January 25, 2015 | Philadelphia, PA_________________________________________
The Road to WrestleMania begins here! Michael Cole, JBL and Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler welcome us to the 28th annual Royal Rumble where we will see one of the biggest WWE World Heavyweight Championship matches in history. John Cena and Seth Rollins will both try to wrestle the title from the grasp of the most dominant champion in history - Brock Lesnar. Also tonight, the Royal Rumble Match itself. Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Kane, Big Show, Ryback, Dolph Ziggler.. they’re all in. But only one will be in the main event of WrestleMania! We head up to the ring and Lilian Garcia for our first match!
The Ascension defeat The New Age Outlaws via pinfall.
The New Age Outlaws are desperate to show they still have something to bring to the table. However, their newcomer opponents are equally as determined to validate their claims to being the most dominant tag team in WWE history. Six-time Tag Team Champions Billy Gunn and Road Dogg control for a good portion of this match. Following a tilt-a-whirl slam Gunn has Viktor ready for the Fameasser. But a blind tag from Konnor shifts the tide and he eliminates Road Dogg from the activity. The Ascension seize control and put Gunn away with the Fall of Man for the 1-2-3 and their most significant victory since storming onto the scene in WWE. Very much needed since their embarrassment at the hands of the Outlaws and nWo this past Monday on Raw Reunion in Dallas.
The commentary team take the baton and discuss other incidents from the historic event last Monday, notably the first ever Raw appearance for “the Vigilante”, Sting. His unexpected arrival allowed John Cena to defeat Seth Rollins, against the odds, and reinstate former WWE Superstars Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan to their jobs. Whilst a feel good story unfolded on Raw Triple H sought to ensure not all was smooth for the returning trio on Smackdown. Once again against the odds Ziggler and Ryback managed to find a way to qualify for tonight’s Royal Rumble Match. Sadly, Rowan could not get passed former tag-team partner Luke Harper, a minor victory at least for The Authority.
Speak of the devil(s) and they shall appear - Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are backstage in their office discussing Raw and Sting’s involvement in helping John Cena. Both are in agreement that Sting is on the fast lane to “major problems” if he continues to stick his nose in The Authority’s business. Paul Heyman appears from the fringes of the camera’s view to raucous reception from the Philadelphia crowd, many of whom are still ECW faithfuls. You can cut the tension with a knife due to the animosity between both Heyman’s client and The Authority’s “chosen champion”. But ever the businessman Heyman has a proposition, and one that perks the interest of our resident power couple. If they want rid of Sting once and for all there is only one way - Brock. Lesnar.
The Usos defeat The Miz and Damien Mizdow via pinfall to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Brotherly love and camaraderie ensure that Jimmy and Jey hold onto the titles at the Royal Rumble. Miz wants the spotlight to himself and refuses to tag his partner Mizdow, although he still requires the saves from his popular stunt-double on more than one occasion. Not even the rabid response from the Philly crowd could entice Miz to make the tag as he systematically tried to dismantle his opponents on his own. But the spotlight was not on the Awesome One tonight, as the reigning champions sealed victory with a Splash from the top-rope onto Miz.
Our WWE analysts - Renee Young, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T - talk about tonight’s Triple Threat Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The focus is on the fact that Brock Lesnar does not have to be pinned to lose the title. Tonight John Cena has the chance to equal Ric Flair’s record of 16 World Heavyweight Titles. Can it be done? All give their selections as to who will walk out as champion, and the unanimous opinion that we will see the rise of Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins.
J&J Security are in the locker room with Seth Rollins pacing about. The self-proclaimed future of the WWE urges his security team to be focused, on both Cena and Lesnar, focused on securing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins dismisses Noble for calling him the future - he’s the right now.
“Rise” by David Guetta feat. Skylar Grey accompanies a video package of some of the finest moments in WrestleMania history. We’re only 63 days away from the Grandest Stage of Them All!
Paige and Natalya defeat The Bella Twins via pinfall.
The action is intense from the opening sound of the bell. The Queen of Harts and her partner (and “friend”) rally and battle the assault from the reigning Divas Champion Nikki and her sister Brie. Paige makes the anticipated hot-tag after being yanked off the apron by Brie and dashing the hopes of Natalya in the ring. Paige ducks a vicious forearm shot from Nikki and puts her away with the Paige-Turner! A shock win for the unlikely duo. How will this affect the Divas Title picture with such a big win?
We’re in the back once against as a huge tombola rotates the entry numbers for tonight’s Royal Rumble Match. Roman Reigns appears to a mixed reception and draws his number, followed by Cesaro (the Swiss Superstar proving much more popular with tonight’s crowd). Cesaro smiles to himself as he looks at the number he has drawn and the number Reigns has in his grasp. “Do you believe in luck, my friend?” The King of Swing makes his exit as Reigns looks on.
The WWE Superstars are geared up for the Royal Rumble Match as we hear from a select few. Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Fandango, United States Champion Rusev, Daniel Bryan and Big Show all stake their claim and announce themselves as the winner of tonight’s 30-man melee.
It’s almost time for the Triple Threat Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. We see the rivalry so far and how we got to this point.
Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) defeats John Cena and Seth Rollins (with J&J Security) via pinfall to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Lesnar dominates early proceedings with his infamous German suplexes, repeating over and over and over until the involvement of Mercury and Noble stops him, albeit briefly. They too suffer the same merciless treatment at the hands of the Beast Incarnate. All three men dish out all they have - AAs, Curb Stomps, F-5s - none of it quite enough to walk away with the WWE World Heavyweight Title. Lesnar shows superhuman strength and will to kick out of THREE consecutive AAs, to the disbelief of Cole, JBL and Lawler. Cena rams the steel steps into the head of the champion and sends him tumbling back onto the Spanish announce table. We all know what’s coming! Rollins makes his move from the top-rope and drives his elbow into the heart of Lesnar, bouncing off his 300lbs frame and obliterating the table. Lesnar is now out of the equation it seems. It’s down to Cena and Rollins in the ring, both hardly breathing. J&J Security recover long enough to receive a double AA to even the odds once again. Rollins goes up for the AA and is sent crashing down. Cena looks certain to win the belt until the Beast rises from nowhere and drags Cena to his feet, delivering a violent German suplex to the Cenation leader. He tumbles from the ring and leaves Rollins as defenceless prey for Lesnar. But he hasn’t noticed the Money in the Bank briefcase lying in the corner. He approaches Rollins only to be smashed in the face with the briefcase. He topples backwards as Rollins charges with another brutal shot with his guaranteed title shot. One more and Lesnar finally goes down. It’s time to finish this! Lesnar is struggling to his feet, but Rollins doesn’t intend on letting him get that far as he slides the briefcase under his chin. He bounces off the ropes and attempts to Curb Stomp Lesnar into oblivion but it’s countered into the F-5! F-5 from Lesnar! He makes the cover and gets the three-count. In an early match of the year candidate, Lesnar retains the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and books his place in the main event of WresteMania!
Stone Cold Steve Austin holds a record three victories in 1997, 1998 and 2001. He is also one of three men to win back-to-back victories, the other two being Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan. Rey Mysterio holds the record for a single appearance by lasting 1 hour, 2 minutes and 12 seconds in 2006, Santino Marella with the shortest at just 1.9 seconds. Both Kane and Shawn Michaels hold the record for total eliminations, both at 39 each. Kane also has the record tally of 17 appearances in this match, with tonight to be his 18th. Chyna, Beth Phoenix and Kharma are the only Divas to appear in the match, but only one has managed to eliminate at least one of the male counterparts. The number 27 has yielded the most winners, with Big John Studd, Yokozuna, Bret Hart and Steve Austin triumphing from this position. However, the average winning number is 20, with 62% of victories coming between entries 20-30. Yes, our annual stats video drags on and lets us know it’s time for the Royal Rumble Match! (as if we didn’t know that 216, 557lbs of humanity has entered the Rumble!)
Lilian Garcia goes through the rules briefly and we’re ready for #1 - Dolph Ziggler! It’s a position he knows well having entered first in both the 2010 and 2013 Rumbles as well. Making his third bow in the Rumble, at #2 it’s Ryback.
Perhaps the unlucky draws for both men have something to do with The Authority? Who knows? All we know is both men are professionals and shake hands before the match knowing that despite their shared suppression by The Authority it’s every man for themselves. The start off with a few false eliminations. Ziggler hangs on as we count down to our next entry…
It’s Dean Ambrose! The Lunatic Fringe enters to the roar of the crowd. Again, another anti-Authority figure enters the fray. There’s a brief stare down between Ambrose and Ryback, a respectful nod, and they go at it! What a big start to the Royal Rumble Match. You’d have said beforehand that all three were possibly contenders to win the whole thing. But entering so early on can anyone see them doing that now? Ziggler’s back in the match and he Ambrose unite to try and push out the Big Guy. It’s that time again…
Bo Dallas makes his return! He makes a slow entrance to the Rumble, spouting his sickening positivity as he walks down the ramp. The three participants in the ring look equally as annoyed as the Philly crowd. “I’m back! If you work hard enough you can overcome anything! If you work hard enough you can beat injuries and setbacks! If you work hard enough you can achieve your dreams! Thank you so much! I know you BOlieve in me and my dream - to win the Royal Rumble Match and headline WrestleMania! I know you BOlieve I will win toni..” Meathook Clothesline! Ryback shuts Bo Dallas up as the crowd roars. He makes the first elimination and tosses Dallas over the top rope. Not much of a return! (BO DALLAS IS ELIMINATED) The three in the ring continue to battle as the clock reappears…
He is the quite possibly the greatest Royal Rumble veteran of them all - the Big Red Machine, Kane! The Corporate Monster has done enough to make the lives of Ziggler, Ryback and Ambrose hell and his run-ins with all three could come back to haunt him here. He hesitates at first before finally entering the ring to a mob attack! Kane knows how to survive in these matches and battles back. He picks off the smaller two of the three before going for Ryback, trading huge blows that would devastate any normal man. Ambrose comes back in and goes after Kane. He realises that he is the major threat right now. Entry #6 on the way…
The Miz enters his 8th Rumble Match, rushing the ring and attacking Ziggler as he makes his way to his feet. The former WWE Champion was not victorious earlier in the evening in chasing the WWE Tag Team Championship and is eager to make his mark here. He pushes Ziggler towards the ropes and tries to lift him out. Kane is beating on Ambrose as Ryback makes the save. Ziggler’s up and over! He hangs on but Miz tries to force him loose with his boot…
WWE Tag Team Champion Jey Uso! He goes straight for The Miz and trades blows as they did earlier tonight. It saves Ziggler and allows him to get himself together and roll back under the bottom rope. Ryback has Kane teetering on the top rope as he hangs on. Jey fends off Miz and pummels him in the corner of the ring. Miz needs some help here!…
Damien Mizdow breathes in the reception front the crowd before storming the ring to help his partner. Mizdow and Uso trade blows back-and-forth, the crowd cheering every shot Mizdow lands. Enough time passes to allow Miz to recuperate and he sneaks up from behind and tosses Jey Uso out over the top rope! (JEY USO IS ELIMINATED) Miz stands taunting Uso on the outside of the ring with his hands out to his sides. “This is my Rumble!” However, he doesn’t see Mizdow behind him.. pondering… The crowd urges him to eliminate his partner. Mizdow looks around before deciding to approach Miz, who turns at the last second. He’s livid! “What the hell are you doing?! This is MY Rumble! You do as I say! You help me to win!” Mizdow backs down and the crowd does not approve. Their little domestic dispute has allows Dean Ambrose to sneak up and throw them both out! Miz looks on in disbelief at his partner, obviously blaming him for their double elimination! (THE MIZ IS ELIMINATED) (DAMIEN MIZDOW IS ELIMINATED) The countdown restarts…
Kofi Kingston is up next at #9. The most innovative Royal Rumble participant in WWE history hits the ring and battles with Ambrose. Ryback and Kane are still trying to overpower each other. I don’t think anyone will win here, they’re evenly matched. Ziggler makes his way over and grabs the leg of Kane, trying to eliminate the Corporate Monster. The Show-Off seems to be lagging a little bit. Suddenly we cut backstage to Triple H at the curtain that leads to ringside. He’s pretty irate but we can’t see at who. “Send him out! I want him in the ring NOW!”. What does he mean? Luckily for us the countdown reappears and we’re about to find out!…
It’s the United States Champion Rusev! The Bulgarian Brute enters his second Royal Rumble at the #10 spot and now the game has certainly changed (courtesy of The Game!). Lana unleashes her man as he rushes the ring, going straight for Ryback. It seems Triple H has had enough of the trio that started our battle royal tonight. Rusev is effective and he saves Kane from elimination. He dodges a Meathook Clothesline and levels Ryback with a kick to the jaw. Staggering towards the ropes he’s now in serious trouble. Rusev rushes and clotheslines him out and over the top! Ryback is gone! (RYBACK IS ELIMINATED) Rusev now turns his attention to Ziggler. What a mercenary this man is for The Authority! Ziggler clings to the bottom rope as the United States Champion stomps away! We’re ready for #11…
Jack Swagger races out to the ring and goes straight for Rusev! These two have history and they immediately go head to head. The All-American American takes down Rusev with a big boot and the crowd roars with Swagger in unison, “We the people!”. Kane returns the favour for Rusev and jumps Swagger from behind. The Big Red Machine dominates Swagger and we head into the countdown with a Chokeslam on the way…
Our first surprise of the Royal Rumble and it’s X-Pac! Making his first appearance in a WWE ring in 13 years and his first Rumble appearance in 15, the former DX star rushes the ring and takes down Ambrose, Kofi and Ziggler with spinning heel kicks. He turns into the looming Kane and the crowd roars in approval at these two former tag team partners coming face-to-face for the first time in years! X-Pac tells Kane to “suck it” and goes straight in for the kill! A wise move? He lands several kicks to the face and pushes Kane towards the ropes but then makes the mistake of rushing towards him. This allows Kane to dodge him and assist in throwing him clear over the top rope! Kane is now the sole record holder for total eliminations in the Royal Rumble Match! (X-PAC IS ELIMINATED) The crowd boos the elimination of the returning X-Pac and continue to sound their disapproval as Kane and Rusev double team Dean Ambrose. The Authority are looking to dominate this match and dictate the main event of WrestleMania. They’re well on their way! The crowd begins the count…
It’s one of the favourites - Roman Reigns with unlucky #13! Will it be a sign of things to come tonight? The Big Dog hits the ring and takes down Rusev and Kane! The Rumble needed someone to come in and take the fight to the Authority! Ziggler also joins the fray! Swagger and Kofi occupy one corner with Kofi hanging in there. Reigns nails a huge Spear on Rusev and prepares to swat Kane down with a Superman Punch! Kane catches him round the throat and counters for the Chokeslam, but Reigns breaks the hold and kicks him in the gut, bounces off the ropes and connects with a sickening Superman Punch! The countdown returns…
The stars have aligned and the cosmic forces have brought Stardust into the action at entry #14. He approaches the ring twitching and talking to himself, going straight in for Kofi Kingston and Jack Swagger. The action is starting to even out now. In addition to Stardust, Kingston and Swagger we still have Roman Reigns, Kane, Rusev, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler, the #1 entrant. There’s no give anywhere as we get the clock back…
A huge explosion kills the lights and warns us of the arrival of our next entrant - #15 Chris Jericho! The crowd erupts for the appearance of Y2J and he gets in the ring after Kane and Rusev. Jericho goes to work but is soon overpowered by the sheer size of his opponents. Stardust nails a springboard Bionic Elbow on Kofi and takes him down. Rusev is now battling with Ziggler, who was been in now over 30 minutes. Ambrose isn’t far behind after entering at #3. Roman Reigns and Jack Swagger are fighting it out…
Fandango is #16! He hits the ring and goes straight for Jericho! Rusev and Ziggler are going at it still with the U.S. Champion in control.. for the most part. Ziggler battles back but is caught round the torso. Rusev launches him with a huge belly-to-belly suplex up and over the top! (DOLPH ZIGGLER IS ELIMINATED) Second elimination of the match for Rusev. The crowd is not happy with that one and a “We want Ziggler!” chant breaks out. Fandango and Jericho trade blows and attract the attention of Rusev. Kane and Ambrose are both looking dangerous as the try to lift each other up and out…
R-Truth is in at #17. He goes in after Stardust. Reigns almost has Swagger out! Not quite, the former U.S. Champion hangs on. Dean Ambrose is put down with a Chokeslam by Kane. It’s an all-out brawl now! Truth finds himself on the apron… and a Disaster Kick from Stardust sends him out! (R-TRUTH IS ELIMINATED) Not a good showing from R-Truth. Rusev clotheslines Kofi Kingston, he’s out! (KOFI KINGSTON IS ELIMINATED) There’s going to be no theatrics from Kofi this year!…
A big entry.. Bray Wyatt! Everyone in the ring stops and pays attention to the approaching Eater of Worlds. Is this Bray’s year as he’s been so vocal in telling everyone? Jericho once again squares off with one of his old rivals and integrates Wyatt in the match. Swagger has Fandango down and looks to hit the Swagger Bomb. He runs, launches himself off the top turnbuckle but is caught! Rusev throws him out over the top and it’s another elimination for the United States Champion! (JACK SWAGGER IS ELIMINATED) We have #3 Dean Ambrose, #5 Kane, #10 Rusev, #13 Roman Reigns, #14 Stardust, #15 Chris Jericho, #16 Fandango… scratch that, Bray Wyatt (#18) eliminates Fandango! (FANDANGO IS ELIMINATED) The countdown restarts…
Philly erupts for the return of Rob Van Dam! He enters the match from the top rope and almost kicks Wyatt’s head off. Rusev and Kane are trying to rid the Rumble of Roman Reigns. But he fights back, right hands for each, and takes out Rusev. Kane misses a big boot and his foot clears the top rope. SUPERMAN PUNCH! Kane is gone! Roman Reigns has eliminated Kane! (KANE IS ELIMINATED) The crowd erupts as another blow is dealt to The Authority. We cut backstage again to Triple H who tosses his bottle of water across the room. He demands another Superstar be ready to go…
It’s the Big Show at #20! He hits the ring and goes in for Reigns. A brawl erupts between the two as they take all of the focus away from the rest of the action. Van Dam and Stardust are evenly matched, Ambrose and Wyatt are going at it, Rusev is still down. Big Show grabs Jericho by the throat and throws him out. (CHRIS JERICHO IS ELIMINATED) Stardust and Big Show stomp away at Reigns as the countdown begins…
OH MY! #quotecole It’s the biggest surprise of them all! The Rock enters the Royal Rumble for the first time since he won it in 2000! The crowd goes insane as the Great One hits the ring and charges Big Show and Stardust to save Roman Reigns. Stardust fights back but Rock rallies with the right hands and it’s not long before Stardust is gone! (STARDUST IS ELIMINATED) Big Show calms things down with a KO punch to The Rock, leaving the sell-out crowd booing The Authorities resident giant. Dean Ambrose tries and tries in vain to eliminate Rusev but only succeeds in having his eyes raked and his head almost kicked off his shoulders. Bray Wyatt has RVD close to going out…
Tyson Kidd comes in at #22, a position where Triple H entered in 2002 to win as well as Sheamus in 2012. Can Kidd power on to the main event of WrestleMania? The answer is no, as he immediately thrown out by Rusev. (TYSON KIDD IS ELIMINATED) That is Rusev’s fifth elimination of the match. Show is dominating a semi-conscious Rock. Roman Reigns is still out of it in the corner, powerless to help. We cut backstage to see Stephanie McMahon and a much happier Triple H sipping champagne. Their plan seems to be coming together…
The crowd pops HUGE for Daniel Bryan, another favourite here tonight. He goes in straight for Bray Wyatt, and then RVD, and then Rusev. Everyone receives devastating kicks as Bryan makes his presence known. “YES!” chants break out, Bryan responds. He knows the crowd is behind him and he knows tonight he can return to the main event of WrestleMania. Big Show tries to intervene but the giant is cut-down! Kicks the legs, the chest, the arms, and finally the head! Bryan is on fire and the crowd is loving it!
Goldust is next. With his brother having already been eliminated it’ll be sailing solo for the Bizarre One. He attempts to help RVD out over the top and succeeds, but Mr. Pay-Per-View hangs on. Bray Wyatt turns his attention to Goldust. No help necessary appears to be the message from Wyatt! We have nine Superstars in the ring right now, including #3 Dean Ambrose who is now the longest surviving participant in the Royal Rumble. We’re about to introduce a tenth…
Tonight marks the second Royal Rumble appearance for Big E! He goes in and joins the fray. Rock is up to his feet and battling with Bray Wyatt. Rusev and Ambrose continue to battle. This is one of the closest Rumble’s in recent history! Goldust and RVD end up on the apron, dangerous ground in this match. Bryan takes a run up and knees both in the face, both are gone! (ROB VAN DAM IS ELIMINATED) (GOLDUST IS ELIMINATED) The countdown is on for #26…
The return of Sheamus! The 2012 winner smashes his way into the match. Rusev goes down, Ambrose goes down, Reigns goes down again. He squares up to Bryan and mentions there history at WrestleMania as he points to glistening logo up in the rafters. A “YES!” chant breaks out as they take shots at each other. Sister Abigail to Ambrose! Wyatt tosses him out towards the ropes and celebrates his elimination.. not knowing that Ambrose his gone under the top rope and rebounded using his legs! Ambrose grabs Wyatt by the hair and throws him out of the Royal Rumble! This will not be Bray’s year! (BRAY WYATT IS ELIMINATED) Big Show makes sure it won’t be a victory for Ambrose either as he sends him out after Wyatt. (DEAN AMBROSE IS ELIMINATED) There goes the longest surviving entrant in the Rumble. That distinction now goes to Rusev, who is up against The Rock.
Cesaro is in at #27. Now we know why he was so happy earlier in the night as he has drawn the lucky Rumble number that has produced the most winners. Big E goes out at the same time at the hands of Sheamus. (BIG E IS ELIMINATED) Cesaro trades blows with Sheamus and the Rumble continues. Rock is trying to get Rusev out but it’s not happening. The United States Champion has been so dominant it’s hard to see anybody stopping him. We have three left to enter…
Another return, another surprise. It’s Randy Orton! Last year’s winner Batista entered at the same stage and Orton will be looking to do so tonight. Orton eliminates Cesaro almost immediately with a vicious clothesline. (CESARO IS ELIMINATED) He dishes out a couple of RKOs to Sheamus and Reigns, who can’t seem to catch a break. He’s been in a while now, since #13. We’re winding down and a winner could soon be in sight. #29 approaches…
The Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett, another Authority endorsement, enters the match hoping to reach his first WrestleMania main event. He starts beating on Roman Reigns. Spinebuster to the Big Show! The Rock looks for the People’s Elbow! He hits the ropes but Rusev once again capitalises and crashes through The Rock. He’s gone and that is by far the biggest elimination so far! That’s six now for Rusev. (THE ROCK IS ELIMINATED) We have Rusev, Reigns, Show, Bryan, Sheamus, Orton and Barrett in the ring. Orton and Barrett going at it, Rusev goes in for Reigns, Bryan and Sheamus balanced over the top rope as they try to eliminate each other. Here comes our final entrant…
Luke Harper rounds off our list of Royal Rumble entrants. Only one man has won the match from this position but it is still considered the most coveted. Can Harper capitalise? He seems calm and collected most of the time but you often wonder what’s going on in his head. Is he confident of winning this now? The struggle continues between Bryan and Sheamus, who slowly, slowly goes over and he’s out! Bryan eliminates Sheamus and the “YES!” chant is back in full-force. (SHEAMUS IS ELIMINATED) Reigns and Big Show battle on, but it’s not long before Big Show is lifted up by Reigns and eliminated too! (BIG SHOW IS ELIMINATED) He turns into an RKO attempt but he pushes Orton away, and charges with a devastating Spear! Orton is down! The referees on the outside call for help as Orton seems legitimately hurt. EMTs tend to him on the outside as Bryan and Harper are going at it, Reigns and Barrett too. Rusev rests having been there the longest. Barrett gets clotheslined out by Reigns and Bryan uses a head scissors hold to take out Harper! (BAD NEWS BARRETT IS ELIMINATED) (LUKE HARPER IS ELIMINATED) We’re down to three in the ring! Bryan, Reigns and Rusev. The former two know what to do and double team Rusev. At first he is too strong and overpowers them but there isn’t much left in the tank. Bryan lands some kicks to the chest leaving the Bulgarian dazed. He staggers to his feet only to wonder into a Superman Punch that launches him into the ropes. It takes both Reigns and Bryan to lift him out and end the dominance of Rusev! (RUSEV IS ELIMINATED) We’re down to two! Rusev is livid once he comes to and realises what’s happened. The USA chants probably don’t help either! Bryan and Reigns both look up to the WrestleMania logo. They both know they’re one step away from realising their dreams. Bryan has been there before, Reigns is hungry for the first time. The come to blows and the crowd begins yet another “YES!” chant with every blow Bryan lands. He assumes control and ducks a right hand from Reigns, then brings him to his knees before landing kick after kick on his opponent. Reigns buckles into the corner as Bryan spots his opportunity and heads to the opposite side. He runs and lands a running high knee to Reigns. Not satisfied with one he goes for another! And another! Only on the third attempt he’s only managed to enrage Reigns who catches him mid-air! The crowd stands in anticipation as Reigns dumps Bryan over the top! Roman Reigns wins the Royal Rumble! (DANIEL BRYAN IS ELIMINATED) Reigns celebrates to a less than positive reaction from the crowd, but before he can be announced as the winner Randy Orton, like the cold blooded reptile he is, slithers into the ring and sneaks in behind Reigns. It’s too late and he dumps out the apparent winner, and now it’s over! (ROMAN REIGNS IS ELIMINATED) Randy Orton IS the winner of the Royal Rumble for the second time in his career!
Orton clutches his ribs in agony, probably broken at the hands of Roman Reigns. But he leaves knowing he has broken the dreams of his opponents here tonight. He looks up with a grin towards the WrestleMania logo. Orton will main event WrestleMania against the Beast Incarnate, the Conquerer… Brock Lesnar. Pyro bursts from the rafters followed by confetti streaming down. Cole, JBL and Lawler sign off - we’re done here in Philly, we’ll see you tomorrow night for Monday Night Raw!