Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley clinched world titles, but the biggest story of the night was Bloodline.
Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley were destined for WrestleMania after winning their respective matches at the WWE Royal Rumble 2023. The show ended on an emotional note as Sami Zayn and The Bloodline took a huge step forward in one of the best WWE storylines in recent memory.
Rhodes and Ripley were the favorites to win their Royal Rumble match, and they did just that. Their match came close to being a disappointment, but put in a record-breaking showing and set the winner for a world title fight at WrestleMania 39.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated Kevin Owens in the physically grueling main event. After the match, Reigns insisted Zayn hit his estranged and defenseless best friend with a career-ending punch. Zane eventually turned his back on The Bloodline and refused to give in to his vicious demands. Perhaps the most exciting component of the closing segment was Jey Uso’s exit from The Bloodline, a moment that came alongside the group’s start and Jey Uso’s feud with Reigns in 2020.
Provide updates and highlights as the action unfolds on the live blog below.
WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Results, Review
Men’s Royal Rumble Match: Intercontinental Champions GUNTHER and Sheamus drew numbers one and two respectively. The ring began to fill with Kofi Kingston (#4) and Johnny Gargano (#5) joining the non-elimination battle. Gargano and Sheamus teamed up to knock The Miz (#3) out of the ring.
Xavier Woods enters at number 6, giving The New Day a serious lead on the field. The reigning NXT Tag Team Champions arrange the contest before engaging in one-on-one combat. GUNTHER threw Kingston over the ropes to set up what looked like the classic Royal Rumble venue. Unfortunately, Kingston seemed to hit the commentator’s chair too hard and hit the ground. This is the second year in a row that a planned location has gone awry.
Two-time Rumble winner Brock Lesnar entered in 12th place and cleared the house. He surpassed 30 career eliminations dropping Santos Escobar, Angelo Dawkins and Chad Gable. Bobby Lashley (#13) entered the next fight and stabbed Lesnar before finishing him. An enraged Lesnar smashed the announcer’s table. Lesnar rested the furniture and took his frustrations out on Baron Corbin (#14) by sending F-5s to protégés in the JBL ring. The former UFC champion threw the referee across the ring before finally exiting the area.
Seth Rollins stepped into the center. Rollins immediately eliminated Corbin, who was recovering from his Lesnar killing spree and outwitted Lashley for his second elimination of the night. Rey Mysterio’s music peaked at number 17, but he never performed. The reason for his absence was given when his estranged son Dominic Mysterio entered wearing his father’s mask at No. 18. The first surprise entrant of the night was revealed at number 21 as former World Heavyweight Champion and WCW Champion Booker T arrived to wild cheers from the crowd. Booker knocked Finn Balor down with a bookend before hitting his signature Spinaronie. He was then promptly removed from the ring by GUNTHER.
Damian Priest (#22) joined forces and gave Judgment Day dominance over their opponents. The three members of Judgment Day – Mysterio, Balor, and Priest – systematically uncover the other Superstars: GUNTHER, McIntyre, Sheamus, and Rollins. Edge’s arrival at number 24 elicited a huge backlash from the audience. Edge hasn’t been seen since Judgment Day left him at Extreme Rules in September. He immediately clashed with the Trio, the faction he led before being taken over by the Balor. Edge eliminated Balor and Priest before trying to do the same to Mysterio. Balor and Priest saved their Judgment Day tag team and sent Edge over the ropes. A fight broke out in the lanes between Edge, Balor, and Priest. Edge won the streak before Rhea Ripley caught him off guard. Beth Phoenix, former champion and Edge’s wife, comes to his rescue.
Logan Paul enters at No. 29, dispelling rumors of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, or Sami Zayn appearing at the match. The WWE Superstars Quartet stomped Paul into the middle of the ring as he entered. Paul had a brief moment of success, hitting Ricochet with an impressive buckshot run. In a unique moment, Paul and Ricochet jumped from opposite sides of the ring and hit each other with a clothesline in the air. Cody Rhodes’ long-awaited comeback came when he drew number 30. This was Rhodes’ first appearance in eight months since wrestling Rollins with a badly torn pectoral muscle in their Hell in a Cell match. Rhodes and Rollins have faced each other in the last four games. Paul, who had been ejected from the ring, sneaked back in and eliminated Rollins. The social media star signed autographs at WrestleMania before eating Cross Rhodes and being ejected from the match.
The match ended with Rhodes and GUNTHER, the latter setting the record for the longest time in a traditional Royal Rumble match – surpassing Rey Mysterio, who lasted 62 minutes in 2006. The two battled back and forth for the longest time with Rhodes finally hitting a Rhodes cross and eliminating GUNTER. Rhodes will now fight for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39.
It’s in the middle of Rumble Street. The truth won and was a refreshing change to see the last two Superstars get so much time. GUNTHER shone with a new record in its first rumble. There’s a lack of surprises and a general lack of big points, with the exception of Paul and Ricochet’s jumping clothesline dueling. The build for WrestleMania 39 should be fun and it’s great to see Rhodes back. Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble – Grade: B-
Bray Wyatt vs L.A. Knight (Black Match): Wyatt came to his first televised match in more than two years with a new look: black eye makeup and horror movie eye contact. The arena lights were dimmed, revealing a glow-in-the-dark game theme.
The action quickly spread outside as Wyatt Knight gave chase and punished. Wyatt tried to send Knight over the barricade onto the steel steps, but Knight escaped and elbowed Wyatt through the announcement table. Wyatt stepped out and chased Knight into the ring. Knight brandished his glow-in-the-dark kendo stick but dashed right at Sister Abigail’s target.
Wyatt, now wearing a mask, chases Knight around the arena after the match. Knight repeatedly hit Wyatt with his kendo stick to no avail. The knight’s attempts to escape were in vain. Wyatt finally caught her and strangled her offstage with a mandible nail. Mysterious Uncle Howdy appears on stage and lunges at Knight. A fire breaks out and the unlikely segment ends with Wyatt’s character looking on.
It was a weird third-party sponsored game that looked more weird than scary. Nice to see Knight being the striker during the game. Seeing Uncle Howdy do something physical should move this story forward. Wyatt fights Knight via pinfall – Grade: C-
Raw Women’s Championship – Bianca Bellaire (c) vs Alexa Bliss: Bellaire and Bliss wrestled a competitive match back and forth throughout the competition. The rivals matched perfectly, with Bliss countering Belair’s brilliant moon strike, a move Belair executed cleanly on her second try. The match ended when Belair pinned Bliss’ sister Abigail and used the momentum to hit the challenger with a KOD. A cryptic promo of Uncle Howdy mocking Bliss, previously linked to “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, after the match. Howdy repeatedly asked Bliss, “Do you feel responsible?”
The match was good but lacked intensity. Not many big highs or thrilling falls have ever challenged the score. It was set piece defense for the champions against an opponent few believed would beat the odds. Belair def. Bliss by pinfall to retain the Raw Women’s Championship – Grade: C+
Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Rhea Ripley, who sustained her injuries after being stabbed by Beth Phoenix during the men’s Rumble match, earned first place. Liv Morgan comes in at number 2 after admitting to starting the rumble.
Bailey came in 6th after a fairly quick effort among the other contestants. Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky entered the fight in 9th and 10th respectively to give CTRL’s Damage an advantage in the match. Natalya (#11) made her first appearance in months and was set for Shayna Bazler. The vengeful Becky Lynch joined the match in 15th place. He promptly knocked Kai and Skye out of the ring before treading a mud pit on Bayley. Lynch was knocked out of the ring by the middle rope – avoiding elimination – and pinned to the ring by Damage CTRL.
Asuka got one of the biggest taunts of the night when she entered number 17. She walked to the ring with a mask that completely covered her face and slowly took the mask off to reveal scary, clown-like face paint and contact lenses. His aesthetic is a nod to the domineering and imposing character he portrayed in Japan prior to joining WWE. Lynch came back into the match and knocked out Kai and Skye. Bayley got revenge on his Damage CTRL teammate by finishing off Lynch, but Bayley was soon knocked off the ropes by Morgan during the chaos.
Chelsea Green’s long-awaited return to WWE at No. 20. marks his first appearance in the promotion since its inception in 2021 alongside several other Superstars. Green was promptly knocked out by Ripley in a five-second women’s record rumble. Raquel Rodriguez tied for 22nd to a standing ovation from her fellow Texans. The powerhouse confronted leader Rumble Ripley and knocked him to the mat before taking over the rest of the field.
The clock struck zero for the 25th contestant and Michelle McCool’s music played. McCool sat in the front row with his kids and watched the game. McCool ripped off his civilian clothes to reveal the riot gear underneath and jumped over the barricade. The countdown to #30 concludes with the arrival of Nia Jax, who was released from WWE in November 2021. Jax goes through the signature monster spot move but is eliminated after a brief encounter with Ripley.
The roars reached Asuka, Morgan, and Ripley. The three women end up fighting in the ring aprons, with the threat of elimination looming. Asuka blinds Morgan with mist and Ripley kills Asuka. Morgan is a sitting duck but manages to bond with Ripley. The Judgment Day member is hanging by a rope for his life. In the closing sequence, Ripley grabs Morgan’s head and twists it to the ground. Ripley and Morgan had set the record for the longest time in a women’s Royal Rumble match, but the record would officially go to Ripley after Morgan was eliminated.
Several NXT Superstars featured in the bout including NXT Women’s Champions Roxanne Perez and Indi Hartwell and Piper Niven (formerly of Doudrop).
It was mostly a meandering rumble. The match did not have any major upsets, aside from McCool, and the inclusion of Jax at No. 30 could be the scariest comeback in Rumble history. There are some highlights. Asuka’s new look was well received and the final sequence between Asuka, Morgan, and Ripley clicked very well. Midway Thunder, is very similar to previous men’s matches. In either case, the favorite emerges victorious. Rhea Ripley Wins Women’s Royal Rumble Match – Grade: B-
WWE Undisputed Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs. Kevin Owens: Owens and Reigns mirrored each other during introductions, sitting on opposite corners of the ring. Owens took the lead early after practice. He crushed Reigns with a running senton and a corner bomb. Owens then turned his attention to ringside Zayn and Paul Heyman and kicked them in the groin.
The champion and challenger exchanged momentum inside and outside the ring. Zayn’s alliance with Reigns and his estranged friendship with Owens played a part in the match, as did this feud. Zayn was seen celebrating the near fall of Reigns and mourning Owens’ near fall. Commentators debated whether his excitement meant Reigns was close to winning or Owens hanging on and vice versa.
Owens continued to use his unflinching spirit, kicking both super kicks and javelins against the undisputed champion. Owens surprised Reigns, but Reigns pushed Owens into the referee. Owens followed up with a pop-up powerbomb that would have guaranteed his victory had the referee not been incapacitated.
Reigns hit Owens with a low blow and pushed Zayn to take the steel chair. Zayn protested the request, reminding Reigns that the champion had ordered him to stay out. Ordered a double and Zayn ran to get it. Zayn hesitated before handing the chair over to Reigns. The layoff was long enough for Owens to recover, make a splash, and be inches from becoming a champion. Reign bounces back with another spear that sends Owens out.
Owens crawled into the ring to join his former best friend. Zayn asked Owens to stay down and accept defeat. Reigns broke their moment by stabbing Owens through the barricade. The champion continued to taunt the challenger, repeatedly smashing Owens against the steel steps while stabbing Zayn with a dagger. The attack of anger seemed to be a firm message for Zayn. Reigns blasted Owens with the final javelin and scored the pin while glaring at Zayn.
After the match, Jey Uso attempted to give Zayn a lei – The Bloodline’s ceremonial introduction. Reigns interrupt the coronation and order the Usos to attack Owens. Reigns put his arm around Zayn’s shoulders with a big grin as Owens continued to be punished by Usos and Solo Sikoa. Zayn was clearly worried about Owens when Heyman handed Reigns the cuffs. The Usos repeatedly kicked the helpless Owens until he appeared to be unconscious.
Reigns attempted to finish his job with a chair in front of Owen’s face, but Zayn interfered. Zane insisted that it was enough and no further damage was needed. Reigns handed Zayn the steel chair and demanded that he deliver the finishing blow. Zayn’s hesitation fueled Reigns’ anger, who repeatedly slapped Zayn in the face. Zayn finally made his choice and hit Reigns with a chair. Jey Uso — the Bloodline member who formed the deepest connection with Zayn — snapped at him. Jimmy Uso Superkicks Zayn and Seikoa hit The Honorable Utse with Samoa Spike. Jey Uso, upset by his family’s actions, bursts into tears. Reigns accused Zayn of destroying his family and hit him with nearly a dozen chair shots.
There’s so much to discover in this game. Zayn’s loyalty to The Bloodline seemed genuine, but Reigns ultimately pushed Zayn too far. The highlight of the segment was, of course, Jey Uso’s exit. Reigns and Uso battled for the world title early on in Reigns’ championship, setting up The Bloodline. At this point, Jey Uso left The Bloodline after being reminded of the true nature of Reigns. set def. Owens retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Rating: A+
WWE Undisputed Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs. Kevin Owens: Owens and Zayn mirrored each other during the promotion and sat on opposite corners of the ring during the promotion. Owens took the lead early after practice. He crushed Reigns with a running senton and a corner bomb. Owens then turned his attention from ringside to Zayn and Paul Heyman and gave them a “suck” in the groin.
The champion and challenger exchanged momentum inside and outside the ring. Reigns hit Owens with an outside dropkick. Owens dove outside at Reigns before hitting a frog splash in the ring. Reigns returned one of Owens’ super kicks and lifted Owens for a two-count powerbomb.
Zayn’s alliance with Reigns and his estranged friendship with Owens played a part in the match, as did this feud. Zayn was seen celebrating the near fall of Reigns and mourning Owens’ near fall. Commentators debated whether his excitement meant Reigns was close to winning or Owens hanging on and vice versa.
Owens continued to use his unflinching spirit, kicking both super kicks and javelins against the undisputed champion. Owens avoided a javelin attempt in a corner and used it to plant a goose bomb that nearly earned him the world title. Owens surprised Reigns, but Reigns pushed Owens into the referee. Owens followed up with a pop-up powerbomb that would have guaranteed his victory had the referee not been incapacitated.
Reigns hit Owens with a low blow and pushed Zayn to take the steel chair. Zayn protested the request, reminding Reigns that the champion had ordered him to stay out. Ordered a double and Zayn ran to get it. Zayn hesitated before handing the chair over to Reigns. The layoff was long enough for Owens to recover, make a splash, and be inches from becoming a champion. Reign bounces back with another spear that sends Owens out. Owens crawled to his former best friend. Zayn asked Owens to stay down and accept defeat. Reigns broke their moment by stabbing Owens through the barricade. The champion continued to taunt the challenger, repeatedly smashing Owens against the steel steps while stabbing Zayn with a dagger. The attack of anger seemed to be a firm message for Zayn. Reigns blasted Owens with the final javelin and scored the pin while glaring at Zayn.
After the match, Jey Uso attempted to give Zayn a ley – a ceremonial introduction to The Bloodline. Reigns interrupt the coronation and order the Usos to attack Owens. Reigns put his arm around Zayn’s shoulders with a big grin as Owens continued to be punished by Usos and Solo Sikoa. Zayn was clearly worried about Owens when Heyman handed Reigns the cuffs. The Usos repeatedly kicked the helpless Owens until he appeared to be unconscious.
Reigns attempted to finish his job with a chair in front of Owen’s face, but Zayn interfered. Zane insisted that it was enough and no further damage was needed. Reigns handed Zayn the steel chair and demanded that he deliver the finishing blow. Zayn’s hesitation fueled Reigns’ anger, who repeatedly slapped Zayn in the face. Zayn finally made his choice and hit Reigns with a chair. Jey Uso — the Bloodline member who formed the deepest connection with Zayn — snapped at him. Jimmy Uso Superkicks Zayn and Seikoa hit The Honorable Utse with Samoa Spike. Jey Uso, upset by his family’s actions, bursts into tears. Reigns accused Zayn of destroying his family and hit him with nearly a dozen chair shots.
Songs from “F-k you, Roman!” broke through the crowd and the Royal Rumble cut to pals Zayn and Owens who was stationed at ringside.
There’s so much to discover in this game. Zayn’s loyalty to The Bloodline seemed genuine, but Reigns ultimately pushed Zayn too far. The highlight of the segment was, of course, Jey Uso’s exit. Reigns and Uso battled for the world title early on in Reigns’ championship, setting up The Bloodline. At this point, Jey Uso left The Bloodline after being reminded of the true nature of Reigns. set def. Owens retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Rating: A+
We ended the night with WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens.
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