Jump to content

Royal Rumble (2017)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Royal Rumble
Promotional poster featuring various WWE wrestlers
PromotionWWE
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown
DateJanuary 29, 2017
CitySan Antonio,Texas
VenueAlamodome
Attendance52,020[1]
Tagline(s)Remember the Rumble[2]
WWE Networkevent chronology
Previous
NXT TakeOver: San Antonio
Next
Elimination Chamber
Royal Rumblechronology
Previous
2016
Next
2018

The 2017Royal Rumblewas the 30th annualRoyal Rumbleprofessional wrestlingpay-per-view(PPV) andlivestreamingeventproduced byWWE.It was held for wrestlers from the promotion'sRawandSmackDownbrand divisions.The event took place on January 29, 2017, at theAlamodomeinSan Antonio,Texas.This was the second Royal Rumble to be held at this venue after the1997 event,and the fourth to be held in the state of Texas, after the1989,1997, and2007events.

Traditionally, theRoyal Rumble matchwinner receives a world championship match at that year'sWrestleMania.However, due to the brand split that was reintroduced in July 2016, the winner received a match for their respective brand's world championship atWrestleMania 33,either Raw'sWWE Universal Championshipor SmackDown'sWWE Championship.Themain eventwas the 2017 Royal Rumble match, which was won by SmackDown'sRandy Orton,who last eliminated Raw'sRoman Reigns.This made Orton the seventh multiple Royal Rumble winner.

Seven other matches were contested at the event, including three on the Kickoff pre-show. One of the more notable matches sawJohn CenadefeatAJ Stylesto capture his record 13th WWE Championship and his 16th overall world championship, tyingRic Flair's official record. Also on the undercard,Kevin Owensretained the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in ano disqualification match,Charlotte Flairretained theRaw Women's ChampionshipagainstBayley,andNevilledefeatedRich Swannto win theWWE Cruiserweight Championship.

It was also the last time that only the men's Royal Rumble match took place as the women's Royal Rumble match was introduced the following year.

Production[edit]

Background[edit]

The event was held at theAlamodomeinSan Antonio, Texas.

TheRoyal Rumbleis an annualgimmickeventproduced every January byWWEsince 1988. It is one of the promotion's original fourpay-per-views(PPV), along withWrestleMania,SummerSlam,andSurvivor Series,dubbed the "Big Four".[3]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. Announced on September 30, 2016, the 2017 event was the 30th Royal Rumble and was scheduled to be held on January 29, 2017, at theAlamodomeinSan Antonio,Texas,marking the second Royal Rumble to be held at this venue after the1997 event,and the fourth to be held in the state of Texas, after the1989,1997, and2007events. It was the first Royal Rumble to occur under the secondbrand extensionintroduced in July 2016, which split the roster between theRawandSmackDownbrands, where wrestlers were exclusively assigned to perform, thus the 2017 event included wrestlers from both brands. In addition to airing on PPV, the event waslivestreamedon theWWE Network.Tickets went on sale on October 14 throughTicketmaster.[4][5]

The Royal Rumble match generally features 30 wrestlers and the winner traditionally earns aworld championshipmatch at that year's WrestleMania.[6][7]As a result of the reintroduction of the brand extension, the winner of the 2017 Royal Rumble match earned a match for their brand's top championship atWrestleMania 33:Raw'sWWE Universal Championshipor SmackDown'sWWE Championship.This made it the first Royal Rumble to feature the Universal Championship, following its introduction on Raw in July 2016 after the WWE World Heavyweight 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 since the2013 event.[5]

Storylines[edit]

The event comprised eight matches, including three on the Kickoff pre-show, 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,[8][9]while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows,Monday Night Raw,SmackDown Live,[10]and thecruiserweight-exclusive205 Live.[11]

After defeatingBrock LesnaratSurvivor Seriesin his first match in 12 years,[12]Goldbergdeclared himself the first entrant in the Royal Rumble match on the November 21, 2016, episode ofRaw.[13]The next week, Lesnar's managerPaul Heymanstated that Lesnar would also compete in the Royal Rumble as he "has something to prove", having been "humiliated" by Goldberg.[14]Over the following weeks,The New Day(Big E,Kofi Kingston,andXavier Woods),Chris Jericho,Braun Strowman,[15]Baron Corbin,[16]The Undertaker,[17]Intercontinental ChampionDean Ambrose,The Miz,[18]Dolph Ziggler,[19]andRaw Tag Team ChampionsCesaroandSheamusannounced their participation in the match.[20]On the January 16, 2017, episode ofRaw,Titus O'Neilchallenged The New Day for one of their spots. Big E accepted the challenge and defeated O'Neil.[21]Bray Wyatt,Randy Orton,Luke Harper,[22]andBig Show[23]also announced themselves as participants in the Royal Rumble.Seth Rollinshad confirmed his entry viaTwitteron January 9,[24]but lost his spot toSami Zaynon the January 23 episode ofRaw,after a distraction byTriple H's music. Later in the night,Big CassandRusevannounced their participation in the match.[25]On the January 24 episode ofSmackDown,Mojo Rawleywon a 10-man battle royal to qualify for the match.[26]The remaining eight spots were revealed at the event during the match.

AtRoadblock: End of the Lineon December 18, 2016,Kevin Owensretained the WWE Universal Championship againstUnited States ChampionRoman Reignsafter Chris Jericho attacked Owens with a Codebreaker, giving Owens the win by disqualification. After the match, Jericho, who lost to Seth Rollins earlier that night, revealed he planned the disqualification so that Owens would win and retain the title. Reigns and Rollins attacked both Owens and Jericho by performing Double Powerbombs on both men through broadcast tables.[27]The next night onRaw,Raw General ManagerMick Foleyinterrupted Jericho and Owens celebrating, announcing that Reigns would get a rematch against Owens for the Universal Championship at Royal Rumble, and Jericho would be suspended above the ring inside of ashark cageto ensure that he would not interfere in the match. Foley threatened that if Jericho does not enter the cage, he would be fired. Both were then put into a tag team match against Reigns and Rollins. The latter two won by disqualification after Braun Strowman came out and attacked them.[28]The following week, Reigns retained the United States Championship against Owens after Rollins attacked an interfering Jericho.[29]The following week, Reigns again retained the United States Championship, this time against Jericho. Owens was banned from ringside during the match as a result of losing to Rollins earlier that night.[15]The following week, Reigns again defended the United States Title, this time in ahandicap matchagainst both Jericho and Owens. After Jericho and Owens double-teamed Reigns, Jericho scored the pinfall to become the United States Champion.[17]The next week, after the opening segment involving Owens, Jericho, Reigns, Rollins, Strowman (who had faced Rollins in previous weeks), Sami Zayn (who attacked Strowman during his recent matches), and Brock Lesnar ended in a brawl, a six-man tag team match was scheduled for the main event, with Owens, Jericho, and Strowman winning against Reigns, Rollins, and Zayn. After the match, Owens powerbombed Reigns through a broadcast table.[21]On the finalRawbefore Royal Rumble, Reigns faced Jericho in a rematch for the United States Championship, but Jericho was disqualified when Owens interfered, attacking Reigns. Owens and Jericho attempted to put Reigns in the shark cage, but Reigns retaliated and locked Owens in it, had it lifted above the ring, and then performed a "Superman Punch" and a spear on Jericho. Afterwards, it was announced that the match at Royal Rumble would be ano disqualification match.[25]

AtTLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairson December 4, 2016,AJ Stylesretained the then-WWE World Championship against Dean Ambrose in aTables, Ladders, and Chairs match.[30]On the December 13 episode ofSmackDown,Dolph Ziggler defeated Ambrose, The Miz, and Luke Harper in a four-way elimination match to earn a match for the renamed WWE Championship on the December 27 episode.[31]On the December 20 episode, however, Baron Corbin confronted Ziggler, calling him undeserving of a title shot and stated that Ziggler only won because he was not there. The two then had a match with Ziggler's title shot on the line, but it ended in a double count-out. Styles then attacked both Ziggler and Corbin with a chair. SmackDown General ManagerDaniel Bryanthen scheduled a triple threat for the WWE Championship between the three for the December 27 episode.[32]That episode,John Cenareturned from a near three-month hiatus and challenged the winner for the title at Royal Rumble. After Styles retained the WWE Championship, Cena came out, looking ready to fight, but instead congratulated him with a handshake.[33]

At Roadblock: End of the Line,Charlotte FlairdefeatedSasha Banksin overtime of a 30-minuteIron Man matchto win her fourthRaw Women's Championship,as well as ending their long feud.[27]On the followingRaw,Banks, in a knee brace and on a crutch, came to the ring to congratulate Flair but instead was attacked byNia Jax.Later, Flair came out and declared herself to be the greatest female wrestler of all time, butBayleyinterrupted Flair, reminding her that Bayley had beaten her twice on previous occasions. Bayley then pinned Flair in an impromptu non-title match. However, as replays showed that Flair had her shoulder up before the three count,[28]Flair faced Bayley in another non-title match the following week, but this time withDana Brookeas guest referee, who gave a fast three count to give Flair the victory.[29]On the January 2, 2017, episode ofRaw,Bayley defeated Jax due to a distraction by Banks to become the number one contender for the Raw Women's Championship at Royal Rumble.[15]Backstage the following week, Flair and Jax attacked Bayley and Banks and later defeated them in a tag team match.[17]On January 23, after a confrontation between the two, Banks was scheduled to face Jax on the Royal Rumble Kickoff pre-show.[34]

At Roadblock: End of the Line,Rich Swannretained theWWE Cruiserweight Championshipin atriple threat matchagainstT. J. PerkinsandThe Brian Kendrick.After the match,Nevilleappeared and attacked both Swann and Perkins, turning heel.[27]The following night onRaw,Neville stated his intention to take out the entire cruiserweight division, and proclaimed himself to be "King of the Cruiserweights". Swann questioned Neville's actions, but was then attacked by Neville and Kendrick, who sided with Neville. Perkins tried to help Swann, but was overpowered by Neville.[28]The next night on205 Live,Neville and Kendrick defeated Perkins and Swann in a tag team match.[35]The followingRaw,after Neville defeated Perkins, he challenged Swann to a match for the following205 Live.Later, after Swann defeatedAriya Daivari,he accepted the challenge, but was immediately attacked by Neville.[29]On205 Live,Neville defeated Swann in a non-title match, and proceeded to attack Swann again.[36]On the January 9, 2017, episode ofRaw,after defeatingLince Dorado,Neville proceeded to attack Dorado more until Swann came to his aid and fended off Neville.[17]On the following205 Live,after Swann defeatedTony Nese,Swann called out Neville, but Neville refused to face Swann unless it was for the Cruiserweight Championship. Swann then accepted Neville's challenge for the title at the Royal Rumble.[37]The followingRaw,Neville attacked Swann before his match with Nese, and Nese joined Neville in the attack.[21]

At Roadblock: End of the Line, Cesaro and Sheamus defeated The New Day's Big E and Kofi Kingston to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions, as well as ending New Day's record-long reign.[27]The following night onRaw,Mick Foley congratulated Cesaro and Sheamus and presented them with a new set of championship belts. The New Day also congratulated them, but were interrupted byLuke GallowsandKarl Anderson.Big E and Kingston then teamed with Cesaro and Sheamus to defeat Gallows and Anderson andThe Shining Stars(PrimoandEpico).[28]The following week, The New Day (Kingston and Xavier Woods) invoked their rematch clause for the titles, but were unsuccessful.[29]Cesaro and Sheamus then began a rivalry with Gallows and Anderson. On the January 2 episode ofRaw,Anderson defeated Cesaro.[15]The following week, Sheamus defeated Gallows.[17]On the January 16 episode, Cesaro and Sheamus defended the Raw Tag Team Championship against Gallows and Anderson. After the first referee was accidentally knocked out by Sheamus, another referee came out and called the winning pinfall for Gallows and Anderson. However, the original referee reversed the decision and made it a disqualification win for Gallows and Anderson, thus Cesaro and Sheamus retained the titles.[21]A title rematch between the two teams with two referees was then scheduled for the Royal Rumble Kickoff pre-show.[25]

At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs,Alexa BlissdefeatedBecky Lynchin atables matchto win theSmackDown Women's Championship.Subsequently, Bliss avoided a rematch against Lynch but lost a non-title match against "newcomer"La Luchadora,who made the champion submit to the Dis-arm-her and then unmasked as Lynch.[38]Over the next few weeks, an unknown villainess dressed as La Luchadora began to aid Bliss in matches against Lynch, including her successful title defense in aSteel Cage matchin the main event of the January 17, 2017 episode ofSmackDown,where La Luchadora was unmasked as the returningMickie James.[22]The following week, James explained that she became forgotten due to theWomen's Revolution;Lynch then came out, but was ambushed by Bliss.[26]Nikki BellaandNatalyahad entered a heated feud afterCarmellahad claimed that Natalya had attacked Bella atSurvivor Seriesin order to take her place in her match.[30]After denying the accusations at first, Natalya admitted to the attack on the December 20 episode ofSmackDown,revealing pent up jealousy ofThe Bella Twins,resulting in brawls between the two in the following weeks. One of these brawls, on the January 24 episode, resulted in a match between Natalya andNaomibeing canceled. Naomi, left without an opponent, then issued an open challenge. Bliss came out, not to accept the challenge, but to insult Naomi. A six-woman tag team match was then scheduled for the Royal Rumble Kickoff pre-show, putting Lynch, Bella, and Naomi against Bliss, James, and Natalya.[26]

Event[edit]

Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
English commentators Michael Cole
(Raw/Royal Rumble match)
Corey Graves
(Raw/Cruiserweight title match/Royal Rumble match)
Byron Saxton(Raw)
Mauro Ranallo
(SmackDown/Cruiserweight title match)
John "Bradshaw" Layfield(SmackDown)
David Otunga(SmackDown)
Tom Phillips(SmackDown)
Austin Aries(Cruiserweight title match)
Jerry Lawler(Royal Rumble match)
Spanish commentators Carlos Cabrera
Marcelo Rodríguez
German commentators Holger Böschen
Manu Thiele
Ring announcers Greg Hamilton(SmackDown)
JoJo(Raw/Royal Rumble match)
Referees Jason Ayers
Shawn Bennett
John Cone
Dan Engler
Darrick Moore
Chad Patton
Charles Robinson
Ryan Tran
Rod Zapata
Backstage interviewers Charly Caruso
Pre-show panel Renee Young
Booker T
Jerry Lawler
Shawn Michaels
Austin Aries
Peter Rosenberg

Pre-show[edit]

During the Royal Rumble Kickoff pre-show, Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, and Naomi faced SmackDown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, Mickie James, and Natalya. Naomi performed a split-legged moonsault on Bliss to win the match.[39]

Next, Cesaro and Sheamus defended the Raw Tag Team Championship against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson with two referees assigned to the match. Anderson pinned Cesaro with a roll-up whilst holding his tights to win the titles.[39]

After that, Nia Jax faced Sasha Banks. Jax performed a pop-up Samoan drop on Banks for the win.[39]

Preliminary matches[edit]

The actual pay-per-view opened with Charlotte Flair defending the Raw Women's Championship against Bayley. In the end, Charlotte performed a Natural Selection on Bayley onto the ring apron and pinned her to retain the title.[1]

Next, Kevin Owens defended the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a No Disqualification match, with United States Champion Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage. Outside the ring, Owens performed a frog splash on Reigns through a table and scored a nearfall. Jericho threw a pair of brass knuckles to Owens, which Owens used to perform a Superman Punch on Reigns for a nearfall. As Owens attempted a powerbomb through a chair, Reigns countered into a Samoan Drop through the chair on Owens for a nearfall. Reigns performed a Superman punch on Owens for a nearfall. Reigns attempted a Spear but Owens countered into a stunner on Reigns for a nearfall. Reigns performed a Superman punch on Owens, causing Owens to fall through chairs stacked outside the ring, which was followed by a powerbomb through an announce table to Owens. Braun Strowman interfered, attacking Reigns with a chokeslam onto an announce table and a running powerslam through a table positioned in the corner. Owens pinned Reigns to retain the title.[1]

After that, Rich Swann defended the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Neville. Neville forced Swann to submit to the Rings of Saturn to win the title.[1]

In the fourth match, AJ Styles defended the WWE Championship against John Cena. Cena performed an Attitude Adjustment on Styles for a nearfall. Styles performed a Phenomenal Forearm on Cena for a nearfall. A trade of reversals of Styles' Calf Crusher and Cena's STF followed. Styles applied the STF on Cena but Cena escaped and applied the figure-four leglock on Styles, which Styles turned into a cross armbreaker but Cena escaped. Styles performed a Styles Clash on Cena for a nearfall. Cena performed a Super Attitude Adjustment on Styles for a nearfall. Cena attempted another Attitude Adjustment, but Styles countered and performed a Styles Clash. Instead of attempting a pin on Cena, Styles attempted a Phenomenal Forearm, but Cena countered into a third Attitude Adjustment, which was immediately followed by a fourth Attitude Adjustment on Styles to win the title for his record thirteenth WWE Championship. With this win, Cena tied Ric Flair's record of 16 recognized world championship reigns.[1]However, the authenticity of this supposed record-tying has been called into question.Dave Meltzerhas stated that Flair is at minimum a 19-time world champion, writing "to me, the debate on Flair is whether he's a 19-time champion or a 20-time champion, but you can very much argue any number from 19 minimum to 23 maximum. In this day and age where the Internet is full of this information, it's kind of hard to cling to the 16 number, although" 16 "is the WWE mythology and it's hard to change from something they've pushed for so long."[40]

Main event[edit]

Randy Ortonwon the Royal Rumble for a second time, the first was in2009

The main event was the traditional 30-man Royal Rumble match with the winner earning a world championship match at WrestleMania 33. Big Cass and Chris Jericho began the match as the first and second entrants, respectively.Jack Gallagher,who was the fifth entrant, used his umbrella to attackMark Henry,but was eliminated by Henry. The seventh entrant, Braun Strowman, scored the most eliminations with seven, eliminating Cass,Kalisto,Mojo Rawley, Mark Henry, Big Show, NXT's surprise entrantTye Dillinger,andJames Ellsworth.Baron Corbin, the thirteenth entrant, eventually eliminated Strowman. Wyatt family members Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, and Luke Harper entered as the twenty-first, twenty-third, and twenty-fifth entrants, respectively. Wyatt tried to maintain peace between his family, but Harper attacked Wyatt and Orton. Brock Lesnar entered as the twenty-sixth entrant, executed F5s on Orton and The Miz, and eliminated Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose (the twelfth entrant), Dolph Ziggler (the twenty-fourth entrant), andEnzo Amore(the twenty-seventh entrant). Goldberg entered as the twenty-eighth entrant, quickly eliminated Lesnar after delivering a spear, and then eliminated Rusev and Harper. The Undertaker entered as the twenty-ninth entrant, eliminating Baron Corbin, Goldberg, The Miz, and Sami Zayn, however, he was eliminated by Roman Reigns, the thirtieth entrant.[1]

Jericho, Wyatt, Orton, and Reigns were the final four. Reigns eliminated Jericho by executing a Superman Punch to knock Jericho off the top rope, and after Wyatt attempted Sister Abigail on Reigns, Reigns countered into a Superman Punch and eliminated Wyatt. As Reigns attempted a Spear on Orton, Orton countered into an RKO and eliminated Reigns to win the match and earn himself a match for his brand's WWE Championship at WrestleMania 33. As a result of his win, Orton became a two-time Royal Rumble winner (the first time was in2009), and the seventh wrestler to win multiple Royal Rumble matches.[1][41][42]

Aftermath[edit]

The 2017 event would be the last Royal Rumble in which only the men's Royal Rumble match took place, as the women's Royal Rumble match was introducedthe following year.[43][44]

Raw[edit]

The following night onRaw,Braun Strowman revealed that he had helped Kevin Owens retain the WWE Universal Championship because of his dislike for Roman Reigns and because Owens had promised him a title shot. Owens denied this before Strowman showed footage confirming his claim. Raw General Manager Mick Foley then scheduled the match, which ended in no contest when Reigns interfered and attacked Strowman. Chris Jericho also faced Sami Zayn in a non-title match and lost.[45]The following week, Strowman was scheduled to face Reigns atFastlaneon March 5, and Jericho retained the United States Championship against Zayn.[46]In retaliation for being eliminated by Reigns during the Royal Rumble match, The Undertaker attacked Reigns with a Chokeslam on the March 6 episode,[47]and a match between the two was scheduled for the main event of WrestleMania 33.[48]

After being humiliated by Goldberg again, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman appeared onRawto challenge Goldberg to one final match at WrestleMania 33.[45]Goldberg appeared the following week and accepted Lesnar's challenge. Goldberg also challenged Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane, which was accepted by Chris Jericho on behalf of Owens and made official.[46]This resulted in Owens turning on Jericho on the February 13 episode and hospitalizing him.[49]

Also onRaw,Bayley, Cesaro, and Sheamus teamed up to face Charlotte Flair, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson in a six-person mixed tag team match where Bayley pinned Charlotte. Also, Sasha Banks had a rematch with Nia Jax, who dominated and defeated Banks again, exploiting her injured knee.[45]Bayley then defeated Flair in a rematch on the February 13 episode to become the Raw Women's Champion.[49]The following week, Charlotte invoked her rematch clause for Fastlane,[50]and Banks was scheduled for another match with Jax at Fastlane.[51]Also, on the February 6 episode, Cesaro and Sheamus invoked their rematch clause for the Raw Tag Team Championship, but the match ended in a disqualification thanks to interference from Enzo Amore and Big Cass.[46]Amore and Cass defeated Cesaro and Sheamus on the February 20 episode to become the number one contenders at Fastlane.[50]

Seth Rollins, who had been banned from the Royal Rumble, confronted Stephanie McMahon about her husband Triple H and Rollins' appearance a couple of nights prior atNXT TakeOver: San Antonio.Stephanie then revealed that Triple H would be onRawlater that night. Triple H showed up and called out Rollins. As Rollins made his way to the ring, NXT call-upSamoa Joemade his main roster debut and attacked Rollins on behalf of Triple H.[45]Joe's attack on Rollins re-injured the same knee that had sidelined him for six months.[52]It was reported that Rollins would be out of action for up to eight weeks and could possibly miss WrestleMania.[53]Rollins appeared on the February 27 episode ofRawto give an update. Triple H also appeared and confronted Rollins, who declared that he would be at WrestleMania.[51]

Neville came out for a "coronation" on becoming the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion. He was interrupted by Rich Swann, who stated that they will have a rematch before a brawl ensued.[45]The following night on205 Live,it was revealed that Swann was injured during the confrontation, and afatal five-way elimination matchwas scheduled for the following205 Liveto determine the number one contender for Neville at Fastlane,[46]which was won by Jack Gallagher.[54]

SmackDown[edit]

John CenadefeatedAJ Stylesto become a record 13-timeWWE Championand 16-time overall world champion, a feat previously only accomplished byRic Flairas recognized by WWE.

On the following episode ofSmackDown,Royal Rumble winner Randy Orton warned new WWE Champion John Cena that if he was still champion at WrestleMania, he would take the title from him. Orton then pinned Cena in a tag team match,[55]but lost to Cena the following week due to distraction by Luke Harper. Orton was scheduled to face Harper atElimination Chamberon February 12.[56]

A couple of weeks prior to the Royal Rumble, SmackDown CommissionerShane McMahonannounced that the main event of SmackDown's next pay-per-view would be anElimination Chambermatch for the WWE Championship. On January 30, after losing the title, it was confirmed that AJ Styles would be entering the match.[57]On the following episode ofSmackDown,Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan said that Styles would eventually get a one-on-one rematch for the title, and then revealed the other participants in the Elimination Chamber match: Bray Wyatt, Baron Corbin, The Miz, and Dean Ambrose.[55]

Becky Lynch and Naomi had another tag team match against Alexa Bliss and Mickie James, where Naomi again pinned Bliss.[55]Afterwards onTalking Smack,Bliss was scheduled to defend the SmackDown Women's Championship against Naomi at Elimination Chamber.[58]Also, Daniel Bryan announced that Natalya would face Nikki Bella at Elimination Chamber to settle their differences.[55]The following week, Lynch was scheduled to face James at Elimination Chamber.[59]

Results[edit]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[39][1]
1PNaomi,Nikki Bella,andBecky LynchdefeatedAlexa Bliss,Mickie James,andNatalyabypinfallSix-woman tag team match[60]9:35
2PLuke Gallows and Karl AndersondefeatedCesaroandSheamus(c) bypinfallTag team matchfor theWWE Raw Tag Team Championship[61]
Tworefereeswere assigned to the match.
10:30
3PNia JaxdefeatedSasha BanksbypinfallSingles match[62]5:10
4Charlotte Flair(c) defeatedBayleybypinfallSingles matchfor theWWE Raw Women's Championship[63]13:05
5Kevin Owens(c) defeatedRoman ReignsbypinfallNo Disqualification matchfor theWWE Universal Championship[64]
Chris Jerichowas suspended above the ring in ashark cage.
22:55
6NevilledefeatedRich Swann(c) bysubmissionSingles matchfor theWWE Cruiserweight Championship[65]14:00
7John CenadefeatedAJ Styles(c) bypinfallSingles matchfor theWWE Championship[66]24:10
8Randy Ortonwon by last eliminatingRoman Reigns30-manRoyal Rumble matchfor aworld championshipmatch atWrestleMania 33[67]1:02:07
(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
NXT
Winner
Draw Entrant Brand Order Eliminated by Time[67][68] Elimination(s)
1 Big Cass Raw 3 Braun Strowman 09:57 0
2 Chris Jericho Raw 27 Roman Reigns 1:00:13 2
3 Kalisto SmackDown 4 Braun Strowman 08:17 0
4 Mojo Rawley SmackDown 2 06:16 0
5 Jack Gallagher Raw 1 Mark Henry 03:20 0
6 Mark Henry Raw 5 Braun Strowman 03:17 1
7 Braun Strowman Raw 9 Baron Corbin 13:11 7
8 Sami Zayn Raw 25 The Undertaker 46:55 0
9 Big Show SmackDown 6 Braun Strowman 01:42 0
10 Tye Dillinger NXT 8 Braun Strowman 05:27 0
11 James Ellsworth SmackDown 7 Braun Strowman 00:15 0
12 Dean Ambrose SmackDown 16 Brock Lesnar 26:55 0
13 Baron Corbin SmackDown 21 The Undertaker 32:39 1
14 Kofi Kingston Raw 10 Cesaro & Sheamus 16:13 0
15 The Miz SmackDown 24 The Undertaker 32:44 0
16 Sheamus Raw 14 Chris Jericho 12:13 3
17 Big E Raw 12 Cesaro & Sheamus 09:46 0
18 Rusev Raw 20 Goldberg 22:31 0
19 Cesaro Raw 13 Chris Jericho 06:44 3
20 Xavier Woods Raw 11 Cesaro & Sheamus 04:47 0
21 Bray Wyatt SmackDown 28 Roman Reigns 24:11 0
22 Apollo Crews SmackDown 15 Luke Harper 05:46 0
23 Randy Orton SmackDown Winner 20:52 1
24 Dolph Ziggler SmackDown 17 Brock Lesnar 04:21 0
25 Luke Harper SmackDown 22 Goldberg 09:56 1
26 Brock Lesnar Raw 19 Goldberg 04:30 3
27 Enzo Amore Raw 18 Brock Lesnar 00:18 0
28 Goldberg Raw 23 The Undertaker 03:21 3
29 The Undertaker Raw 26 Roman Reigns 08:46 4
30 Roman Reigns Raw 29 Randy Orton 05:05 3

References[edit]

  1. ^abcdefghPowell, Jason (January 29, 2017)."1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho in a shark cage".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  2. ^Chris E. Hayner (January 18, 2017)."Randy Orton's 'Royal Rumble' win shows WWE is scared of the future".Screener.Archived fromthe originalon June 30, 2017.RetrievedJune 30,2017.
  3. ^Ian Hamilton.Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition(p. 160)
  4. ^WWE.com Staff (September 30, 2016)."Get Royal Rumble 2017 tickets now".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on October 2, 2016.RetrievedSeptember 30,2016.
  5. ^abWWE.com Staff (November 21, 2016)."The 2017 Royal Rumble Match".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on November 22, 2016.RetrievedJanuary 8,2017.
  6. ^"Specialty Matches: Royal Rumble".WWE.Archived fromthe originalon July 14, 2005.RetrievedDecember 3,2007.
  7. ^Waldman, Jon (February 2, 2005)."Statistical survival – breaking down the Royal Rumble".SLAM! Wrestling. Archived fromthe originalon October 19, 2015.RetrievedDecember 9,2007.
  8. ^Grabianowski, Ed (January 13, 2006)."How Pro Wrestling Works".HowStuffWorks.Discovery Communications.Archivedfrom the original on November 29, 2013.RetrievedMarch 5,2012.
  9. ^"Live & Televised Entertainment".WWE.Archived fromthe originalon February 18, 2009.RetrievedMarch 21,2012.
  10. ^Steinberg, Brian (May 25, 2016)."WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on May 26, 2016.RetrievedMay 25,2016.
  11. ^Csonka, Larry (November 11, 2016)."Triple H Conference Call Report: Discusses 205 Live, NXT Takeover: Toronto, Says HBK Working at the Performance Center and More".411Mania.Archivedfrom the original on November 12, 2016.RetrievedJanuary 8,2017.
  12. ^Keller, Wade (November 20, 2016)."Keller's WWE Survivor Series PPV Report 11/20: Goldberg vs. Lesnar, Raw vs. Smackdown, The Miz vs. Sami Zayn, more".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on November 23, 2016.RetrievedNovember 20,2016.
  13. ^Keller, Wade (November 21, 2016)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 11/21: Goldberg addresses crowd after his huge victory over Lesnar at Survivor Series, plus full show report".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on November 24, 2016.RetrievedNovember 21,2016.
  14. ^Keller, Wade (November 28, 2016)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 11/28: Live coverage – Charlotte defends against Sasha Banks, New Day defends against Anderson & Gallows".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on November 29, 2016.RetrievedNovember 28,2016.
  15. ^abcdKeller, Wade (January 2, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 1/2: Goldberg appearance, Sami vs. Braun in Last Man Standing match, Foley's new haircut".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 3, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 2,2017.
  16. ^Parks, Greg (January 3, 2017)."1/3 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report, including Miz vs. Ambrose for the I.C. Title".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 3,2017.
  17. ^abcdeKeller, Wade (January 9, 2017)."Keller's WWE Monday Night Raw Report 1/9: Reigns vs. Owens & Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Foley's Performance Review, Undertaker" rumored "to appear".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 10, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 9,2017.
  18. ^Parks, Greg (January 10, 2017)."1/10 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report, including Cena vs. Corbin, Wyatts vs. American Alpha for Tag Titles".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 12, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 10,2017.
  19. ^Beauchamp, Brandon (January 11, 2017)."Talking Smack 1/10: Shane McMahon joins Renee for interviews with Bliss and Becky, Ziggler, Mojo".Pro Wrestling Torch.RetrievedJanuary 11,2017.
  20. ^Wortman, James (January 16, 2017)."Cesaro & Sheamus to defend the Raw Tag Team Titles against Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on January 17, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  21. ^abcdKeller, Wade (January 16, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 1/16: Live ongoing detailed coverage and analysis including Lesnar's first words since Survivor Series loss, Rumble hype".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 18, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  22. ^abParks, Greg (January 17, 2017)."1/17 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report, including Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch for the Smackdown Women's Title in a Steel Cage".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 18, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  23. ^WWE(January 23, 2017)."Exclusive: A big name has been added to this Sunday's Royal Rumble Match!".Facebook.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 23,2017.
  24. ^WWE.com Staff (January 9, 2017)."Seth Rollins to enter the Royal Rumble Match".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on January 10, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 9,2017.
  25. ^abcKeller, Wade (January 23, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 1/23: Final show before the Royal Rumble, Goldberg-Lesnar hype, Reigns confronted by Jericho & Owens".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 23,2017.
  26. ^abcParks, Greg (January 24, 2017)."1/24 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report, including Luke Harper vs. Randy Orton, final Royal Rumble hype".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on January 27, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 24,2017.
  27. ^abcdKeller, Wade (December 18, 2016)."Keller's WWE Roadblock PPV Report 12/18: Owens vs. Reigns, Charlotte vs. Banks, New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro, Sami vs. Strowman".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 19, 2016.RetrievedDecember 18,2016.
  28. ^abcdKeller, Wade (December 19, 2016)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 12/19: Fallout from Roadblock including Jericho explaining his actions and putting Santa on his list".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2016.RetrievedDecember 19,2016.
  29. ^abcdKeller, Wade (December 26, 2016)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 12/26: Seth vs. Strowman, Roman defends U.S. Title, New Day gets Raw Tag Title rematch, more".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 28, 2016.RetrievedDecember 26,2016.
  30. ^abKeller, Wade (December 4, 2016)."Keller's WWE TLC PPV Report 12/4: Ongoing results including Styles vs. Ambrose, Orton & Wyatt vs. Slater & Rhyno, Lynch vs. Bliss, Miz vs. Ziggler".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 6, 2016.RetrievedDecember 4,2016.
  31. ^Parks, Greg (December 13, 2016)."12/13 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2016.RetrievedDecember 14,2016.
  32. ^Parks, Greg (December 20, 2016)."12/20 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 21, 2016.RetrievedDecember 20,2016.
  33. ^Parks, Greg (December 27, 2016)."12/27 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report, including three title matches, John Cena's return".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 28, 2016.RetrievedDecember 27,2016.
  34. ^Reuter, Sean (January 23, 2017)."WWE Royal Rumble 2017: Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks announced for Kickoff".Cageside Seats.Archivedfrom the original on January 28, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 23,2017.
  35. ^Galizia, Joey (December 21, 2016)."12/20 WWE" 205 Live "Review: Neville & Kendrick vs. Perkins & Swann, Cedric vs. Gulak, Lince Dorado vs. Ariya Daivari".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2016.RetrievedJanuary 10,2017.
  36. ^DeAngelo, Dominic (December 28, 2016)."12/27 WWE" 205 Live "Review: Swann vs. Neville in non-title match, Gallagher has his Gentlemen's Duel with Daivari, Alexander vs. Nese".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 29, 2016.RetrievedJanuary 10,2017.
  37. ^Martin, Andy (January 11, 2017)."WWE 205 Live Results – 1/10/17 (Live from Baton Rouge, Dar vs. Alexander, Swann vs. Nese headlines)".WrestleView.Archivedfrom the original on January 11, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 10,2017.
  38. ^Parks, Greg (December 6, 2016)."12/6 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2016.RetrievedDecember 8,2016.
  39. ^abcdPowell, Jason (January 29, 2017)."1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble Kickoff Show coverage – Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson for the Raw Tag Titles with two referees assigned to the match, Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax, six-woman tag match".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  40. ^Meltzer, Dave(February 1, 2017)."February 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Ronda Rousey retired, more".Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  41. ^Silverstein, Adam (January 29, 2017)."WWE Royal Rumble 2017 results: Randy Orton wins, John Cena earns 16th title".CBSSports.Archivedfrom the original on January 30, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 30,2022.
  42. ^Dilbert, Ryan (January 29, 2017)."WWE Royal Rumble 2017 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights".Bleacher Report.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 30,2022.
  43. ^"WWE: Royal Rumble (2017) Trivia".IMDb.Archivedfrom the original on December 23, 2021.RetrievedDecember 22,2021.
  44. ^Keller, Wade (December 18, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 12/18: Lesnar & Heyman address Strowman-Kane situation, Cedric vs. Gulak for Cruiserweight Title shot".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2017.RetrievedDecember 18,2017.
  45. ^abcdeKeller, Wade (January 30, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 1/30: Ongoing coverage of Royal Rumble fallout including Owens celebration cut short by ominous Strowman news".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 30,2017.
  46. ^abcdKeller, Wade (February 6, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 2/6: Samoa Joe signs his Raw contract, Seth Rollins update, Bayley vs. Jax, Goldberg, more".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on February 7, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 6,2017.
  47. ^Keller, Wade (March 6, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 3/6: Fallout from Fastlane including Jericho asking Owens for explanation for breaking up their friendship".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on March 7, 2017.RetrievedMarch 6,2017.
  48. ^Martin, Adam (March 13, 2017)."The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns announced for WrestleMania 33".WrestleView.Archivedfrom the original on March 14, 2017.RetrievedMarch 13,2017.
  49. ^abKeller, Wade (February 13, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 2/13: Las Vegas Festival of Friendship, Emmalina's debut, Fastlane developments, more".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on February 14, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 13,2017.
  50. ^abKeller, Wade (February 20, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 2/20: Kevin Owens explains his actions last week, plus full coverage of entire show".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on February 22, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 20,2017.
  51. ^abKeller, Wade (February 27, 2017)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 2/27: Goldberg speaks, Seth Rollins speaks, Reigns-Braun contract signing, more Fastlane final hype".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on March 1, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 28,2017.
  52. ^Wortman, James (February 1, 2017)."Seth Rollins injured by Samoa Joe during Raw".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 1,2017.
  53. ^Vassallo, Colin (February 2, 2017)."Seth Rollins out for a minimum of 8 weeks".Wrestling Online.Archivedfrom the original on February 5, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 4,2017.
  54. ^Powell, Jason (February 7, 2017)."2/7 Powell's WWE 205 Live TV Review: Noam Dar vs. Cedric Alexander vs. TJ Perkins vs. Jack Gallagher vs.?? in a Fatal 5-Way elimination match for a WWE Cruiserweight Title shot".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.Archivedfrom the original on February 8, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 7,2017.
  55. ^abcdKeller, Wade (January 31, 2017)."Keller's WWE SmackDown Report 1/31: The Royal Rumble fallout including Orton's Rumble win, Cena's WWE Title win, Wyatt Family drama".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 31,2017.
  56. ^Keller, Wade (February 7, 2017)."Keller's WWE SmackDown Report 2/7: Orton vs. Cena plus final Elimination Chamber hype".Pro Wrestling Torch.Archivedfrom the original on February 10, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 8,2017.
  57. ^Clapp, John (January 29, 2017)."Randy Orton to compete in the main event of WrestleMania 33".WWE.Archived fromthe originalon February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 31,2017.
  58. ^Moore, John (February 1, 2017)."Moore's WWE Talking Smack Recap: Daniel Bryan returns and talks about the lack of Smackdown representation at the Royal Rumble, Randy Orton on winning the Rumble match, Naomi talks about the glow, American Alpha appear".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 1,2017.
  59. ^Martin, Adam (February 7, 2017)."New match added to Elimination Chamber, updated card for Sunday".WrestleView.Archivedfrom the original on February 11, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 7,2017.
  60. ^Benigno, Anthony (January 29, 2017)."Naomi, Nikki Bella & Becky Lynch def. SmackDown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, Mickie James & Natalya".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  61. ^Adkins, Greg (January 29, 2017)."Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson def. Cesaro & Sheamus to win the Raw Tag Team Championships".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  62. ^Wortman, James (January 29, 2017)."Nia Jax def. Sasha Banks".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  63. ^Benigno, Anthony (January 29, 2017)."Raw Women's Champion Charlotte Flair def. Bayley".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  64. ^Taylor, Scott (January 29, 2017)."WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens def. Roman Reigns (No Disqualification Match, with Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage)".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  65. ^Wortman, James (January 29, 2017)."Neville def. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  66. ^Adkins, Greg (January 29, 2017)."John Cena def. AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  67. ^abBenigno, Anthony; Taylor, Scott (January 29, 2017)."Randy Orton won the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  68. ^WWE.com Staff (January 30, 2017)."Full 2017 Royal Rumble Match statistics: entrants, eliminations, times and more".WWE.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 30,2017.

External links[edit]