WWE in 2022 continues to shine as the second PPV of the year – The Royal Rumble – was a real treat for every fan out there. Ronda Rousey returned to WWE after a long absence to go on and win the Women’s Royal Rumble match while on the men’s side, Brock Lesnar took home a surprising victory after losing his title in one of the most unpredictable ways earlier on the night. Lastly, despite losing the fight against Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns continues his era with the Universal Title wrapped around his waist.
Here’s a look at some of the highlighting events from Royal Rumble 2022:
▶ Becky Lynch manhandle slams for the win
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Becky Lynch and Doudrop went head-to-head for the Raw women’s championship. Doudrop who was in her first-ever title fight took the fight to Lynch and was looking in great shape before she tried to cannonball Lynch against the ring steps. The champ was quick enough to get out of the way, sending Doudrop crashing into the steel steps which changed the dynamics of the fight. After 10 minutes of exchanging punches and slams, Lynch nearly won it with a flipping senton for the count of two. Lynch, finally hit the Manhandle Slam after getting denied on multiple occasions and pinned Doudrop for the win. Although Becky Lynch claimed a dominant victory, you’ve got to respect Doudrop for her “never give up” attitude which is of high value in the world of wrestling.
▶ Reigns spoils Lesnar’s party
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After winning the WWE Championship back on Day 1, it was time for Brock Lesnar to defend his title against the Mighty Bobby Lashley. Lesnar absolutely dominated the fight by landing suplexes and F-5’s for fun but this fight took a different route when Lesnar’s final F-5 to Lashley. While slamming Lashley down, the referee got knocked out as Lesnar went for the cover. With Lesnar waiting for a new referee, Roman Reigns ran towards the ring and delivered a spear. Reigns then asked his former manager Paul Heyman to hand him the championship title and the two left the stage as Lashley pinned Lesnar for the count of three from the new referee.
Heyman is back with Reigns & Lashley is the WWE Champion which takes us back to 2021.
▶ Ronda Rousey is going to WrestleMania!!!
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After a long absence from the world of WWE, Ronda Rousey returns with a bang as she wins the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Entering at #28, Rousey ran through everyone who stoop in her way, eliminating the likes of Nikki A.S.H. and Brie Bella. Rousey teamed up with Shayna Baszler who was the last fighter to enter the match. Charlotte Flair then eliminated Baszler and Belair leaving her with Rousey to determine who would go to WrestleMania. Flair charged at Rousey but the former UFC fighter did well to get out and landed a monstrous suplex over the top rope which gave her the win and a ticket to WrestleMania for a title shot.
▶ It wasn’t a bad day for Lesnar after all
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After losing the WWE Championship to Bobby Lashley earlier on the night, Brock Lesnar redeemed himself by winning the Men’s Royal Rumble match and earning himself a clear shot at the championship at WrestleMania. Lesnar was the last man to enter the ring and found himself with Randy Orton, Riddle, McMahon, Bad Bunny, and Drew McIntyre. Lesnar took everyone for a suplex city ride before eliminating Orton. Bad Bunny was the next fighter to get eliminated followed by Riddle and McMahon, leaving Lesnar with McIntyre. The Scottish Warrior went for a claymore immediately but Lesnar blocked it off and hit an F-5 over the top rope and win the Royal Rumble match.
▶ Reigns VS Rollins: A fight to remember
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Roman Reigns, who has held the Universal title for more than a year now, continues his spell as the champion as he gave Seth Rollins a DQ win which meant that he retains the title. The fight started out at a high pace and remained that way until the very end. Both the fighter kept on landing their signature and finisher moves but neither of them was willing to give up. After Reigns managed to land his third spear of the night, Rollins ended up laughing at the champ, and the Tribal Chief then locked in a guillotine choke to put an end to the fight. Rollins did well to stay in the fight and made his way to the bottom rope but Reigns refused to break the hold and as a result, Seth Rollins was given the victory via disqualification, allowing Reigns to retain the Universal title.
[Featured Image Credit: Roman Reigns]
Shashank Iyer