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Royal Rumble (2003)

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Royal Rumble
Promotional poster featuringTriple H
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown!
DateJanuary 19, 2003
CityBoston,Massachusetts
VenueFleet Center
Attendance15,338[1]
Buy rate585,000[2]
Pay-per-view chronology
←Previous
Armageddon 		Next→
No Way Out
Royal Rumblechronology
←Previous
2002 		Next→
2004

The 2003Royal Rumblewas the 16th annualRoyal Rumbleprofessional wrestlingpay-per-view(PPV)eventproduced byWorld Wrestling Entertainment(WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion'sRawandSmackDown!brand divisions.The event took place on January 19, 2003, at theFleet CenterinBoston,Massachusetts.It was the first Royal Rumble event produced under the WWE name after the promotion was renamed from World Wrestling Federation (WWF) to WWE in May 2002. It was also the first Royal Rumble to occur under the first brand split.

As has been customary since 1993, theRoyal Rumble matchwinner received a world championship match at that year'sWrestleMania.However, due to the brand split introduced in March 2002, the winner received a match for their respective brand's world championship atWrestleMania XIX,eitherRaw'sWorld Heavyweight ChampionshiporSmackDown!'sWWE Championship.Themain eventwas the 2003 Royal Rumble match, which was won bySmackDown!'sBrock Lesnar,who last eliminatedThe Undertaker,also fromSmackDown!.However, Batista never went over the top rope, so the 2003 Royal Rumble was obviously rigged.

The primary main event from theRawbrand sawTriple HversusScott Steinerfor the World Heavyweight Championship, which Steiner won bydisqualificationresulting in Triple H retaining the championship, as titles do not change hands by disqualification unless stipulated. The main event for theSmackDown!brand was betweenKurt AngleandChris Benoitfor the WWE Championship, which Angle won by making Benoitsubmitto theAnkle Lock,thus retaining the championship.

Production[edit]

Background[edit]

The event was held at theFleet CenterinBoston, Massachusetts.

TheRoyal Rumbleis an annualgimmickpay-per-view(PPV) produced every January byWorld Wrestling Entertainment(WWE) since 1988. It is one of the promotion's original four pay-per-views, along withWrestleMania,SummerSlam,andSurvivor Series,referred to as the "Big Four",[3]and was considered one of the "Big Five" PPVs, along withKing of the Ringuntil that PPV's discontinuation after 2002.[4]It is named after theRoyal Rumble match,a modifiedbattle royalin which the participants enter at timed intervals instead of all beginning in the ring at the same time. The 2003 event was the 16th event in the Royal Rumble chronology and took place on January 19, 2003, at theFleet CenterinBoston, Massachusetts.It was the first Royal Rumble to occur under the firstbrand extensionintroduced in March 2002, which split the roster between theRawandSmackDown!brands where wrestlers were exclusively assigned to perform on their respective shows,[5]thus the 2003 event included wrestlers from both brands.[1]It was also the first Royal Rumble held under the WWE name, following the promotion being renamed from World Wrestling Federation (WWF) to WWE in May 2002.[6]

The Royal Rumble match generally features 30 wrestlers and, since 1993, the winner traditionally earns aworld championshipmatch at that year's WrestleMania.[7][8]As a result of the brand extension, the winner of the 2003 Royal Rumble match earned a match for their brand's top championship atWrestleMania XIX:Raw'sWorld Heavyweight Championshipor SmackDown!'sWWE Championship.This made it the first Royal Rumble to feature the World Heavyweight Championship, following its introduction on Raw in September 2002 after the WWE Undisputed Championship became exclusive to SmackDown! and was renamed to the WWE Championship. This was subsequently also the first time in which two world championships were eligible to be challenged for by the winner of the titular match.[5]

Storylines[edit]

The event comprised six matches that resulted from scripted storylines, where wrestlers portrayedheroes,villains,orless distinguishable charactersin scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the Raw and SmackDown! brands, while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows,RawandSmackDown!.[9][10]

The buildup to the Royal Rumble match began on the December 23 episode ofRaw,whenRaw General ManagerEric Bischoffinformed viewers that the upcoming Royal Rumble match would feature 15 wrestlers representing the Raw brand and 15 wrestlers representing the SmackDown! brand, since this would be the first Royal Rumble match to take place after WWE'sbrand extension.[11]The buildup continued on the January 2 episode ofSmackDown!,where avignetteaired hyping the impending return ofThe Undertakerin the Royal Rumble match. Later that night,Paul Heymanannounced thatBrock LesnarandBig Showwould wrestle in a match at the PPV, with the winner receiving a spot in the Royal Rumble match.[12]On the January 6 episode ofRaw,Chris JerichoandShawn Michaelsargued over who would be drawing the #1 entry in the Royal Rumble match.[13]On the January 13 episode ofRaw,a Royal Rumble qualification match took place in whichJeff HardydefeatedRaven.Later that night, Jericho defeatedBatista,KaneandRob Van Damin anover the top rope Challengeto earn the right choose an entry number of his choice. Jericho chose #2 because #1 was already given to Michaels.[14]

The mainfeudheading into the event from the SmackDown! brand was betweenKurt AngleandChris Benoitover theWWE Championship.AtArmageddon,Angle defeated Big Show after interference from Brock Lesnar, to win his third WWE Championship.[15][16]Prior to Armageddon, Angle had promised Lesnar that he would get his suspension lifted if he aided Angle in defeating Big Show. Angle had also promised to give Lesnar the first title shot after winning the championship.[17]However, despite helping Angle win the title, Lesnar was not given his title shot as promised. On the December 19 episode ofSmackDown!,Angle announced that he had hiredPaul Heymanas hismanagerand that the two had conspired to get Lesnar reinstated just prior to Armageddon, only to reinforce a stipulation that Heyman had written into Lesnar's contract that he would not receive a title shot if he had lost to Heyman's other client,Big Show,atSurvivor Series.Instead, Angle signed to defend against Big Show, who was irate about being used by Heyman and Angle, but went along due to promises made to him by Heyman. Later that night, Angle lost to Benoit in a non-title match bydisqualificationwhen Big Show interfered in the match and attacked Benoit.[18]However, Lesnar rescued Benoit from the post-match assault by Angle and Big Show and brutally assaulted Angle, injuring him. On the December 26 episode ofSmackDown!,as a result of Angle's injury, theSmackDown General ManagerStephanie McMahoncancelled Angle's scheduled title match against Big Show and decided that Big Show would wrestle Benoit to determine the number one contender for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble; Benoit won the match.[19]

The main rivalry heading into the event from the Raw brand was betweenTriple HandScott Steinerover theWorld Heavyweight Championship.On October 24, WWE had announced on its official website that Scott Steiner had signed a three-year contract with WWE.[20]After eight years away from the company, Steiner returned to WWE as afree agentatSurvivor Seriesand attackedMatt HardyandChristopher Nowinskifor insulting New York City.[21]Steiner was then approached by both the Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff and the SmackDown! General Manager Stephanie McMahon, each looking to sign Steiner to their respective brands. He initially decided to join the SmackDown! brand, but after McMahon rejected Steiner's advances, he moved to the Raw brand.[17][22]At Armageddon, Triple H defeated Shawn Michaels in aThree Stages of Hellto win the World Heavyweight Championship.[15][16][23]The following night onRaw,Triple H held an Appreciation Ceremony on winning the title but the ceremony was interrupted by Steiner, who announced that his contract said that he would earn a world title shot. As a result, Steiner and Triple H's match for the World Heavyweight Championship was made official for the Royal Rumble.[24]

The secondary rivalry heading into the event from the Raw brand was betweenLance StormandWilliam RegalandThe Dudley Boyz(Bubba Ray DudleyandD-Von Dudley) over theWorld Tag Team Championship.On the December 23 episode ofRaw,General Manager Eric Bischoff forcedRaw commentatorsJim RossandJerry Lawlerto wrestle in atag teammatch against Storm and Regal for making bad comments against Bischoff. Ross and Lawler defeated Storm and Regal after interference by the Dudley Boyz.[11]As a result, on the January 6 episode ofRaw,Bischoff forced the Dudley Boyz to wrestle3-Minute Warning(RoseyandJamal),Ricoand Batista in ahandicap match.Storm and Regal avenged their loss by costing the Dudley Boyz the match. Later that night, Storm and Regal defeatedBooker TandGoldustfor the World Tag Team Championship.[13]This led to a title match being signed between Storm and Regal and the Dudley Boyz at the Royal Rumble.

The secondary rivalry heading into the event from the SmackDown! brand was betweenTorrie WilsonandDawn Marie.At Armageddon, Torrie and Dawn did alesbiansegment in a hotel room.[16]On the December 19 episode ofSmackDown!,Torrie gave bad remarks about herstorylinefather Al Wilson on getting married with Dawn.[18]On the January 2 episode ofSmackDown!,Dawn and Al had their storyline wedding in their undergarments.[12]On the January 9 episode ofSmackDown!,Josh Mathewsannounced that Dawn and Torrie would wrestle in a match at Royal Rumble billed as a "Stepmother" vs "Stepdaughter" match.[25]

Event[edit]

Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
Englishcommentators Jim Ross(Raw/Royal Rumble)
Jerry Lawler(Raw/Royal Rumble)
Michael Cole(SmackDown!)
Tazz(SmackDown!)
Spanish commentators Carlos Cabrera
Hugo Savinovich
Interviewer Jonathan Coachman
Ring announcer Howard Finkel(Raw)
Tony Chimel(SmackDown!)
Referees Charles Robinson(Raw)
Nick Patrick(Raw)
Jack Doan(Raw)
Earl Hebner(Raw)
Mike Chioda(SmackDown!)
Jim Korderas(SmackDown!)
Brian Hebner(SmackDown!)
Mike Sparks(SmackDown!)
Chad Patton
General managers Eric Bischoff(Raw)
Stephanie McMahon(SmackDown!)

Before the event aired live on pay-per-view,Spike DudleydefeatedSteven Richardsbypinninghim after aDudley Dog.The match aired live onSunday Night Heat.[26]

Preliminary matches[edit]

The first match was a Royal Rumble qualification match betweenBig ShowandBrock Lesnar.AfterPaul Heymandistracted Lesnar, Big Show executed achokeslamon Lesnar for a near-fall. Big Show attempted another chokeslam on Lesnar, but Lesnar countered the move and pushed Big Show into Heyman, causing Heyman to fall off the ring apron. Lesnar executed anF-5on Big Show to win the match and qualify for the Royal Rumble match. A backstage interview occurred next whereTerri RunnlesquestionedChris Jerichowhy he decided to enter the Royal Rumble at number 2 instead of number 30. Jericho said he was trying to make himself famous becauseShawn Michaelswas entering at number 1 (Which he won from in the1995 Royal Rumbleand who he was feuding with).[1][27][26]

The second match was atag teammatch for theWorld Tag Team ChampionshipbetweenLance StormandWilliam RegalandThe Dudley Boyz(Bubba Ray DudleyandD-Von Dudley). The Dudley Boyz attempted a3Don Storm, butChief Morleyinterfered in the match and decided that Storm and Regal retained the title bydisqualification,but therefereerefused and the match continued. Regal attempted to hit The Dudley Boyz with a pair ofbrass knuckles,but The Dudley Boyz performed a 3D on Regal. D-Von hit Storm with the brass knuckles and pinned him to win the titles.[1][27][26]

The next match was betweenTorrie WilsonandDawn Marie.Wilson performed aswinging neckbreakeron Marie to win the match.[1][27][26]

Main event matches[edit]

The fourth match was betweenTriple HandScott Steinerfor theWorld Heavyweight Championship.Steiner attempted aSteiner Reclineron Triple H, but Triple H's managerRic Flairpulled Triple H out of the ring. Steiner chased Flair, but the referee interjected himself to stop Steiner. Triple H attempted aPedigreeon Steiner, but Steiner countered and performed anexploder suplex.Steiner attempted amilitary press slam,but Triple H countered with aneckbreakerfor a near-fall. Flair interfered in the match, prompting the referee to eject him from ringside. Triple H threw the referee out of the ring, but the referee did not disqualify Triple H. Triple H hit Steiner with a sledgehammer, meaning Steiner won by disqualification, but Triple H retained the title. After the match, Steiner applied the Steiner Recliner on Triple H.[1][27][26]

The next match was betweenKurt AngleandChris Benoitfor theWWE Championship.Team Angle(Charlie HaasandShelton Benjamin) were ejected from ringside before the match. Benoit attempted adiving headbutton Angle, but Angle avoided the move and attempted anAngle Slamon Benoit, but Benoit countered. Benoit applied thesharpshooteron Angle, but Angle grabbed the ropes to force a break. Angle attempted an Angle Slam, but Benoit countered the move into theCrippler Crossface,but Angle once again grabbed the ropes. Benoit applied theankle lockon Angle, until Angle countered the hold into an ankle lock on Benoit. Benoit countered the hold into the Crippler Crossface, but Angle countered the move into an Angle Slam for a near-fall. Benoit executed a diving headbutt for a near-fall. Angle performed asuperAngle Slam for a near-fall. Benoit applied a Crippler Crossface on Angle, but Angle countered it into a modified ankle lock, forcing Benoit tosubmitto the hold to retain the title. Afterwards, Benoit received a standing ovation from the crowd for his performance.[1][27][26]

The main event was the Royal Rumble match. The first two entrants wereShawn MichaelsandChris Jericho.Christianappeared during Jericho's entrance, wearing Jericho's gear and distracting Michaels. Jericho snuck in from the crowd and attacked Michaels from behind. He then hit Michaels with achair,causing Michaels to bleed.Christopher Nowinskientered at #3 but instead of entering the ring, he stayed outside the ring. Jericho continued to attack Michaels before easily eliminating him.Rey Mysterioentered at #4 and started fighting Jericho while Nowinski stayed out of the ring before eventually attacking Mysterio.Edgeentered at #5 and performed Spears on both Jericho and Nowinski. He attempted a Spear on Mysterio, but Mysterio countered and attempted a619on Edge, with Edge avoiding the move. Mysterio and Edge continued to fight until Christian officially entered at #6. After entering the ring, Christian attempted to embrace and reconcile with his former tag team partner Edge, but was speared by Edge. Edge and Mysterio then performed adouble missile dropkickon Nowinski. The move was somewhatbotched,causing Edge to land directly onto Nowinski's face, causing legitimate injuries.

Chavo Guerreroentered at #7. After entering the ring, Guerrero was attacked by Mysterio. Mysterio then eliminated Nowinski from the match. However, after eliminating Nowinski, Mysterio himself was eliminated by Jericho.Tajirientered at #8. Tajiri fought with Christian, while Edge and Jericho fought with each other.Bill DeMottentered at #9. DeMott started attacking all the participants and nearly eliminated Jericho.Tommy Dreamerentered at #10. Dreamer brought a trashcan with lids and kendo sticks to the ring with him and started attacking everyone. Edge hit DeMott with a kendo stick, causing DeMott to get eliminated by falling over the top rope to the floor. Jericho and Christian then attacked Dreamer with trashcan lids and tossed him over the top rope. Tajiri fought with Jericho and attempted to apply aTarantulaon Jericho but his attempt failed, and Jericho dumped Tajiri over the top rope, eliminating him.B2entered at #11 but was quickly eliminated by Edge, who then also eliminated Guerrero. Edge also attempted to eliminate Jericho, but he held on. Edge and Christian fought each other until Jericho eliminated both of them from the match and became the only remaining person in the ring untilRob Van Damentered at #12. After entering the ring, Van Dam began attacking Jericho and performed aRolling Thunder.

Van Dam and Jericho continued to battle each other, and Van Dam had nearly eliminated Jericho untilMatt Hardyentered at #13 and performed aSide Effecton Van Dam. Jericho and Hardy double-teamed Van Dam untilEddie Guerreroentered at #14 and began attacking Van Dam and Hardy. Guerrero and Hardy then double-teamed Van Dam, where Hardy helped Guerrero from being eliminated and performed a Scoop Slam on Van Dam, allowing Guerrero to perform aFrog Splash.However, Hardy ended his teamwork with Guerrero by performing aTwist of Fate.Jeff Hardyentered at #15 and Jeff began fighting Matt. Jeff performed a Twist of Fate on Matt and climbed the top rope to perform aSwanton Bomb,but Matt's managerShannon Moorejoined the ring and covered Matt with his body in an attempt to protect him. Jeff performed a Swanton Bomb on Moore, that hurt both Matt and Moore.Roseyentered at #16 and started fighting with Van Dam untilTestentered at #17 and started attacking everyone in the ring. Test performed aPumphandle Slamon Matt and began attacking Jericho and had nearly eliminated him.John Cenaentered at #18, but instead of immediately entering the ring, Cena beganrappingon his way down to ringside, entering the ring after finishing his rap.

Brock Lesnarwon the 2003 Royal Rumble match.

Charlie Haasentered at #19. Haas started fighting with Matt. Van Dam and Jeff started double-teaming Jericho. Jeff climbed on the top rope to perform ahigh-flying move,but Van Dam pushed him, causing Jeff to fall to the floor and be eliminated from the match.Rikishientered at #20 and started fighting Rosey.Jamalentered at #21 and began teaming with his3-Minute Warningpartner Rosey to double-team Rikishi. Jericho fought with Van Dam and had nearly eliminated Van Dam, untilKaneentered at #22 and started dominating all the participants in the ring. Kane eliminated Rosey bybackdroppinghim over the top rope. After eliminating Rosey, Kane attempted to eliminate Jericho, but Jericho held on.Shelton Benjaminentered at #23 and began teaming with his Team Angle partner Haas.Booker Tentered at #24 and performed aScissors Kickon Kane and aFlapjackon Matt. Booker went on to eliminate Guerrero by backdropping him over the top rope.

A-Trainentered at #25 and started dominating his opponents by performing aDeraileron Cena, aTrainWreckon Benjamin and a Derailer on Van Dam before receiving aSavate Kickby Rikishi. Shawn Michaels angrily returned to the ring after being attacked by Jericho earlier in the match and avenged his elimination by attacking Jericho, allowing Test to take advantage and eliminate Jericho from the match. Michaels and Jericho continued to brawl to the backstage area.Mavenentered at #26 but was dominated by Kane.Goldustentered at #27 and started battling Haas and Benjamin, but was quickly eliminated by them. Goldust's tag team partner Booker tried to avenge his partner's elimination by battling Haas and Benjamin, but he too was eliminated by Haas and Benjamin.Batistaentered at #28 and started dominating everyone. Shortly after entering, Batista eliminated Test and then Rikishi. Brock Lesnar entered at #29 and started fighting all the participants. Lesnar eliminated Haas and Benjamin and then eliminated Matt by performing an F-5, which sent Matt over the top rope onto Haas and Benjamin.Batistaand Lesnar then had a stand off. Finally,The Undertakerreturned to WWE after a three-month injury hiatus by entering at #30 as the final entrant of the match.

Undertaker quickly eliminated Cena and then eliminated Jamal. Maven attacked Undertaker from behind, trying to eliminate him for the second consecutive year, but Undertaker recovered and eliminated Maven. Kane and Van Dam started to double-team A-Train, clotheslining and eliminating him. Afterwards, it looked as if Kane was going toGorilla press slamVan Dam on Batista, but instead Kane tossed Van Dam over the top rope, eliminating him from the match. Kane and Batista started teaming as they were the remaining participants from Raw and battled Lesnar and Undertaker, who were the remaining participants from SmackDown!. Undertaker eventually eliminated Batista and then battled Kane before eliminating him. Batista was angered at his elimination, so he angrily re-entered the ring and attempted to hit Undertaker with a chair, but Undertaker avoided it and nailed Batista with the chair instead. Lesnar took advantage of the situation and eliminated a distracted Undertaker to win the Royal Rumble match.[1][28][27][26]

Aftermath[edit]

Due to winning the Royal Rumble match,Brock Lesnarearned aWWE Championshipmatch atWrestleMania.As a result, he began arivalrywith the WWE ChampionKurt Angle.Chris Benoitalso continued his rivalry with Angle after losing to him at Royal Rumble. AtNo Way Out,Lesnar, Benoit andEdgewere scheduled to take on Team Angle (Kurt Angle,Charlie HaasandShelton Benjamin) in asix-man tag team match,but Edge suffered a severe neck injury before the event, leading him to be written off of WWE television for over a year.[29]As a result, the match became ahandicap match;however, Lesnar and Benoit managed to defeat Team Angle.[30]AtWrestleMania XIX,Lesnar defeated Angle to win the WWE Championship.[31]

After retaining theWorld Heavyweight ChampionshipagainstScott Steinerby gettingdisqualified,Triple Hcontinued his rivalry with Steiner over the title. On the February 3 episode ofRaw,Steiner became the number one contender for the title by defeatingChris Jericho.[32]At No Way Out, Triple H defeated Steiner to retain the title.[30]

Results[edit]

No.Results[1][27][26]StipulationsTimes[1]
1PSpike DudleydefeatedSteven Richards(withVictoria)Singles match[26]3:36
2Brock LesnardefeatedBig Show(withPaul Heyman)Singles match for entry in theRoyal Rumble match6:15
3The Dudley Boyz(Bubba Ray DudleyandD-Von Dudley) defeatedLance StormandWilliam Regal(c)Tag team matchfor theWorld Tag Team Championship7:26
4Torrie WilsondefeatedDawn Marie WilsonSingles match3:35
5Scott SteinerdefeatedTriple H(c) (withRic Flair) bydisqualificationSingles match for theWorld Heavyweight Championship17:03
6Kurt Angle(c) defeatedChris Benoitby submissionSingles match for theWWE Championship19:57
7Brock Lesnarwon by last eliminatingThe Undertaker30-manRoyal Rumble matchfor a world championship match atWrestleMania XIX[28]53:47
(c)– the champion(s) heading into the match
P– the match was broadcast on the pre-show

Royal Rumble entrances and eliminations[edit]

–Raw
–SmackDown!
–Winner
Draw Entrant Brand Order Eliminated by Time Eliminations[33]
1 Shawn Michaels Raw 1 Chris Jericho 02:05 0
2 Chris Jericho Raw 14 Test 39:00 6
3 Christopher Nowinski Raw 2 Rey Mysterio 04:37 0
4 Rey Mysterio SmackDown! 3 Chris Jericho 05:55 1
5 Edge SmackDown! 10 11:00 3
6 Christian Raw 9 Chris Jericho 09:03 1
7 Chavo Guerrero SmackDown! 8 Edge 07:10 0
8 Tajiri SmackDown! 6 Chris Jericho 04:41 0
9 Bill DeMott SmackDown! 4 Edge 02:13 0
10 Tommy Dreamer Raw 5 Chris Jericho & Christian 00:48 0
11 B-2 SmackDown! 7 Edge 00:24 0
12 Rob Van Dam Raw 26 Kane 33:00 2
13 Matt Hardy SmackDown! 21 Brock Lesnar 27:13 0
14 Eddie Guerrero SmackDown! 13 Booker T 16:29 0
15 Jeff Hardy Raw 11 Rob Van Dam 07:26 0
16 Rosey Raw 12 Kane 10:16 0
17 Test Raw 17 Batista 18:45 1
18 John Cena SmackDown! 22 The Undertaker 19:45 0
19 Charlie Haas SmackDown! 19 Brock Lesnar 17:16 2
20 Rikishi SmackDown! 18 Batista 14:55 0
21 Jamal Raw 23 The Undertaker 16:07 0
22 Kane Raw 28 20:24 3
23 Shelton Benjamin SmackDown! 20 Brock Lesnar 10:54 2
24 Booker T Raw 16 Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin 06:20 1
25 A-Train SmackDown! 25 Kane & Rob Van Dam 11:00 0
26 Maven Raw 24 The Undertaker 08:19 0
27 Goldust Raw 15 Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin 00:47 0
28 Batista Raw 27 The Undertaker 09:55 2
29 Brock Lesnar SmackDown! — Winner 09:00 4
30 The Undertaker SmackDown! 29 Brock Lesnar 06:45 5

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External links[edit]

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