers in WWE history.
Conclusion
The 2024 Royal Rumble set the stage for an exhilarating road to WrestleMania 40. With captivating storylines and potential main events on the horizon, WWE fans can expect a thrilling journey leading up to the grandest stage of them all.