The Royal Rumble finally took place last night, and the show delivered two fantastic Royal Rumble matches. In addition to the usual 30-man Royal Rumble match, this year’s show was historic since it featured the first match to exclusively feature the female performers of the WWE roster. Several different names appeared in the two Royal Rumble matches, but only two from each match could emerge victorious. Who were the lucky individuals who each managed to outlast and throw 29 other competitors over the top rope? Who will be going to WrestleMania to challenge for a top championship in New Orleans this April? The answer is none other than Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka.
The two Japanese wrestling sensations both managed to pick up wins in incredible Royal Rumble matches. The men’s Royal Rumble match took place first this year, and the match ultimately came down to Finn Balor, John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Roman Reigns as the final four participants. Eventually, it came down to Roman and Shinsuke in the end. The two teased eliminating each other numerous times throughout the match. There were quite a few times where it looked as though Roman Reigns would win his second Royal Rumble match in Philadelphia. However, “The King of Strong Style” eventually eliminated “The Big Dog” and immediately challenged AJ Styles to a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.
HERE IS YOUR WINNER of the 2018 Men’s #RoyalRumble match…@ShinsukeN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/vy92p0vTgA
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
The 2018 Men’s #RoyalRumble match winner has spoken…@ShinsukeN wants @WWE Champion @AJStylesOrg at @WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/ghJncoW39H
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
The women’s Royal Rumble match also featured a similar number of big names currently on the roster, as well as a few recognizable female stars from the past. The final four participants in the match were Sasha Banks, Asuka, and the returning Bella Twins. After eliminating “The Boss” and her own sister, Nikki Bella and Asuka battled to be the winner of the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match. In the end, Asuka managed to eliminate Nikki, thus leaving her undefeated streak intact while still making history. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss then joined Asuka in the ring, but just as Asuka was about the decide which woman she would face for her title at WrestleMania, an unexpected guest appeared: Ronda Rousey.
HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE! @WWEAsuka is GOING to @WrestleMania as the first-ever winner of the Women’s #RoyalRumble match!#RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/xtuNPLshQQ
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018