#2024 Royal Rumble: The Road to WrestleMania Begins
Men’s Royal Rumble Match: A Clash of Legends
The 2024 Royal Rumble ignited the road to WrestleMania with a star-studded Men’s Royal Rumble match. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk kicked off the high-octane spectacle, captivating the audience with their athleticism and tenacity. As the match progressed, iconic wrestlers like Drew McIntyre, Ricochet, Damian Priest, and The Miz joined the fray, escalating the intensity with every elimination. In a heart-pounding climax, Rhodes countered Punk’s GTS, sending him over the top rope to secure the victory and earn a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. This marked Rhodes’ remarkable second consecutive Royal Rumble win, solidifying his status as a top contender.
United States Championship Match: Logan Paul Retains Amidst Controversy
Logan Paul’s United States Championship reign faced a formidable challenge from Kevin Owens in a highly anticipated match. The build-up was rife with animosity and personal attacks, setting the stage for an explosive encounter. Both wrestlers showcased their impressive skills and athleticism, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Owens came close to victory on multiple occasions, but Paul’s resilience and determination kept him in the fight. However, the match took a controversial turn when Austin Theory and Grayson Waller interfered, providing Paul with an opportunity to regain control. The referee caught Paul attempting to use brass knuckles, resulting in a disqualification and Owens retaining his title. The aftermath saw a furious Owens unleashing an attack on Paul, sending him through the announcer’s table, further fueling their intense rivalry and setting the stage for a potential rematch.
Fatal Four-Way Match for Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns’ Reign Continues
The main event of the evening was a highly anticipated Fatal Four-Way Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, featuring Roman Reigns defending his title against Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with each challenger having their moments to shine. Orton hit three consecutive RKOs, but Solo Sikoa’s interference prevented him from securing the victory. Styles also came close to dethroning Reigns, hitting a Styles Clash on the champion, but LA Knight broke up the pin. In the end, it was Reigns who emerged victorious, hitting the Superman punch and spear on LA Knight to retain his title.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Bayley Triumphs, Setting the Stage for WrestleMania
The Women’s Royal Rumble match featured a diverse lineup of talented wrestlers, including Bayley, Jade Cargill, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, and Becky Lynch. The match lasted over an hour, with Bayley ultimately emerging as the victor after eliminating Cargill and Morgan. Bayley’s victory was historic, as she broke the record for the longest time spent in the ring during a Women’s Royal Rumble match. She now has the opportunity to challenge either Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley or WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky at WrestleMania.
Surprises and Returns: The Royal Rumble Delivers
The Royal Rumble is known for its surprise entrants, and this year’s event was no exception. Fans were delighted to see the return of Naomi, who had been absent from WWE since May 2022. Another surprise entrant was Jade Cargill, the reigning AEW TBS Champion, making her first appearance in WWE. Cargill’s participation sparked speculation about a potential collaboration between AEW and WWE, although both companies have denied such rumors.
The Road to WrestleMania 40 Begins
With the Royal Rumble winners determined, the road to WrestleMania 40 officially commenced. Cody Rhodes, as the Men’s Royal Rumble winner, set his sights on challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Bayley, as the Women’s Royal Rumble winner, has the option to challenge Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky for their respective titles. The possibilities for WrestleMania 40 are endless, and fans eagerly await the culmination of these storylines at the grandest stage of them all.