In the aftermath of WWE Royal Rumble 2024, the wrestling community is buzzing with mixed emotions. While the Premium Live Event had its moments, it is undeniably clear that the expectations set for Tropicana Field were not fully met. Let’s delve into the five key mistakes that WWE made during this historic Rumble.
#5. The Women’s Royal Rumble match lost steam in the second third of the bout:
She fought for a record-setting 63 minutes and 3 seconds… and now, Philadelphia is calling her.
Congratulations to 2024 #RoyalRumble Match winner, @itsBayleyWWE! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/JdVpwW0YpB
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 28, 2024
Despite delivering expected favorites like Bayley and introducing Jade Cargill to the WWE universe, the Women’s Rumble struggled to maintain momentum in its middle portion. With lackluster entrants and minimal excitement, the crowd found it challenging to stay engaged, highlighting the need for WWE to find innovative ways to sustain interest throughout the entire encounter.
#4. Roman Reigns felt like the weakest link despite walking out as champion:
ROMAN REIGNS WINS at #RoyalRumble!#AndStill pic.twitter.com/A91jJdFDmP
— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024
While Roman Reigns successfully retained the WWE Universal Title in a thrilling Fatal Four-Way match, his overall performance left fans questioning the aura of “The Tribal Chief.” Near-falls and moments of vulnerability painted Reigns as the weakest link, despite his victory. The expected finish and the failure to stack up opponents may have diminished the impact of his triumph.
#3. Kofi Kingston wasn’t The Royal Rumble highlight reel:
Known for his miraculous Rumble saves, Kofi Kingston failed to deliver another iconic moment at Royal Rumble 2024. The absence of Kingston’s signature highlight reel left fans yearning for the magic he brings to the Rumble every year, marking a departure from the excitement fans have come to expect.
#2. Sami Zayn wasn’t the ideal final entrant in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble
The anticipation for bone-chilling surprise entrants was high, with names like The Rock, John Cena, and Hulk Hogan swirling in the rumor mill. However, the surprise factor fell flat, particularly with Sami Zayn’s entry at the last spot. Fans were left wanting as Zayn’s return lacked the impact and star power expected from a final entrant in the Royal Rumble.
#1. Cody Rhodes winning over CM Punk may prove the wrong decision:
The historic victory of Cody Rhodes, becoming the fourth superstar to win two consecutive Rumbles, came at the cost of a potentially epic storyline for CM Punk. The decision to have Rhodes triumph over Punk left many fans questioning whether this was the right call. With Punk’s Road to WrestleMania now uncertain, the spotlight is on Rhodes, whose upcoming clash with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 may define his legacy.
As the wrestling world reflects on Royal Rumble 2024, the spotlight now shifts to the fallout from these decisions. The fans, ever passionate and vocal, await WWE’s next moves in what promises to be a rollercoaster journey leading up to the Grandest Stage of Them All.
