Philadelphia was the place to be as two historic wins and one shocking appearance took place at the 31st annual #Royal Rumble event. For the first time, a Women’s Royal Rumble was scheduled to rival the thirty man match for respective title shots at WrestleMania 34. In the end, #Ronda Rousey made her second appearance on WWE grounds on January 28th to find new competition.

Annual 30 man Royal Rumble

The annual male Royal Rumble was the second match scheduled with Rusev and Finn Balor starting at No.1 and 2 respectively. The first surprise entrance was the NXT Champion Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas at No.

7 after competing in an amazing match at NXT Takeover the day before. The fastest eliminations went to Sheamus and Baron Corbin yet Baron rampaged through the current stars before leaving. ‘Woken’ Matt Hardy returned to the Rumble to feud with Bray Wyatt, eliminating each other.

After John Cena entered at No. 20, the surprises got better with The Hurricane’s return and Adam Cole’s debut from NXT. The legendary Rey Mysterio returned at the most favorable spot of No. 27. The last six men were a clash of wrestling ages: Cena, Randy Orton and Mysterio of the Ruthless Aggression Era against Roman Reigns, Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura of the PG Era. Entrant No.14 Shinsuke prevailed over Reigns and Cena to become the first Japanese Royal Rumble winner.

First ever Women’s Royal Rumble match

The Women’s Evolution took the next step in the historic, thirty Woman’s Royal Rumble match starting with Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch. Plenty of legends returned for this inaugural match to fill the thirty mark. Lita was the first surprise at No. 5, following from former Women's Champions Michelle McCool and Jacqueline.

Divas that broke the Internet in the 2000's (Torrie Wilson & Kelly Kelly) still showed their in-ring skills.

Beth Phoenix entered at No. 24 to square off with today’s powerhouse Nia Jax. Fan favorite Asuka entered at No. 25 to dominate with Strong Style with the remaining Sasha, the Bella Twins, Bayley and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus.

Sasha eliminated Trish and then Nikki & Brie took Banks out after fifty-four minutes. After Nikki took out her own sister, Asuka cemented her status as the first Women’s Royal Rumble winner.

Before Asuka could choose her title opponent, UFC icon Ronda Rousey returned to WWE to insert herself in the WrestleMania picture. Ronda confronted the winner and both Women's Champions, Charlotte and Alexa Bliss, to point at the WrestleMania sign for a dream match between any of the three. Ronda's offered handshake was slapped by Asuka yet accepted by the boss Stephanie McMahon. Shinsuke, Asuka and Ronda Rousey will be the headliners for WrestleMania 34 and they are bound to shock the world of WWE.
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