Roman Reigns Wins Royal Rumble 2024: Heads to WrestleMania | Full Match Recap & Highlights
Riyadh hosted a Royal Rumble event marked by unexpected twists, dominant performances and a clear path being forged toward WrestleMania. Roman Reigns emerged victorious in a chaotic main event, securing his opportunity to compete for a championship at the upcoming event in Las Vegas.
Early Dominance and Unexpected Attacks
The match began with Oba Femi immediately establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. However, the early stages were quickly disrupted by a shocking attack on Bron Breakker. A masked assailant ambushed Breakker on the ramp, delivering a Stomp and tossing him into the ring before disappearing into the crowd. Femi capitalized on Breakker’s compromised state, eliminating him almost instantly upon the bell.
A Whirlwind of Eliminations
Femi continued his early dominance, swiftly eliminating Solo Sikoa, Rusev, Rey Mysterio, and Matt Cardona. This rapid series of eliminations – totaling five – quickly positioned him as a standout competitor in the match. The pace remained frenetic as Damian Priest engaged Femi in a hard-hitting exchange, while Je’Von Evans utilized his agility to narrowly avoid elimination.
Mid-Match Chaos and Shifting Momentum
The match saw a series of unusual entries, and eliminations. AAA’s Mr. Iguana provided a brief comedic interlude before being eliminated by Priest. The arrival of Cody Rhodes shifted the focus, while Royce Keys (formerly Powerhouse Hobbs) enjoyed a brief period of dominance before facing Rhodes. LA Knight’s return was met with a massive reaction, and he quickly eliminated both Bronson Reed and Austin Theory.
Lesnar’s Interruption and the Arrival of Heavy Hitters
Brock Lesnar, accompanied by Paul Heyman, entered the fray and immediately began dominating, delivering suplexes to multiple competitors. His path crossed with Oba Femi, but their confrontation was repeatedly interrupted. Lesnar was eliminated through a combined effort from LA Knight and Cody Rhodes. Jey Uso and Roman Reigns then entered, sharing a brief moment before Reigns asserted his dominance.
The Final Stretch and Reigns’ Victory
The final stages of the match saw the arrival of Jacob Fatu, Randy Orton, and Gunther. Drew McIntyre surprised the field by eliminating Cody Rhodes. Roman Reigns quickly dispatched Fatu and Jey Uso, narrowing the field to Logan Paul, Randy Orton, and Gunther. Reigns eliminated Paul, while Gunther capitalized on an RKO from Orton to eliminate him. The final showdown came down to Reigns and Gunther, with Reigns ultimately overcoming Gunther’s repeated sleeper holds and securing the victory with a Spear.
What’s Next?
With his Royal Rumble win, Roman Reigns has earned another opportunity to compete for a championship at WrestleMania. A possible next step could be a defense of his current title against a challenger determined in the coming weeks. Gunther, having reached the final two, is likely to be a prominent contender. The dynamic between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, following McIntyre’s surprising elimination of Rhodes, could also develop into a significant storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Royal Rumble?
Roman Reigns won the Royal Rumble, earning his second career Rumble victory.
Who eliminated the most competitors?
Oba Femi eliminated five competitors early in the match: Bron Breakker, Solo Sikoa, Rusev, Rey Mysterio, and Matt Cardona.
What was unusual about the El Grande Americano sequence?
Two El Grande Americanos entered the ring, both using a metal plate hidden in their masks to attack opponents before ultimately eliminating each other.
Given the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble, what storyline are you most eager to see unfold leading up to WrestleMania?