2024 Royal Rumble Recap: Rhodes Wins, Bayley Makes History
Cody Rhodes Punches Ticket to WrestleMania with Royal Rumble Victory
In a thrilling main event, Cody Rhodes outlasted 29 other competitors to win the 2024 Royal Rumble and earn a championship match at WrestleMania 40. Rhodes entered the match at number 15 and eliminated CM Punk, the final competitor remaining, to secure the victory. This marks Rhodes’ second consecutive Royal Rumble win, making him the first person to accomplish the feat since Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1997-98.
Rhodes Points to Roman Reigns, Setting Up WrestleMania Showdown
After winning the Royal Rumble, Rhodes immediately pointed to Roman Reigns, who was watching the match from a suite. This sets up a highly anticipated WrestleMania 40 match between the two stars, with Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line.
Bayley Wins Women’s Royal Rumble, Breaks Record
In the women’s Royal Rumble match, Bayley emerged victorious after lasting over an hour in the ring. Bayley entered the match at number 3 and eliminated Liv Morgan, the final competitor remaining, to secure the victory. This marks Bayley’s first Royal Rumble win and makes her the first woman to win the match after entering at number 3.
Bayley to Challenge Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky at WrestleMania
With her Royal Rumble victory, Bayley has earned a championship match at WrestleMania 40. She will now have the opportunity to challenge either Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley or WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky, depending on who holds the title at the time of WrestleMania.
Logan Paul Retains United States Championship Against Kevin Owens
In a back-and-forth match, Logan Paul retained his United States Championship against Kevin Owens. The two stars traded near-falls throughout the match, but Paul was able to secure the victory after hitting Owens with a right hand. After the match, Owens attacked Paul, sending him through the announcer’s table. This rivalry is likely to continue in the coming weeks.
Roman Reigns Defeats Orton, Styles, and Knight in Fatal Four-Way Match
Roman Reigns successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a fatal four-way match against Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight. The match was filled with high-impact moves and near-falls, but Reigns was able to retain his title after hitting Styles with a spear. Solo Sikoa interfered in the match, preventing Orton from winning the championship.
Pat McAfee Returns as Special Commentator
Pat McAfee, the ESPN star and former WWE commentator, returned to the Royal Rumble as a special commentator. McAfee provided his usual entertaining commentary throughout the event, adding to the excitement of the matches.
Royal Rumble 2024 Match Card
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match: Cody Rhodes wins
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Bayley wins
- United States Championship Match: Logan Paul (c) def. Kevin Owens
- Fatal Four-Way Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) def. Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight
Royal Rumble 2024 Predictions
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match Winner: CM Punk
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match Winner: Bayley
- United States Championship Match: Logan Paul (c) defeats Kevin Owens
- Fatal Four-Way Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) defeats Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight
Surprises and Notable Moments
- Jade Cargill made her WWE in-ring debut in the women’s Royal Rumble match.
- Liv Morgan returned from injury in the women’s Royal Rumble match.
- Naomi returned to WWE in the women’s Royal Rumble match after departing the company in May 2022.
- R-Truth made a surprise appearance in the men’s Royal Rumble match.
- Asuka and Kairi Sane joined Damage CTRL, adding to the faction’s dominance.
Road to WrestleMania 40 Begins
With the 2024 Royal Rumble now in the books, the road to WrestleMania 40 officially begins. The winners of the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches have earned their championship opportunities at the biggest event of the year, and the storylines leading up to WrestleMania are sure to be captivating.