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10 Takeaways From WWE Greatest Royal Rumble 2018

By Robert Lentini
greatest rumble

WWE Greatest Royal Rumble aired live on April 27th from the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Here are 10 takeaways from the special event:

John Cena Defeated Triple H

Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter

Triple H battled John Cena to kickoff the Greatest Royal Rumble event. Triple H made his entrance first and got an awesome reaction from the crowd. Green strobe lights lit up the arena as Triple H marched down the ramp with a bottle of water. Triple H posed on the entrance ramp and spit the water in the air as the crowd erupted.

John Cena made his entrance to a tremendously positive reaction from the crowd. Dozens of children lined the entrance ramp and Cena high-fived them all as he came down the entrance ramp. Fireworks went off as Cena slid into the ring. Triple H was shown staring in the sky and relishing the moment as Cena posed in the ring.

The bell rang as Cena and Triple H circled each other in the ring. The two legends locked up in the middle of the ring to start off the match. Triple H shoved Cena to the mat and had a giant smirk on his face while doing it. Some “Cena sucks!” started up in Jeddah as the two locked up once again. Cena shoved Triple H on his ass and did the “you can’t see” taunt as the crowd cheered.

Both Superstars stared at each other as the energy from the crowd reigned down upon the ring. Cena and Triple H locked up once again in a battle of strength. Triple H got the advantage and pushed Cena to his knees. Cena powered back to his feet, but Triple H booted him in his crotch and then shoulder tackled him to the canvas.

Triple H then did the “you can’t see me” taunt and whipped Cena to the ropes. Cena exploded with a shoulder tackle of his own. Triple H hopped right back up and bounced Cena’s face off the top turnbuckle. Triple H then punched Cena in the face and the crowd started to boo him. Triple H did Cena’s taunt once again, Cena snuck up behind him for a roll-up for a two count. Triple H connected with a Clothesline for another two count.

Triple H launched Cena into the turnbuckle and John crumbled to the canvas. Triple H did it once again and started strutting in the ring. Triple H took his sweet time going over to Cena in the corner and then punched him in the face. Cena battled back with a couple of jabs, but Triple H quickly locked in a Sleeper Hold in the middle of the ring. Cena broke free and connected with a couple of shoulder tackles. Triple H bounced back with another Clothesline and Cena and his jean shorts splatted on the mat.

Cena got back up and traded fists to the face with Triple H. Triple H bounced Cena’s temple of his knee and went for the cover, but Cena was able to get his shoulder up at the last second. Triple H went for the Pedigree but Cena countered and slammed Triple H to the mat. Cena raised his hand in the air and went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Triple H got back up and connected with a Back Body Drop. Triple H did the “suck it!” taunt and went for the cover but Cena powered out at two.

Cena threw Triple H to the corner and The Game went flying over the top rope and crashed on the floor outside the ring. John slammed Triple H shoulder-first into the ring post and then rolled Triple H back into the ring. Cena scaled the turnbuckle and went for a Dropkick, but Triple H countered into a Spinebuster/ Powerbomb for another two count.

Both Superstars got back up and traded punches for the face. Cena tripped up Triple H and locked in the STF in the center of the ring. Triple H shrieked in agony as he slowly crawled towards the ropes. Triple H wound up booting Cena away and then planted him with a Spinebuster for a two count.

Triple H brought Cena to the corner and hopped up to the second rope to deliver some punches to the face as the crowd counted along. Cena escaped at four and this time connected with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena followed it up with the Attitude Adjustment, but Triple H kicked out at two. Cena went for another AA, but The Game countered into a Pedigree. Triple H went for the cover, but Big Match John kicked out at two. Triple H countered another AA into a roll-up for a two count.

Cena quickly locked in the STF once again in the middle of the ring. Triple H reversed into a Crossface and bent Cena’s face back in the middle of the ring. Cena showed off his power and lifted Triple H onto his shoulders. Cena connected with an Attitude Adjustment, a slingshot into the turnbuckle and a third Attitude Adjustment for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Cena grabbed a microphone and said that it was an honor to be a part of an event like this. Cena added that regardless of what is going on in his life, he was not going to miss this event for the world. Cena thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for allowing him to be a part of something so special. Cena told the crowd to enjoy the rest of the night and high-fived fans as he made his way up the ramp.

Opinion: This was a great way to start the Greatest Royal Rumble. The crowd absolutely loved seeing two legends of the industry battle in the ring. If you have been watching WWE for a long time, you have seen this match a bunch of times and nothing really special happened in the ring here. However, the appreciation from the crowd was great to see and their energy made this match much better than it would have been if it occured on an episode of RAW or at a PPV in the states.

Cedric Alexander Retained The Cruiserweight Championship

Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter

Cedric Alexander defended his Cruiserweight Championship against Kalisto tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Kalisto started up a “Lucha” chant before the two Superstars locked up to start off the match. Kalisto walked on his hands and planted Alexander with a Hurricanrana.

Kalisto knocked Cedric out of the ring and then flipped onto him. The action returned to the ring for a moment, but Alexander booted him out of the ring. Alexander sprinted across the ring and flipped onto Kalisto on the outside. Back in the ring, Cedric went for a cover but Kalisto kicked out at one.

Alexander connected with a beautiful Dropkick for a two count. Alexander then applied a Bear Hug in the middle of the ring. Kalisto tried to escape, but Alexander wouldn’t let go and slammed him back down to the canvas while maintaining the Bear Hug.

Kalisto escaped with an Arm Drag and followed it up with a boot to face. Kalisto connected with a springboard Crossbody and followed it up with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Kaliso elbowed Alexander in the jaw, but Cedric responded with a Michonuku Driver for two. Kalisto battled back with a kick to the face and Alexander looked rattled while perched up on the top turnbuckle. Kalisto went for a Hurricanrana, but Alexander blocked it. Kalisto headbutted Alexander and connected with an awesome Spanish Fly for a two count.

Alexander and Kalisto traded shots in the center of the ring. Alexander went for the Lumbar Check, but Kalisto countered into a Hurricanrana into the corner. Kalisto then went for the Salida del Sol, but Cedric was ready for it and countered into the Lumbar Check for the pinfall victory. Cedric Alexander is still the Cruiserweight Champion.

Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt Won The Vacant RAW Tag Titles

Sheamus & Cesaro faced Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt for the vacant RAW Tag Team Championships tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Matt Hardy started off Cesaro the match by trading “delete!” and “The Bar!” taunts. Hardy connected with a shoulder tackle and tagged in Bray Wyatt.

Bray ran into a boot to the face in the corner and Sheamus tagged in. Sheamus stomped on Bray in the corner and followed it up with a knee to the face. Wyatt responded with a Clothesline and tagged Hardy back in. Matt and Bray connected with a Leg Drop and a Senton on Sheamus. Bray Wyatt and Hardy then gave themselves a round of applause and the Jeddah crowd joined in on the fun.

Matt planted Sheamus with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Sheamus blocked the Twist of Fate, and Cesaro connected with a cheap shot to Hardy as the ref was distracted. Sheamus shoved Hardy out of the ring and Cesaro hit another cheap shot. Sheamus brought Matt back into the ring and applied a Headlock.

Cesaro tagged in and continued the beatdown of Hardy. Sheamus got back in the match and dropped a knee onto Hardy’s chest for a two count. Sheamus quickly applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd got behind Hardy. Matt broke the hold with a Jaw Breaker, but Cesaro tagged in and planted him with a Gutwrench Suplex for two.

Sheamus tagged in and connected with an elbow to the face for another two count. Hardy finally was able to battle back and planted Sheamus with a Side Effect. Wyatt and Cesaro tagged in and Bray knocked Cesaro to the mat with a Clothesline. Wyatt knocked Sheamus off the apron and leveled Cesaro with a Crossbody for a two count.

Sheamus tagged in and connected with the White Noise. Matt Hardy ran into the ring and broke up the cover and then planted Cesaro with a Twist of Fate. Bray Wyatt planted Sheamus with the Sister Abigail and then tagged in Hardy. Bray lifted Sheamus up and Hardy planted him with the Twist of Fate for the pinfall victory. Matt and Bray are the new RAW Tag Team Champions. Sheamus & Cesaro will now join the SmackDown roster after WWE’s Superstar Shakeup.

Opinion: Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt will certainly be interesting as the new tag champs. It was pretty obvious that The Bar wasn’t going to win the titles back after they have already been announced for SmackDown’s roster. RAW’s tag division has been poor as of late, hopefully Hardy & Wyatt can bring it back to life.

Jeff Hardy Is Still The United States Champion

Jeff Hardy defended the United States Championship against Jinder Mahal at Greatest Royal Rumble. Hardy started off the match with a Dropkick that sent Mahal out of the ring. Jeff connected with a leaping Clothesline off the barricade. Jinder rolled into the ring as Hardy hopped up on the ring apron.

Sunil Singh grabbed Jeff’s leg and Jinder capitalized with a punch to the face. Mahal connected with a series of knees to Hardy’s midsection and then stomped on him in the corner a couple of times. Mahal launched Jeff into the turnbuckle and Hardy fell to the mat. Mahal brought him back to his feet, only to drop him back down with a Neckbreaker for a two count.

Jinder knocked Jeff back down and then taunted the crowd as they booed him. Jinder went for a Gutbuster, but Hardy countered into a Leg Drop for a two count. Hardy barely connected with a Whisper in the Wind for a two count.

Jeff connected with a Dropkick in the corner and then dragged Mahal back to the middle of the ring. Sunil hopped on the ring apron again and Mahal tried to hit the Khallas, but Hardy blocked it. Jeff then hit the Twist of Fate and followed it up with the Swanton Bomb for the pinfall victory. Jeff Hardy is still the United States Champion.

Opinion: The crowd really wasn’t into this match and it is hard to blame them. Hardy and Mahal have zero chemistry in the ring. Every single Mahal match is pretty much the same. I just find him remarkably boring and I’m glad that Jeff Hardy retained. That means that Hardy will face Orton at WWE Backlash and we will be spared of yet another Orton vs. Mahal match.

The Bludgeon Brothers Dominated The Usos Again

The Bludgeon Brothers defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Usos tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. The Bludgeon Brothers have absolutely dominated Jimmy & Jey on recent episodes on SmackDown. However, this past Tuesday things changed when Naomi distracted Harper & Rowan on the entrance ramp. This allowed Jimmy to defeat Rowan and The Usos picked up some momentum heading into this title match.

Harper and Rowan started off the match in control and took turns beating down Jey Uso. Rowan connected with a Backbreaker and followed it up with a Splash for a two count. Harper tagged in and went for a big boot, but Jey ducked and Harper tumbled out of the ring.

Jimmy tagged in and connected with a Crossbody outside the ring. Jimmy then delivered another Crossbody to Rowan outside the ring. Back in the ring, Jimmy hit a third Crossbody off the top onto Harper for a one count. Jimmy connected with a spin kick, but Harper got right back up and elbowed Jimmy in the face.

Jey tagged in and The Usos teamed up on him in the corner. Jimmy tagged back in and The Usos hit both Harper and Rowan with Superkicks. Jey connected with a Splash off the top rope for a two count.

Rowan dragged Jimmy out of the ring and booted him in the face. Rowan then tagged in and Harper slapped him in the face to fire him up. Harper and Rowan then Powerbombed Jimmy Uso for the pinfall victory. The Bludgeon Brothers retained the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

Opinion: This match was much better than their bout at WrestleMania 34. The Bludgeon Brothers remain dominant and it will be interesting to see who steps up on SmackDown to try and rip the titles away from them. I’m looking forward to SAnitY showing up soon on the blue brand and causing Chaos. I think a match between SAnitY and The Bludgeon Brothers would be an absolute war and I hope we get to see it soon.

Seth Rollins Escaped With The Intercontinental Championship

Photo Credit: @WWEUniverse on Twitter

Seth Rollins put his Intercontinental Championship on the line in a Ladder Match against Samoa Joe, The Miz & Finn Balor at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble.

Joe beatdown Rollins in the corner to start off the match as Balor connected with a Dropkick to The Miz. Joe connected with an Enziguri to Balor and then ran into a boot from Rollins. Seth connected with a double Blockbuster off the second rope to The Miz and Samoa Joe.

Rollins and Balor battled in the middle of the ring. Seth Dropkicked Finn out of the ring and followed it up with a Suicide Dive. Rollins connected with another Suicide Dive to The Miz and then grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Samoa Joe and The Miz grabbed the ladder and a tug of war broke out. The Miz and Rollins teamed up to slam Joe into the ring apron. Finn then flipped from the ring onto Rollins and The Miz.

Joe bashed Finn with the ladder and made his way into the ring. Joe set up the ladder under the IC Ttle, but Rollins interrupted with a chop and the ladder fell to the canvas. Joe tripped Seth up and Rollins fell face-first into the ladder on the mat. Joe chopped Finn across the chest and then headbutted him.

Balor knocked Joe on top of the ladder and followed it up with a Double Stomp that sent Joe rolling out of the ring. Finn set up the ladder and started climbing towards the belt. The Miz dragged him down and booted him in the face. Miz made his way up the ladder but Rollins brought him back down and slammed him to the ladder. Seth Clotheslined Miz out of the ring and then glanced at the title suspended above the ring.

Rollins and Balor battled on top of the ladder. The Miz and Samoa Joe got back into the ring and shoved the ladder and Seth & Finn crashed to the floor outside the ring. The Miz tried to form an alliance with Joe. Joe shook Miz’s hand and then decked him with a shoulder tackle.

Joe set up the ladder in the corner, but it fell back to the mat when he walked away. Joe improvised and connected with a Body Slam on top of the ladder. Joe successfully set up the ladder in the corner this time and launched Rollins into it. Joe then bashed the ladder on Miz’s chest and The Miz rolled out of the ring.

Balor hit a Slingblade and Dropkicked Joe into the ladder in the corner. The ladder fell on top of Joe and Balor climbed up the turnbuckle. Both The Miz and Rollins joined him as Joe got back up. Joe struck The Miz with the ladder and then Powerbombed Rollins as Seth connected with a Superplex to Balor at the same time.

The Miz got back into the ring and connected with the Skull Crushing Finale on Joe on top of the ladder. Joe rolled out of the ring and The Miz was all alone in the ring with the ladder. The Miz set up the ladder under the title and started climbing. Rollins sprinted into the ring and met The Miz on the ladder with a punch to the face. The Miz shoved Seth off the ladder, but Balor quickly hopped on the ladder and traded shots with Miz.

The Miz dragged Balor to the mat and planted him with a Neckbreaker. Rollins climbed up the ladder, but The Miz regrouped and shoved the ladder over. The Miz then planted Rollins with a DDT and picked up the ladder. Miz bashed Rollins in the midsection with the ladder and then hit Balor in the face with it.

Finn knocked The Miz on top of the ladder in the middle of the ring and connected with the Coup de Grace. Balor set up the ladder under the belt and made his way up. Samoa Joe got back into the ring and dragged him down. Balor connected with an overhead kick that knocked Joe to the canvas.

Balor started climbing again, but Joe dragged him back down and locked in the Coquina Clutch. Finn escaped and delivered a Double Stomp to Joe’s chest. Up the ladder Finn went again as the crowd cheered him on. Joe brought him back down and planted him with a Uranage.

Joe made his way up the ladder, but Finn was able to get up and shove it over. Joe bounced neck-first on the top rope and crashed to the floor outside the ring. Finn made his way to the top of the ladder and was inches away from becoming the new Intercontinental Champion. Seth Rollins leaped from the top rope to the top of the ladder and ripped the title down to remain the Intercontinental Champion. Finn Balor put his head in hands in disbelief on top of the ladder as Rollins laid on the canvas with the title.

Opinion: I loved the finish to this match. The entire match was very entertaining, but the way it ended was perfect. Both The Miz and Samoa Joe are now on SmackDown as a result of the Superstar Shake-Up, so it wouldn’t have made sense for them to win the match. It is refreshing to see someone besides The Miz hold the IC Title. Seth is one of the best performers in the business and there are a bunch of feuds I’d like to see him have on RAW as the Intercontinental Champion.

Styles vs. Nakamura Ended In A Double Count-Out 

Photo Credit: @WWEUniverse on Twitter

AJ Styles defended his WWE Championship against Shinsuka Nakamura tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34 to retain the title. After the match, Nakamura hit Styles with a low blow and followed it up with a Kinshasa outside the ring. Nakamura has hit several low blows on Styles on recent episodes of SmackDown as the rivalry has become personal. Nakamura has refused to comment on his actions and has instead elected to say “no speak English” when questioned.

Shinsuke started off the match in control and focused his attack on AJ’s arm. AJ countered and started stretching out Nakamura’s arm as well. Shinsuke escaped and rolled out of the ring to regroup as the crowd booed. Nakamura paced around the ring before finally sliding back in.

AJ and Shinsuke locked up in the middle of the ring. Styles got the advantage and applied a Headlock. Nakamura shoved AJ to the ropes and the referee broke up the hold. Nakamura placed his head on AJ’s chest and waved his arms to taunt him. Nakamura stood in the middle of the ring and shouted “come on!”. Styles obliged and planted Nakamura with a Dropkick.

Nakamura connected with a boot to AJ’s knee and then stomped on him on the ring apron. Shinsuke rolled out of the ring, smiled and then kneed Styles in the face. Nakamura leaped off the ring apron and hit another knee to the back of Styles’ neck. Nakamura rolled AJ back into the ring and went for a cover but AJ kicked out at one. Nakamura knocked AJ to the corner for Good Vibrations and then hit another knee to the face for a two count.

Shinsuke applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd got behind Styles. AJ battled to his feet and connected with elbows to the ribs to break the hold. AJ planted Nakamura with a Facebuster and both Superstars fell to the mat as the crowd started cheering.

Styles hit Nakamura with a forearm to the face and then delivered another one in the corner. AJ lifted Nakamura onto his shoulders and dropped him neck-first across his knee for a two count. The crowd was on their feet and waving their arms back and forth as Styles remained in control. Shinsuke missed with a kick, but quickly recovered and connected with a kick to the face. Nakamura remained on the attack with a couple knees to the face and then slammed Styles to the mat.

Shinsuke geared up in the corner and went for the Kinshasa but Styles countered into roll-up for two. Styles then locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring and Nakamura screamed in agony.

Nakamura rolled through and reached the bottom rope to escape the Calf Crusher. Shinsuke connected with a kick to the side of AJ’s head and then draped Styles across the top rope. Shinsuke connected with a running knee to the midsection for a two count. Nakamura grabbed his knee in pain from the Calf Crusher as he made his way back to his feet.

Shinsuke perched AJ up on the top turnbuckle and then joined him up there. AJ slid between Shinsuke’s legs and then dragged him down and Nakamura fell face-first into the top turnbuckle.

Both Superstars got back up and traded punches in the middle of the ring. AJ hit a flurry of elbows and Nakamura dropped to the mat. Nakamura got back up and hit a series of jabs and then transitioned into an Arm Bar in the center of the ring. Styles escaped and connected with the Pele Kick.

Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Nakamura ducked and AJ almost struck the referee. While the ref’s back was turned, Nakamura delivered a low blow to Styles for a two count.

Nakamura geared up in the corner again and went for the Kinshasa, but AJ was ready and hit a forearm to the face that sent Shinsuke out of the ring. AJ followed him and tackled Nakamura over the announce table beside the ring. AJ punched Nakamura in the face and then threw Shinsuke into the barricade. The referee called for the bell as both Superstars were counted out. The crowd booed at the result as AJ continued his attack. Styles sprinted at Nakamura and Clotheslined Nakamura over the barricade.

AJ grabbed a steel chair and struck Shinsuke in the back with it. AJ then connected with a Phenomenal Forearm to Nakamura outside the ring. Styles’ music hit and AJ rolled back into the ring with the WWE Championship. AJ raised the title in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheered.

Opinion: I thought tonight’s match was much better than the one at WrestleMania 34. The finish to this match absolutely sucked, but it makes sense for this feud to continue. Styles versus Nakamura needs to headline a PPV soon and they need to tear the house down.

The Undertaker Buried Rusev

Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter

Rusev faced The Undertaker in a Casket Match at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Aiden English accompanied Rusev down to the ring. The crowd erupted when The Undertaker’s music hit. Fire shot up from the stage as The Undertaker emerged from the smoke. Taker made his way down the ramp as cell phone lights illuminated the arena. The Undertaker stopped at the casket outside the ring for a moment before getting into the ring.

The bell rang as The Undertaker looked at the casket as it was opened. Rusev rolled out of the ring out of fear as Aiden English tried to motivate him. Rusev slowly got back into the ring for a moment, only to roll out once again. The Undertaker had seen enough and followed him out there. Taker connected with a punch and brought Rusev back to the ring.

Rusev beatdown The Undertaker in the corner and posed in the ring. That wound up costing him as Taker regrouped and blasted Rusev in the face with a punch. The Undertaker followed it up with a shoulder tackle and then walked across the top rope and dropped a shot across the neck of Rusev.

The Undertaker rolled Rusev on top of the casket and Rusev freaked out. Rusev retreated to the entrance ramp as English assured Rusev that he was fine. The Undertaker charged at Rusev outside the ring, but Rusev was ready and threw him into the barricade. Taker shrugged it off and launched Rusev into the barricade.

The Undertaker slammed Rusev’s head into the announce table and then set him up on the ring apron. The Undertaker connected with a Leg Drop across Rusev’s throat and then rolled him back into the ring. The casket was opened as Undertaker rolled him into it. Aiden English got in the way and prevented the casket door from being closed. English retreated up the entrance ramp as The Undertaker slowly walked towards him. Rusev rolled out of the casket and the action returned to the ring.

Rusev brought The Undertaker to the corner and connected with a few shoulders to the ribs. Undertaker and Rusev then traded shots in the ring as the crowd cheered when Undertaker connected. The Undertaker hit a massive punch to the face and Rusev collapsed to the canvas. The Undertaker delivered a headbutt, but Rusev battled back with a spin kick that knocked The Undertaker down.

Rusev applied the Accolade in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheered on The Undertaker. Rusev let go of the hold and stomped on Undertaker’s back. Rusev asked for the casket to be opened, but didn’t realize that The Undertaker sat up behind him. Undertaker grabbed Rusev by the throat and planted him with a Chokeslam.

The Undertaker threw Rusev into the casket but Aiden English hopped into the ring. The Undertaker connected with a Chokeslam to English and followed it up with a Tombstone Pilediver. Undertaker then rolled English into the casket with Rusev and closed the lid to win the match. The Undertaker then posed in the ring as fireworks went off all around him. The Undertaker then raised his fist on the top of the entrance ramp before heading backstage.

Opinion: Well, this match was pretty much what everyone expected. Rusev got in some offense, but The Undertaker won the match easily. There was nothing special about this match at all, other than getting to see The Undertaker perform in the ring.

Brock Lesnar Is Still The Universal Champion

Brock Lesnar defended his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns tonight in a Steel Cage Match at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Lesnar defeated Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 34. Paul Heyman grabbed the microphone to introduce his client, Brock Lesnar.

Lesnar connected with two German Suplexes to start off the match. Brock then hit a third German Suplex and stood over Reigns as he slowly made his way back to his feet. Lesnar then hit a fourth German Suplex and stood over Reigns once again.

Brock waited for Reigns to get up and then planted him with an F5 as the crowd cheered. Lesnar laughed and went for another F5, but Reigns escaped and hit three Superman Punches in a row. Reigns geared up in the corner and went for a Spear, but Lesnar caught him. Reigns escaped up to the top of the cage, but Lesnar caught up to him and grabbed Roman by chest protecter. Lesnar punched Reigns to the canvas and then Brock climbed to the top of the cage. Roman got up and grabbed Lesnar by the legs to drag him down. Reigns then planted Lesnar with a Powerbomb off the top rope.

Samoa Joe was shown backstage watching the match. Joe will face Roman Reigns at WWE Backlash. Roman connected with a Spear and then followed it up with another one. Reigns bounced off the rope and delivered a third Spear to Brock Lesnar. Reigns went for the cover but Lesnar kicked out at two. Reigns called for the cage door to be opened and made his way towards it. Paul Heyman slammed the door into Reigns’ face and then Lesnar hit a second F5 for a two count.

Heyman slid a steel chair into the ring as Lesnar took his gloves off. Brock went to hit Roman with the chair, but Reigns quickly got up and connected with a fourth Spear for another two count. Roman struck Lesnar in the back a few times with the steel chair. Roman hit another Superman Punch and then geared up for another Spear. Reigns connected with a fifth Spear through the cage and both Superstars fell to the floor outside the ring. It was then announced that Brock Lesnar hit the floor first after being Speared through the cage. Thus, Brock Lesnar is still the Universal Champion.

Opinion: At this point, I have no interest in seeing Roman Reigns versus Brock Lesnar again. This match did nothing for me at all, but it looks like this feud will continue to the end of time.

Braun Strowman Won The Royal Rumble Match

Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter

50 Superstars competed in a Royal Rumble match tonight at WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble event.

#1. Daniel Bryan was the first entrant in the match.

#2. Dolph Ziggler entered the match second and locked up with Daniel Bryan in the middle of the ring. Ziggler brought Bryan to the corner and connected with a right hand. Dolph tried to eliminate Bryan, but Daniel was able to hang on to the top rope.

#3. Sin Cara was the third entrant and joined Ziggler and Bryan in the ring. Sin Cara connected with a Moonsault onto both Bryan and Ziggler. Sin Cara planted Ziggler with a Powerbomb and then hit a Crossbody to Bryan. Sin Cara followed it up with a Swanton Bomb to Bryan. Dolph hit a Superkick to Sin Cara and then Clotheslined him over the top rope. Sin Cara was the first Superstar eliminated.

#4. Curtis Axel was the fourth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Axel stomped on Bryan in the corner and then walked into a couple of jabs from Ziggler.

#5. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry was the fifth entrant in the match. Henry immediately lifted Axel over the top rope and to the ring apron. Henry then hit Axel with a headbutt to eliminate him.

#6. Mike Kanellis entered the match at number six. Henry waited for Kanellis as he made his way down the ramp. Mike got into the ring and was immediately eliminated by a Clothesline from Mark Henry.

#7. Hiroki Sumi was the seventh entrant. Sumi got into the ring and had a stare down with Mark Henry. Mark Henry quickly eliminated Sumi, but then Bryan and Ziggler eliminated Mark Henry from behind.

#8. Viktor entered the match at number eight and was quickly eliminated by Daniel Bryan.

#9. Kofi Kingston was up next and he tried to eliminate Bryan immediately. Daniel escaped and booted Kofi in the chest.

#10. Tony Nese entered the match and connected with a flurry of kicks to Kofi Kingston. Nese tried to eliminate Kofi, but Kingston escaped and knocked Nese to the canvas. Bryan delivered an uppercut to Nese as Ziggler stomped on Kofi in the corner.

#11. Dash Wilder entered the match and went after Tony Nese. Wilder then connected with a Clothesline to Bryan.

#12. Hornswoggle was the twelfth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Hornswoggle helped Bryan eliminate Dash Wilder.

Hornswoggle lifted Kofi Kingston onto his shoulders and planted him with a Samoan Drop. Hornswoggle climbed up the turnbuckle, but Ziggler greeted him with a Superkick. Hornswoggle bit Ziggler in the hand but Nese booted him in the face and Hornswoggle was eliminated.

#13. Primo entered the match and botched a springboard attempt and tripped to the canvas. Kofi planted Bryan with a Tornado DDT.

#14. Xavier Woods joined the party and celebrated with Kofi Kingston in the ring. Kofi wound up on Woods’ back on the ring apron as Primo tried to pry Xavier’s fingers off the ropes. Woods climbed to the top with Kofi on his back and Kingston leaped and connected with a Crossbody onto Ziggler and Bryan. Tony Nese tried to dance with Woods and Kingston in the ring. That didn’t work out too well for him as they tossed him over the top rope to eliminate him.

#15. Bo Dallas was the fifteenth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Bryan planted Kingston with a Suplex in the middle of the ring as Bo stomped on Woods in the corner.

#16. Kurt Angle came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Angle quickly eliminated Bo Dallas and Primo. Ziggler then hit a Superkick to Kurt Angle. Dolph charged at Angle but Kurt caught him and launched him over the top with a Belly to Belly Suplex.

#17. Scott Dawson entered the match and and beatdown Angle in the corner.

#18. Goldust entered the match at number eighteen. Goldust threw Woods over the top rope, but Xavier was able to hang onto the bottom rope and saved himself on the ring apron. Daniel Bryan connected with a flying knee off the top rope to Kofi Kingston.

#19. Konnor came down to the ring and went after Kofi in the corner. Woods saved his partner and the two teamed up on Konnor.

#20. The twentieth Superstar to enter the Royal Rumble match was Elias. Elias strummed his guitar and cut a promo while walking down the entrance ramp. Elias asked the crowd to shut their mouths as he slid into the ring. Elias eliminated Woods, Kingston and Konnor at the same time.

#21. Luke Gallows ran down the ramp as Bryan and Kurt Angle battled in the ring. Bryan connected with the Yes Kicks, but Angle caught his last kick and went for the Ankle Lock. Bryan escaped, but Angle planted him with an Angle Slam. Elias then eliminated Kurt Angle from behind.

#22. Rhyno was up next and he went after Dawson in the corner of the ring.

#23. Drew Gulak sprinted down the ramp and immediately attacked Daniel Bryan. Gulak and Dawson traded chops in the middle of the ring. Gulak got the upper-hand and tried to eliminate him in the corner of the ring.

#24. Tucker Knight of Heavy Machinery in NXT marched to the ring and beatdown Dawson in the corner. Knight knocked Elias on his ass and then tried to Suplex Gulak, but Drew countered into a Sleeper Hold. Knight shrugged him off and eliminated Gulak over the top rope.

#25. Bobby Roode entered his first Royal Rumble match and quickly planted Dawson with a Spinebuster. Roode hit a Blockbuster on Elias and then eliminated Goldust with a Dropkick. Bobby connected with an Atomic Drop to Dawson and then eliminated him.

#26. Fandango jogged down the ramp and delivered a couple of chops to Tucker Knight. Elias escaped elimination and rolled back into the ring.

#27. Chad Gable entered the match and planted Fandango with an Arm Drag. Gable lifted Knight onto his shoulders and dropped him to the canvas. Bryan and Gable then traded shots.

#28. Rey Mysterio was up next and got an awesome reaction from the crowd. Mysterio eliminated Luke Gallows with a Hurricanrana. Mysterio planted Gable with a DDT and then battled Elias in the corner.

#29. Mojo Rawley sprinted to the ring and immediately eliminated Fandango.

#30. Tyler Breeze had a conversation with Fandango on the entrance ramp before getting into the ring. Mojo blasted Breeze off the apron, but Fandango caught him. Breeze got back on the apron and Mojo quickly shoved him to the floor to eliminate him.

#31. Big E brought pancakes into the ring and started throwing them at Tucker Knight. Big E locked in the Abdominal Stretch, but Knight escaped. Big E planted Knight with the Big Ending and then eliminated him. Big E threw a couple of pancakes at Knight while he was laying on the floor.

#32. Karl Anderson entered the match and battled with Daniel Bryan. Anderson planted Roode with a Spinebuster and then posed in the ring. Big E decked him with a Clothesline and then threw him over the top rope. Anderson hung on and got back into the ring.

#33. Apollo Crews was the next Superstar in the match and went right after Gable. Crews connected with a standing Moonsault to Gable and then eliminated him.

#34. Roderick Strong from Undisputed Era in NXT came down to the ring and started chopping everyone in sight. Strong planted Roode with a Backbreaker and then delivered an awesome one to Mysterio. Roderick then eliminated Rhyno with a knee to the face.

#35. Randy Orton was the next entrant and the crowd erupted when his music hit. Orton leveled Mojo and Crews with a Clothesline. Orton hit Anderson with a Powerslam and then connected with a ridiculous RKO to Apollo. Orton eliminated Anderson, Mojo Rawley and Apollo Crews.

#36. Heath Slater entered the match and beatdown Elias in the corner. Slater tried to eliminate him but Elias was able to hang on.

#37. Babatunde from NXT joined the party and towered over everyone in the ring. Babatunde leveled Roode with a shoulder tackle and then stomped on Bryan in the corner.

#38. Baron Corbin came down to the ring and planted Rey Mysterio with the Deep Six. Corbin leveled Strong with a Clothesline and then Chokeslammed Roode over the top rope to eliminate him. Corbin then launched Strong over the top rope and Roderick was eliminated.

#39. Titus O’Neil tried to slide into the ring and tripped on the entrance ramp and went tumbling under the ring in an incredibly embarrassing/hilarious moment.

#40. Dan Matha from NXT was next up and went after Rey Mysterio in the corner. Cole, Graves and Saxton couldn’t stop laughing as WWE rolled countless replays of Titus tripping on the entrance ramp.

#41. Braun Strowman entered the match and quickly eliminated Babatunde and Dan Matha. Strowman then eliminated Big and Heath Slater.

#42. Tye Dillinger came down to the ring and joined everyone in trying to eliminate Strowman. Braun escaped and eliminated Titus O’Neil and Tye Dillinger. Orton connected with a Dropkick to Strowman and Mysterio followed it up with a 619. Orton hit Strowman with an RKO as Baron Corbin eliminated Rey Mysterio. Orton eliminated Corbin and then Elias eliminated Orton.

#43. Curt Hawkins was next up and he was eliminated with ease by Braun Strowman. Elias threw Strowman into the ring post a couple of times and then stomped on him in the corner.

#44. Bobby Lashley entered the match and posed next to the trophy on the entrance ramp as fireworks went off behind him. Lashley decked Elias with a Clothesline and then eliminated him. Bryan got back into the ring and connected with Dropkicks to Strowman and Lashley in the corner.

#45. The Great Khali was next and the giant made his way down the ramp to a great reaction from the crowd. Khali hit Lashey, Bryan and Strowman with a chop. Lashley and Strowman then teamed up and eliminated Khali. Strowman and Lashley then connected with Clotheslines and both Superstars fell to the canvas.

#46. Kevin Owens marched down to the ring and delivered a Cannonball to Strowman and Lashley. Bryan booted Owens in the face and sent him to the ring apron. Owens got back in the ring and planted Bryan with a Pop-Up Powerbomb.

#47. Shane McMahon entered the match and went after Kevin Owens. Shane hit an elbow to the face and then delivered a couple of punches. Shane stomped on Lashley in the corner, but Owens got back up and attacked Shane from behind. Shane planted Owens with a DDT and then danced around the ring. Shane and Bryan teamed up and hit Owens with a bunch of Yes Kicks.

#48. Shelton Benjamin went right after Shane McMahon and unloaded a flurry of punches to Shane. Benjamin leveled Bryan with a shoulder tackle and then kneed Lashley in the face. Owens shouted that everyone needed to team up and eliminate Strowman.

#49. Big Cass came down the ramp as Daniel Bryan waited for him in the ring. Cass will face Bryan at WWE Backlash. Big Cass beatdown Bryan and then delivered a big boot Strowman. Shane McMahon climbed to the top rope and hit the Coast 2 Coast Dropkick to Strowman.

#50. Chris Jericho was the final entrant in the Royal Rumble match and the crowd erupted when his music hit.

Jericho paused on the entrance ramp as Owens shouted at him to go away. Jericho connected with a Lionsault on Owens and then Dropkicked Cass on the ring apron. Jericho connected with a Codebreaker to Benjamin and then eliminated. Chris Jericho shrugged and locked in the Walls of Jericho on Kevin Owens in the middle of the ring.

Big Cass broke it up with a boot to Jericho’s face. Lashley connected with a Brainbuster to Big Cass. Bryan delivered a German Suplex to Owens and then went back to the Yes Kicks in the corner. Daniel followed it up with a couple Dropkicks and then shouted at Shane to go for the Coast 2 Coast again. Strowman hopped up on the apron and grabbed Shane by the throat. Strowman then Chokeslammed Strowman through the announce table.

Strowman eliminated Lashley, Jericho and Owens. Bryan and Strowman traded shots. Bryan tried to get Braun over the top rope but Braun escaped. Big Cass booted Bryan in the face and then eliminated him. Cass taunted Bryan after he threw him over the top rope.

It was now down to Big Cass and Braun Strowman. Big Cass unloaded a couple of punches and tried to Clothesline Braun over the top but Strowman held on. Cass went for a boot but Braun caught him and crotched him on the top rope. Braun then ran into Cass and knocked him to the floor to win the Greatest Royal Rumble match.

Opinion: The 50-man Royal Rumble match was very entertaining. It was long as hell, but it had some awesome moments. Braun Strowman picked up the victory and I have absolutely no problem with that. Big Cass eliminating Daniel Bryan also makes sense, as the two will battle at WWE Backlash. Overall, WWE Greatest Royal Rumble was a solid show. There were definitely a few matches on the card that didn’t deliver, but for the most part I was entertained. My main complaint is that this show was long as hell. The crowd didn’t have much energy left in towards the end of the event.

What did you think of WWE Greatest Royal Rumble 2018? Let us know in the comments below.

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