John Cena defeated AJ Styles (WWE world championship) He’s a recharged, reenergized character, and his motivations - someone who’s ultra talented but never really was over as a babyface - certainly are believable.ĭisliked: It was a fine match with a good ending, but it’s still hard to care too much about the Cruiserweight division, which has floundered since being relaunched. But since he’s “returned” as a heel, he’s done nothing but good work and the build to this moment has been great.

He kind of got lost in the shuffle after being injured and then returning after the brand split with the Cruiserweight division already set in motion. Neville defeated Rich Swann (Cruiserweight championship match) It was a little odd that Reigns then kicked out after taking a punch with the brass knuckles, but then again, #SuperReigns. Which direction they send Strowman in after this still is up in the air, but between this spot and his time in the Rumble match, it’s clear they have options.ĭisliked: That they put Jericho in the shark cage above the ring all but signified he’d still get involved somehow, and he did by dropping a set of brass knuckles through the cage down to his “best friend” Kevin Owens.

The ending also was a nice twist, as next to no one saw Braun Strowman getting involved and affecting the finish. 'If didn't have crushed ribs before, HE HAS THEM NOW!' – #RoyalRumble #UniversalTitle /NmtdG5ftnQ He and Owens beat the hell out of each other with a couple of really physical spots, like Owens frog-splashing Reigns through a table on the floor or Owens falling through a pyramid of steel chairs. That’s especially true on the big stage - Reigns is building a very nice list of quality pay-per-view matches, and this one certainly can be added to the list. For all the flak Reigns gets from the crowd, he’s made it more and more difficult to criticize his work rate. Liked: If you like physical matches with plenty of carnage, then this match delivered and then some. Kevin Owens defeated Roman Reigns (Universal championship match, with Chris Jericho in a shark cage above the ring) But again, that’s a nitpick for no other reason than to come up with something to “dislike.” #NATURALSELECTION on the APRON!! goes to 16-0, defeating at #RoyalRumble! /eNUanL0kScĭisliked: This is a total nitpick here, but having Charlotte win by some nefarious means maybe would have suited Bayley’s character a little stronger in the short term, at least, instead of Charlotte going over her in the middle of the ring. WWE Royal Rumble Report Card: Grades, Likes, Dislikes From 2017 Event.

Wwe royal rumble 2017 card