[intro music playing]
[music ends]
[dramatic music playing]
[Michael Cole] Thirty men, thirty women.
The ultimate prize at stake.
[commentator 1] Stone Cold! Stone Cold! Stone Cold!
With a tear in my eye…
This is the greatest moment in my life.
Whoo!
[music continues]
[Michael] That has gotta be the greatest thing I've ever seen.
Oh my God!
-[laughter] -Did that really happen?
I wasn't ready.
[commentator 2] Destruction by Strowman.
[commentator 3] He did it! He did it! Rey Mysterio!
-Roman Reigns! -John Cena!
-Randy Orton. -Asuka.
…is going to WrestleMania.
[music intensifies]
[Becky] Chaos at Royal Rumble.
The Man comes around to settle the score.
[Asuka] Nobody is ready for Asuka!
-Change. I am creating a brave new world. -[crowd booing]
"The New" Daniel Bryan will be champion forever.
I don't care if it's "The New" Daniel Bryan, the old Daniel Bryan.
The championship belongs to me.
[Ronda] A real champion lives for the challenge.
I am the last woman you want to provoke.
I will make you tap out and take back my Women's Championship.
[inaudible]
[Bálor] I've waited far too long for this opportunity.
A lot of people are questioning whether or not they believe in Finn Bálor.
And what's important is that I believe that I can beat Brock Lesnar
for the championship that I never lost.
I believe Finn Bálor
will just be Brock Lesnar's victim.
[Bálor] David and Goliath.
[invigorating music plays]
[Michael] Tonight, we begin the road to WrestleMania.
["We Got the Power" by Zayde Wolf playing]
History in the making tonight.
♪ And now we got the power ♪
[Corey] Two Royal Rumble matches.
Last one standing guaranteed a title opportunity at WrestleMania.
-Here we go. -[crowd] …eight, seven…
-[Michael] Light them up! Throw them over! -[crowd] …six, five…
[Tom] The opportunity of a lifetime.
[Corey] Let's just get lost in the moment.
-We are about to see a classic. -[crowd] …two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
[music ends]
[narrator] And now, Golden Crisp cereal presents WWE Royal Rumble.
♪ We got, we got, we got the power ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Chaos, change, challenge, and opportunity.
Tonight, over 40,000 WWE fans
will witness the beginning of the road to WrestleMania.
For the first time ever from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona,
welcome to the 32nd annual Royal Rumble.
[crowd cheering]
["Celtic Invasion" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Whoa ♪
[Tom] And what a way to kick things off here on the WWE Network.
The Man has arrived in Phoenix.
[Corey] Arguably the single hottest Superstar in the industry
with an opportunity to reclaim her coveted SmackDown Women's Championship.
SmackDown Live, the first opportunity
to start off the Royal Rumble event streaming live on the WWE Network.
Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton.
Byron, you touched on it this past week on SmackDown Live.
This is as much about the title as it is for the champion
after this matchup, getting on a good road to WrestleMania.
[Byron] We know this is where it all begins.
Becky Lynch believes this is where she belongs.
She believes she is taking this division to a whole new level
and she has that opportunity if she could win back
the SmackDown Women's Championship right here tonight.
[Corey] You can't argue with the fan support,
the voice of the WWE Universe echoing throughout Chase Field.
They love The Man.
["Celtic Invasion" continues playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Becky Lynch refers to herself as The Man
because she has done it all.
Once upon a time, a phrase made famous
by WWE Hall of Famer "Nature Boy" Ric Flair
to be the pinnacle of the business.
Becky Lynch feels like she has reached the top of the mountain.
[Tom] And to your point, right now,
the pinnacle of the women's division on SmackDown Live
does not belong to Becky Lynch,
and in fact, belongs to The Empress of Tomorrow.
["You Can't Hide" by WWE, def rebel playing]
[Byron] You know, if I'm Asuka right now, I am driven.
I am excited about this opportunity
because we've seen the last couple of weeks,
Becky has called her ability, her threat into doubt.
She's got a chance to back it up.
[Tom] Well, Raw and SmackDown are broadcast worldwide
in 25 different languages.
Joining us here at ringside, our Spanish announce team,
Carlos Cabrera and Marcelo Rodriguez.
[speaking Spanish]
[Marcelo speaking Spanish]
[Tom in English] And our German team,
Calvin Knie, Carsten Schaefer, and Tim Haber.
[speaking German]
[in English] The road to WrestleMania begins in Phoenix.
[Tom] Remember, gentlemen,
it was in the first-ever women's Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match
in December at the TLC pay-per-view
where Asuka climbed the ladder and retrieved the championship,
while it was Ronda Rousey who eliminated
Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch from the equation.
[Corey] Asuka won within the parameters of that particular matchup.
Tonight is an opportunity for The Empress to prove
that there is no disputing her supremacy in the SmackDown Women's Division.
["You Can't Hide" continues playing]
[Byron] The look on the face of The Man tells the story.
[bell rings]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger
from Dublin, Ireland,
Becky Lynch.
[crowd cheering]
And her opponent from Osaka, Japan.
She is the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Asuka.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] You see a focused look on the face of the challenger, Becky Lynch,
an extremely confident champion in Asuka.
This one will be off the chain.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Beck! Becky! Becky!
[Byron] Think about it.
For a decade, Asuka was one of the biggest names in Japan.
She came here to the States.
She came to WWE for opportunities like this.
For a big stage opportunity to prove how good she really is.
-[bell rings] -[Corey] Over 40,000 strong jam-packed
here in Chase Field to witness this matchup,
and so much incredible history that's sure to follow tonight.
[Tom] What a way to begin the night.
What a way to begin our road to WrestleMania.
Asuka and Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women's Title.
[grunting]
[referee exclaims]
[Corey] There's proud competitors in both Becky Lynch and Asuka.
[Tom] Even Becky Lynch has admitted
that Asuka at one point, she was unbeatable,
indestructible, invincible.
That all changed at this past WrestleMania,
but Asuka has gotten back to her dominant ways.
[Byron] That's the thing. It's natural sometimes for an athlete
after a big loss to hit a bit of a slump,
to have to find themselves again.
Asuka has found herself,
and I guarantee you, Becky is in for an incredible battle here.
[Tom] Shots to the midsection by Asuka, trying to create a bit of breathing room,
and the challenger backs up the champion.
-Oh! -[Asuka yelling]
[speaking Japanese]
[Corey] Absolutely unrivaled intensity from the champion.
Asuka absolutely fearless right now,
but The Man seems to be the same.
[commentators] Whoa!
[Tom] Went for the spinning back fist, instead caught with a right by Lynch.
[yelling indistinctly]
[Corey] Becky needs to be careful not to get overconfident.
[Tom] Oh, look out. Asuka. Whoa!
Able to sidestep the dropkick did Lynch, and instead runs over the champion.
Three times, Asuka.
I'm not supposed to lose!
Come on! Fight me!
Fight me!
[crowd cheering]
[Byron] Becky said she was gonna steal the show tonight
on her way to regaining the championship.
Lynch needs to be careful not to get cocky.
[Tom] Oh, wait a minute. Going early for the Dis-Arm-Her,
trying to set it up,
but instead Asuka able to counter.
-[Corey] What a right from The Man! -[Tom] Oh!
Big uppercut by Becky.
Ooh. [grunts]
[Tom] Oh. Shot right to the hamstring,
and, Graves, two very gifted submission specialists here in this matchup.
[Corey] If Becky wants to fight, there are many ways…
[Tom] Early cover. Early cover.
[Corey] …many ways to fight, but I think Lynch would be wise
to avoid getting into a striking match with Asuka.
[Tom] And look at Asuka.
This is what she does. She can get into your head,
toying with her opponents.
[Corey] My goodness. Seems she's just firing up Becky Lynch.
[Tom] Oh, wait a minute.
Lynch, oh, has got ahold of Asuka.
And look at these forearm shots right to the jaw.
[Corey] Over and over and over again.
[Tom] Oh!
Doubles over the champion.
-[grunting] -[Asuka yells]
[Tom] Now Lynch on the run
and drops Asuka right where she stands.
Title can only change hands by pinfall or submission.
Count-out or disqualification will not result in a new champion.
The advantage goes to Asuka this evening.
[Corey] It's undeniable to this point
Becky Lynch has been able to implement her strategy.
-Get in the ring. -Back it up. You're not listening.
[Corey] Seemingly everything Asuka's attempted…
Let's go now. One!
-…Becky has had an answer-- -[Byron] Watch out.
[Tom] Oh, went for the baseball slide,
instead, Asuka thought differently.
Oh! Hip attack.
Off of the apron goes Lynch.
[Byron] How about that? It was Asuka that goaded Becky to the outside.
[Corey] Once again, maybe the emotion's running a little too high for Becky Lynch.
She's running on pure instinct.
She maybe isn't running with a strategy.
She's out there to fight.
This is pure instinct. That's what Becky wants.
-But she's got to be careful. -[Asuka yelling]
[Tom] Oh, Lynch went for the kick, and instead Becky Lynch quick as a cat--
-And a Big Boot! -[Byron] Oh my God.
[Tom] Takes out Asuka.
[Corey] That's a nasty landing for the champ.
[Tom] How about the quickness, the speed, the agility of Becky Lynch?
Oh! Outmaneuvers the champion.
[Corey] Becky Lynch certainly intense.
-Four. -[grunting]
[Byron] Oh, Becky understands she needs that count of five.
Becky Lynch smart here, breaks the count,
now trying to drag Asuka back inside the ring.
[referee] You both got to be back in the ring. Let's go.
[Tom] And now it's Asuka unloading on the challenger.
[referee] Asuka, in here. Let's go! Now, one!
[Tom] And again, the referee's restarted his count
because Becky Lynch went back inside the ring.
[referee] Three!
[speaking Japanese]
[referee] Four!
[Corey] Becky Lynch right now incurring the wrath of The Empress.
Oh man!
[Tom] Shoulder-first to the LED board along the side of the ring.
[Byron] We saw even going back to SmackDown last week…
[Tom] Asuka breaks the count.
[Byron] …how much Becky has incited Asuka when Asuka ambushed her from behind.
-Uh-oh. Uh-oh. -[Tom] Wait a minute.
Bexploder into the barricade!
-[referee] Two! -[crowd applauding]
[Corey] Becky needs to get Asuka back inside the ring
to capitalize on this moment.
[referee] Four!
Get her in here.
[Corey] Take another look at the strength of The Man,
just launching the champion right into the barricade.
[referee] Seven!
[Tom] Count of seven.
And tosses Asuka back inside the ring.
Becky Lynch thinking about a cover to capture the title,
and a kick-out by Asuka.
Okay.
[Tom] Becky Lynch trying to hone in
on her third SmackDown Women's Championship,
believes Asuka never beat her for the title,
says Asuka's on borrowed time.
[Byron] You think about the torturous few months for Becky
suffering an injury back around Survivor Series.
[Tom] Look at this. Look at Becky Lynch
hammering away on the champion in the corner.
[Byron] Losing the Title last month at TLC,
so this is a chance for Becky to really turn her fortunes around.
[Corey] But Becky needs to be careful not to get overzealous,
get herself disqualified.
Just became dangerously close to the referee counting that five.
[groans]
-Golly! -[Tom] Pummeling Asuka.
Off of the hair, Becky. You gotta listen to me here.
[Corey] There's no question about it.
When it comes to aggression amongst female Superstars,
Becky Lynch is at the top of that list.
[Tom] And Lynch with the suplex to Asuka.
Lynch trying to get a cover to win the SmackDown Women's Title.
And a kick-out by Asuka.
[Corey] Becky allowing for no separation.
[Tom] Wait a minute.
Thought she's trying to set up for the Dis-Arm-Her,
but, Graves, instead trying to isolate the left arm of Asuka.
[Corey] That's a great strategy.
Becky Lynch, if she can weaken up the arm of Asuka,
hopefully open the door for the Dis-Arm-Her submission.
-[screaming] -You tell me something?
[Corey] You can hear the screams from the champion.
An agonizing situation.
Becky has got to be enjoying every moment of it.
[Tom] Graves, who in your mind has more pressure on tonight?
Obviously, the champion trying to defend,
but at the same time, Becky Lynch has got so much flak
on the way to this match.
[Corey] Becky looking for the Dis-Arm-Her once again.
Asuka sensed it coming and a vicious kick to the hamstring.
[Tom] And Asuka just trying to keep Becky Lynch at bay.
-[screaming] -[Tom] Went for a kick,
and instead, it's Asuka who finds her mark.
[Corey] To answer your question though, Tom,
Becky Lynch has put herself in this situation.
She's made herself the talk of the sports entertainment industry, but--
[Tom] Oh! Missed with the hip attack
and now Becky Lynch has got ahold of Asuka within the ropes.
-[Corey] Look at this. -You gotta listen to me.
[Corey] You can make claims all day every day,
but if you don't back it up, then it's all for nothing.
[Tom] Oh, it's the Asuka Lock applied within the ropes!
But only up to the count of five,
and still Becky Lynch is alive in this match.
[Byron] Don't turn your back on The Empress.
[screaming in pain]
[Corey] You can see on her face the agony that the champion's in.
Asuka's left arm suffered a great deal of damage to this point.
[Tom] Oh!
[Corey] Becky out of the way, just in time.
[Tom] Missed along the middle turnbuckle, and now look at Becky Lynch.
Oh my God, it's the Dis-Arm-Her within the turnbuckles,
and again, only has to the count of five.
[referee] Out of the ropes.
[Corey] It's smart.
Maximize the damage done in that five-count.
[crowd cheering]
Becky now on the middle rope.
Lynch has had an answer
for practically everything Asuka's tried tonight.
It's very impressive.
[Tom] Lynch from the middle rope-- Oh!
A knee right between the eyes from Asuka.
[Byron] Just when you think you've got all of the answers,
she changes the question.
[Corey] Never discount the afflictive striking ability of the champion.
Asuka bought herself some very valuable time right now.
Take another look at this. Lynch, all the way up the middle rope.
And just in the nick of time,
the champion gets a knee in place and drops The Man.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
-[Becky yelling] -[Asuka screaming in pain]
[Becky yelling]
[Corey] A right hand from Becky Lynch.
[grunting]
[referee] Get your hands off her neck.
[Corey] Oh, great agility by the champion.
[Tom] Out of the corner with a dropkick.
[Corey] Asuka…
[speaking Japanese]
[panting]
[Corey] Favoring that left arm,
trying to turn things around here in this match.
[Tom] Oh, another hip attack into the corner,
and Asuka with a window of opportunity against Lynch,
trying to set up for a German suplex.
[Corey] Oh, that back fist connected big time.
[Byron] Look at that kick.
[Tom] Now Asuka trying to stay on the challenger and a German suplex.
[panting]
If you give Asuka a window of opportunity,
she will capitalize with authority.
Oh, and another hip attack with momentum.
-To retain her title, hook to the leg. -One, two--
-[Corey] Oh! -[Tom] Kick-out by Lynch.
[Corey] Asuka was about a half a second away
from a successful title defense
here at Chase Field.
Take another look. Full head of steam.
Boom!
-Connects right on the mark. -One, two--
[Tom] But still it's Lynch who's able to stay alive here
as we begin the Royal Rumble event
with the SmackDown Women's Title match.
[Byron] Think about all the weeks Becky Lynch has rubbed it in Asuka's face
saying, "You have never beaten me one-on-one."
I guarantee you that's in the back of the mind of the champion.
[Corey] This is a fight. We will find out a decisive victor tonight.
[Tom] Asuka from the top, went for a dropkick.
Becky Lynch did her homework, able to avoid.
Oh!
Driven into the canvas.
And now Lynch…
Oh, a kick-out by Asuka just in time.
[Corey] Becky is beside herself.
I think she and about 40,000 people here in Chase Field
thought we had a new champion.
[Byron] Asuka managed to get that left shoulder up
to save her title up to this point.
[Corey] Now as we get into the deep water,
we're gonna find out what The Man truly is made of.
Does she have what it takes to--
[Byron] Oh, wait a minute. She's got the arm! Got the arm!
Becky's got to be careful here.
[Corey] Her elbow is hyperextended. Becky Lynch is in danger.
[Byron] Shoulders down on Asuka. She got her shoulders away!
Asuka Lock. Asuka Lock on Becky Lynch.
[Corey] I don't think Asuka has it completely applied right now.
-Lynch able to fight her way out of it. -[Tom] You're right.
The one arm was not locked fully underneath the chin
and Becky Lynch is able to get to the bottom rope.
[Corey] Great ring awareness. That was a veteran move by Becky Lynch.
[screaming]
[Tom] Just a split second there for Becky Lynch
to turn her head, get away from Asuka.
Champion nearly had her.
-Oh! -[panting]
[referee] Let's go. Inside the ring.
[Corey] Guttural growl from the champion, Asuka.
Off the apron. Get in here, ladies.
-[Becky] Let's go. -Come on.
[Tom] Slugging it out on the apron.
[Corey] Not much room for balance on the apron.
A precarious position for both competitors.
Rapid-fire strikes to the back of the neck.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
[Tom] Wait a minute.
Asuka trying to pry Becky Lynch off of the apron.
The ropes are the only thing holding her up right now.
Oh my gosh!
-[Byron] Becky hanging on for dear life. -[grunts]
[Tom] And Becky Lynch breaks free of Asuka.
You got to get it inside the ring.
[Tom] That could've been a catastrophe for Lynch.
[Corey] Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
[Tom] Wait a minute.
Is Lynch trying to set up for an Exploder?
Come on now, huh?
[Byron] You're right, but now it's Asuka trying to hold on.
Get back in here.
[Corey] Those short jabs to the ribs of the challenger, Asuka, from the apron.
What on earth is she thinking?
You go. Get her back in here.
-[Byron] Wait. -[Tom] No, no, no.
No, no, no, wait. Asuka's got ahold of Becky Lynch.
-[crowd] Oh! -[Tom] Oh God!
[panting]
[crowd applauding]
[Corey] Asuka just drove herself and Lynch face-first…
Both of you, let's go, huh?
[Corey] …into the ringside area.
I think both these women might be out.
-Let's take another look at this. -[Tom] Watch this.
[all] Oh!
[Corey] Lynch came down in a nasty way on her shoulder,
perhaps even her neck.
Look at this.
I think Becky was doing her best to try to avoid the situation
and Asuka just dragged her down.
[Tom] And right now a count of seven here
as Asuka rolls herself back into the ring.
Becky Lynch trying to gather herself and beats the count before 10.
[Byron] Just in time, but, I mean, Becky Lynch is hurt.
[Tom] Oh, and a kick by Asuka.
This could do it. Asuka, to hold on to the championship.
-Kick-out by Lynch. -[Corey laughing] Oh.
It doesn't get any closer than that.
[Byron] Asuka knew it. Asuka felt it that she had Becky Lynch beat.
[yells]
[Corey] This is what defines champions
as we take another look at the sliding kick from Asuka,
connected and nearly put Becky down.
But this is where a champion truly defines her legacy.
Asuka's got to find that next gear, that next level.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky!
[Tom] What are you willing to do to beat perhaps the champion,
whoever wins the Women's Royal Rumble match is gunning for,
come WrestleMania?
[Corey] Well, both of these women, they've got WrestleMania in their sights.
But they need to focus on each other right now.
This thing is breaking down in a hurry. It's getting ugly.
[Tom] Lynch and Asuka.
-Oh! -[both grunting]
Exchanging heavy shots here in the middle of the ring.
And look at Asuka, lighting up the Lass Kicker.
Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Trying to bring Asuka down to the canvas with the Dis-Arm-Her.
[Corey] Lynch was able to counter another spinning back fist attempt.
[Tom] Oh, and a kick drops Lynch.
-Asuka, cover. -One, two--
[Tom] Becky Lynch is still in it.
Wow.
[Byron laughing] I don't know how Becky Lynch kicked out of that one.
[Corey] I think it's pure instinct at this point, Byron.
Both of these women know what's on the line,
how highly valuable the SmackDown Women's Championship is
to everyone on the roster.
[commentators] Oh!
[Corey] Asuka connects with a lethal back kick.
[Tom] Watch this. Watch the--
-[Corey] Boom! -[Tom] Oh, gosh.
[Corey] That will turn your lights out in short order.
But Lynch fights on.
[screams]
[Tom] And now Lynch able to evade again.
Asuka caught with a kick by Becky Lynch. Very smart.
[Corey] I don't know how much of a kick, how effective it was.
It stopped Asuka momentarily.
[referee speaking indistinctly]
[Tom] She's trying to slow down the champion
and create another window of opportunity,
but look how Asuka fights back no matter the position.
[referee] Let's go.
Get off the top! Come on!
[Corey] Becky right there to meet her.
This is a dangerous predicament for both these ladies.
Let's go. That's enough. Put her down.
[Tom] Oh, no, no, no.
Oh, no, no. From the top. From the top.
Becky Lynch.
-[Byron] No! -[Tom] Super Bexploder.
-[Corey] That could be it. -[Tom] Becky rolls into the cover!
Inside leg and hand on it, and a kick-out.
Wow!
[Corey] The look of disbelief on the face of the challenger, with good reason.
Becky Lynch from the top rope, a Super Bexploder.
[Tom] One more look.
[Corey] Look at this.
-Asuka from all the way up top. -[Tom] Oh.
[Corey] That's a spine-shattering impact.
[Byron] Yeah. But is that the beginning of the end for the champion?
[Tom] You might be right, Byron.
Becky Lynch trying to close out this matchup,
has the champion right where she wants her.
[referee] Come on now. Get out of there.
[Corey] What does Lynch have left in her arsenal?
She's gonna have to bring out the big guns at this point.
-[Tom] Oh! -[Corey] Nobody home!
[Tom] Went for the leg drop, and now the Asuka Lock.
Asuka Lock.
And now Becky, Becky trying to roll over onto her stomach.
[Corey] Dis-Arm-Her!
-[Tom] Oh my gosh. -[Byron] Oh wow.
[Corey] Asuka's got Becky Lynch's own submission applied.
[Tom] Oh, and Lynch able to break free.
Lynch going for the Asuka Lock.
-[Byron] Unbelievable. -[Tom] I can't believe it.
[Corey] Both of these women trading submissions.
Asuka's in jeopardy right now.
[Tom] Is Asuka gonna tap out to her own submission maneuver?
[Byron] How insulting would that be to the champ?
[Corey] It'd be humiliating to The Empress.
[Tom] Shoulders down on Lynch, and a kick-out.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Tom] What a kick!
[screaming]
-[Tom] And now Asuka. -[Byron] Again!
Dis-Arm-Her! Dis-Arm-Her by Becky Lynch!
[Corey] I don't know if Becky's got it in as deep as she wants.
[Byron] Asuka's a long ways away from that rope. She's squirming.
[Corey] Exhaustion's certainly playing a factor
in Becky's ability to lock in this submission completely.
[Tom] Wait a minute now, Asuka turns it around.
Near two-count.
[grunts]
Now, look at Becky Lynch.
-[Corey] O'Connor roll! -[Byron] Cover!
[Tom] Now, Asuka able to get back up to her feet.
-Oh! -[Corey] Beautiful takedown.
Asuka Lock once again, in the center of the ring.
[Tom] Lynch is trapped, and now Asuka's got it again around the neck.
[referee speaking indistinctly]
[Tom] Is Becky Lynch gonna tap out to Asuka?
[Byron] Pure desperation for the challenger.
[Corey] Asuka just smothering Becky Lynch.
-Oh, my goodness. -[Tom] Look at this.
Unbelievable by Asuka, and a tap out by Lynch.
-[bell ringing] -Asuka retains by tap out.
[announcer] Here is your winner by submission
and still the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Asuka.
[Corey] Becky Lynch has got to feel more disappointment in this moment
than maybe ever before in her career.
[Byron] But that disappointment of Becky Lynch
is matched by the jubilation of the champion
because Asuka has survived her first big test.
[Corey] This is not how Becky Lynch envisioned tonight going.
What a battle from both of these women.
But everything the man brought to the fight,
Asuka took with a smile and an answer.
[Tom] Turned this into the Asuka Lock,
a tremendous sequence by Asuka,
but then turned it into this.
[Corey] The extra bridge,
an incredible amount of torque on the neck and shoulder of Becky Lynch.
The Man left with no choice, no alternative,
but to submit to The Empress of Tomorrow.
[Byron] Asuka was reminded that she couldn't defeat Becky Lynch.
Asuka was told that she has tampered the prestige
of the Women's Championship.
Well, now it's Asuka who stands tall.
[Corey] You have to wonder in Becky Lynch's mind
if she's doubting herself.
We know she's disappointed, she's downright crushed.
But did The Man incur the wrath of The Empress
by her own hand, by her war of words?
Did Becky bring out the most dangerous Asuka?
[Byron] A moment of celebration,
perhaps a little bit of relief
for the still SmackDown Women's Champion,
and dejection from the challenger.
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[Tom] Asuka, nonetheless, sets out on her road to WrestleMania
with the SmackDown Women's Championship at hand.
Her first-ever pay-per-view championship defense has been successful.
[Corey] This is incredibly tough for "The Man" Becky Lynch to accept,
coming up short
and failing in her mission to become SmackDown Women's Champion.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky!
[Corey] A glorious day for The Empress of Tomorrow.
["You Can't Hide" continues playing]
["We Got the Power" playing]
[Tom] Well, we're off to a spectacular start
here in the Valley of the Sun
for the first time ever from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
This is the 32nd annual Royal Rumble event.
♪ We got, we got, we got the power ♪
♪ Come on, come on Is everybody with me? ♪
[music ends]
[woman] Quiet on the set.
-Can we please have quiet on the set? -[crowd cheering]
[clicking on screen]
[invigorating music playing]
[music stops abruptly]
[crowd cheering]
[The Miz] Awesome.
♪ I came to play ♪
♪ I came to play There's a price to pay ♪
♪ Time for you To get down on your knees and pray ♪
♪ I came to play ♪
♪ Say goodbye to the good old days ♪
♪ They're never coming back Watch your future fade ♪
♪ I came to play ♪
♪ I came to play, to get my dues paid ♪
♪ I guess you had a dream But it can't be saved ♪
["Here Come the Money" by Naughty By Nature, Jim Johnston playing]
♪ Here comes the money ♪
♪ Money, money, money, money ♪
♪ Dollar, dollar ♪
♪ Bling, bling… ♪
[Tom] Looks like the best tag team in the world
finally agreed on what to wear.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
Introducing the challengers, the team of The Miz
and Shane McMahon.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] The co-besties who bonded
in the midst of the WWE World Cup tournament
to determine who is the best in the world.
Miz took two-thirds of it.
And then it was Shane McMahon who took the last third of it.
[Corey] He made it all the way to the finals
and suffered an injury, an unfortunate--
[Byron] What a moment! That's The Miz's father.
Phillips, did you know The Miz family gene pool is so deep,
they considered making it a great lake?
[Tom laughing]
It's so great to have George here at ringside
because this is so personal for Miz and Shane McMahon.
Remember, Miz has told Shane, "I wanna do this on behalf of my father."
Tossing his sunglasses to his dad here at ringside.
His father saw Shane McMahon compete and said,
"Man, there's a Superstar who shows absolutely no fear."
Miz greatly looks up to Shane.
[Byron] And Miz's father should be proud.
But can they accomplish the feat of truly becoming Tag Team Champions?
[Corey] It's a lot easier said than done when you're dealing with The Bar.
["Hellfire" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And their opponents,
they are the SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
Sheamus and Cesaro.
[Tom] When Shane and Miz got together,
they said they wanted to train, they wanted to compete,
they wanted to scout the best competition in the tag team division,
and it was Miz who went directly to The Bar
asking for a Tag Team Title opportunity and they got it.
Well, in a way, he also paid for it.
We're gonna take you back to this past Tuesday.
Oh! After Cesaro and Miz had gone one-on-one,
it was Shane who bull-rushed Sheamus at ringside.
[Corey] It's certainly a chaotic scene, all four men involved.
Pure pandemonium at ringside.
And just when we thought we were gonna see another trademark Shane McMahon
insane dive through the table,
The Bar capitalized and left the besties laying.
[Tom] A horrific Brogue Kick by Sheamus, and that was just the beginning.
Powerbombing Shane through his partner Miz,
through the table at ringside.
We don't set the bar…
[both] …we are The Bar.
[Corey] Sheamus and Cesaro feel as though they're underrated,
that they don't get the respect that they deserve
as dominant SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
[Tom] Graves, here's my question,
we know how gifted The Miz and Shane McMahon are
as individual competitors.
But this is the team of Sheamus and Cesaro.
This is a well-oiled machine.
One of the best tag teams in the last 10 years.
[Corey] You're right. Which is why I'm not getting my hopes up.
I mean, I think it's a great story
to see The Miz and Shane McMahon alongside one another
competing in front of Miz's father.
I mean, what a feel-good story this truly is.
That said, these are one of the most elite tag teams on the face of the earth,
Sheamus and Cesaro.
[Byron] I agree. It's an uphill battle for team--
Look, I understand Shane McMahon and The Miz are on the same page.
I understand they have bonded.
But to develop the key team chemistry needed
to unseat the Tag Team Champions,
I don't know.
The important thing is that Shane believes and Miz believes--
Oh, and look at Shane right out of the gates
just leveled Sheamus.
What's wrong with you? You're a lunatic.
-Hey, hey, hey, take it easy. -Huh?
Take it easy. Take it easy.
-Huh? -Take it easy.
Take it easy.
[Corey] The Celtic Warrior looks like he's seen a ghost.
[Tom] What a great strategy right out of the gate,
right off the bell, bam,
driving Sheamus to the mat.
Shane McMahon is fully dialed in right off the bat.
[Corey] Listen, Shane has been around the block a time or two.
-He realizes… -[Tom] Tag.
[Corey] …what a situation like this prompts, what it provokes.
[Tom] Oh, wait a minute. Miz trying to get Cesaro
who's legal for The Bar early.
Now another cover to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
And Cesaro dealt with Miz one-on-one this past week.
Miz has also faced Sheamus in recent weeks, one-on-one.
Cover, and a kick-out by Cesaro.
[Corey] Oh, looking for a Skull-Crushing Finale.
[Tom] Oh. Whipped off by Cesaro.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
[Tom] Dangerous early sequence,
and perhaps Sheamus and Cesaro realizing
Shane and Miz are the real deal.
[Corey] There is no denying right now in these early few moments
that Shane and Miz have done their homework.
They've studied up. They are prepared for tonight.
Oh!
[groans]
[Byron] Remember, it was Miz who spearheaded…
spearheaded the effort to get a Tag Team Title shot
in the first place for this new team--
[Tom] Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Miz is trying to set up for a submission here. It looks like.
Might be looking for the figure-four.
[Tom] You're right. Oh! Sheamus took a swipe at Miz
and there's a shot to both members of The Bar.
And wait a minute. The officials got a hold of Cesaro.
And meanwhile, Sheamus held Miz in place,
The Bar capitalizes.
-[grunting] -[referee] One, two, three.
-[Corey] Sheamus and Cesaro-- -[Byron] Look at Shane.
[Tom] Wait a minute. Look at Shane coming in to protect his partner
who was in a bad spot.
[Corey] Shane needs to be just as careful as The Bar
not to get his team disqualified.
[Byron] Well, we know Shane can be very emotional,
a little hot-headed.
[Tom] Byron, for as apprehensive as Shane was
about starting this tag team partnership,
he seemed all in here tonight.
[Byron] Oh, of course, Shane has bought in.
Shane has bought into the concept of teaming up with The Miz--
[Tom] Oh!
Sheamus with the cheap shot on Shane McMahon,
and here comes The Miz.
-[grunting] -One!
[Byron] Both these men are bought in to doing whatever it takes
to win the Tag Team Championship.
Four!
You gotta back it up. Listen to what I'm saying.
[yelling]
[Byron] Miz is truly bringing the fight tonight, but-- Oh!
The Celtic Warrior just so powerful, just muscling Miz across the ring.
-And Cesaro! -[Tom] Wait a minute.
And Cesaro again takes advantage
while the official was dealing with Sheamus.
[Corey] That's the sort of tag team chemistry--
[Byron] Move, move.
[indistinct chatter]
[Corey] Makes The Bar such a dangerous duo.
[Tom] Wait a minute. They're thinking about doing this again.
What we saw this past week on SmackDown.
[Corey] Wait a minute. Shane to the rescue!
[Tom] Shane rescuing his partner, coming to the aid of his friend
and now bashing Cesaro's face off on the apron.
[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Byron] Oh, Shane McMahon now positioning Cesaro.
Shane tried this on SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Could the next time be the charm for Shane McMahon?
[Byron] Miz holding Cesaro in place.
[Tom] Shane McMahon loves the big stage, loves the big fight.
Can he take out Cesaro here at ringside in this Tag Team Title match?
Oh, and it's Miz.
Miz gets caught by Sheamus into the post.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Cesaro able to roll out of the way just in time.
Two!
[Corey] Shane from the top!
[Tom] Oh my God!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Tom] Shane preventing Sheamus from getting The Miz.
[Byron] Oh my God!
[Tom] And eats an uppercut for it.
[Corey] The Swiss Cyborg just got every bit of that uppercut.
[Byron] Shane sacrificed himself as we expect him to do,
but also paid for it.
[Tom] Well, Byron, for how new this tag team is,
I don't know if everybody expected that.
And now Shane-- Oh!
-Whipped into the barricade by Cesaro. -[yells]
[Corey] Cesaro is fired up right now.
Take another look at this.
Shane soaring through the skies of Arizona.
[grunts]
[Corey] Connecting with The Celtic Warrior.
In a blink of an eye, things turned around.
Courtesy of an uppercut from--
Oh! Cesaro back in the ring here, double-team maneuver, cover.
[Tom] Great job by Cesaro. Cover, and a kick-out.
And now, it's because of the valiant effort of Shane McMahon
to try and get rid of The Bar.
They're so furious.
Now, they're both taking out their aggression on Miz.
[Byron] Remember, a few weeks ago, The Bar didn't take this team seriously.
Didn't believe that The Miz and Shane McMahon were a serious threat.
-[Tom] Sheamus from the middle rope. -Oh my goodness!
[Tom] Knee right to the chest.
That could break a rib. To retain the titles, no.
[groaning]
-[Sheamus yelling] -[groaning]
[Corey] Submission hold applied.
Sheamus now with repeated knees to the spine of The Miz.
[panting]
-[referee] Come on. -[screaming]
[Corey] This is smart now.
Sheamus slowing down the pace…
[Shane] Come on, Miz.
[Corey] …forcing The Miz to adapt to the rugged, hard-nosed style of The Bar.
[Byron] One of the most physical teams we have seen in a long, long time,
Sheamus and Cesaro.
[Shane] Come on. Come on.
[Tom] Five times Tag Team Champions, already over 100 days
as SmackDown Tag Team Champions in this current reign.
Lock it. Lock it.
[Tom] Oh, wait a minute. Now Sheamus trying to reverse
the suplex effort here for Miz.
Look at the power of The Celtic Warrior.
[Corey] Hung across the top rope.
Oh boy.
[crowd exclaims]
[Tom] Could be time for 10 Beats of the Bodhrán.
Buttons of that shirt just went all over ringside,
and Sheamus hammering away on the chest.
Just relentless.
Four! What are you doing? Back it up.
[Tom] Tag made. Back in comes Cesaro.
Incredible two-on-one situation here for The Bar,
and they're taking full advantage.
[Corey] Cover here by Cesaro.
[Tom] For retaining the titles… Miz, able to kick-out.
And, Graves, at this rate, it could just be a matter of time.
[Corey] I think the reality of the situation is
Shane and Miz are in over their head.
We're talking about The Bar. Sheamus and Cesaro, tag team experts.
This is their milieu.
This is where they make their money, where they excel.
You can't just topple them in your first night as a team.
[panting]
[Tom] Cesaro able to isolate, slow down The Miz.
Meanwhile, Shane McMahon has made it back up to the apron,
but you gotta wonder how worse for wear he is,
not only after what he encountered here
but don't forget that powerbomb we saw this past Tuesday
through the announce table.
[Byron] There's no way Shane McMahon is 100%,
but what Shane has always had in his corner
has been his passion, has been his pride.
-[Sheamus] Come on, Cesaro! -Come on, Miz.
[Tom] Now, it's Miz.
Miz trying to make his way to his own corner,
trying to tag Shane McMahon.
The Swiss Superman, again drives him into The Bar's corner of the ring.
[Corey] Just veteran ring psychology from Cesaro.
Notice how he placed his body in between The Miz and the referee
to obstruct the referee's view.
[crowd booing]
That is a ring IQ second to none.
[Byron] We would've thought in the early going in this match,
Shane and Miz would've had a chance to surprise The Bar,
but as this match goes on, you do have to believe
that the advantage more so is in the corner of the champions.
[Corey] You can't deny--
[Tom] Miz trying to surprise Sheamus and a kick-out.
[Corey] I don't think you can deny that was the strategy,
and Shane McMahon certainly surprised Sheamus at the beginning of this matchup.
But The Bar have been able to rally and implement their own game plan.
[Tom] Sheamus has been so high impact throughout this match
as he's been throughout his career.
Cesaro from the second rope. Sheamus with the assist.
Now Cesaro again, to hold on to the titles.
Miz won't go away.
[Byron] For a few moments, it was a two-on-one advantage
but at this rate, I'm not sure
The Miz will be able to make the tag to Shane McMahon.
[Tom] Imagine what this would do to shatter…
We don't set the bar…
[both] …we are The Bar.
[Tom] …to shatter the dreams of Miz and Shane.
Shane dreamed of being a Tag Team Champion ever since he was a kid.
Miz who dreams of living up to his father's expectations.
You are nothing!
[Byron] And facing two men willing to do whatever it takes to shatter that dream.
Come on. Come on.
Come on.
[Tom] This is what Sheamus enjoys.
Being able to punish his opponent, torment them.
Come on. [grunts]
[grunting]
[Corey] I mentioned earlier, Tom,
that Shane McMahon always dreamed of being a Tag Team Champion
alongside one André the Giant.
Shane had big dreams and big aspirations.
Tag is made.
[Tom] Well, and Cesaro…
Cesaro is legal, trying to get Shane.
Miz! Miz has created an opening for himself.
[Byron] A clear path. Can Miz make the tag?
[Corey] Shane McMahon anxious to join in on the action.
Does Miz have enough gas left in the tank to make it to his corner?
[Tom] Miz has taken a lot of damage here in this fight.
Cesaro getting to his feet, makes the tag to Sheamus.
And here comes Shane McMahon.
Oh, he went for the Brogue Kick that rocked the jaw of Shane on Tuesday.
[Corey] Punches in bunches from Shane-O-Mac.
[Tom] And now Shane, full force with a back elbow!
[crowd cheering]
[Byron] Right now, this match squarely on the shoulders of Shane McMahon.
[Tom] Look at the confidence of Shane-O-Mac.
Oh! Got him with a right. Down goes Sheamus.
And Cesaro knocked off the apron.
[grunting]
Look out. DDT by Shane!
-Shane to win the titles. -One, two--
[Tom] And a kick-out.
And now Shane pushing Sheamus to the corner of The Bar,
but still taking the opportunity.
[Corey] Oh, guys, I have a bad feeling.
I know exactly what Shane-O-Mac's thinking.
Oh, Cesaro tagging himself in.
What a great move.
[Tom] And Shane right there to meet him with a back elbow,
and down goes Cesaro in Sheamus's lap.
[Byron] They have an opportunity for a two-for-one special.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Oh, you gotta be kidding me.
You remember the birthday bash, right? With Shane?
[Corey] Are we gonna see it again?
Are we gonna see Coast-to-Coast from Shane McMahon?
[Tom] Shane-- Oh! Caught out of the air by Cesaro.
[Corey] I think we're going swinging.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] And Shane McMahon caught up in the clutches of the Swiss Cyborg.
[crowd] …five, six, seven…
[Tom] Cesaro could do this all night if he wants to.
[Corey] This is Cesaro imposing his will on Shane McMahon.
[Tom] Shane McMahon took a big risk with the Coast-to-Coast
and he's paying for it.
[Byron] Still going.
[crowd cheering, whistling]
[Tom] This is incredible.
[Corey] He could be here all night.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Simply marvelous strength from Cesaro.
And wait a minute. Look at Shane. Shane's trying to turn this around.
[Corey] Shane looking for a triangle.
[Tom] Shane McMahon's got a hold of Cesaro, middle of the ring,
two legal competitors here in this matchup.
[Corey] Cesaro doing his best to fight,
to prevent Shane from finishing the submission.
[Tom] And Cesaro, he looked like he was wilting there for a moment,
but look at the power.
[Corey] Shane very wisely anchoring himself to Cesaro's leg,
to prevent the Swiss Cyborg from lifting him.
[Byron] This is great.
-Cesaro looks like he's going down. -[Corey] I think you're right.
[Byron] Shane and Miz could be moments away from the Tag Team Titles.
[Corey] Shane is squeezing with everything he has in his legs.
-[Byron] Shane thinks he's got it. -[Tom] Oh! Sheamus off the top.
-Get out of the ring! -[grunting]
[Tom] And now break up the submission, and The Bar has new life.
[Corey] Here comes The Miz. Oh!
[Tom] Big Boot by Miz.
[grunting]
Miz through the ropes.
Oh, dropped by Sheamus on the outside.
[people cheering]
[man] Come on!
[Tom] Remember, the two legal competitors inside the ring.
Cesaro now makes the tag, in comes Sheamus.
Shane McMahon, how much energy did he just exhaust in that triangle?
[Corey] Shane was squeezing with everything he had.
[Tom] Oh! Double-team White Noise.
Cover by Sheamus.
Kick-out by Shane McMahon.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] You asked how much energy Shane had.
Look at some of the action that went down a few moments ago.
Shane looking to go Coast-to-Coast on a double stack of The Bar.
But Cesaro picked Shane out of mid-air
and went swinging like we haven't seen in quite some time.
[Tom] We're wondering how much energy was taken out of Shane McMahon.
We're finding out, right now, Cesaro's legal,
lining up for a Brogue Kick.
Sheamus has got Shane in his sights.
-[groans] -Oh!
[Corey] Miz just shoved Cesaro in front of the Brogue Kick.
[Tom] Oh! Skull-Crushing Finale!
[Corey] Miz came to the aid of his partner Shane McMahon.
[Tom] Remember, Cesaro's legal. Shane is going up top.
[Byron] What in the world is Shane thinking now?
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Shane McMahon's got Cesaro lined up.
Oh my God!
-[Corey] Shooting Star connects. -[Tom] He's got it.
-Shane and Miz… -[bell rings]
…are the best tag team in the world.
[Byron] They did it.
[announcer] Here are your winners
and the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
The Miz and Shane McMahon.
[Byron] I cannot believe my eyes right now.
Shane McMahon and The Miz have done the impossible.
They have become the SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
[Corey] The dreams of two best friends have come true here in Phoenix.
Congratulations to the A-lister and his partner and bestie, Shane McMahon.
[Tom] And look at Miz's dad George at ringside.
So proud of this moment for his son.
[Corey] Here is where it all came crashing down for The Bar.
Miz coming to the aid of his partner,
delivering a Skull-Crushing Finale
which would open the door for Shane McMahon to defy gravity.
Shooting Star Press finds its mark. Let's look at this again.
[Tom] Absolutely remarkable.
The WWE Universe here at Chase Field, stunned.
The Bar goes down, Shane and Miz are Tag Team Champions.
[Corey] Nearly 250 pounds in Shane McMahon,
crashing down squarely on the Swiss Cyborg.
Guys, this is what Hollywood movies are made of.
-[Tom laughs] -This is must-see.
Like, I got a tear in my eye.
[Tom] What a moment for Miz to celebrate with his father.
[Corey] He always wanted his father to be proud of him.
And Miz's father never quite was.
But now, Miz's father can be proud of his son,
who is a Tag Team Champion on SmackDown Live.
[Byron] Hey, on this night, ladies and gentlemen,
dreams do come true.
Yeah! Yeah!
[Tom] The lengths that Shane McMahon went to in this match,
how much he stood up for The Miz.
How much he helped his tag team partner and friend.
[Corey] You're absolutely right.
If there was any doubt in anybody's mind,
as to whether or not Shane-O-Mac had The Miz's back,
and if this was a legitimate tag team,
all those questions were answered tonight.
[cheering]
["I Came to Play" playing]
♪ There's a price to pay… ♪
[Tom] A must-see moment for the co-besties.
A hug for Dana Warrior at ringside as well.
It's celebration time in Phoenix.
["I Came to Play" continues]
♪ I came to play, to get my dues paid… ♪
[Tom] Shane McMahon and The Miz on top of the world
as SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions.
♪ I came to play ♪
♪ Say goodbye to the good old days ♪
♪ They're never coming back Watch your future fade ♪
♪ I came to play, to get my dues paid… ♪
And thank you for joining us on the WWE Network here
at the 32nd annual Royal Rumble.
It's been fabulous already.
Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young from Monday Night Raw.
We are jam-packed tonight at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona,
with an official attendance
of 48,193 WWE fans
for the Royal Rumble.
[Corey] It is loud. It is an incredible atmosphere in here.
[Renee] It's so good out there.
[Corey] What a beautiful building, what an awesome night it's been already.
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen,
coming up next, the Raw Women's Championship.
And it has become so personal in such a short period of time,
including last week on Monday Night Raw,
because that is when we saw Ronda Rousey teaming with Natalya
against Rousey's opponent tonight, Sasha Banks and Bayley.
And, Corey, things have really heated up.
Ronda Rousey went on the record and gave respect to Sasha Banks.
Sasha Banks doesn't have anytime for it.
This isn't about friendship. This has gotten deeply personal.
But we will find out who is truly supreme on Monday Night Raw.
I wanna take you back to what happened right before that tag team match
this past Monday night.
["We Got the Power" playing]
She's so high on her own hype
instead of hungry with the desire to be better today than she was yesterday,
and better tomorrow than she is today.
That's the difference between a boss and a champion.
And at the Royal Rumble,
I'm going to show her that The Boss has to answer to somebody.
And that's me, Ronda Rousey.
You gotta stop trying to tell the world that I'm a worthy competitor
because the world already knows that I am.
I earned my opportunity against Nia Jax.
I made her tap out,
and that's exactly what I'm gonna do to you at the Royal Rumble.
[Michael] And again, this really became a match
of Sasha Banks showing the world that she can match Ronda Rousey, Corey,
when it comes to submission maneuvers.
[Corey] Sasha Banks is certainly skilled in the submission game.
[bell rings]
That said, it's one thing entirely to make Natalya submit.
It's another when you're dealing with the baddest woman on the planet.
Arguably the best submission artist, male or female, on the WWE roster.
[Michael] Emotions heated up after this matchup.
I know Renee Young had the opportunity
to speak to both Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks this week.
We'll get to that in just a moment.
[indistinct yelling]
[crowd cheering]
Sasha, excuse me.
Now, please don't take this personally,
but people are talking
and they're saying that you're destined to fail
because you can't keep your emotions in check.
Are you at all concerned this is going to affect your performance
in your title match against Ronda Rousey?
My emotions,
and my passion, and my desire
is what drives me to be the absolute best.
I have never got one thing handed to me here.
[scoffs]
I put my heart and soul in everything that I do in that ring.
Ronda may be a UFC Hall of Famer,
but she's never been in the ring with a legit boss like me.
And tonight, I'm going to prove to Ronda why I am the best in the world
when I make her tap out.
[crowd cheering]
["Sky's The Limit" playing]
[Michael] Strong words from Sasha Banks,
and here tonight at the Royal Rumble,
it's Boss Time.
["Sky's The Limit" continues playing]
♪ Had a dream I had it made and ♪
♪ Now there's nothing Dragging down me, yeah ♪
♪ 'Cause I gon' gon' pushed it all Out the way… ♪
[Michael] Sasha Banks celebrating a birthday she hopes to celebrate tonight
with a Raw Women's Championship.
[Corey] Wait, wait, wait. So you mean to tell me
that if Sasha Banks fails to become champion,
it's gonna ruin her birthday too?
This is spectacular.
Karma is awesome.
[Renee] These are some fiery words we've heard from Sasha Banks lately.
I'm buying everything she's putting down right now.
[Michael] Sasha Banks
looking to become the first-ever five-time Raw Women's Champion.
Well, you know, Raw and SmackDown are broadcast worldwide
in 25 different countries,
and the WWE Network is broadcast all over the world.
We have some of these representatives from countries here tonight.
Including our Portuguese announce team of Marco Alfaro and Roberto Figueroa.
[speaking Portuguese]
[Michael] Our Russian team of Moti Margolin and Zhan Pomerantsev.
[speaking Russian]
[Michael] Our Japanese team of Shun Yamaguchi and Funaki.
[speaking Japanese]
[Michael] And our Hindi team of Obaid Kadwani and Akshay Kapoor.
[speaking Hindi]
♪ 'Cause I gon' gon' pushed 'em all Out the way ♪
♪ I had a dream that I made it here in the spotlight ♪
♪ Woke up, see my life in the shade Now that's not quite ♪
♪ Hustling every day I'm on my way to that sharp light ♪
♪ It's my destiny to be bigger Yeah, I got fight ♪
♪ And I've had visions Of sitting high on my own gold throne ♪
♪ Never listening to criticism I built my own ♪
♪ From the bottom I've gotten myself in my own zone ♪
♪ Never stop and I made it ♪
[crowd jeering]
["Bad Reputation" by WWE, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts playing]
♪ I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation… ♪
[Michael] It was last year,
at the 2018 Royal Rumble event
where Ronda Rousey announced to the world
that she had signed a contract with WWE.
She went on to make her debut
in a tag team match at WrestleMania.
She would win the Raw Women's Championship at SummerSlam.
She has now been champion for 161 days.
What a first year for Ronda Rousey.
[Renee] You cannot question the desire of that woman
to come out here week in, week out,
and be absolute best performer in all of WWE.
She's got no quit in her.
[Corey] You cannot argue.
It is incredibly impressive how quickly Ronda Rousey was able to adapt
to being a dominant WWE Superstar.
And tonight, she has the chance
to put down one of the other most dominant females on the roster.
Four-time Raw Women's Champion in Sasha Banks.
[Renee] I think a lot of this comes down to respect between these two women.
Let's see where that stands tonight.
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Raw Women's Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger,
from Boston, Massachusetts,
Sasha Banks.
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
And her opponent,
she is the Raw Women's Champion,
the baddest woman on the planet,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] It is boiling over already. Sasha Banks had better be careful.
[Michael] Very interesting video on wwe.com
that has shown Sasha Banks over the past couple of weeks
and how she has trained down at the Performance Center in Orlando
for this match tonight,
sparring with a number of WWE and NXT Superstars
to get ready for Ronda Rousey.
Now, Renee, I know you had the opportunity to talk to the champ, Ronda Rousey.
She's ready for it tonight.
[Renee] It's just this look in Ronda Rousey's eyes
-we've seen time and time again. -[bell rings]
You wait for that switch in Ronda Rousey,
and I think that she's starting this entire matchup
as a Rowdy's version of Ronda Rousey.
[Michael] And there it is, Renee, the switch,
but Sasha Banks countered with an arm drag of her own.
[Renee] Sasha said, she wanted to be ready.
She was ready for everything
that Ronda Rousey's gonna throw her way tonight.
[Corey] It was almost as if Sasha Banks led with her arm
like offering it up to Ronda Rousey.
Banks obviously studied up, has been doing her homework on Ronda Rousey.
Look at this.
[Michael] And Banks, another arm drag to Rousey, center of the ring.
[groans]
[Michael] And Banks sent into the corner by the Raw Women's Champion.
[Corey] Oh, Ronda Rousey mocking The Boss.
[Michael] An attitude being shown by both of these Superstars here tonight.
[Corey] You know, they nearly needed to open the roof here on Chase Field
to accommodate Sasha Banks and her ego.
[Michael] Sasha Banks, last year at the Royal Rumble event
lasted 55 minutes in the Women's Royal Rumble match,
the night we mentioned that Ronda Rousey became part of WWE.
[Corey] You know what they say about almost,
it only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
You think I can't wrestle? I'll show you guys some wrestling.
[Corey] Look at this. Ronda is fired up right now.
[Michael] Nice suplex by Ronda Rousey.
[Corey laughing] Oh.
[Michael] And this is what Sasha Banks likes to do.
Paying tribute to Sasha Banks's hero,
the late, great Eddie Guerrero, with the--
Looking for the Three Amigos,
but Banks able to counter with a backstabber.
Trying to flip it into the Bank Statement, but Rousey looking for the armbar,
and Banks blocks.
[Corey] Ronda Rousey, so sudden, so quick,
can lock a submission in a blink of an eye as Sasha Banks is finding out.
[Michael] You heard Ronda Rousey saying,
"You think I can't wrestle? I'm gonna show you I can wrestle."
Because that's what Sasha Banks's mantra has been coming into this,
that Ronda Rousey can't wrestle
and that she can't match Sasha move for move in the ring.
[Corey] Ronda Rousey just kicked Sasha Banks in the soul,
so we'll see how that works out.
[Michael] And now Ronda taking the fight outside the ring.
Remember, champion's advantage for--
[commentators] Oh!
[Michael] Rousey went for a right and she connected with the ring post.
And Ronda Rousey…
One!
…appears to have hurt that right arm.
[Corey] That's the case. Look at Sasha Banks.
[Michael] And Banks now launching herself with a suicide dive
through the second rope
and Banks realizes she has the champ in trouble.
[Renee] Sasha said, "You wanna call out my desire for professional wrestling,
I'll kick your teeth in."
[Michael] That's what Sasha's looking to do.
[Corey] Sasha Banks needs to get Rousey in the ring wisely.
[Michael] Cover by Banks, hooks the leg now on Rousey. Kick-out.
Remember, champion's advantage.
Banks has to pin or tap Ronda Rousey tonight.
[Corey] And here's where Ronda Rousey has…
[groans]
[Corey] …connected with the ring post.
And if in fact Ronda's right hand is injured, that totally changes the game.
You take away some of Ronda's striking ability,
some of her submission ability.
She only has one functional hand. That changes everything.
[Michael] Ronda Rousey's bread and butter since she appeared on the scene,
not only in WWE but in combat sports in general, Corey.
The armbar, the submission move,
as Banks delivers a knee to the spine
and continues to wear down the champion.
[referee] Come on, Rousey.
[Corey] This is a smart strategy by Banks.
Staying in close quarters with Ronda, that was questionable.
I didn't know if that was gonna be a great decision.
Sasha has done it very, very well at this point.
[Renee] Wow, an accolade from Graves. I appreciate that.
[Corey] I never question Sasha Banks's talent or her abilities.
-[Michael] And you can't. -[Corey] Oh!
I question her ability as a human being.
[Michael] Sasha Banks, one of the true leaders
of the women's evolution here in WWE.
The double knees drops Ronda in the corner.
And Banks now, again with the knees, and Banks has been aggressive.
She's taking the fight to Ronda.
Here's the cover on the champion, kick-out at two.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Corey] You see an almost confident look
on the face at this point from Sasha Banks,
controlling the pace of this matchup.
[Renee] Sasha feels that she spent so much time
putting in work for this specific matchup.
I don't think she's feeling anything could shake her ground right now.
[chanting continues]
[Michael] Ronda Rousey finds herself in trouble,
perhaps in over her head, Corey, with the likes of Sasha Banks?
[Renee] Would you say that this is Ronda Rousey's toughest opponent to date?
[Michael] I believe so, as Sasha's driven into the corner.
Oh, and Banks caught her with a boot to the face.
Ronda's stunned.
Ronda's in trouble.
Banks though landed hard coming off the top rope.
-And Ronda-- -[Corey] Oh! Running elbow!
[Michael] A running elbow.
-One! Two! -[Michael] Cover now on Banks.
Kick-out at two by The Boss.
[Corey] The striking ability of Ronda Rousey is so dangerous.
As we just saw, nearly shut Banks's lights out with one shot.
[Renee] Deadly blows from Banks.
[Michael] The thing I like about Sasha being aggressive tonight,
she's not backed down. She's taking the fight to Rousey.
No intimidation at all by Banks.
Oh! Again working on the injured right arm of Ronda Rousey.
Great strategy by Banks.
The running knee, cover,
to try to win the Raw Women's Championship,
and a kick-out by Rousey.
[Rousey groaning]
You saw Sasha, perhaps a bit frustrated,
but she cannot get frustrated.
She needs to stay within herself to win the championship here tonight.
[Renee] Sasha Banks has done such an excellent job
of getting under the skin and into the mind of Ronda Rousey.
She can't let herself get fazed at this point.
Give up, Ronda.
[Michael] You know that tag team match, Corey, last week on Raw
was the first time since she's been in WWE
that Ronda Rousey has tasted any type of defeat.
Do you think that affects her mind here tonight, coming into this match?
[Corey] I think it certainly does.
And it remains to be seen whether or not Ronda can focus that energy
and use it towards something beneficial or if it's gonna destroy her.
Because as of right now, Sasha Banks is being very, very dominant.
[Renee] Sasha and Bayley were feeling pretty good all week
having to hand over that loss to Rousey and Natalya.
[Michael] Sasha continues to work on the injured right arm.
Ronda, though, moves out of the way, double knees into the second turnbuckle.
Rousey now rolling through,
Sasha Banks up on her shoulders.
[speaking indistinctly]
Ronda Rousey looking for--
Went for Piper's Pit, but Banks able to counter, rolls through.
-[Corey] Sasha looking-- Look at this. -[Michael] The armbar.
[Corey] Look at the torque on Ronda's shoulder.
[Michael] Sasha Banks looking to tap Ronda with the armbar.
Look at Sasha go.
This is the bad arm injured earlier on in the matchup.
-[groaning] -[Renee] Oh.
[Corey] Banks now just crying at the fingers of Ronda Rousey.
This has got to be agonizing.
[Michael] Is Rousey going to tap out here to Sasha Banks?
[screaming in pain]
[Corey] This would be humiliating for Rousey.
[Michael] Sasha doing everything she can to punish Rousey here.
[Renee] Ronda's shoulder is gonna pop right out.
[Michael] And now Ronda tries to roll through.
[Core] It'd ease up some of the pressure, but Banks still has control.
-Cover. -Shoulders down now, and Banks--
-[Corey] Bank Statement. -[Michael] Yeah.
Rousey's close to the bottom rope, but not quite there.
Look at the look in the eyes of Rousey.
Almost a panicked look in the eyes of the champion, Ronda Rousey.
Can't quite make it to the bottom rope to force a break.
[Renee] Brilliant move from Banks there to get Ronda away from the ropes.
[Michael] And now look at Ronda Rousey with Banks on her shoulder.
And there's Piper's Pit delivered to Banks by Rousey.
Rousey is hurting though, Corey.
[Corey] You're absolutely right.
Ronda suffered a great deal of damage to her right arm.
First from the ring post,
second from the submission that Banks just had applied.
-Whoa. -[Renee] Oh.
[Michael] Oh, Ronda Rousey.
-Look at this here. -[Corey] Oh my goodness!
[groans]
[Michael] Ronda trying to take full advantage
of the five-count by the official,
and now, the damage to the arm of Banks.
[Corey] Ronda now trying to get the blood flowing back into her right hand,
trying to shake some feeling into it.
[Michael] Ronda Rousey up to the top rope,
and Sasha Banks meets her there.
Almost a desperation move by Rousey, Corey,
going to the top rope here.
[Corey] Certainly not something that we've seen Ronda Rousey do many times.
She's certainly not necessarily comfortable on the top rope.
[screaming]
Banks looking for something big here.
[Michael] But Ronda's still fighting back.
And now Banks driven off the ropes. Rousey caught up though.
And Banks takes advantage, delivering a knee to the face.
And the champion's in trouble.
And Sasha Banks realizing she could be closing in
on her fifth Raw Women's Championship.
Superplex by Banks!
-Cover to win the title. -[referee] One, two--
[Michael] Rousey just able to kick-out.
But again, Banks right back to work on the injured arm.
[Corey] It's a veteran maneuver by Sasha Banks,
keeping in tight with Ronda Rousey right after the kick-out
which forced Ronda to exert extra energy.
Banks knew exactly where she wanted to go next.
Back to the injured arm of Rousey.
[Renee] These women have scouted each other out wholeheartedly,
but you got to give props to Sasha Banks tonight.
She's done her homework.
[Michael] And the referee's right there. Will Rousey tap out?
Many people would call this an upset if Banks beat Rousey tonight.
I don't agree with that.
Not with what Banks has accomplished in her career.
Rousey, though, powering Banks up.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Michael] Taking her down.
Rousey, cover, shoulders down.
Banks gets the shoulder up at two.
Another near fall.
[Corey] Ronda Rousey's offense can be so unorthodox, so unpredictable,
hard to prepare for.
I don't care how much homework Banks has done.
Oh! You can't prepare for things you've never seen before.
[Michael] Ronda's softening up Sasha Banks
for the armbar submission move, three times now.
[speaking indistinctly]
[grunts]
[groans]
[Michael] Now Sasha, though, able to sling Rousey out of the ring
and buy herself some time.
And the official checking on the champion.
[referee] Get back inside, Ronda.
[Michael] Been a one-armed champion
since she delivered that forearm to the post
in the early parts of the matchup.
And Banks, this time, caught by Rousey.
Wrong move.
[Michael] There's the look in the eyes of Rousey.
[Corey] Ronda said, "Wrong move." Armbar!
[Michael] But outside the ring though.
Banks is tapping, but it's outside the ring.
It has to happen inside the ring in this championship match.
[Corey] The champion's advantage dictates
Ronda Rousey doesn't really have to beat Sasha Banks.
[Michael] No. Not at all,
but she can't do it outside the ring in that manner.
-Banks sent back into the ring now. -Come on, Sasha.
-[Michael] And Ronda Rousey… -Come on.
[Michael] Look at the look in the eyes of the champion.
[Renee] Here she comes.
This is the Ronda Rousey everybody here at Chase Field paid money to see.
[Rousey] Back up. Back up.
-[Michael] And the lefts by Rousey. -[grunting]
And Banks trying to fight back and does.
[Corey] But notice, only left hand. There you go.
Rousey now able to use her right hand for the first time in a while.
[Renee] Adrenaline's taking over now.
[Corey] There's not much behind it.
[Michael] Another right by Rousey,
driving Banks back into the corner.
Swings her over again.
[yelling]
Trying to get some feeling back in her right arm.
Banks caught the champion.
[Corey] Knee connects.
[Michael] Oh, and Ronda connects as well
to retain the title here at the Royal Rumble.
And Sasha, near fall for the champion, Rousey.
This has been an intense, physical matchup.
[groans]
[Corey] I don't think anybody in the WWE Universe
expected anything less.
[Michael] Especially with all the trash-talking
that's been going on in recent weeks.
[Renee] I think all week, the entire WWE Universe
has been banking on this matchup for all of tonight.
I mean, I've been dying to get my eyes on these two women.
[Michael] Sasha Banks defeating Nia Jax to earn this opportunity tonight.
Rousey back to her feet first.
[groans]
[Corey] Rousey looking for a gutwrench.
Banks drops to her knees, trying to avoid.
[panting, grunting]
[Michael] And Rousey sent into the turnbuckle hard.
[panting]
[Michael] And again, Sasha… You made the point, Corey,
as Ronda went for the gutwrench right down to her knees.
Again, the experience of Banks.
[Corey] Right back to the injured arm.
Sasha Banks has found her target and is exploiting it.
[groans]
[Corey] Sasha Banks seems to get more and more confident
seemingly as this match progresses.
[Michael] She looked for the backstabber. Ronda Rousey now looking for the armbar.
She's got Sasha right where she wants her, but Sasha able to counter and slip out.
Maybe the bad arm by Ronda did not allow her
to put the armbar on Banks.
Rowdy again.
-Oh! Counter by Sasha. -One, two…
[Michael] Cover to win the championship. And a kick-out at two.
And now to the Bank Statement for Sasha Banks.
[Corey] In the middle of the ring.
[Michael] "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey is in trouble.
[Renee] Banks is locked in.
[Michael] Rousey has nowhere to go.
[Corey] I think fatigue's really setting in here.
Sasha Banks-- And it's illegal.
Get the official in there.
[Michael] The official's there. He realizes that.
Now Banks right back to the hold again.
Rousey trying to drag herself to the bottom rope,
somehow force a break.
And Banks again,
utilizing part of her attire to her advantage.
[Corey] It could be fatigue. It could be exhaustion.
It could be frustration.
But Sasha Banks cannot fully lock in the Bank Statement.
[Michael] Well, Ronda Rousey countering as well.
Fingertips away, dragged back to the center of the ring.
Shoulders are down.
[Renee] Sasha Banks has cut the ropes tonight.
[Corey] Fujiwara armbar.
Banks has her hips up off the mat,
an incredible amount of pressure on Ronda Rousey.
[Michael] Can you imagine if Rousey taps to the armbar here?
Middle of the ring, Rousey writhing in agony.
[Corey] This could be the first time in her career
that Ronda Rousey taps out.
[Michael] And look at Banks manipulating the fingers and the joints of Rousey
with the armbar locked in.
Rousey trying to fight back to her feet.
Ronda Rousey able to counter momentarily.
[Corey] Rousey could be the recipient of a broken arm.
[Michael] And there's the gutwrench by Rousey.
Slamming Banks to the… to the mat.
[crowd cheering]
Rousey rolling through with Banks on her shoulder again,
powers up The Boss.
Piper's Pit.
-Here's the cover. -One, two, three!
[Michael] Rousey has pinned Banks to retain the title.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Here is your winner and still the Raw Women's Champion,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
[Michael] Rousey with a pinfall victory, Corey,
and that is very telling.
[Core] Ronda Rousey's Wheelhouse is generally the submission.
We know she's known for the armbar.
The master of the armbar submission.
But tonight, Rousey had to dig a little bit deeper
into her bag of tricks,
after a grueling back-and-forth battle
with the very game Sasha Banks.
But Rousey was finally able to solve The Boss.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] A very physical matchup tonight,
but Ronda Rousey, ever the warrior.
Piper's Pit into the cover,
Rousey retains the Raw Women's Championship.
["Bad Reputation" playing]
♪ Not me… ♪
[Michael] Everything we expected here tonight
between these two Superstars.
[Corey] They both gave it everything they have.
[Michael] And you know how important this matchup was for Ronda Rousey.
She handpicked Sasha Banks
despite the fact that Sasha had to earn this match
with a victory over Nia Jax.
Rousey said she wanted to face Sasha Banks here at the Rumble tonight
because of everything Sasha Banks has helped do
in the women's division in WWE.
♪ I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation… ♪
[Renee] Tough moment for The Boss. We got to give her credit.
That respect between her and Ronda Rousey, clearly evident now.
[Michael] Sasha Banks, bitter disappointment.
[Corey] I think Sasha Banks has been a pretty poor loser her entire life.
[crowd cheering]
She was again tonight.
[Renee] But people could say that about Rousey--
[Corey] Hey, is Sasha Banks gonna cry?
I mean, come on. Is that what being a Boss is about?
Crocodile tears?
[Renee] You've never seen Ronda Rousey cry after a match?
[Corey] I haven't seen Ronda Rousey lose a match.
She's still the Raw Women's Champion.
["Bad Reputation" continues playing]
[Michael] Very emotional night for Ronda Rousey
as she celebrates with her husband here at ringside.
[inaudible conversation]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Ronda proved something tonight, Corey.
[Corey] What was that?
[Michael] Ronda Rousey?
[Corey] You said she proved something. I said, "What was that?"
[Michael] Of course she did, but I wanna enjoy this momentarily
before I explain myself.
[inaudible conversation]
♪ I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation ♪
[man] Sasha, let's go.
♪ Living in the past It's a new generation ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ A girl can do what she wants to do… ♪
[Michael] Well, not quite the way I expected that to go.
[Corey] Maybe this isn't over.
[Renee] I call that "no quit in Sasha Banks."
That's what I see.
[Corey] I call that "a poor loser, a sore loser."
♪ And I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation… ♪
[Michael] Well, Ronda Rousey came back to shake hands with Sasha Banks.
[Corey] Sasha Banks threw out the Four Horsewomen symbol.
[crowd clamoring]
[Michael] Ronda Rousey is still the Raw Women's Champion.
[people cheering]
[indistinct chatter]
♪ I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation ♪
The energy has been incredible tonight at the Royal Rumble.
We actually started things off on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show
two hours before the actual Royal Rumble event.
There was a fatal four-way match for the Cruiserweight Championship.
Buddy Murphy defended against Hideo Itami, Akira Tozawa, and Kalisto.
[Corey] A fast-paced, high-impact style of the cruiserweight division
was on full display for the world to witness.
But Buddy Murphy was able to endure and survive
three other very, very serious competitors
with, boom, Murphy's Law
in an incredible retention for the Cruiserweight Champion.
[bell rings]
[Michael] Buddy Murphy has been very impressive, of course, 205 Live,
the home of the cruiserweights every Tuesday night
right here on the WWE Network, immediately following SmackDown.
It doesn't look like he's 205. It looks like he's 225.
-The guy's jacked. -Let's do a retest there.
Also on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show,
the long-simmering rivalry from SmackDown Live took place.
It was Rusev defending the United States Championship
against Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Corey] And once again, Lana would get overzealous,
try her best to interfere in the outcome.
And what could be explained as an unfortunate accident…
[yelling]
…amidst the chaos.
Rusev, looking to take out Shinsuke
would instead make contact with his wife, Lana,
who appeared to suffer some sort of ankle injury.
[Michael] Now Rusev, of course, was very upset
after what happened to his wife, Lana.
But the ever-opportunistic Shinsuke Nakamura would take advantage.
[Corey] The concern would be short-lived.
-It's called professionalism. -[bell rings]
Shinsuke Nakamura took advantage of a situation
and will once again reside proudly
in the United States of Nak-America.
And, of course, Shinsuke Nakamura made history last year
when he won the Royal Rumble match at this event,
Royal Rumble match for both the women and the men,
still to come here tonight.
Speaking of the Royal Rumble match,
John Cena, the two-time winner of this event
will not participate tonight.
The news was broken on WWE social media platforms earlier today.
Because of an injury suffered at the hands of Drew--
Yeah, yeah, but guess who is competing in lieu of John Cena?
One "Monster Among Men" Braun Strowman.
Yes. Braun Strowman will be replacing John Cena here tonight.
Again, Cena injured at the hands of Drew McIntyre a couple of weeks ago.
Also here tonight,
the Universal Championship is on the line
from Monday Night Raw,
and Finn Bálor, with his work cut out for Mr. McMahon, said that it is true.
It is a David versus Goliath matchup.
Finn Bálor and "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
The extraordinary man who can do extraordinary things,
is gonna have his work cut out for him tonight
because "The Beast" Brock Lesnar and his advocate, Paul Heyman,
are in the house.
[speaking indistinctly]
["We Got the Power" playing]
[music ends]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome special guest commentator
for the Women's Royal Rumble match,
WWE Hall of Famer, Beth Phoenix!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Corey] Have a seat, Beth.
-Pleasure to have you. -[bell rings]
[Beth] Hi, darling.
[announcer] The following is the 30-Woman Royal Rumble match.
[crowd cheering]
In just a few moments,
the two Superstars, entrant one and two,
will begin inside the ring.
Every 90 seconds, another Superstar will enter the match.
This will continue until all 30 Superstars have entered in.
Eliminations will occur when a Superstar is thrown over the top rope
with both feet hitting the ground.
Now the last woman inside the ring will be declared the Royal Rumble winner
and will go on to challenge a champion of her choosing
at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
["Like a Lady" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
♪ So traditional ♪
♪ It's unconditional ♪
♪ One, two I'm marching for you… ♪
[announcer] Ladies and gentleman, entrant number one
from Parris Island, South Carolina,
Lacey Evans.
[Corey] It's an unenviable spot to be number one in a Royal Rumble match,
but this is a massive opportunity
for one of WWE's newest Superstars,
Lacey Evans.
[Renee] This could be the perfect spot for Lacey, though.
She's a former military police officer
and actually the first-ever female on the SWAT team.
I think if any woman could handle it, it could be this one right here.
[Tom] Beth Phoenix, I know you're a big fan of the style of Lacey Evans.
How about the Woman's Right, that powerful knockout punch?
[Beth] Tom, I love Pin-Up Strong.
That style Lacey brings to the ring, it makes her stand out.
But she's got to do more than dress cute.
The Royal Rumble is about making a statement.
And this is the best place you can do that
to launch yourself to the dream, WrestleMania.
[Corey] She's already done more than just look cute.
She did a great salute a couple of times and…
[Beth] Corey, that is very, very true.
[Corey] I happened to know that she is an extraordinary athlete.
I am excited.
If this is your first time as a member of the WWE Universe
to lay eyes on Lacey Evans, get ready.
[Renee] Lacey said she's here to set the proper example
to get rid of all the nasties.
[Corey] Well, this is a great opportunity.
She could be here for the duration of the matchup.
The entire world could be talking about Lacey Evans tomorrow.
[Renee] I like the Sailor Moon getup.
[Beth] The bows are a nice touch, too.
Lord.
Tonight, y'all will witness history.
[crowd jeering]
My name is Lacey Evans.
[chuckles]
And I am the one and only
true lady of WWE.
-[crowd jeering] -[scattered applause]
And I am here to clean up
this entire women's division.
[crowd jeering]
[scattered applause]
[people booing]
All day.
[Tom] Lacey Evans is soaking it in.
["New Foundation" playing]
[Renee] You don't get these girls very often, Tom,
but now, that's your girl--
[Beth] I hope Lacey enjoyed it while she had it.
["New Foundation" continues]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, entrant number two
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
Natalya.
[Tom] Natalya competed in the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble match last year.
Of course, it was Asuka who would go on to win
the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble match.
But Natalya lasted 25 minutes, 34 seconds,
and knotted three eliminations.
[Renee] She did a really messed up thing last year.
She eliminated Beth.
[Corey] I didn't wanna mention that.
[Beth] Let's not go there. Let's not talk about last year.
Let's talk about the now, the here and the now.
[Corey] If you wanna talk about the here and the now,
let's talk about Lacey Evans, Beth.
That's the future, that is the present.
I know you and Natalya are pals,
but I'm kind of excited to see if Natalya has the distinction
of being the first one eliminated.
[Beth] I disagree, Corey.
[Renee] Yeah, Graves. I know, calm down, calm down.
[Corey] All wound up.
[Renee] I see that.
[Tom] So to start off the Women's Royal Rumble match,
-a newcomer and a veteran… -[bell rings]
…Lacey Evans at number one, Natalya at number two.
The 2019 Women's Royal Rumble match is underway.
[Renee] If we want to know what Lacey Evans is made of,
she's got the perfect opponent tonight in Natalya.
[Beth] Right. Natalya is the first female graduate of the Hart Dungeon.
-Got a great grappling technical style. -[Tom] Wow.
[Corey] Very impressive athleticism from Lacey.
[Tom] A two-time champion. Oh!
[Corey] Beth, in a Royal Rumble match,
what's the best strategy to conserve energy if you're in this early?
How do you keep yourself strong?
[Beth] You really have to feel out your opponent.
You don't wanna waste any energy.
Size them up.
I mean, if I were Natalya in there,
I would take advantage of Lacey's inexperience at this point.
[Corey] If I were Natalya, I'd hide under the ring.
[Beth] Corey, you are full of sass tonight.
[Tom] Wait a minute. Could be looking at elimination here.
Went over the top rope did Lacey Evans, and now launches herself back in.
Remember, you have to go over the top rope
with both feet touching the floor to be eliminated.
[Renee] One other interesting thing about Lacey Evans is
she's got pressure point manipulation on her side.
Inflict the most pain as legally possible.
[Corey] Renee, I have to ask you a very serious question.
When Lacey Evans refers to all the nasties here in WWE,
do you fall under that category?
[Renee] I hope not.
-[Beth] Guys, Natalya's in a bad spot. -[Renee] I don't know. Day by day.
[Tom] Natalya in a dangerous situation, here along the top turnbuckle.
[Corey] Powerful. We're about to have our third entrant.
-[Tom] Whoa. -[Renee] Nice reversal.
[crowd counting down]
Beautiful hurricanrana.
[commentators] Oh!
[Corey] Discus lariat connects.
-[klaxon sounding] -Who's coming next?
♪ Mandy ♪
-[Corey] Oh my God. -[Beth] Oh my God.
["Golden Goddess" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Beth] Look at the smile.
[Renee] I'm so glad that you're sitting next to him, Beth, and not me.
[Corey] We are in the desert, but this is no oasis.
It is real life.
It is God's greatest creation,
and the Royal Rumble match just got downright amazing.
[Renee] Have you ever talked to Mandy Rose in person,
or do you just talk about her from here?
[Corey] Listen, I get a little nervous, I sweat a lot.
-My tongue feels swollen when-- -[Tom laughs]
-I don't know. -[Tom] Oh!
And Mandy Rose coming in with authority, wants to redeem herself after last year.
She was the first person ever eliminated from a Women's Royal Rumble match,
and coming in strong early.
Sounds like you need an EpiPen, Graves.
[Corey] Even in defeat, Mandy Rose makes history.
-Look at this. -[Tom] Oh, wait a minute.
[Beth] I like this for Mandy Rose. This is a great strategy.
[Tom] Showing off the power here against Natalya.
-Mandy Rose is-- -[commentators] Oh!
[yells]
[grunting]
[Corey] And while we were all busy being mesmerized
by Mandy Rose's incredible entrance,
the action continued inside of the ring.
Lacey Evans with another display of her fantastic athleticism,
but nobody home, Natalya out of the way.
-[Tom] Hey, wait a minute, Natalya-- -[commentators] Oh!
[Beth] Some inexperience coming into play here.
[Corey] Takes out both Mandy and Lacey Evans.
[Renee] Mandy deserves everything she gets now.
After what she's put Naomi through for the past couple of weeks.
[Corey] I think Mandy Rose deserves the world, too.
-[Tom] Wait a minute. -[Beth] We've seen this before.
[Corey] Why is Lacey holding onto Mandy?
[Tom] Could it be time?
Trying to set up…
[screaming]
…the Hart Family Sharpshooter,
a Double Sharpshooter in the Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] It's like they're even more stuffed Oreos.
[Tom] Lacey Evans is tapping out. It doesn't matter.
The Sharpshooter continues.
Here comes number four.
[klaxon sounds]
["We Riot (Remix)" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Tom] And it is Liv Morgan of the Riott Squad
who has been messing with Natalya
for a better part of 2018,
along with the rest of her cronies who are also involved in this match.
[Renee] WWE's resident problem child coming up to pick up the bones.
[Corey] Cronies, Phillips?
The Riott Squad are a cohesive unit of three equal parts.
There are no cronies.
[Tom] Think about all the things the Riott Squad did to Natalya,
making fun of her late father, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart,
at their Tables match a couple of months ago
at the TLC pay-per-view.
-[Renee] I wouldn't call them cronies-- -Whoa!
[Beth] God, no!
[Tom] Liv Morgan, the first person eliminated.
[Beth] In 10 seconds, you're gone to the back, Liv Morgan.
[Corey] Well, the Riott Squad still has a 66% chance
of picking up a victory here in the Royal Rumble match.
[Beth] Take a look at this, guys.
-[Tom] A glorious eight seconds… -[yelps]
And there goes Liv.
[Beth] Beautiful backdrop over the top.
Natalya had her scouted.
[Corey] Look at this fantastic teamwork going on before our very eyes.
Mandy Rose and Lacey Evans working together to eliminate Natalya.
[Renee] Is it the real woman and God's greatest creation?
It's not a bad tandem.
[Corey] Everything about it is right.
-[Renee] You wanna see-- -Oh!
[Tom] Well, alliances are rather brief.
It's every woman for herself.
[Renee] Mandy's getting snatched. Hold on to your wig, girl.
[Beth] We're seeing the bodies pile up yet again.
Aren't y'all nasty?
There!
[Tom] Apparently, Mandy Rose is nasty, Graves.
[Corey] I am not okay with this.
-[Tom laughs] -[Renee] I like all of this.
[commentators] Oh!
-[Tom] Great move by Evans. -[crowd] …seven, six, five, four…
[Corey] You think the referee can give me that napkin thing?
[Tom] Stop.
-[Beth] That's gross. -[klaxon sounds]
[Renee] You're brutal.
["Obsession" by WWE, Jim Johnston playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Renee] All right.
[Tom] And here comes the veteran, six-time champion, Mickie James.
What an unforgettable moment last year
when she came toe-to-toe with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus--
[Renee] I'd call that an iconic moment.
-That was amazing. -[Tom] It was.
[Beth] Mickie James has been at the forefront of the Women's Evolution.
I've had many, many battles with her. She is not somebody to underestimate.
[Corey] You know Mickie well.
What makes her so dangerous in a situation like this?
[Beth] Mickie is smart. Mickie uses psychological warfare.
It goes right along with her talent in the ring,
and I think Mickie's veteran status
is going to really help her in this situation.
[Renee] Can you imagine Mickie James wins this thing,
goes on to WrestleMania, becomes a seven-time Women's Champion?
[Tom] It would tie the record
held by Trish Stratus and Charlotte Flair at the moment.
-[Renee] Beautiful. -[Tom] Oh! And a neckbreaker.
Mickie James now tied up with the other veteran involved in this matchup, Natalya,
and a big back elbow.
[Corey] Curious to see how these women use the real estate
available in the ring.
As it starts to get crowded in there,
you no longer have quite as much room to operate.
Got to make the most of it while you're in there.
[Beth] It's really important as a competitor to be wary of those ropes.
Keep a good center of gravity, stay in the center.
[Tom] Wait a minute. What is Mickie James setting up for?
Mickie James, oh, trying to pry Mandy Rose out of the ring the hard way.
Oh. Dangerous spot for Mickie James.
[Corey] She almost cost herself in a big way.
-[Tom] Hey, wait a minute. -[Corey] Hang on, Mandy.
[Tom] Mandy Rose is over the top. If she touches the floor…
[Beth] Mickie James having some good ring awareness.
-[Tom] Whoa, whoa. -[Corey] Mickie got a little caught up.
I don't think she got all of the punch she was looking for.
[Tom] And Mandy Rose, trying to evade Mickie James
and now a Thesz press drops Lacey Evans.
[Corey] You keep bringing up the word "inexperience," Beth.
That might've been what Lacey just displayed.
She stopped Mickie from eliminating Mandy.
You want people eliminated as much as possible.
[Beth] I'd lay back and let the damage be done.
[klaxon sounding]
["Free the Flame" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[Beth] Oh! -[crowd cheering]
♪ And let the wildfire set you free… ♪
[Tom] The War Goddess,
who last year was a surprise entrant from NXT
in the first Women’s Royal Rumble match.
No surprise this year.
The Shenom on her way to the ring.
[Renee] "The Shenom" Ember Moon told me, "I'm a survivor."
"Tonight's the only night that I can control myself."
"I'm not holding back anymore."
"I'm ready to unleash everything I have to get to WrestleMania."
[Corey] The only night she can control herself?
Does she have some sort of issue?
[Renee] Wow! Beautiful!
[Tom] Double crossbody takes out James and Natalya.
And Mandy Rose is in trouble, got her hands full with Ember Moon.
[Evans yelling, grunting]
[Tom] Ember Moon, Graves, you're someone who said
she's got future Women's Champion written all over her.
[Corey] I certainly believe that to be true.
What a right hand from Mandy in the corner.
Nice leg sweep.
Sweep the leg, Ember. And into the corner, down goes Rose.
[Beth] Ember had an impressive performance at WWE Evolution
in the Women's Battle Royal.
[Tom] Oh, wait a minute.
Mandy Rose over the top, holding on for dear life.
Ember Moon trying to eliminate her.
[Corey] I don't understand why Ember's targeting Mandy Rose.
There are three other women perfectly capable of being eliminated right now.
[Renee] Mandy's gotta go. You gotta take the easy target.
[Tom] Oh, now it's Mickie James trying to capitalize
on the positioning of Ember Moon,
trying to get Moon out of the equation.
[grunting]
Now, Rose-- Look at Lacey Evans along the top turnbuckle.
Precarious position.
And it's Natalya and Mandy Rose
who are teaming up to try and get rid of the new faces.
[Beth] Lacey's been over the top rope. She's got one foot on the apron.
[Tom] Lacey's gotta be real careful here.
Again, over the top, now finds her way back in.
[groans]
[Tom] Done a very good job considering coming in from the number one position.
[groans]
[Renee] Can you imagine Lacey Evans makes this grand debut
and wins the whole damn thing?
[crowd counting down]
[Beth] She certainly believes she's gonna.
[Renee] She should.
[Tom] Here comes the number seven as Natalya is in trouble.
[klaxon sounding]
["Femme Fatale" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] The Royal Rumble is about to get iconic.
[Tom] Billie Kay, one half of the Australian duo.
Her friend Peyton Royce is also involved in this matchup,
and, Graves, that alliance could prove beneficial
at least until if they were the final two.
[Beth] No, no. They did tell me.
I talked to Billie Kay and Peyton Royce earlier.
They said if it came down to the two of them, they'll jump out together.
-[Corey] Billie Kay put on the breaks. -[yelling indistinctly]
[Beth] That's some smart strategy.
[Billie Kay] I'm not-- I'm not getting in the ring.
I'm not going in. I'll wait for Peyton.
[people booing]
[Corey] That's a great strategy.
[Billie Kay] I'm not getting in that ring. I'm not going-- Hey.
-I'm waiting for Peyton Royce. -Billie Kay is waiting for Peyton Royce.
[Tom] Okay.
I'm going to wait for her.
-I admire that. -Best friends.
-She'll be out soon. -That's a good strategy.
Is it anywhere in the rules that you have to get directly in the ring?
[Corey] No. It absolutely doesn't.
If you don't get in the ring, you can't be eliminated.
I love everything about this.
-I mean, you can't win. -[Beth laughs]
-[Tom] But, well, for a while. -[Beth] It's about pacing yourself.
-[Tom] And Ember Moon-- -[Beth laughing] Very slowly.
[Tom] Tough situation here with Mandy Rose.
I'm listening to Beth.
She's the only person to ever be in Men's and Women's Royal Rumble.
-[Renee] Touché. -[Beth laughs]
[Tom] And now, come on. Mandy Rose and Ember Moon, all tied up.
Four women at the same time trying to all get eliminations.
[Beth] Graves's anxiety level is raising over here, guys.
[Tom] Oh!
[Renee] Beth, this is one of your favorite nights of the year.
[Beth] This is. Royal Rumble is a pay-per-view
I watched since I was a little girl.
I got to be a part of the Men's Royal Rumble.
It's just incredible.
[crowd counting down]
[Renee] A little bit magic in the air tonight.
[Corey] Oh, Mandy Rose is here. Of course there is.
[Beth] You're a pervert.
[klaxon sounds]
["Glasgow Cross" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[crowd cheering] -[Tom] Oh, boy.
[Corey] Batten down the hatches.
Nikki Cross, the twisted sister,
has been unleashed on the Royal Rumble match.
[Tom] Nikki Cross said on the Kickoff Show,
"Anything can happen, but no one knows, only Nikki knows."
-[Renee] Oh no! -[Beth] Oh!
[Corey] Was that called for?
[Tom] Nikki Cross just took out Billie Kay.
[Renee] She's like a caged animal.
[Tom] Billie Kay still technically not in the match. But look at this.
[Beth] Completely unpredictable.
[Tom] Cross from the top wipes out everyone.
[crowd cheering]
Completely unpredictable.
Completely wild.
[crowd applauding]
[Renee] Man, if everybody here does not leave with a Nikki Cross,
you're making bad moves in your life.
[Beth] Come on. Nikki just wants to play.
[Tom laughs] Yeah. This is--
[Corey] Nobody's playing right now, Beth.
[Tom] Nikki punched Mandy Rose.
[Beth] Looks like she's having a great time.
[Tom] Oh, Lacey Evans over the top.
[Corey] This could be it for her tonight.
[Beth] Nikki's got to keep focused.
[Tom] Oh, Lacey gets herself back in.
[Renee] This wild card energy can change the entire night.
[Tom] That's one thing we talked about in the lead-up. This match is about chaos.
-Well, Nikki Cross is-- Always wins. -[Renee] Oh!
-[Tom] Oh! -[Renee] Ooh!
Who do you think you are, huh?
[Tom] And Cross, oh, caught up by Rose.
[Renee] Grave move.
[screaming]
[Tom] I don't think Mandy Rose knows quite what to do with Nikki Cross.
[Renee] Nikki Cross is like a feral animal.
[Beth] She doesn't seem intimidated by Mandy Rose.
[Corey] She already knows what to do with Nikki.
[commentators] Oh!
[screaming]
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Take one more look at this. Billie Kay did not enter the ring.
She came in at seven and--
Oh! Got launched into the barricade.
Billie Kay still is--
Well, now she's finally in the match. There we go.
[Beth] Nikki's coming like a house on fire.
[Corey] Is Nikki attempting a pinfall in the middle of a match?
[Tom] I don't know what she's doing, but she's having fun doing it.
-[Renee] Trying it all. -[Beth] Definitely inflicting damage.
[Tom] I thought Billie Kay wanted to wait for Peyton Royce?
[crowd counting down]
[Renee] She got pushed down. She felt the need to go defend herself.
[crowd] …three, two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Femme Fatale" playing]
-[Tom] Oh. -[Corey] Help is on the way.
[Renee] Look out, ladies.
[Tom] Peyton Royce to the rescue of her childhood friend, Billie Kay.
[Renee] The IIconics got this one.
[Beth] She does not look happy, guys.
[Tom] These two women from Sydney, Australia,
trying to make the Royal Rumble match iconic.
And Peyton Royce starting off strong against Nikki Cross.
[indistinct conversation]
[Beth] A little retribution.
[inaudible]
Get up.
Get up, get up.
[yells]
[Tom] Oh, boy. This could be it for Nikki Cross early on
before she even knows it.
[Corey] Look at this. This is--
-[groans] -Oh!
Admirable loyalty from Peyton and Billie.
[Tom laughs] Oh, and Ember Moon just took out Billie Kay.
Look at Mandy Rose here along the top rope.
-[Corey] Whoa. -[crowd exclaims]
Starting to get crowded in there.
Bodies all over the place.
[Tom] Lacey Evans and Natalya have been going on 14 minutes now,
both coming in from the one and two position, respectively.
You all right?
[Beth] It's a great place for Lacey Evans to show her mettle.
[Tom] Now, Lacey has been on a variety of difficult situations
here along the top turnbuckle and has managed to escape.
[Beth] She's been hanging.
[grunts]
[Tom] The IIconics zeroing in on Moon.
[Corey] Mandy Rose, doing her best
to give Nikki Cross an unceremonious exit from the Royal Rumble match.
[Tom] Nikki Cross got her leg hooked inside.
[Renee] Graves, are you watching anyone else but Mandy Rose?
[Tom] Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. Ember Moon inches from the floor.
[Corey] I'm watching Nikki Cross because she's fighting with Mandy Rose.
[Tom] The IIconics trying to get rid of Moon
and Moon crawls underneath the bottom rope.
[klaxon sounding]
["What You Think" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Renee] The Sultress of Savagery.
[Tom] Tamina who appeared in last year's Women's Royal Rumble match,
entered at number seven,
did not record an elimination.
But still, Beth, this is the type of Superstar
that can clean house in a hurry.
[Corey] Mark my words, Tamina is gonna make a massive impact on this matchup.
[Beth] Tamina competed last year with a torn rotator cuff in her shoulder
and she was still devastating.
-[Tom] Oh, and a big headbutt from Tamina. -[Corey] Whoa.
[Tom] Samoan drop right out of the gate. Tamina firing off.
-And Peyton Royce receives one as well. -[yelling]
[Corey] My favorite quality of Tamina is her overwhelming disdain for mankind.
[Tom] Billie Kay has made a tragic mistake.
-[Billie Kay screaming] -[Beth] Ooh.
[Tom] Oh, Samoan drop.
-And now, Nikki Cross-- -[Renee] Uh-oh.
-[Tom] I think got a little hasty. -[crowd chattering]
[Renee] I don't think she was thinking anything.
[Tom] I disagree.
I think she came in for a fight.
She wanted to hit anything that moves.
[Beth] Well, fight she's gonna get from Tamina.
[Corey] Tamina’s not the type you wanna fight with.”
[Tom] Now look at Nikki Cross,
not backing down, however, from the powerhouse Tamina.
Oh, and Tamina went through the ropes. Nikki just bull-rushed Tamina.
Nikki Cross in a frenzy inside the ring.
-[Tom] Oh. -[Corey laughing] Whoa.
That's one way to put a stop to Nikki Cross's perpetual motion.
-[Tom] Yup. Oh, and Tamina-- -[Beth] Oh.
[Tom] Tamina over the top.
Mickie James trying to catch Tamina.
-[grunts] -Oh, and it's Lacey Evans now.
[Beth] Mickie's the one that's gonna have everybody scouted.
She's keeping an eye out.
[Corey] Hang in there, Mandy.
[Renee] Serious buildup of women here tonight.
[Tom] Look at Tamina going to the top rope.
-Tamina-- -[screaming]
-[Beth] Oh. -[Tom] Oh, and a splash to Nikki Cross.
-Do not pick a fight with Tamina. -[Tamina yelling]
Get off me!
[Corey] Tamina would be smart to try to eliminate Nikki Cross.
She's got her in a prone position.
[yelling]
[Tom] Here's Mickie James going up to the top turnbuckle,
trying to measure Tamina.
[Corey] Risky business to use the ropes this much.
[Tom] Oh! Seated senton. And meanwhile, near side,
Lacey Evans is on the top turnbuckle, tied up with Natalya.
[Renee] It's starting to be not too much room to move around in the ring.
[crowd counting down]
[Corey] Ember Moon in a lot of trouble. And we have another entrant to the party.
[crowd] …four, three, two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Fortune Rising" playing]
-[Beth] Oh! -[Corey] Mickie's been eliminated.
Courtesy of a Tamina superkick.
[Tom] And here comes Xia Li from NXT.
And this is someone, Beth, you know very well from the Mae Young Classic.
[Beth] That's right. We've seen Xia Li in two Mae Young Classics.
She wants to represent her Chinese culture,
and she is doing a great job of it.
What an athletic woman.
[Tom] She is the first Chinese woman to ever compete in a WWE ring.
[Corey] Well, if Tamina has got any say in it, she may be the last.
[Beth] Ooh!
[grunting]
-A skilled martial artist-- -[Corey] Whoa, look at these strikes.
[Renee] Studies Kung Fu, Muay Thai.
[commentators] Oh!
[Tom] Spinning kick puts down Tamina for a moment.
-[grunts] -[Tom, Corey] Oh!
[Tom] And Natalya feels the wrath of Li.
Oh, down goes Ember Moon and Lacey Evans.
-[Beth] Oh! -[Corey] Oh man!
-[Renee] Did you hear that? -[Corey] I felt it.
[yelling in Mandarin]
[Corey] Welcome to the Royal Rumble, Xia Li.
[Tom] And now it's Tamina
who has already recorded one elimination.
Came in strong in the corner, and Li able to gather herself.
[both grunting]
[Beth] Some beautiful athleticism.
Uh-uh.
[Renee] Uh-oh. Not a good spot.
-[Beth] Oh. -[Tom] Oh!
[Corey] Xia was able to steady herself for the most part.
[Tom] Oh!
[Xia Li] Come on!
[Corey] Almost like a version of Kofi Kingston's Trouble in Paradise.
-[yells] -[Tom] Very close.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Xia Li coming in and making an impression.
The newcomer in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Beth laughing] Guys, everyone is laid out right now.
[crowd] …two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["We Riot (Remix)" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Tom] And here comes another representative of the Riott Squad.
Hopefully, they'll fare better than Liv Morgan.
It's Sarah Logan.
[Renee] Sarah Logan's all Braveheart tonight.
[Corey] I'm very excited to see what Sarah Logan's able to accomplish
in this Royal Rumble match.
One of the most unorthodox, deceptively powerful women in all of WWE.
[Tom] Sarah Logan entered last year at number three.
She lasted 16 minutes and 30 seconds.
[Renee] Oh!
[Tom] The Riott Squad seem magnetically attracted to going after Natalya.
[grunting]
-[Renee] Old habits, Tom. -[Tom] Yup.
[Beth] There's such a grudge between those guys.
-[Tom] And Logan-- -[screaming]
-[Beth] Ooh. -[Corey] Wow.
[Tom] Slamming Ember Moon to the mat.
[grunting]
[Beth] I feel like Sarah's really come into her own lately.
[Renee] She just gets more and more impressive by the week.
-Oh! -[Tom] Oh!
[Corey] Ember hanging on, trying to preserve--
-[Beth] What a dangerous spot. -[Tom] Ember! Ember!
The tips of her boots, the only thing keeping her along the bottom rope.
Remember, both feet have to touch the floor.
[Beth laughing] Oh my God.
[Tom] Ember is still alive. That was pretty good.
[crowd applauding]
The ring is filling up with Superstars,
and Nikki Cross is now tied up with Billie Kay.
[Beth] This is where things get really difficult, Corey.
With more bodies, more potential to get hit from behind.
[Tom] Oh, and Nikki Cross is gone, courtesy of the IIconics.
[crowd jeering]
-[Renee] She barked up the wrong tree. -[Tom] Uh-oh.
[screaming]
[Corey] The IIconics simply righted her wrong.
Nikki Cross attacked Billie Kay for no apparent reason,
other than the fact that she was there.
[crowd] …six, five…
[Beth] I mean, that's sort of the purpose of the match, right?
-[crowd] …one. -[Tom] Number 13.
[klaxon sounding]
[grunting]
["Recognition" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[crowd cheering] -[Corey laughing]
[Tom] Bow down to The Queen
who is entering her first Women's Royal Rumble match
because last year, well, she was champion at the time
and was unable to compete.
[Renee] Should everyone just get out of the ring now?
She is the clear-cut favorite heading into this matchup.
[Corey] I wouldn't go that far, Renee.
There are plenty of women with the same exact goal,
to head to WrestleMania.
[Corey] That said, if you want to talk about good genetics with a good history,
1992, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair
entered at number one and outlasted to win the entire…
[Tom] Lasted over an hour
and won the WWE Championship that year in 1992.
Good history, but Charlotte Flair has got to prove herself on her own tonight.
[Renee] Charlotte proves herself every single time she steps into the ring,
and tonight can be no different.
[Beth] Clearly, all the other competitors
recognize the threat that Charlotte Flair is.
They all went on the attack as soon as she got to the ring.
[Renee] And what a target on her back tonight.
-[Tom] The slam! -[Renee] Beautiful.
[Tom] And Graves, Charlotte was already trying to stir things up between Asuka,
the SmackDown Women's Champion still,
and Becky Lynch earlier this week. And down go the IIconics.
Lacey Evans has eliminated both of the IIconics.
[groans]
[Corey] Oh! Xia Li not backing down from The Queen.
[Renee] At least they're gonna make their name on Charlotte Flair.
[grunting]
[yelling]
[Tom] And Xia Li up on the second rope.
Charlotte Flair able to avoid.
Big Boot to Li.
[panting]
[Beth] Very interesting to see how Charlotte Flair's--
[Corey] Xia Li hanging on,
trying to preserve her chance to head to WrestleMania.
[grunting]
[Tom] Oh, and a Big Boot! There goes Xia Li.
[Renee] Valiant effort from Xia Li tonight.
[Corey] Just an update, everybody. Mandy Rose is still in the ring.
-[Renee] Nobody asked, Graves, but thanks. -[Tom laughs]
Boom, a Boot takes out Xia Li.
Valiant effort tonight in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Renee] Maybe you can just do private Instagram stories
about updates on Mandy Rose.
[Beth] We got a chop fest going on, guys.
[Tom] Lacey Evans again controlling herself,
staying inside the ring, entered at number one.
What a showing thus far.
[crowd] …one.
-[klaxon sounding] -[Tom] Oh! Superkick by Tamina.
["The Next Voyage" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[crowd cheering] -[Renee] Oh.
-[Corey] Cool. -[Tom] Are you ready to set sail?
Oh, wait a minute. Tamina through the ropes,
but still, it is Kairi Sane,
the former NXT Women's Champion, 2017 Mae Young Classic winner.
And just last night at TakeOver,
won Overall and Female Competitor of the Year for 2018 in NXT.
[Corey] Do the same rules apply about running with a telescope
as they do with scissors?
[commentators laugh]
[Tom] There goes Tamina. Courtes--
Tamina is gone, courtesy of Charlotte Flair.
[Beth] Kairi Sane looking to make an impact.
[Tom] Oh! Kairi Sane with authority.
[indistinct chatter]
What do you got?
[commentators] Oh!
Bring it.
[Beth] Did you hear the impact of that chop?
[Tom] Oh!
-[Corey] She's just incensing The Queen. -[yelling]
[Tom] And look at Kairi Sane of NXT go.
Her second Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Charlotte Flair yelling]
[Tom] And Charlotte Flair not to be intimidated.
[screaming]
-[grunts] -[crowd exclaims]
[screams]
-[grunts] -[crowd exclaims]
[Corey] Kairi's standing her ground. Oh!
[Beth] Guys, think about what this must mean to Charlotte Flair.
The opportunity to go to WrestleMania hangs in the balance.
[Tom] As I mentioned before, a seven-time champion in WWE
could break her tie currently with Hall of Famer Trish Stratus
if she went to WrestleMania and won the title.
[Corey] Charlotte Flair believes it's her destiny to headline WrestleMania.
-[Beth] High-pressure situations. -[Renee] Hey now.
[Tom] Look out below.
-The insane elbow. -[Renee] Whoa!
-[Kairi screaming] -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] A very effective move in that particular situation,
but Kairi's got to be cognizant
not to spend too much time on the top rope
because you make yourself a target when you're up there.
-[Tom] Here comes Natalya. -[Renee] You have an ally in Natalya.
[Tom] Natalya trying to help out. Trying to eliminate Sarah Logan.
And there's the elimination.
-[Beth] Some good teamwork there. -[Renee] Oh!
[Tom] Natalya got another member of the Riott Squad.
[Beth] Sorry to tell you, Kairi, but I wouldn't trust her either.
[Renee] No love lost.
[crowd] …four, three, two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["True Love" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Here's to the greatest, greatest… ♪
[Corey] Can you feel it, Phillips?
[Renee] Feel what?
[Corey] The power of love.
[Tom] You're not Phillips.
[Renee] I know. I was just answering for you, sorry.
[Renee] I wanted to know what the answer was.
[Tom] Maria Kanellis, recently,
at the first all-women's pay-per-view WWE Evolution.
She did compete in an over-the-top Battle Royal.
Similar rules to this type of match.
Hopefully, we'll see how she fares,
but Lacey Evans and Natalya,
both have been in for over 25 minutes at this point.
[Beth] We've got a standoff going on here.
Pay attention to me. Pay attention to me.
-[Beth] Oh. -[Tom] Oh!
[Corey] I don't think that's the attention that Maria was hoping to get.
[grunting]
I don't think so.
I'm not done.
-Get out of my face. -I don't care.
[Corey] It's like staring at a couple of doppelgangers here--
[commentators] Oh!
[Tom] The beautiful bulldog.
[Beth] Can't take your eye off the ball for a second.
[Tom] Oh! Jawbreaker.
[Renee] Kanellis told me she's been to WrestleMania before,
but she's never been as a mother.
-She has to take her daughter-- -[commentators] Oh!
[Renee] Just what women can achieve.
Brutal, face-first into the canvas.
Let's see how long--
[Tom] Very crafty in the way she's helped manage
Mike Kanellis's career on 205 Live.
[crowd cheering]
[Renee] Giddy up.
[Corey] Uh-huh.
-[yells] -[Tom] Uh-oh.
[Tom] Oh, a spear from The Queen.
You don't belong in this ring.
[Tom] And that shuts down Kanellis.
And here comes Lacey Evans, again going after Charlotte Flair.
[Beth] Charlotte's sticking to the plan, mixing the theatrics.
She's here to win.
[Renee] No matter what happens tonight with Lacey Evans,
everyone's got to be impressed with her.
-[Tom] Absolutely. -[crowd] …five, four…
[Tom] Number 16 incoming.
[klaxon sounding]
["Amazing" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[crowd cheering] -[Beth] Oh, snap.
[Tom] Chase Field is feeling the glow.
And Naomi is making her way down to the ringside.
And I have a feeling I know who she's going after.
Oh!
[Beth] At home, my five-year-old Lyric is losing her mind.
[Tom] Here comes Mandy Rose,
who's trying to destroy the marriage of Naomi
simply because Mandy thinks she's better than Naomi.
[Beth] Uh-oh.
[Tom] Oh. And now Naomi looking for retaliation on Mandy Rose.
[Corey] Oh, no, no. Hang on, Mandy.
[Tom] Another Royal Rumble event,
trying to rip Mandy Rose out of this matchup,
who entered at number three.
[Renee] She's a homewrecker. Kick her out.
[Tom] Oh!
And Mandy Rose is eliminated.
[crowd cheering]
Sweet satisfaction for Naomi.
Oh, and Ember Moon, shot to the midsection.
[Beth] Uh-oh. Uh-oh.
[Tom] Oh, wait a minute, Mandy Rose trying to eliminate Naomi.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Beth] Oh!
[Tom] But, guys, the feet have not touched the floor.
-[Renee] She's crafty. -[Beth] She's still in, guys.
[Tom] Graves, you remember last year what Naomi did.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Corey] This is incredible.
Never mind the fact that I'm disconsolate because Mandy Rose got eliminated.
-Naomi still hasn't been. -[Tom laughing]
-This is nuts. -[Beth] Oh, girl.
[Tom] Again, both feet have not touched the floor.
Naomi is still technically not eliminated.
[Corey] I don't trust that guy with the red beard.
-He's probably gonna try to trip her. -[Tom laughs]
[Beth] I feel like I should hold my breath.
[Corey] No way. That's way too far.
-[Renee] Hold your breath. -[Corey] No.
[crowd cheering]
[Beth] She did it.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Heck of a long jump from Naomi.
-Hey, wait a minute. -[Renee gasps] No!
-[Tom] Mandy Rose still eliminates Naomi. -[Corey] Oh!
That was magnificent.
[crowd applauding]
[Corey] That was wonderful.
[Beth] That was a show of rotten sportsmanship.
[Tom] Both women have been eliminated.
-Mandy Rose is teeing off on Naomi now. -That's enough.
-That's enough. That's enough. -Hey!
[Naomi] I hate you.
[screaming]
[Tom] The officials just trying to get some semblance of order here at ringside.
Both these women are gone from this match.
[Beth] Match or--
[Tom] Oh, and Lacey Evans is gone, courtesy of Charlotte Flair.
-What an effort tonight by Evans. -Get them out of here.
[klaxon sounding]
[indistinct yelling]
[Renee] Are you okay, Graves?
["Never Back Down" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[Beth] You need some consolation? -[Corey] I do.
-[Beth] Oh! -[Tom] It's Candice LeRae from NXT.
Call her Candice Wrestling.
A never-say-die attitude.
[Corey] After last night,
her husband, Johnny Gargano, became NXT North American Champion,
maybe the family luck will continue tonight.
[Tom] And Candice. Oh!
Great offensive high-flying arsenal in her background
and goes right after Ember Moon
and Kairi Sane, who she's dealt with on NXT.
[Renee] When you talk about passion, you can't underestimate Candice LeRae.
[grunting]
[Renee] She puts her heart and soul into everything she does in the ring.
[Tom] Lacey Evans lasted over 30 minutes here tonight,
and, meanwhile, Natalya has done the same from number two.
And a big clothesline to Charlotte Flair.
[Beth] It's all about pacing yourself, guys.
Watching your opportunities.
[Corey] Well, look at this.
Submission hold applied by Candice LeRae.
[Tom] It'll do a lot of damage.
[Corey] But you're not gonna win.
You've got to dump Ember over the top rope.
[Beth] Strength of Ember Moon able to counter.
[Tom] Maria Kanellis holding her own
against the former NXT Women's Champion, Kairi Sane.
And now it's Candice LeRae…
[grunting]
…trying to find an opening against "The Shenom" Ember Moon.
[Beth] And this is in a bad spot.
[commentators] Oh!
[Corey] Big time gutbuster from Ember.
[Beth] Ember looking worse for wear.
She's taken a lot of damage in this match.
[grunts]
[Corey] Charlotte Flair and Natalya still doing battle in the corner.
Where does The Queen think she's going?
[Tom] Oh, about to get caught up by Natalya as here comes number 18.
[klaxon sounding]
[Corey] Big powerbomb from Natalya.
["Pa-Pa- Pa-Pa-Party" by WWE, Jim Johnston playing]
[Tom] Well, here comes the self-proclaimed Captain of the Women's Division.
And Beth, this is a big night for Alicia.
[Beth] It's a huge-- huge night for Alicia Fox.
She had her sights set on being a part of the very first Royal Rumble last year.
Unfortunately, was taken out due to an injury,
so this means the world to her,
to be able to participate in the second one.
[Corey] Well, she's dedicated her life to becoming a full-time Fortnite skin
with the dance and everything.
[people clamoring]
[Tom] And Alicia Fox, perhaps you could say wisely
taking her time getting to the ring, letting the chaos ensue.
[Renee] I'll say, though,
of the conversations I've had with Alicia Fox,
heading on to WrestleMania, having that WrestleMania moment
is something she desperately wants to add to her resume.
[Tom] How scattershot are those conversations?
Oh!
Down goes Charlotte Flair, and Ember Moon in trouble.
-[grunts] -Oh, kick right to the face.
[Corey] Beautiful dropkicks from Alicia Fox.
Standing tall.
[Charlotte exclaims]
No, no, no.
You, me, friends. Friends.
Friends.
[Corey] We know this always works in Battle Royal situations, right?
I ain't got no friends.
[indistinct conversation]
[Renee] I don't know if you wanna reason with Fox.
I don't think you can.
Get her. Wanna get her?
Get up!
[Tom] Odd alliances do happen in Royal Rumble matches.
And it's Fox who does the heavy lifting there against Kairi Sane.
Maria Kanellis teaming up… Oh! …with another veteran in Fox.
[Charlotte grunts]
You and me are friends.
[speaking indistinctly]
[Beth] All right. I wouldn't be celebrating yet, girls.
[Corey] Of all the things I've seen, this is far and away the most recent.
[Beth] Wow.
-[Corey] Don't know what to make of this. -[Tom] Yup.
-[Beth] Renee-- -[commentators exclaim]
[Renee] Wow, wow, wow. Those are like five grand apiece.
[Beth] I was gonna say it would look great with your jacket, but never mind.
No! My hat!
[Beth] Looks like some psychological warfare happening here.
[Corey] Yeah.
We know Alicia has a real deep emotional attachment to her sequined hat.
[Tom laughing] Th-- That's not destroyed, by the way.
It's actually okay.
[Corey] It's quite durable.
[Beth] Tom, it's the sentiment.
-It's what she wants. -[Tom] Yeah. Meanwhile, uh…
Natalya and Kairi Sane are on the verge of elimination.
These two are fighting over a hat.
[screaming]
[Tom] Oh!
[crowd] …eight, seven, six, five…
[Corey] Big right hand from Maria.
[Tom] Waiting on number 19.
[klaxon sounding]
["American Made" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
Oh, and there goes Maria Kanellis.
She's been eliminated, and--
[Corey] Oh, this is cool.
[Renee] Hell yeah! Kacy Catanzaro.
[Corey] I've got two little girls at home
that are probably screaming at the TV right now.
[Beth] Yes.
[Corey] Kacy Catanzaro is an absolutely unbelievable athlete.
[Beth laughing] I'm so excited.
[Renee] Former American Ninja Warrior Champion.
The first woman to ever make it up the 14-foot wall.
-Oh! -[Corey] Look at her go, man.
[Tom] A magnetic personality
and eye-popping athleticism to go with it.
[Renee] Mighty Kacy, they call her.
[Corey] Diminutive in size, but an overabundance of talent.
[Tom] And Catanzaro trying to hold her own against Natalya
here along the turnbuckle.
[Corey] Kacy's realizing in short order you don't wanna try to match power.
[Beth] She's in a tough spot. Got to create some space there.
[Corey laughing] Whoa!
-[Tom] There goes Natalya. -[Renee] Oh!
Kacy's dedicated herself.
[Tom] Natalya has been in this match for 35 minutes plus
entering from number two.
And now Fox got her hands full with Kacy Catanzaro.
[crowd exclaims]
-[Renee] Whoa. -[Corey] Look at this!
-[Beth] I just got goosebumps. -[Tom] Fox over the top.
Oh! Alicia Fox was nearly eliminated.
[Renee] Finish the job, Kacy.
[Corey] Referee was right there to make sure.
-[grunts] -Yah!
[Tom] Oh, and Kacy Catanzaro trying to give some fight to Alicia Fox.
[grunting]
[straining]
[commentators] Oh!
[Tom] Into the backbreaker through the ropes.
[crowd] …seven, six, five, four…
[Tom] This will be two-thirds way through the field here in 2019.
[klaxon sounding]
["Making a Difference" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Corey laughs]
[Tom] We are indeed living in the year of Tranquilo.
Zelina Vega, the business manager of Andrade from SmackDown Live.
[Corey] I played Street Fighter a bunch of times.
I never remember that Vega looking this good.
[Tom] How appropriate.
Zelina Vega, a woman who…
Beth, you saw it.
…got to the final three of the over-the-top Battle Royal
that took place at WWE Evolution.
So, despite her size, she can last.
[Beth] She can. She's an underdog in this situation,
but do not count Zelina out.
[Tom] Oh, and how about this?
Vega and LeRae, a long rivalry dating back to their time in NXT.
[indistinct yelling]
[Renee] Clearly nothing's been resolved.
[crowd cheering]
-Come on, huh? -[grunts]
-[Renee] Ooh. -[Corey] Big right hands.
[Tom] Candice LeRae, another opportunity to go after Zelina Vega
within the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[grunting]
-[Corey] It's backslide reversal. -[Tom] Oh!
Kick right to the face of Candice LeRae.
-[Vega grunting] -[Tom] And now Vega--
[Corey] Alicia Fox, on the back of your screen,
is in a very, very dangerous situation.
[Tom] As is Charlotte Flair if she's not careful.
[Corey, Tom] Oh!
[Beth] Guys, you got to remember, with so much on the line,
you can't let emotions get in the way.
WrestleMania is in our sights.
[Tom] Ember Moon entered at number six.
-[Corey] Look out! -[Tom] Been there for 30-plus minutes.
[Corey] Candice Lerae just saw some shadows,
courtesy of the business manager.
[Tom] And Kacy Catanzaro on the turnbuckle,
difficult situation with Kairi Sane, back of your screen.
[Renee spluttering]
-Jeez, I can't talk. -[all laugh]
I don't know what just happened. I had a personal glitch.
[Tom] You had one of the Royal Rumble burgers?
-[Corey] You smell toast in here? -[Renee] Too many calories.
-[laughing] -[crowd] …four, three, two, one.
-[klaxon sounds] -I'll get to my point in a minute.
["We Riot (Remix)" playing]
[Renee] Take my med.
[Tom] And the last member of the Riott Squad.
This would be Ruby Riott, and she's got backup.
[Corey] And Ruby's flanked by Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan.
A united front entering the Royal Rumble match.
I find it hard to bet against Ruby Riott.
[Tom] Oh, Ruby Riott was involved in last year's Royal Rumble match as well,
but a long history with Charlotte Flair from their time on SmackDown Live.
Remember their Fastlane matchup
for the title before WrestleMania two years ago?
[Corey] All three women going right after Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte, of course, not eliminated but--
[Tom] Yeah, but went under the bottom rope.
Ruby, get them out of here. Come on.
[Tom] And it's Ruby Riott with Logan and Morgan in tow,
helping to lay out The Queen. Oh!
Zelina Vega with the spike rana.
[yelling]
[Corey] Look at this.
Logan and Morgan are picking people off, just poaching from the outside.
-[Tom] Smart Strategy. -[Beth] Zelina escaped wild animals.
[Tom] Ruby Riott tied up with Alicia Fox.
Fox has not been eliminated, went under the bottom rope.
And where is… where is Vega going?
[Renee] There's some chaos.
[Corey] I told you that's a great strategy.
[Tom laughing] I don't think anybody's aware of it.
And now it's Ruby Riott
and the rest of the Riott Squad running roughshod
throughout the Royal Rumble match.
[Beth] And Ruby Riott's gonna benefit.
[Tom] And Alicia Fox has been eliminated by Riott.
[Renee] Did she get her hat?
[Beth laughs]
[Tom] And now it's Candice LeRae.
Oh, went through the ropes.
Remember, over the top rope,
feet must touch the floor to be eliminated.
Hey, hey, hey, wait a minute. The rest of the Riott Squad.
[indistinct yelling]
-[Corey] Oh, no. Oh, no, no. -[screaming]
Morgan and Logan point to the barricade.
Candice LeRae has still not been eliminated.
[Corey] But the damage has been done, courtesy of the Riott Squad.
[Beth] Pull her back in?
[Tom] Charlotte Flair has climbed back into the ring.
[Corey] Roll her back in so you can toss her back out.
[Tom] And there goes LeRae. Two eliminations for Riott.
[klaxon sounds]
-An effective strategy by the Riott Squad. -It's looking great for Ruby tonight.
[Corey] It's looking great for Zelina Vega.
["Respectful" by CFO$, WWE playing]
Still hiding out underneath the ring.
[Tom] Here comes the powerhouse, Dana Brooke.
Her second Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Renee] Dana Brooke told me she's changed up all of her game lately,
training differently, eating differently.
Doing everything just in a different--
-She's looking for this new opportunity. -[Corey] Oh!
[Beth] Renee, it shows, and sometimes you just need to get in tap
with that hunger again.
[Renee] She wants to get back to her roots, her gymnastics background,
get into some more high-intensity workouts.
[Corey] Maybe she should challenge Kacy Catanzaro,
because when it comes to gymnastics--
-[commentators] Oh! -[Corey] Yikes.
[Tom] Nasty powerbomb to the tailbone.
Oh! And Dana Brooke is running all over the competition.
Meanwhile, Natalya on the far side of your screen,
she's been in it for 40-plus minutes.
[Corey] And look at this. Once again, the Riott Squad
dragging Dana to the outside.
Morgan and Logan have totally changed the complexion of this matchup.
[grunting]
-[Tom] Oh, it's Kairi Sane! -[commentators] Oh!
[Tom] Sent over the top by Riott.
[Corey] Off to Davy Jones's locker for you.
[Beth] A vicious elimination.
-[Tom] Been waiting for that, haven't you? -[Corey] Sure have.
[Tom] And meanwhile, Zelina Vega is still hiding out underneath the ring.
[Corey] Doing great.
[referee shouting]
[Tom] Ember Moon could be in trouble here.
And, again, the Riott Squad is doing an incredible job
just clearing house with its elimination, just beating the heck out of anybody.
[Corey] Ruby now just rolling to the outside, taking a break,
catching her breath, composing herself.
And this is really, really smart.
[Beth] It's perfectly legal.
[Renee] Liv Morgan told me before, no team in WWE
has as much love, respect, and trust for each other as the Riott Squad.
[Corey] Kairi's gonna have to walk the plank.
["Genius of the Sky" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
-[Corey laughing] Oh. -[Tom] Oh boy.
[Renee] The Genius of the Sky.
[Corey] Like I'm a normal genius.
This is a sky genius.
It's a whole different situation.
[Tom] The finalist-- One of the finalists of the 2018 Mae Young Classic tournament,
last night at TakeOver,
won Future Star of NXT as part of the 2018 Year-End Awards.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Tom] Oh!
And is best friends with Kairi Sane,
so I can understand why she's ticked off at the Riott Squad right now.
Oh! Kick right to the face of Ruby Riott.
[Beth] We saw such spectacular performances
from Io Shirai in the Mae Young Classic.
[Corey] Watch this. I think I know what's coming.
[Renee] I hope Charlotte Flair gets eyes on this.
-Oh! -[Tom] Oh, the Asai moonsault.
[Corey] Taking out the entire Riott Squad.
[Tom] The trademark of Io Shirai.
[Corey] Io hasn't officially entered the match yet.
[Tom] That's true.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] And it's Charlotte Flair all over Dana Brooke,
and now it's Io Shirai going after Ruby Riott,
looking for retaliation on behalf of Kairi Sane.
[Beth] She also did a good job of evening the playing field again.
-[Corey] Oh, wait a minute. -[Tom] Oh!
[Corey] Ruby trying to muscle Io over the top.
[Tom] Oh, both women, difficult position here along the apron.
Zelina Vega's just watching.
[Renee] Biding her time.
-[grunting] -[commentators exclaim]
[Tom] Charlotte Flair came in at number 13.
She's been in for over 20 minutes at this juncture.
[Corey] That old saying, "Work smart, not hard,"
that's exactly what Zelina's doing right now.
[Tom] Now Ember Moon got a hold of Kacy Catanzaro.
Oh! Dana Brooke tied up with Charlotte Flair.
-[crowd] …six, five, four… -[Tom] We await number 24.
[crowd] …three, two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Brutality" by WWE, CFO$ ft. Ash Costello playing]
-[Beth] Uh-oh. -[Renee] Oh.
[Tom] Things are about to get brutal in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Beth] "The Nightmare" Rhea Ripley in the house.
-[Corey] Can I change my pick? -[Tom] You do every year.
[Beth laughs]
[Tom] The first-ever NXT UK Women's Champion.
Bodacious, bold, and headstrong.
[Corey] Rhea Ripley is legit.
One of the most powerful Superstars in the female division.
[Renee] She might be one of the most intimidating people I've ever met.
-[Beth] Ooh! -[Tom] From Adelaide, Australia.
An incredible athlete, Beth, that you've come to admire so much.
[Beth] I admire Rhea.
I love how she's changed up her look, her style.
She's really owning her personality.
-Look-- Causing damage. -[Tom] Oh.
[Corey] Great takedown by Ember Moon.
Able to neutralize Rhea for the moment.
[grunting]
[Tom] Oh, and Dana Brooke runs over Ember Moon.
[Renee] Rhea Ripley says, every time she steps in the ring,
she lets the evil inside out, and she can be completely uncontrollable.
[Tom] Oh, Catanzaro, in trouble with Dana Brooke,
and Dana Brooke's got an elimination.
There goes Catanzaro.
[Beth] Oh.
[Corey] Kacy's feet have not touched the ground.
-[Beth] Uh-oh. -[Renee] Oops. Scoot it.
[Beth] Kacy's seeing an opportunity may be here.
[Tom] What the--
-[crowd chattering] -[scattered applause]
Are you kidding?
[commentators laughing]
[Renee] I hope Kofi Kingston's watching this tonight.
[Corey] Look at this.
-No way. -[Tom] And she's still in it.
[Corey laughing] No way.
-[Beth] Stop! -[crowd cheering]
[laughing] Oh my God.
[Corey] That was awesome.
[Renee laughs]
-[Beth] Could you do that, Tom? -[Tom] No. No.
[Corey laughs]
Now Kacy perched on the top rope.
-[Beth] Look at the determination. -[Tom] Catanzaro caught up by Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] Oh, Rhea, the spoiler.
[Renee] Not gonna go head-to-head with Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] Look at this. Around and around we go.
-[Renee] Whoa. Almost. -[Tom] Whoa.
-[Tom] Look at the power. -[Corey] Rhea is just so strong.
[Tom] Ripley says no, has a hold of Catanzaro.
-[all groan] -And now Kacy has been eliminated.
Bye-bye!
[Corey] What an impressive performance by Kacy Catanzaro.
Nothing to be ashamed of.
What a kick from Ember right on Rhea's grill.
[crowd counting down]
[Beth] Two heavy hitters there in the corner.
-[Tom] Here's number 25. -[klaxon sounding]
["Square Up (Rock Remix)" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
Oh, this is Sonya Deville,
who earlier tonight on the Kickoff Show,
she was very much about the "every woman for herself" mentality
and no help with Mandy Rose since she's already gone at this point.
[Corey] Put your hair up and square up, everyone better get ready
'cause Sonya's bringing the big fight.
[Beth] Sonya's fired up. Did you see that run to the ring?
[Corey] Oh my God! What a kick!
[Tom] Down goes Ripley in a heap. But now Ember Moon.
-[grunts] -Oh!
[Renee] I feel like Sonya Deville, just like Ember Moon,
has that future champ written all over her.
[Corey] Completely agree. Beautiful takedown by Sonya.
[Tom] And Dana Brooke giving chase and the knee to Ruby Riott.
[Corey] Right in the sternum.
[Tom] Number two entry, Natalya's been in for over 45 minutes at this point.
[Corey] Brutal Muay Thai knees to the body from Sonya.
-That's right, baby! -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Sonya gets more and more confident every time she steps inside the ring.
I agree with you, Renee,
there's no doubt in my mind Sonya will be a champion someday.
[Corey] Maybe this year, she could headline WrestleMania.
[Renee] Maybe she needs to shed that deadweight of Mandy Rose.
[Corey] Stop it.
-[yelling] -[commentators] Ooh!
[Tom] And now Brooke and Ripley,
two of the strongest competitors in this matchup.
Meanwhile, Natalya and Ember Moon…
Natalya, what a performance tonight thus far.
[Corey] Big kick connects.
Dana Brooke sizing up Rhea Ripley.
[Renee] Beth, you've got to be stoked for Nattie tonight.
[Beth] I am so stoked for Nattie.
She's doing a great job, but I gotta tell you,
I wanna see these girls take advantage of the damage that they're doing.
Wait a minute, guys. We could be looking for the--
-Uh-oh. -[Beth] Oh.
[Tom] Thought she was setting up for the Riptide,
and instead, it's Dana Brooke who gathers herself on the apron.
-[commentators] Oh! -[Tom] There goes Dana.
[Corey] Now Dana Brooke can gather her teeth.
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] And Zelina Vega is…
-[Beth] Uh-- What? -[Tom] What the--
[crowd cheering]
It's… It's Hornswoggle.
[Beth] This is why I love the Royal Rumble.
[Corey] What's he doing here?
What are you doing here?
[Beth] Oh.
-Oh, no-- Don't touch her. -Oh, oh, oh.
[screaming]
Hornswoggle, sit.
Sit, Hornswoggle.
[Renee laughing]
[Tom] Where is he going? What is he doing?
-[Renee] How long has he been under there? -[Beth] He bites, watch out!
[Tom] He's Raw General Manager from under there the whole time.
[Corey] Look at the power, again, of Rhea Ripley.
[Renee] Oh!
[Tom] Oh, and Vega's been eliminated.
-And… -[crowd applauding]
[screaming]
-[Tom] I have no-- I don't have any words. -[Beth] I don't think we need them.
[Corey] This is what nightmares are made of.
[Beth] It's downright creepy.
[Tom laughs]
Rhea Ripley's even like, "What in the world was that?"
[crowd] …five, four, three, two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Spiteful" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Oh, oh, oh.
Can I change my pick again?
[Tom] Go for it.
Alexa Bliss entering her first Women's Royal Rumble match.
She was the Raw Women's Champion last year when this match went down,
but more importantly, guys,
Alexa Bliss has not been in competition since September.
[Renee] Very true. However, I did talk to Miss Bliss early.
She's been down at the Performance Center training, putting in work.
Said she has more in her artillery now.
[Corey] Did you ever feel a moment where everything was right in the universe?
Like, Venus was lined up--
[commentators exclaim]
[Corey] And the moon was at the right angle with the sun,
and everyone was happy, and the birds were singing…
-[Tom] I know you're meditating, so stop. -Exactly how I feel right now.
[Renee] What was that bonfire you went to last night?
-[Corey] That was in Mungai's place. -[Tom] Oh!
[Beth] Charlotte taking control of Alexa Bliss.
[Tom] Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss,
two of the most decorated champions of the last five years in WWE.
Charlotte's been in for over 28 minutes at this point.
-Oh! -[Renee] Oh!
[Tom] And Alexa turns it around.
[Corey] Sonya Deville from behind, flattening The Goddess…
[grunting]
…at the hands of Sonya.
Rapid fire over and over. Look at Sonya go.
[Renee] Alexa Bliss stepping in here to the Royal Rumble,
if she heads on to WrestleMania, that would be unbelievable.
What an upset for everybody else that's entered tonight.
-[Corey] How's that an upset? -[Renee] She hasn't been in the ring.
[Tom] Ripley is nearly eliminated by Ember Moon and Natalya.
Holding on to the ropes.
-[Renee] Everyone thought she was just-- -[Tom] Sonya Deville out to the apron.
[Corey] Literally, no one thought that. She's The Goddess.
She's been champion like a million times.
[Tom] Five times on both Raw and SmackDown.
[Renee] You don't think people thought,
"She hasn't been in a ring since September?"
Thought maybe they might stand a better chance without Alexa?
[Tom] Oh, and down goes Sonya Deville, courtesy of Bliss.
[Corey] That's how you throw a right hand.
[Beth] Alexa's gonna have plenty to brag about
if she wins the Royal Rumble here tonight.
[crowd counting down]
[Corey] Could you imagine Alexa Bliss
on all the WrestleMania signage in New York City?
-[Beth] We'll never hear the end of it. -[Tom] Would be the greatest.
[Renee] Can you imagine how much bigger A Moment of Bliss will be?
["Turn It Up" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Tom] Number 27 is Bayley.
[Renee] Lucky number 27.
Statistics of Royal Rumble, that's the number you wanna choose.
[commentators exclaim]
[Tom] Bayley entered at number 29 last year,
drawing 27 this year.
Great luck for The Huggable One.
[Corey] Bayley is on fire right now.
[Beth] She's handing out haymakers everywhere.
[Corey] Bayley just flattened everybody in the ring.
[Tom] Bayley is former Raw Women's Champion.
It's been quite some time since that moment.
Wants to back to a WrestleMania moment, perhaps in her future.
[Corey] Ruby Riott just changing things up with--
[grunting]
[Tom] Uh-oh.
[Beth] Bayley's got a hold of her.
[grunts]
[Tom] Oh, Ruby Riott--
[Corey] That CrossFit's paying off for Bayley.
-Nice power move. -[Tom] Ooh!
And the knee connects with Ruby Riott,
bounces back inside the ring.
-And Bayley sends Ruby Riott out. -[crowd cheering]
Riott's eliminated.
[crowd applauding]
-Oh, wait-- -[Renee] Whoa!
[Tom] Rhea Ripley eliminated by Bayley.
[Renee] See? I told Bayley was gonna win.
[Tom] Bayley's got a shock.
[Beth] That's got to be an upset.
[crowd chanting] Bayley! Bayley!
Bayley! Bayley!
[Tom] Bayley surveying the landscape here,
attacking Natalya who entered at number two
to start this matchup.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss far side.
Ember Moon and Io Shirai of NXT.
[crowd] …eight, seven, six, five, four, three,
two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Ravishing" by WWE, Lana playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Well, it's been a difficult night already for the Rusev camp
because Rusev lost the United States Championship earlier on tonight…
[Corey] Lana hurt her ankle.
[Tom] …to Shinsuke Nakamura,
and you can see the heavily taped left ankle of Lana.
[Renee] Gotta give it up to her.
For her to make her way out to the ring tonight is impressive.
[Tom] Has had a couple of hours to get it taped, iced.
Lana is gonna give it a go, although it's gonna take her a while to get down.
[Corey] You don't enter the Kentucky Derby
when you got a bummed leg if you're a horse.
This is not a good situation.
[Tom] This is the opportunity of a lifetime.
This is about going to WrestleMania, challenging for the championship.
[Corey] An opportunity to humiliate yourself in front of 40,000-plus fans
here at Chase Field and millions around the world.
-[Beth] I disagree, Graves. -[Renee] This proves the guts.
[Beth] It shows how much heart and passion Lana has.
[crowd] Becky! Becky!
[Tom] And Charlotte Flair… Look at this!
With one hand, is keeping herself within the ropes,
and Lana's having a lot of trouble, guys.
[Beth] She's trying.
[Corey] I don't know why Lana decided to even come out of here.
-[Tom] Whoa, whoa. -[Corey] What?
[Tom] Lana on one leg. I mean, this is brave. I understand--
[Corey] It's not brave. It's dumb.
[Renee] She had no choice. She had to come out here, right?
[Tom] The opportunity is too great. How can you say that?
Why would she pass up an opportunity to go to WrestleMania?
[Corey] Because she's got one good leg
and a ring full of incredibly talented competitors
waiting to beat her up.
[Tom] Medical staff is coming out here to check on Lana.
[Corey] Yeah. Good.
[Tom] She's not officially entered this match. Oh!
Natalya going up against Charlotte Flair.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[grunting]
[Tom] Alexa Bliss and Bayley.
Ember Moon sticking with Io Shirai,
trying to get rid of Io Shirai.
And Io Shirai falls down to the apron.
[Beth] Ember's gotta get the job done.
[Tom] Whoa, whoa, whoa. Precarious situation for Io Shirai.
And Ember Moon trying to push her off.
[Corey] Hanging on for dear life.
[Tom] Ember Moon cannot do it.
Shirai stays within the Royal Rumble match.
[crowd chanting, clapping rhythmically]
[crowd] Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…
[Tom] We now await entrant number 29.
[crowd] …two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Force of Greatness" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Tom] Oh boy.
Nia Jax.
One of the favorites to win the entire Royal Rumble match.
Hall of Famer Booker T even called it on the Kickoff Show.
-[Corey] Hey, wait-- -[Tom] Oh, Nia Jax!
And Lana's hurt.
Lana's not even been able to get into this match
because of the injured ankle.
[referee] No! Come on!
-[crowd clamoring] -Come on!
[Corey spluttering] Does this answer your question?
Why wouldn't you try and take the opportunity?
[Renee] That's dirty.
[Corey] Lana didn't even make it to the ring and Nia Jax is doing this.
[Beth] Absolutely no reason for that.
That's just poor sportsmanship.
[grunting]
[Corey] Nia looks to be on a mission
to make her way to WrestleMania.
[Tom] And it's Natalya who's been in this match for so long,
goes right at Nia Jax who stops Shirai in her tracks.
[yelling]
Natalya has officially claimed the record
for the longest duration
for a woman in the Women's Royal Rumble match
in over 55 minutes.
[Corey] Nia almost effortlessly just laying everybody out.
Io Shirai from the top.
-Oh! -[Renee] Oh!
[Tom] Caught up by Jax, tossed out of the ring.
[Corey] My God.
[Renee] We know Nia Jax is dangerous. We've not seen her like this.
[Tom] She wants to get back to WrestleMania.
Remember the last year, she beat Alexa Bliss,
became Raw Women's Champion on the grandest stage of them all.
-She wants that kind of moment back. -[Corey] Oh!
[Beth] Guys, I know firsthand how dangerous Nia Jax is.
[Renee] You had a moment with her last year, Beth.
[Beth] I did, and she seems in an even more foul mood than last year.
[Corey] Whoa.
[Tom] Oh boy.
Look at the power of Natalya and Nia Jax.
[Beth] Wow!
[Tom] Refusing to go over the top rope and now whipping Natalya over.
Oh! Natalya's been eliminated.
What a monumental effort.
55:58 for Natalya.
What an effort.
[crowd] …five, four…
[Beth] The grueling opportunity of picking number one or number two.
[klaxon sounding]
What a great effort from Natalya.
[Tom] We already know who this is
because the winner of the Mixed Match Challenge season two
was Carmella along with R-Truth,
and that meant she earned the number 30 slot
in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] I wanna say one thing about Carmella.
She has mastered the art of being opportunistic.
When she cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase,
became SmackDown Women's Champion,
Carmella can capitalize on the slightest opening.
[Renee] I like this Phoenix Suns look. Got Steve Nash out here.
[Tom] Uh-oh, and Carmella sends Nia Jax across the ring.
[Corey] Oh, and Steve Nash. You could've gone Charles Barkley--
-[Renee] He's Canadian. -[Tom] Well, Devin Booker, guys. Come on.
Oh! And down goes Ember Moon.
-[yelling] -[Corey] "Thunder Dan" Majerle.
[Beth] Oh!
[Tom] And Nia Jax runs over the former SmackDown Women's Champion, Carmella.
[Beth] Whatever momentum Carmella had is gone now.
[Tom] And, Beth, with this point of the match--
-Oh my gosh! -[crowd cheering]
[Tom] What the--
[indistinct conversation]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
[indistinct conversation continues]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Put me in!
No!
Put me in.
[indistinct yelling]
[crowd cheering loudly]
[Corey] It is deafening in here.
-["Celtic Invasion" playing] -[Renee] Oh my God.
[Corey] Becky Lynch is in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
See Lynch pleading with WWE official Fit Finlay.
-She's got her wish. -[Beth] Here we go.
[Tom] Will the luck of the Irish be on her side?
The Man toe-to-toe with Nia Jax.
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible conversation]
[Tom] And here comes Becky Lynch.
The final spot of the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] Oh, and The Queen from behind.
[Tom] And could be over that quickly for Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Oh!
[Beth] The deafening reaction here at Chase Field is incredible.
-[Corey] That was surreal. -[Tom] Oh!
And down goes Charlotte Flair,
longtime rival with Becky Lynch over the last few months.
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa. And Becky Lynch again in a difficult position.
[Renee] Nia is determined to be done with Becky Lynch as quick as possible.
If we know anything about The Man, that's not gonna happen.
[Beth] Guys, Becky Lynch has already been through a war tonight.
[Corey] You're right. You took the words right out of my mouth.
A grueling match with Asuka, but The Man is still in the fight.
Perched up top.
[Tom] Lynch with the dropkick, and down goes Jax.
It's Ember Moon, Alexa Bliss,
Bayley, Carmella, Becky Lynch,
remaining here in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
Uh-oh. Oh! And Ember Moon.
[grunts]
Oh. Going after Alexa Bliss.
[screaming]
-[Tom] Oh! -[Beth] Ooh.
[Tom] Ember Moon has held her own.
She entered at number six.
Sticking around here in the late stages of this match,
trying to eliminate Alexa Bliss to the outside.
[Corey] Now focusing her attention on The Queen.
Bliss has a fistful of Ember Moon's hair.
-[Tom] It's all legal at this match. -[Corey] It's great.
[Tom] And both women have gone over the top rope.
[Beth] Alexa looking to finish her off.
-[Corey] Oh, oh. -[Tom] Oh.
Oh my God. Oh my God.
Both women trying to hang on.
-[Corey] Ember's holding on with one hand. -[Tom] Oh my God.
[Corey] Got a death grip on the middle rope.
[Beth] That could've been ugly real quick.
[grunting]
[Tom] Oh!
A stunning right hand from Ember Moon, and Alexa Bliss retaliates.
[screams]
[Tom] Oh, wait. Alexa Bliss doing everything she can right now.
-[Renee] How is Ember holding on? -[Corey] By the grip.
[Ember Moon grunting]
[Tom] Ember Moon is hanging on.
[Corey] Barely hanging on. She stood right back up.
[Tom] Oh, my gosh. Wait a minute.
-[Renee] Oh! -[Tom] Sweeps the leg. Ember Moon is gone.
[crowd cheering]
Fifty-three minutes, ten seconds for Ember Moon.
Entered at number six.
[Renee] Alexa Bliss has not missed a step.
-[grunts] -[Tom] Oh.
[Beth] She ate a shoe.
[Tom] And now it's Carmella, Alexa Bliss,
Nia Jax, Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair.
[Corey] And now probably not the most opportune time to moonwalk, Mella.
-Just a thought. -[commentators] Oh!
[Tom] Bronco buster in the corner to Bliss.
[Renee] Carmella arguably the freshest competitor in this match.
[Tom] I don't argue. It's Becky Lynch…
She just came in from out of nowhere and took Lana's spot.
[Corey] Becky's already been through hell once tonight.
Carmella didn't face The Empress of Tomorrow.
Bring it on, Little Miss Bliss.
-[grunting] -[Beth] Ooh.
[commentators] Oh!
[Tom] Superkick right to the face.
[Corey] Whoa.
[grunting]
[Corey] Bliss able to fight her way out.
[Tom] Alexa Bliss caught up with Bayley.
-Oh! -[Corey] Buckle bomb.
Come here, Alexa.
[Tom] And now Bayley's got a hold of Alexa Bliss once again.
-No. -[grunting]
-[Renee] A little help from your friend. -[Tom] Oh, and Alexa Bliss is gone.
[crowd cheering]
Carmella and Bayley working together.
[inaudible conversation]
Oh, and it's Nia Jax who bulldozes two at a time.
[Beth] There's no time for celebration, guys.
[Tom] Oh no.
[Corey] Oh, we're gonna see the facebreaker once again.
[Tom] Oh, Charlotte Flair with a blow to the back of the neck.
Charlotte Flair has been in for over 41 minutes
and entered at number 13.
Bayley, elbow to the back of the neck.
And Nia Jax is down.
[Beth] All of these women working to chop down the tree.
[Tom] Down to the final five.
Oh!
[Corey] Bayley just got launched by The Queen.
[groans]
[Tom] And now Charlotte, her rivalry-- Oh!
She was the one who got cashed in on
by Carmella with the Money in the Bank contract,
the night after WrestleMania last year.
[Renee] As Carmella's told us, she's beat her twice.
[Corey] She's doing something on the top rope.
[Tom] Carmella-- Oh! Dropping Charlotte Flair.
[Corey] But Charlotte hung on, rolled through,
just muscling up Carmella.
[Beth] This is the type of elite athlete Charlotte is.
[Tom] Charlotte, she heard the warning from Carmella
that the Women's Royal Rumble match was a tornado.
Charlotte said, "I am the tornado."
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Charlotte making the long climb to the top.
[Tom] Oh.
[Corey] Questionable decision.
-Find yourself a target. -[Tom] Oh!
[Corey] Mella with a big right.
-[Tom] All right. Carmella. -[Renee] Ooh.
[Tom] Carmella's got a hold of Charlotte Flair.
-[Corey] The headscissors-- Uh-oh. -[Beth] I think it's the other way around.
[Tom] Carmella-- Oh, Carmella
had the huge benefit of entering at number 30.
[Renee] Oh!
[Tom] She's over the top rope at this point.
[Tom] And back inside the ring, it's Charlotte Flair.
[Carmella] Whoo!
[crowd exclaiming]
[Tom] Suffering the mind games once again from Carmella.
[grunts]
[Tom] Carmella, over the top rope, out to the apron.
Charlotte Flair giving chase. Here comes Carmella.
Oh, and Nia Jax.
Nia Jax, a kick, and down goes Jax.
-Big Boot by Charlotte Flair. -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Oh, wait a minute. Bayley!
Bayley trying to eliminate Charlotte Flair.
[Tom] Charlotte Flair trying to hang on here against Bayley.
[Beth] It's every woman for herself.
[Tom] Goes back inside. Brilliant maneuver.
Oh, knee right to the side of the face.
Charlotte Flair's recorded four eliminations now.
[Corey] Now Charlotte Flair's in great danger
of being the next one eliminated.
Bayley really bringing the fight to The Queen.
Oh!
Dropkick stops Nia Jax momentarily.
[Renee] This side of Bayley
is exactly who I was hoping was gonna show up tonight.
This heart, this passion, this fire.
[Tom] Oh! We're down to the final four.
Bayley, Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch.
[grunts]
[Tom] Nia Jax trying to use her power.
[Beth] Bayley's got to get out of this situation.
[Tom] Oh, and a Big Boot and Bayley is eliminated!
[Corey] Bayley landed nasty on the apron.
[Tom] Oh, look at the eyes of Charlotte Flair, Graves.
You and I have seen that before.
[crowd chattering]
[Corey] There's no love lost between these three women.
Talk about combustible elements, this thing's about to blow.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
[Beth] The crowd is on their feet.
[Tom] Over an hour and five minutes
into the Women's Royal Rumble match in 2019.
It's Flair, Lynch, and Jax remaining.
[grunting]
[Tom] Oh, and Nia Jax from behind crumples both Lynch and Flair.
And Lynch rolled out of the ring, not been eliminated.
-[Charlotte] Not this year, Nia. -Come on, Charlotte.
-[Charlotte] Stay out of it. -Get up, Charlotte.
-Stay out of it.
-Get up. -Stay…
[crowd chanting, clapping rhythmically]
[Tom] Oh, and a big headbutt.
Charlotte Flair trying to go toe-to-toe with the powerhouse Nia Jax.
Could this be it for Charlotte Flair's night?
Jax trying to toss The Queen over the top rope.
[grunting]
[Corey] Charlotte fights her way out of the clutches of Nia.
Big Boot connects.
-[Beth] Nia didn't go down. -[Corey] Oh!
[yelling]
[Corey] The Queen trying to chop away to take Nia Jax down,
but The Irresistible Force still standing.
[Beth] Charlotte staggering out of desperation.
[Renee] Charlotte Flair's an absolute beast if she pulls this off.
[Corey] Becky Lynch is still in this match.
[Tom] Oh, Nia Jax up on the shoulders of Charlotte.
[Beth] She's got her.
[commentators] Oh!
[Tom] Not enough.
[panting]
[Corey] Becky Lynch, still a legal competitor,
was knocked through the ropes to the floor.
Now Nia and Charlotte, trying to one-up one another.
Both women have endured a grueling battle.
[Beth] Charlotte's gonna go for it again.
-[Corey] Again. -[Tom] Again.
[Corey] Nia's got her feet hooked on the top rope.
-Uh-oh. Uh-oh. -[Tom] Oh, and Jax.
Jax is over the top rope.
Hey, wait a minute. Becky Lynch takes on Nia Jax.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] We are down to two.
Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky!
Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
[Corey] Hello, old friend. It's time to dance once again.
[crowd chattering]
[Renee] You can feel WrestleMania season--
[Tom] Wait a minute. Nia Jax runs over Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Becky is clutching at her knee.
[indistinct argument]
Her right knee, Becky landed awkwardly.
[crowd jeering]
-[Corey] Look at this. -[Tom] And watch it.
And Nia Jax… Oh! …twisting on the way down and…
[Beth] Guys, Becky looks…
[Tom] Look at the smile on Charlotte Flair's face.
[Corey] Why wouldn't Charlotte Flair be smiling?
[Beth] Think about everything that Becky Lynch has been through tonight.
[Corey] That's great. She's been through a lot.
She's been through hell.
[Tom] Nia Jax ruined Becky Lynch's attempts
to go to Survivor Series and represent SmackDown Live
and she may have just spoiled her Royal Rumble appearance.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Look at this once again. Nia with the last laugh.
Becky coming down awkwardly.
[crowd] Becky! Becky!
Clutching at her knee.
[Beth] Becky is just struggling to stand.
[referee speaking indistinctly]
[Corey] I'm gonna say the same thing I said about Lana.
You don't wanna get into this matchup, into this situation,
anything less than 100%.
I mean, Becky's injured.
Someone needs to stop the match
and declare the victory for Charlotte Flair.
[Tom] Charlotte Flair believes this is just for formality at this point.
[Corey] It is!
[Renee] They're down to the final two. I agree with you, Graves.
What's Becky supposed to do? Walk away?
[Corey] Becky wasn't even supposed to be in the match, to begin with.
Now they're going to change the rules? I don't think so.
Just award the match to The Queen.
[Beth] She's not gonna walk away when WrestleMania is on the line, Graves.
[Corey] She's not gonna walk anywhere.
[Beth] She'll crawl in the ring.
[Corey] She needs to go to a medical facility.
[Beth] That's not who Becky Lynch is.
[indistinct yelling]
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] And Becky Lynch, regardless of the knee,
she's climbed inside the ring.
I can go. I can go.
Fight me. Fight me, I can go.
I can go all the way to WrestleMania.
You know, this is my time.
This is my time.
You've taken enough from me.
You're not taking this.
[grunting]
[Tom] Oh, and Charlotte went after the knee.
[Corey] On one good leg is not the time to step to the throne.
[Tom] And Charlotte begins a remorseless assault
on the left knee of Becky Lynch.
A friendship left in shatters at SummerSlam.
Two women who've been battling for the SmackDown Women's Crown for some time.
[Corey] This isn't about friendship.
This isn't about anything more than WrestleMania.
And what poetic justice would it be for Charlotte Flair
to be the last one to eliminate Becky Lynch.
-Punch her ticket. -[Tom] Wait a minute.
Charlotte.
Charlotte had Becky Lynch up for a moment.
Now, Lynch, again the left knee in horrible straits here.
[Renee] Charlotte Flair's absolutely crazed right now.
[Beth] The look of disdain on her face when Becky got back in the ring.
[Corey] This isn't craziness. This is focus.
Charlotte Flair can taste WrestleMania.
She can see her face
on the sides, the billboards for the showcase of The Immortals.
[Tom] I don't know how much she's seeing straight right now.
Becky Lynch, a great kick.
Charlotte Flair over the top.
Becky Lynch, a big shot.
Becky Lynch trying to hammer away.
-[Beth] Oh! -[Tom] Oh, takes out the leg.
Charlotte Flair, how wise.
-[grunting] -And launches Becky Lynch.
[Corey] The Queen has become fixated on the injured leg of Becky Lynch.
And The Man can barely stand.
[crowd clamoring]
[Beth] Charlotte getting methodical,
not giving any opportunities to Becky Lynch.
She's measuring her.
[Tom] Oh, Charlotte Flair sent over the top.
Sent over the top. Charlotte Flair has been eliminated.
[bell rings]
Becky Lynch is going to WrestleMania.
[announcer] Here's your winner,
Becky Lynch!
[Tom] Becky did it! Becky did it!
Man oh man!
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
[Renee] The entire Chase Field is all in support of The Man tonight.
["Celtic Invasion" continues]
[inaudible]
[Tom] Just when it looked like her title hopes
had been dashed earlier tonight
by the SmackDown Women's Champion, Asuka,
Becky Lynch, one of the most bizarre entries
into the Royal Rumble match, takes advantage.
[Corey] On one good leg, with a tear in her eye,
Becky Lynch "The Man" is headed to WrestleMania.
[Tom] The final moments. Charlotte Flair…
-[bell rings] -…eliminated.
[Corey] Lynch punches her ticket to WrestleMania.
["Celtic Invasion" continues]
[Tom] And that is what it is all about.
Becky Lynch now has the opportunity
to pick the champion of her choosing to face at WrestleMania.
Charlotte Flair… Kudos to Flair.
Lasted 50 minutes, 36 seconds here in the Royal Rumble match.
["Celtic Invasion" continues]
What a performance by The Queen coming from number 13.
But a gutsy effort for Lynch.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
["Celtic Invasion" continues]
♪ Whoa ♪
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
♪ Whoa ♪
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
♪ Whoa ♪
[inaudible]
Main event, WrestleMania.
[Tom] AJ Styles has earned another opportunity at the WWE Championship.
Can the real AJ Styles recapture the title
that was taken from him by "The New" Daniel Bryan?
[music ends]
[intense music playing]
[Bryan] I destroyed the house that AJ Styles built.
[Tom] Wait a minute!
[Corey] Daniel Bryan with a low blow!
Something just snapped in Daniel Bryan.
I am creating a brave new world.
You have somebody to show you the way.
"The New" Daniel Bryan!
[crowd booing]
I've seen Superstars come and go.
They come in here, they win their championships.
And then they become complacent.
[groaning]
[music continues]
I know that's not you.
There's an animal in there.
You want it to come back. I wanna see it.
I wanna see that animal.
Oh yeah. I wanna see it, AJ. I wanna see it.
And I'm gonna see it, huh?
I'm gonna see it.
[Bryan] I am creating a brave…
I destroyed the house that AJ Styles built.
[grunts]
-[screams] -[man] What are you doing?
[dramatic music playing]
This is what you people call a "concession stand."
But the only concessions being made
are to your health and to your wealth.
You are destroying the very planet that gives you life.
Weak. I am here changing the planet.
Submissive.
You take, you take, you take, and you give nothing back.
I need you people to change.
Putting profits over both the people and the planet.
The planet needs me.
Do you wanna eat this?
Because you're filling a void.
And that is why you cheer AJ Styles.
I will fill this world with something that all of these children
can be proud of. [echoing]
[upbeat music playing]
[Tom] That's AJ Styles!
[Corey] Styles doesn't wanna wait to fight till the Royal Rumble.
Styles wants to bring it right now.
I've stood across from many opponents
and I have seen that look in their eyes.
They're afraid. Just like you're afraid of what's gonna happen at the Royal Rumble.
And Daniel,
you should be.
You've corrupted your morals for that one thing,
the WWE Championship.
But what happens, Daniel,
when I take that one thing away from you?
[Michael] It is the WWE Champion "The New" Daniel Bryan
going down with AJ Styles in the concourse area.
[crowd clamoring]
[grunting]
AJ Styles uses his power
to get fame, to get money.
I use my power for the greater good.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Daniel Bryan just put the chairman in front of himself.
Oh, the knee!
[Bryan] People have not seen what I am capable of.
But AJ Styles will see.
He'll see at the Royal Rumble.
I am creating a brave…
[overlapping audio] …house that AJ Styles built.
I destroy…
And "The New" Daniel Bryan will be the WWE Champion
forever.
[music ends]
["Phenomenal" by CFO$, WWE playing]
[crowd cheering]
[dramatic whoosh]
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They looking scared… ♪
[Byron] It was the chairman of WWE, Mr. McMahon,
that stepped to AJ Styles and said,
"I wanna see the real AJ Styles."
"I want the animal."
[Tom] Byron, the question is, who is the real AJ Styles?
We will find out tonight
as he challenges for the WWE Championship.
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They looking scared No, they don't really want none ♪
♪ I'm a Mack truck Don't get run over ♪
♪ We some country boys… ♪
[Byron] It's perfectly understandable for a guy like AJ Styles
who held the WWE Championship for 371 days.
Perhaps, became a little complacent,
perhaps, shied away from that animalistic instinct.
But the AJ Styles we've seen the last few weeks
has embraced that animalistic instinct.
But is it enough, Tom?
You're right. Is it enough to recapture the WWE Title?
[Corey] Time will tell whether the real AJ Styles
is a legitimate threat or just lip service,
because I can tell you "The New" Daniel Bryan
has no intention of ever losing his WWE Championship.
[crowd cheering]
["Flight of the Valkyries" by WWE, Jim Johnston playing]
[Tom] We saw earlier tonight on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show
just exactly what Daniel Bryan thinks of the WWE Universe,
his disdain for even being here in Phoenix, Arizona, in Chase Field,
mocking the Royal Rumble Burger that's been served here tonight,
saying it's reminiscent of what AJ Styles is to the WWE Universe.
You pour yourself into a Superstar like AJ Styles,
thinking Styles represents you,
that when he wins, you win.
Daniel Bryan's out to shatter that kind of hope.
[Corey] Some might say that Daniel Bryan's moral crusade is a bit misguided.
But the fact is Daniel Bryan believes Daniel Bryan.
That's all that matters.
And he is the WWE Champion for a reason.
You may not be a fan of his anymore.
He may have killed the Yes! Movement,
but he is still one of the best in-ring competitors of the generation.
The same can be said for his opponent, AJ Styles.
[Byron] Our colleague, John Bradshaw Layfield said
on the Kickoff Show earlier tonight
that he looks at Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles
as two very evenly matched Superstars,
liking them to legends, like Ric Flair and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat.
[Tom] JBL did say that when you have a champion who's willing to do anything,
they often retain.
[bell rings]
The following contest scheduled for one fall,
is for the WWE Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger, from Gainesville, Georgia,
weighing in at 218 pounds,
"The Phenomenal"
AJ Styles.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Aberdeen, Washington,
weighing in at 210 pounds,
he is the WWE Champion,
"The New" Daniel Bryan.
[crowd booing]
[Tom] Daniel Bryan captured the WWE Championship
the week before Survivor Series in November.
He would successfully defend it
at the TLC pay-per-view a month later.
As he hands over what his 56 years nearly of history and tradition
behind the WWE Championship,
the most coveted title in all of sports entertainment.
[Byron] You can make the argument that,
had AJ Styles not lost the WWE Championship last November,
maybe there would be no New Daniel Bryan.
Maybe the Yes! Movement would still be a thing here in WWE.
[crowd chattering]
[Corey] Both of these Superstars are gonna take their time
measuring one another.
I think despite the disdain they share for one another,
there's a healthy respect as far as competitors go.
Both of these men know how good the other are.
[referee] Break it! Come on.
Come on, AJ.
[Byron] Both traveled very similar paths, perfecting their craft-- Oh!
[Tom] Breaking out in the corner,
and the official trying to get a hand on things.
[Corey] Styles better get it under control soon.
He doesn't want himself disqualified.
You know Daniel Bryan will be all too happy
to escape Phoenix with a disqualification victory.
[Tom] Champion's advantage to Bryan.
Title can only change hands by pinfall or submission.
[crowd chattering]
And, Graves, you saw during the bulk of AJ Styles's WWE title reign,
when his emotions got ramped up, there are times that cost him.
Look at Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Granted he retained the title, but at what cost?
[Corey] AJ Styles is certainly one of the more volatile Superstars
in all of WWE,
and Daniel Bryan knows that.
Watch for Daniel Bryan to try to get under the skin
and frustrate AJ Styles.
[groaning]
-[screaming] -Oof!
[Byron] Incredible technical skills that we talked about
that Daniel Bryan possesses,
personality change aside.
[grunting]
[Tom] Now, Styles is trying to control Bryan here in the early going.
Styles believes his emotions are a strength,
not a weakness.
And now bringing Daniel Bryan down to the canvas.
Styles trying to assert himself early.
[Corey] And that may very well be the case.
AJ Styles's emotions could be a strength, but--
[Tom] Shoulders down, kick-out.
[Corey] But I assure you, Daniel Bryan came into this match,
came into this night,
trying to figure out how to get in the head of Styles.
Daniel Bryan is gonna test and find out for sure
if AJ's emotions are a curse or a blessing.
[Byron] You gotta look at the flipside.
AJ Styles brought up a very valuable question,
"What if I take that WWE Title away from you?"
What comes of this whole eco-friendly extremist movement
that Daniel Bryan is leading
when he loses that platform as WWE Champion?
[commentators] Oh!
[Corey] Big time deep arm drag,
and the champion doing the wise thing and rolling to the outside.
[Tom] AJ Styles taking advantage of the pacing early on here in this matchup,
and it's Bryan taking a rest but on the outside.
And Graves, we've seen in the recent weeks with Daniel Bryan,
that he's very content to do this.
He uses it as a chance to play mind games with his opponent.
[Corey] The head games have been strong recently from Daniel Bryan.
When you think back to the Survivor Series when he did battle with Brock Lesnar.
Daniel Bryan mocked Brock Lesnar.
He made fun of and ridiculed
the Beast Incarnate, the Universal Champion.
Daniel Bryan knows exactly what he's doing,
and there's a method to his madness.
[Byron] Listen, I think AJ Styles comes to expect that from Daniel Bryan.
This isn't his first go-around dealing with Daniel Bryan.
[Corey] I completely agree with you.
But just because you have a game plan
or think you know what you're getting yourself into
doesn't make you immune to it.
Come on. One!
Two!
-Three! Hey! -[screams in pain]
Break it clean.
-[groans] -[Corey] Ooh.
[crowd exclaims]
Bryan just filleted AJ Styles's chest with that chop.
Oh, and Styles answers back.
[groans, yells]
[Tom] Oh, shot right to the nose
and here comes Daniel Bryan out of the corner.
[Corey] Very effective.
[Byron] And Styles trying to cover up.
-[Bryan yelling] -Oh!
[crowd exclaims]
[yelling]
[Tom] Oh, now Styles with punches of his own to the WWE Champion.
-[Byron] Mmm. -[crowd groans]
[grunts]
[Byron] Whoop.
[Tom] Oh, big back body drop.
[Corey] Incredible height
from which Daniel Bryan came crashing down.
Again you noticed the pace to this match.
No unnecessary risks…
-[groans] -Oh!
…being taken by Styles or Bryan.
[Byron] It goes back to the earlier point
that they do have such a healthy respect as competitors for one another.
They don't like each other.
They will never be friends,
but they know how dangerous each other are.
You wanna give it up?
[Tom] Let's remember what the tipping point was
in the championship match right before Survivor Series.
It was the low blow by Daniel Bryan
that helped him win the WWE Title with the referee down.
[Byron] At that moment it seems as if the light bulb went off
in Daniel Bryan's head,
and we've gotten the version of Daniel Bryan that we now have today.
[yelling]
[Tom] Oh, and a shot right to the throat of AJ Styles from Bryan.
Bryan misses in the corner, into the turnbuckle.
[screaming in pain]
Oh man!
And Styles, Styles did hit off the post, chest first,
clutching at his chest,
and Daniel Bryan sees he's got an opening.
[Byron] The sinister smirk on the face of the champion.
[Styles groaning]
[referee] Come on, AJ.
-[groaning] -[referee] One!
[Tom] AJ Styles also clutching at his left arm here
trying to shake it off.
It's hard to tell the kind of damage he took into that post.
[Corey] Here comes Daniel Bryan from behind
and once again goes right back to the arm and shoulder.
-[Tom] Oh no. -[Byron] Oh!
[indistinct chatter]
That is the last thing AJ Styles needed in this match,
a clear bull's-eye for Daniel Bryan, a target.
[Corey] It comes to joint manipulation
and exploiting a body part and destroying it
if you are as proficient as Daniel Bryan.
[crowd jeering]
-[screaming in pain] -[commentators] Oh!
[groaning]
[Tom] Bryan, a spectacular submission specialist.
Remember the LeBell Lock in his arsenal.
[Styles groaning]
Oh, and after the left arm again, point to the elbow.
[Corey] Oh, what a kick. Just insult the injury.
Bryan now looking to dismantle the entire left arm of AJ Styles.
Styles is trapped this--
-[Tom] Oh! -[Corey] Oh gosh.
Stomping right on the wrist.
[Styles groaning]
[Tom] Now Bryan into a cover,
pushes the shoulder down onto the mat, the injured left shoulder.
And it's Styles who's able to escape
and now Daniel Bryan all over Styles.
[groaning]
[Byron] This feeds right into Daniel Bryan's wheelhouse,
attacking that arm every which, every angle that he wants.
[Corey] Bryan's got that deep hammerlock in.
Styles is in a great deal of pain right now.
[groans]
[Tom] Styles makes it to the bottom rope to break the submission.
[referee] Break it off.
[exhales]
[Styles screaming in pain]
[Bryan groans]
Styles desperately trying to create some separation with Bryan.
[Tom] Now Styles off to a sunset flip,
into a cover to win the title, and a kick-out by Bryan.
And Styles misses wildly, and it's Bryan.
[Corey] Double underhook.
[Byron] Oh! Into an armbar!
[Tom] Great job by Bryan. He could get a submission out of this.
It looks like Styles has got his grip for a moment
and Bryan kicks right to the face.
[Corey] Half kicks over and over to the side of AJ's face.
Short-arm scissors applied.
Ugh!
[Tom] Great grip by AJ Styles,
perhaps the only thing that's saving him here in this sequence.
[Corey] It's an agonizing submission hold.
[Tom] Gets to the bottom rope. This will break the submission.
One, two, three, four. Come on.
[Corey] Daniel Bryan maximizing the damage to the referee's five count.
[Byron] You got to think too,
more this damage continues from Daniel Bryan
to the left arm of Styles,
how does this hamper Styles' offensive attack as this match goes on?
Come on, AJ! Huh?
-[groaning] -Hey!
Enough. Back off. Move out of the way.
[Corey] There's a kick right to the kidneys from Daniel Bryan.
He really seems to be enjoying inflicting this punishment on Styles.
[Tom] It's not only about going after Styles
and holding on to the WWE Title.
It's about rubbing this in the face of the WWE Universe.
[Byron] Now enforcing--
-Is your nose bleeding? -[screaming]
[referee] Let's go. Come on.
[yelling]
[crowd booing]
[Byron] Bryan obsessed with enforcing his role,
his self-proclaimed role as The Planet's Champion.
[Styles panting]
[yells]
[Tom] AJ Styles refuses to go away…
-[groans] -Oof!
…continuing to get back up into this fight.
[yelling]
[groans]
[grunting]
[Corey] AJ fighting with that one good arm.
[Tom] And now Styles and Bryan exchanging shots here
in the center of the ring.
AJ Styles trying to create an opening, missed with the back fist.
What an uppercut by Bryan.
[grunting]
Oh, dropkick right on the button.
[Byron] One bad arm, but you still got two good feet.
Styles used them.
[Tom] And AJ Styles, feeling the effects here of this matchup.
Daniel Bryan has made an effect on the former WWE Champion.
-[Corey] AJ with the pump handle applied. -Uh-oh.
[Tom] Oh! Into a backbreaker.
And now AJ Styles on the suplex turns it into a neckbreaker.
Here's the cover to win the title and a kick-out.
[panting]
[Byron] Despite that bad arm,
Styles doing an effective job of trying to turn this thing around,
trying to get this match more on his side of the equation.
[crowd chattering]
[grunting]
Straight rights to the face over and over.
[grunting, panting]
[Tom] Fourth consecutive Royal Rumble event
where AJ Styles has competed for the WWE Championship,
and he's trying to make good on this opportunity against Bryan.
Setting up for the Styles Clash, Bryan countered.
-[Corey] Double leg-- -[Tom] Cover! Cover!
To retain the title.
Now to win the title for Styles, Bryan's opportunity.
-Styles into a cover, kick-out. -[Bryan yells]]
-[screaming in pain] -[Corey] Dragon screw.
[panting, groaning]
It will tear your knee apart in a hurry.
[panting]
[Tom] Remember the valuable calf crusher on the arsenal of AJ Styles.
-[yelling] -Oh!
[Byron] Bryan had his target on the left arm of Styles,
now Styles has found his target
on the left knee of Daniel Bryan.
[exhales]
[Tom] Two men content to pick each other apart,
bitter rivals all about the WWE Championship.
-[groans] -Oh!
Drop toe hold into the middle turnbuckle.
[Corey] Daniel Bryan desperate to get out of the way,
Styles crashed and burned.
[Tom] Graves, Styles's nose might be busted or broken before that.
[Corey] It's incredibly hard to fight
deep into a match if you have a broken nose.
You can't breathe. It just makes everything hurt.
[referee] Listen up, Daniel.
[panting]
-[Corey] Daniel Bryan, full speed ahead. -Yah!
[Tom] Now, Bryan with a kick right to the face,
and this is shades of the old Daniel Bryan.
-[Byron] Oh! -[Tom] Wait a minute.
[grunting]
And now Styles, Styles caught up.
He was trying to inflict some more damage there to Daniel Bryan,
and instead, it's Daniel Bryan.
Daniel Bryan's got a hold of Styles.
[Corey] Bryan's got the hands locked. Dragon suplex!
[Tom] Onto the back of the neck.
Daniel Bryan to close out Styles, and a kick-out.
[panting]
[Corey] Take another look at this.
The full nelson applied into a dragon suplex.
Styles, the challenger, just dumped on the back of his neck and shoulders.
[panting]
That has got to disorient AJ Styles.
[both panting]
[referee] Watch that hair.
Styles on wobbly legs.
Daniel Bryan continuing the attack.
[grunts]
[grunting]
[Corey] The champion hoisting Styles up to the top rope.
What is Daniel Bryan thinking about here?
[referee] Come on.
[scattered applause]
Bryan poised.
[Tom] Oh, look at the strength of AJ Styles.
[Corey] Oh no!
[Byron] Oh, no way, no way!
[Corey] Daniel Bryan is in--
[Tom] Oh!
AJ Styles kicked right in the face by Daniel Bryan, falls to the outside.
[Corey] What a nasty landing.
I think momentarily, AJ Styles had his Styles Clash in mind from the ropes.
Bryan was able to avoid and escape.
[people] Let's go!
[Tom] Styles was trying to kick-out the arms of Daniel Bryan.
Couldn't quite do it.
Bryan got there first.
And now Styles has until the 10-count to get back into the ring.
Four!
Five!
[Corey] Styles, gingerly pulling himself back up to the apron.
[Tom] Oh, and Bryan, a little too overzealous,
goes through the ropes.
Oh! And AJ Styles, a knee right to the face of Bryan.
[panting]
[Byron] Just a physically intensive grinding matchup
between AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan.
[Tom] What we've come to expect from these two.
That's how good they are. That's what they know about each other.
Into the barricade went Styles,
able to stop Bryan in his tracks.
Oh, and a moonsault into the reverse DDT on the floor.
[panting]
[Corey] Hellacious impact on the reverse DDT.
[referee] One!
[Corey] Definitely took a lot out of Daniel Bryan.
Styles might even be a little worse for wear.
Let's take a look at this.
One fluid motion.
As soon as AJ shifts his weight,
watch the way he drives Bryan down.
[Byron] Boom!
[Corey] Right into the ground.
[Byron] Just an example of the lengths
that Styles is willing to go through
in an effort to regain the WWE Championship.
[Tom] And now it's Daniel Bryan tossed back inside the ring.
AJ Styles has got Bryan where he wants him.
He's calling for it from the WWE Universe.
Springboard 450!
[Corey] Knees up.
Daniel Bryan got the knees up just in time.
[Tom] But again, remember the injury to the knee of Bryan.
[Byron] Oh, well. Hold on.
[Tom] Oh, and again going after the left arm here.
Cinching in the left arm
and he's trying to go for the LeBell Lock on AJ Styles,
and ripping at the already injured nose.
And now the LeBell Lock is cinched in.
[Corey] In the middle of the ring.
[Tom] Daniel Bryan has done a magnificent job
attacking every body part involved in the submission.
[groaning]
[Byron] This is a very bad situation for Styles.
-[referee] Do you wanna give it up? -[Bryan] Tap! Tap!
[Tom] Is AJ Styles gonna tap out
to "The New" Daniel Bryan here at the Royal Rumble?
And Styles, Styles able to get out of it.
Styles gets out of it, cover and a kick-out.
[Byron] Styles from behind. Uh-oh.
[Corey] Calf crusher.
[Tom] And remember the injured left knee of Daniel Bryan.
Calf Crusher by AJ Styles,
but again the injured left arm of Styles,
he was favoring that for a moment.
[Byron] It might hamper the ability to put all the pressure
that Styles wants on the knee but nonetheless--
[Tom] Trying to shed some life into it and yanking back on the left leg,
and Bryan close to the ropes.
[Byron] Very fortunate situation for the champion.
-[referee] Rope. -[both panting]
[Byron] Both of these men are spent.
[Tom] Two Superstars who systematically dissected each other
throughout the course of this match.
[panting]
[Byron] You mentioned it, Tom,
it's what we come to expect
from two proud competitors, two proud warriors
competing for the richest prize.
[Corey] Enzuigiri lands. Uh-oh.
But Daniel Bryan's still a little--
Possibly injured, taking an extra second, can't really capitalize.
[Tom] Remember, the left leg was a plant leg there,
the pivot foot, if you would, for Daniel Bryan,
connecting with the kick and went down on a heat.
AJ Styles, worse for wear, that one got him flushed.
[Byron] Daniel Bryan up on one leg nonetheless, but--
-[groans] -[commentators] Oh!
[groans]
-[screams] -[Byron] Look at those shots.
[Tom] Bryan, the shots right to the left arm of AJ Styles,
continues his assault.
[crowd] Oh!
[Byron] And now, AJ Styles ducked in there.
[Tom] Kick, and takes away the arm anyways.
[panting]
[Byron] Well, Daniel Bryan is enjoying it.
Daniel Bryan is enjoying the punishment he has inflicted on the arm of AJ Styles.
Uh-oh.
[Tom] Out of the corner, looking for the calf crusher.
Kick right to the side of the face.
Daniel Bryan may have knocked him out cold.
Cover and a kick-out.
[Byron] Barely, barely able to shoot up the left shoulder did AJ Styles.
[man] Come on, AJ!
[panting]
[groans]
[Tom] Daniel Bryan finding out exactly who the real AJ Styles is.
And we've seen this before from Bryan.
This nasty, remorseless side of "The New" Daniel Bryan.
Oh.
But again, the left leg,
only so much weight Daniel Bryan could put on it.
[Corey] And I don't know if this is smart for Bryan
trying to go up to the top rope with a bad wheel.
[Tom] A desperation moment here for the WWE Champion.
Shot right to the face from Styles.
[Byron] That's all Styles had.
He was unable to capitalize further.
Enough to stomp the progression of Daniel Bryan.
[grunting]
[Tom] Now Styles going up to the top turnbuckle to meet Bryan.
[grunting]
Straight headbutts from AJ Styles.
[referee] Let's go.
[Corey] This is a hazardous predicament for Bryan and Styles.
[panting]
[Tom] Now AJ Styles-- Oh, wait a minute.
-[Byron] Oh my! -[Tom] Bryan able to get free.
[Styles groans]
[Tom] And AJ Styles pays dearly in the corner.
[groaning]
[Corey] Now it's Bryan looking to strike.
[groaning]
[Tom] Now Daniel Bryan again going to the nose.
-[Bryan grunts] -[groans]
[Tom] Shot right to the face of Styles,
and now Daniel Bryan trying to rip AJ Styles off the top turnbuckle.
-Styles and Bryan, high atop the ring. -[Corey] Oh, no.
Oh!
[Tom] Oh, and Styles--
[Corey] Got his feet underneath him.
[Byron] Great wherewithal from Styles.
[Tom] Bryan got the worst of it.
[panting]
And now Styles has got new life here in this matchup.
[Corey] Looking for the calf crusher once again. Oh no!
[Tom] Oh no!
A pinning situation-- Oh, and a kick-out.
-[screaming] -[Byron] There is the calf crusher.
[Tom] And now the calf crusher.
Is Daniel Bryan gonna tap out and lose the WWE Title here tonight?
[groaning]
Bryan trying to drag himself and reach out to the bottom rope.
Styles still having trouble with the left arm.
[Byron] Bryan screaming in pain,
inching closer to the rope.
Can he make it to that bottom rope?
[Tom] And now Styles turns it into a pinfall attempt,
and a kick-out by Bryan.
[both panting]
[Byron] How much does frustration play a role
for AJ Styles coming so close
on multiple occasions to defeating Daniel Bryan?
[Corey] AJ Styles is no stranger to these types of matches,
to go deep into the deep water,
where exhaustion kicks in,
your muscles start to burn, it's hard to breathe.
AJ Styles knows what he's doing here.
He just needs to stay the course.
[Tom] And Bryan went down. The knee is still bothering.
Daniel Bryan now trying to turn it into a backslide.
Both men trying to outmuscle each other.
[Byron] Who's gonna get the edge here?
-[grunting] -[groaning]
[Tom] A battle of wills,
a battle of power in the middle of the ring, and Styles…
[straining]
Styles cannot seem to outdo the WWE Champion.
Bryan holding his own and the elbow strikes.
[Byron] Bryan again trying to leverage his momentum.
-Oh! -[grunting]
[Tom] And AJ Styles turns it around, shot right to the midsection.
AJ Styles!
[Corey] Brainbuster!
[Tom] Could this be it for the WWE title?
A kick-out by Daniel Bryan.
[panting]
[Byron] If you're AJ Styles, you got to dig deep
into the playbook of your offensive repertoire.
Leave nothing on the table.
[Tom] Byron, you touched on it.
The deeper we go into this matchup,
the more attempts by AJ Styles, the frustration.
How far is Styles willing to go?
[Byron] We asked at the beginning of this match,
could Styles keep his emotions in check?
He has done that.
But is this the part where frustration might take the lead?
[yelps]
[grunts]
[Tom] Styles with a forearm smash out from the apron,
was thinking about the Phenomenal Forearm.
[Corey] Daniel Bryan kicked AJ's arm right out from underneath him.
[referee] What do you say, AJ?
[Corey] Such a precision strike by the champion.
[Styles panting]
[Tom] Watch this again.
Daniel Bryan-- Bam!
To the left arm, the wrist of AJ Styles.
Oh!
[Corey] Daniel Bryan hung up across the top rope,
a desperation maneuver by Styles.
[Byron] Styles still in position.
Styles might be thinking about it again. Thinking about the Phenomenal Forearm.
[Corey] But does AJ have enough strength in his left arm
to hoist himself up to the top rope
to provide the springboard for the Phenomenal Forearm?
-There you go. That's innovation. -[Tom] Wait a minute.
Oh, and kicked in mid-air by Daniel Bryan.
[Byron] That slight delay opened the door for Bryan.
[Tom] Oh, and a Pelé kick, down goes Bryan.
Styles down as well.
[panting]
[Tom] Styles and Bryan giving it all they have
for the WWE Championship.
[Byron] Two Superstars who are at the absolute top of their game.
-[man] Hey! -[Byron] What?
[crowd chattering]
-[Tom] Erick Rowan? -[Byron] Rowan.
[Corey] We haven't seen Rowan in several months.
[mumbles]
Look at the size of Erick Rowan.
He's six-foot-eight, six-foot-nine,
over 300 pounds.
It's an intimidating presence, but what's he doing here?
[Byron] I mean, Rowan is getting a ringside seat.
I'm with you, Corey. I don't get why he's out here.
[Tom] Meanwhile, this match continues for the WWE Title
between Styles and Bryan inside the ring,
The WWE Universe doesn't quite know what to make of Rowan,
but the fight continues.
[groaning]
And again, after the left leg of Bryan.
[Bryan groans]
Styles has done a tremendous job targeting the leg.
Both men hurting deep into the match.
-No, no, no. -Get back!
[Byron] Styles with a hold to that leg.
-[commentators] Oh! -[Byron] No.
[Corey] Bryan went for an enzuigiri, but AJ ducked.
Here comes the Styles Clash.
-[Byron] Got all of it! -[Corey] We're gonna have a new champion.
[Byron] Styles, cover!
-Wait, wait! -Wait a minute.
-Rowan! -Rowan!
[Tom] Rowan palming the face and a chokeslam to Styles.
The official was down. He didn't see any of this.
[Byron] What was that about?
Ah-- [sighs]
[Tom] I mean, Styles gets all of the Styles Clash,
could've won the title right there.
Rowan comes in and smashes him to bits.
Here comes Bryan now with the cover.
The official has come to.
-Bryan's gonna retain the WWE title. -[bell rings]
["Flight Of The Valkyries" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, and still the WWE Champion,
"The New" Daniel Bryan.
[Corey] Can someone explain to me what just happened here?
[Tom] Bam! Right here again, and Styles who ducked the kick.
The official gets hit right in the face,
and then AJ Styles gets a beautiful Styles Clash,
fighting through the pain in his arm.
He probably could've pinned Bryan right there,
but instead here comes Rowan.
[Corey] Rowan picking Styles up by his face
before driving him into the mat
and securing a victory for "The New" Daniel Bryan.
[Tom] We are wondering how far AJ Styles is willing to go.
He went as far as he possibly could in this match.
There's no way he could have accounted for this.
[Byron] Oh, well absolutely.
How is Rowan the deciding factor?
And Daniel Bryan-- And now what?
[panting]
[Tom] Rowan at the direction of Bryan--
Oh, there's the knee to the face of Styles.
[crowd chattering]
[Corey] It is an absolute shame
that this incredible WWE title match,
had to end this way.
["Flight Of The Valkyries" playing]
It looks to me that we could be looking at the formula
for a long, long, long WWE Championship reign
for "The New" Daniel Bryan.
["Flight Of The Valkyries" continues]
[crowd jeering]
Uh, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
it's all about the Universal Championship,
where "The Beast" Brock Lesnar defends against Finn Bálor.
And, Corey, look at the discrepancy with these two Superstars.
[Corey] On paper, Finn Bálor has absolutely no chance
against "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar.
That said, he had earned the name
"The extraordinary man who can do extraordinary things."
And Bálor will have to do just that tonight,
if he wants any chance of recapturing the Universal Championship
[Michael] This past Monday night on Raw,
Mr. McMahon would describe this match "David versus Goliath."
[music ends]
[dramatic music playing]
[Bálor] I feel like a caged animal right now.
[Corey] An extraordinary man that does extraordinary things.
[Bálor] Open the door.
[Corey] You can tell Finn Bálor is fired up.
[Bálor] And let me run free. [echoing]
[invigorating music playing]
[commentator] A mind-twisting style on display.
[Bálor] You know, they say to shoot an arrow,
you gotta pull it backwards.
The target…
The Universal Champion.
You see, David, he stood in the shadow of a giant.
They said you're half the size, and they laughed in his face.
[music continues]
But they didn't know who David was,
and Goliath fell face down in the dirt.
[Michael] Could it be Bálor's moment?
It's Bálor and The Beast
for the Universal Championship.
[music fades]
[operatic music playing]
[Paul Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen.
[music continues]
I present to you…
[dramatic music plays]
…your reigning,
defending,
undisputed,
Universal Heavyweight Champion.
[Michael] You're looking in the eyes of an absolute beast.
Punch me!
[Corey] Absolute dominance personified.
[Heyman] Brock Lesnar!
You can't survive Suplex City.
You can't survive the onslaught.
You can't survive Brock Lesnar.
[music ends]
["Catch Your Breath" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Bálor Club has come to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
In front of 48,193 WWE fans.
[Corey] Finn Bálor is gonna need the support
of each and every member of Bálor Club,
if he wants any chance of dethroning The Beast.
[Renee] Finn Bálor told me he's been patiently waiting for this moment,
and tonight he is gonna make it his, mark his words.
[Michael] Finn Bálor, who won a Fatal 4-Way matchup
by pinning the 16-time WWE Champion, John Cena,
to earn this opportunity tonight.
We saw Finn Bálor compete against Braun Strowman
this past Monday night on Raw, Corey,
and he looked good doing so.
Does that give him any confidence heading into this match tonight
with The Beast?
[Corey] I'm gonna say, yes, it definitely makes Finn Bálor confident.
We saw not only did he hang with Braun Strowman,
he took Braun Strowman to the limit.
At one point, Bálor was taking out
both Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar, who was ringside.
Finn showed the world that he is a threat to be taken seriously.
[Renee] There was a moment in Brock Lesnar's eyes,
when you saw that he was taking Finn Bálor seriously.
Finn Bálor was running absolutely rampant
all over the ring last week against Braun Strowman.
[Michael] Finn Bálor, the first-ever Universal Champion.
But he only held the title for 24 hours,
having it relinquished due to injury.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[crowd continues chanting]
["Next Big Thing" by WWE, Jim Johnston playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] I believe the most dangerous man in the history of WWE,
Brock Lesnar, the Universal Champion, who has held the title
for almost 600 days
over a combined two reigns as champion.
[Corey] The most decorated combat sports athlete of all time.
The Beast Incarnate has no intention of leaving Phoenix
without his championship.
[Michael] Renee, Finn Bálor very active on social media,
has used terms like "Cinderella Man" and "Cool Finn"
and "Believe" to describe himself.
[Renee] You know, the conversation that I've had with Finn Bálor,
he's been strategic about this match.
He knows that the longer that he stays in this match,
the more that could actually turn out to favor him throughout this.
[Michael] If this match goes long,
it could favor the stamina of Finn Bálor.
[Corey] I agree with you,
except for the fact we're dealing with Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar can go deep into a match.
Brock has cardio and incredible conditioning.
Brock can go as long as it takes.
[Renee] Yeah. I do agree with you on that, Graves,
you talk about somebody like Brock Lesnar.
Speed is not something that he doesn't have in his artillery.
[Corey] He's the most complete athlete in WWE in my opinion.
["Next Big Thing" continues playing]
[Michael] Finn Bálor looking on at "The Beast" Brock Lesnar,
does not seem to sweat Finn at all.
[Corey] Lesnar, showing complete disregard for his opponent.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and is for the Universal Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger,
from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland,
Finn Bálor.
[crowd cheering]
And his…
[inaudible conversation]
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is Paul Heyman.
Tonight, the Bálor beating Beast,
continuing his conquering
all the way to WrestleMania.
[crowd jeering]
And that's not a prediction.
That's a spoiler.
The reigning, defending,
undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion,
Brock Lesnar.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] The mood in the room just changes when Brock Lesnar enters.
And Lesnar, the Universal Champion,
defending tonight against Finn Bálor.
[Renee] Finn Bálor does have a very calm, collected look on his face right now.
[Michael] What--
And you got it too.
[bell rings]
[Michael] And look at now Finn Bálor, and he goes right after Lesnar,
right as the bell rings.
Finn Bálor on the attack on Lesnar,
did not wait for Brock Lesnar to get ready.
And Bálor now taking the fight to the Beast.
[Corey] It's a smart strategy by Bálor,
trying to gain some sort of upper hand early.
[Michael] Bálor with a couple of kicks,
and "The Beast" Brock Lesnar is stunned.
Bálor with a stomp right to the spine.
Finn Bálor has brought himself a moment here
as Lesnar's in trouble.
[Corey] Another dropkick, full speed ahead.
[Renee] Finn Bálor needs to keep moving.
[Corey] Bálor's keeping his foot on the gas pedal.
[Michael] And now Brock Lesnar, though, grabbing Bálor,
delivers a belly-to-belly as he sends Bálor out of the ring.
[Corey] All of that offense that Finn Bálor executed and landed
was no match for one monstrous belly-to-belly suplex
from the Universal Champion.
[Michael] Watch this.
[grunting]
And now Lesnar
begins the attack outside the ring on Bálor.
[referee] Let's go back in the ring.
[Michael] Brock Lesnar frightening,
fierce…
[groans]
…as he whips Bálor into the barricade.
And I believe that flurry by Bálor
at the beginning of this match, Corey, just tipped Brock off.
[Corey] Absolutely right.
[Michael] And another throw outside the ring
as Bálor hits the floor hard.
[Renee] Smart strategy by Bálor,
but now he's got to deal with the repercussions
of a pissed-off Beast.
[Michael] And Brock Lesnar now slides through the bottom rope,
breaking the count back out here,
rips the hood off our announce table.
And you can only imagine what Brock Lesnar "The Beast"
has in mind for Finn Bálor.
[grunting]
[Corey] What is Lesnar gonna do with Bálor?
[Michael] Brock Lesnar targeting our announce table.
And Bálor though from behind, and he just drove…
[Corey] Right into the corner.
[Michael] …in the corner of the announce table
into the midsection of Lesnar.
And Finn Bálor has bought himself an opportunity-- Again, Brock!
Right into the corner, the exposed corner of the announce table,
right into the gut of Lesnar.
-[Referee] Guys, come on. -[Bálor grunting]
-[Michael] And Bálor-- -[Corey] Once again, on the offense.
[Michael] And now, continuing the attack.
Now Brock Lesnar with the knee to the midsection,
buys himself some time.
You noticed how Bálor broke the count, came back out here,
he realized it's the only way to win the title.
Is to pin or submit The Beast.
[Corey] Brock Lesnar is hurt.
I mean, Brock Lesnar battled diverticulitis several years back.
You know that's got to be in Finn Bálor's mind
if that's the strategy here, to try to capitalize on Brock's--
[Renee] Brock's struggling right now.
[Michael] And as Lesnar tossed Bálor back to the ring,
he went down to one knee, and there is a look of severe pain
on the face of Brock Lesnar
as he tries to pull himself back into the ring,
and runs into a kick from Bálor.
And now Finn Bálor looking for relentless offense on Brock Lesnar.
And just thrown into the corner with authority.
[Corey] Lesnar nearly threw Finn Bálor into the first row.
[Michael] But Brock is hurt.
There is no doubt about it.
Watch the facial expressions
and the body language of the champion as he buries a shoulder in Bálor.
[Corey] I completely agree with you, Brock Lesnar is hurt.
Brock is in pain.
But did that just make Brock Lesnar even more dangerous?
-You're dealing with a wounded animal. -[Michael] This is where Brock got hurt.
You noticed the exposed corner of the announce table.
That point driven right into the midsection of Lesnar,
it happened a second time as well.
And here's the second one now.
Watch the assault by Bálor driving--
-[screaming in pain] -Again!
Midsection first to the corner of the table,
and a belly-to-belly throw by Lesnar.
And even that took a lot out of… out of Brock, Corey.
Just that torque into the suplex.
[Corey] The core strength required to facilitate a trip to Suplex City.
[Renee] Sometimes it's that wounded animal that does the most damage, though.
The Beast…
[Corey] When Brock Lesnar's hurt, that is when he's most dangerous,
as Finn Bálor's finding out right now.
-[grunting] -[referee] No!
Get him out. Hey!
[Michael] Now, Brock driving a shoulder into the gut of Bálor again,
and goes for yet another belly-to-belly.
[Corey] Lesnar's almost making this look effortless,
using his size advantage,
but Brock still clearly in pain.
[Renee] I disagree. I mean, every time he tosses Finn Bálor,
he's in excruciating amount of pain.
[Corey] I mean, just the distance. I mean, it looks easy.
Watch this. Brock Lesnar--
Finn Bálor is a full-grown man.
And Lesnar is just chucking him across the ring like he's nothing.
[panting]
[Renee] And every time he does, he continues to hurt himself.
[Michael] But you see here, Brock, even seeing him taking some time
to try to regroup, and Bálor caught him again.
[Corey] Into the midsection-- Sling Blade.
[Michael] Sling Blade by Bálor. The champ's down.
Brock Lesnar is in trouble.
Lesnar instinctively trying to get back to his feet,
but you can tell the--
[commentators] Oh!
[Michael] What a clothesline! Did you hear that?
Did you hear that impact?
[Corey] I tell you, Finn Bálor just forgot his own name.
That sounded like a Paul Goldschmidt home run.
Watch the sweat fly off of Bálor upon impact.
[Michael] But you noticed, Corey, Brock Lesnar taking his time here.
Trying to get back into this. And now, here he comes.
[Corey] Lesnar's starting to feel back to normal.
[crowd chattering]
-[Renee] Oh. -[Michael] Oh!
[Corey] Brock got a little overconfident.
[Michael] Yeah. A bit. And Lesnar paid for it.
-[Brock] What's it, Brock? -[groaning]
[Michael] And Brock is hurt.
[Corey] Yeah, some sort of internal injury.
[Michael] And almost a hesitant Lesnar here, Corey.
Usually, we see him just ripping apart Bálor
and he just doesn't have the strength.
[Corey] It's not a willful hesitation. It's a necessity.
Brock Lesnar is not feeling a hundred percent.
He's hurt badly right now.
[Michael] Lesnar trying to do everything he can to pick up Bálor here.
And now looking for an F5 to perhaps put Finn Bálor away.
And there's Brock Lesnar--
[commentators] Oh!
[Michael] A counter by Bálor
into a DDT, cover on the champion for the win.
And Lesnar just gets his shoulder up.
[Corey] Finn once again knows this is an opportunity.
Just stomping away relentlessly on the injured beast.
[Renee] This could be this fairy-tale story
we've been talking about for weeks.
[Michael] Finn Bálor found his opening.
Finn Bálor, and now Lesnar rolling out of the ring,
trying to roll out of harm's way.
Lesnar driven back out to the floor again.
[referee] No! No! Come on.
[Michael] Bálor looking to do what he does best and that's fly.
Bálor over the top rope, and he takes out Lesnar.
Lesnar's down. Bálor back into the ring.
[Corey] Bálor needs to get Brock back in the ring
if he wants to become champion.
[Michael] But he's got to continue this offense
to take down The Beast again.
Brock Lesnar…
Brock Lesnar's reign as champion could possibly come to an end.
[Corey] I gotta be honest with you,
I just met eye contact with Paul Heyman,
and there's a severe look of concern on the advocate's face.
[Michael] I just made eye contact with Brock Lesnar
and he has no idea where he is
as Bálor launches himself a third time,
and The Beast is down.
And The Beast is down!
We're gonna see a new champion tonight. This is it.
[Michael] What a spectacular offensive flurry by Finn Bálor.
Lesnar can barely make it back to his feet.
[Corey] Lesnar is trying to will himself back into the ring.
[Michael] Bálor's got to allow him back into the ring
to have any chance of winning the championship.
But now, with Lesnar in the corner,
Finn Bálor drives Brock Lesnar with double boots to the face.
And Lesnar trying to roll away from the corner
because he's in the drop zone,
as Bálor goes up to the top rope looking for the Coup de Grâce.
[Corey] He hits it. He's done it!
No way!
[Michael] Bálor to win the championship. Bálor to slay The Beast.
And Lesnar gets a shoulder up.
-[Renee] No! -[Corey] The Kimura's in!
The submission, the Kimura lock
that Brock Lesnar's put in the arms
of Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the past.
Tried to do that to Bálor tonight.
[screaming in pain]
[Corey] Finn Bálor may have to tap out.
[Renee] This one moment can absolutely change this matchup.
[Corey] The fairy-tale could be coming to a screeching halt.
[Michael] Finn Bálor trying to make it to the bottom rope
and force some sort of a break.
Lesnar with the Kimura lock, and Bálor taps out.
-[bell rings] -Finn Bálor taps out.
["Next Big Thing" playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner by submission,
and still the Universal Champion,
Brock Lesnar.
[Michael] The thing about it is this,
Lesnar is sudden, and that was sudden.
It was Bálor hitting the Coup de Grâce,
and from out of nowhere,
Lesnar locked in the Kimura lock and forced Bálor to tap out.
[Corey] It almost looked like muscle memory.
Brock Lesnar instinctively knew
Bálor was in a situation that could benefit The Beast.
Lesnar found the Kimura.
And despite the fact,
Finn Bálor put up a hell of a fight tonight,
and even nearly conquered Lesnar right here.
[Michael] And then three of these.
A thing of beauty but so effective,
as Bálor was able to take Brock Lesnar off his feet.
And now, the Coup de Grâce,
that won him the Universal Championship the first time a couple of years ago,
that beat John Cena the other night.
Finn Bálor going for the victory here.
Lesnar would turn it into the deadly Kimura lock.
Just a flawless transition.
-Brock Lesnar, pay attention to his eyes. -[screaming in pain]
[Corey] This just goes to show you
how rapid, how fast, how sudden
Brock Lesnar can beat you.
[Renee] That quickness, that killer instinct in Brock Lesnar
is what separates him from other men.
This is unbelievable, what we witnessed tonight.
[Corey] He's not a man, Renee, he's a Beast.
And kudos to Finn Bálor for putting up a big-time fight,
really taking Lesnar to the limit.
[Michael] Yeah. But Brock Lesnar's still your Universal Champion
and his dominance continues here in WWE.
["Next Big Thing" continues]
And Lesnar's not done.
Brock Lesnar going right after Finn Bálor.
There's a German suplex.
And "The Beast" Brock Lesnar has lost it.
Lesnar with another German to Bálor.
Brock still fighting through the agony.
[crowd clamoring]
[Corey] I can tell you this.
Finn Bálor made a believer out of Brock Lesnar.
That's why Brock's mad.
That's why The Beast is doing this right now
because Finn made him believe.
[Michael] I agree. Finn Bálor hurt Brock Lesnar.
He took Brock Lesnar to the limit,
and that is why Brock Lesnar is destroying Bálor.
[crowd jeering]
-[scattered applause] -[crowd booing]
["Next Big Thing" playing]
Still your Universal Champion,
"The Beast" Brock Lesnar
victorious over a game Finn Bálor here tonight.
["Next Big Thing" continues]
There's a reason that man is called The Beast.
[Corey] Oh, wait a minute.
-Enough is enough, Brock. -[Michael] I don't think for Brock Lesnar.
Here comes the exclamation point.
Wasn't able to hit this earlier on, but now he does, the F5.
[crowd jeering]
[people booing]
[Corey] Brock Lesnar was caught off guard tonight.
He was put to the test.
Finn Bálor put the Beast through the ringer.
But The Beast Incarnate survived and endured,
and is still Universal Champion.
["Next Big Thing" continues]
[inaudible conversation]
[exclaims, laughs]
[crowd chattering]
["We Got the Power" playing]
[Michael] The 32nd annual Royal Rumble is in Phoenix, Arizona tonight
for the first time ever at Chase Field,
home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
48,193 WWE fans on hand.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest commentators
for the Men's Royal Rumble match, JBL
and WWE Hall of Famer, Jerry "The King" Lawler.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] I'm so excited to have the King and JBL
back here with us tonight
to call the Men's Royal Rumble match.
And here are the rules for tonight's matchup.
Same as the women's match earlier on.
Two Superstars start in the ring.
Every 90 seconds, another Superstar will enter.
Superstars are eliminated by going over the top rope.
Both feet must touch the floor to be eliminated.
The winner receives a championship match at WrestleMania.
Corey, who is it gonna be? Who's going to win the Rumble?
[Corey] I'm saying right now, it's gonna be
either Samoa Joe or Drew McIntyre.
-Or Seth Rollins. -[JBL laughs]
[Michael laughing] What are you laughing at, John?
-[JBL laughs] -[Michael] That sounds like you.
[JBL] Absolutely. I'm gonna change my pick and I'll change my pick again.
-I'll be right eventually. -[bell rings]
[Jerry] I'm the one guy who never changes his pick.
[announcer] It is now time for the 30-Men Royal Rumble match.
[crowd cheering]
Please welcome the Superstar who drew number one,
Elias.
[crowd cheering]
[guitar strumming]
Hello, I am Elias.
[crowd cheering]
While I am number one in all of your hearts,
I drew number one tonight,
which means that the deck is stacked against me.
But despite all that in the Valley of the Sun
on my road to WrestleMania,
I will eliminate 29 other men
and show them exactly what everyone here already knows,
and that is that WWE stands for…
[crowd] Walk with Elias!
I said, WWE stands for…
[crowd] Walk with Elias!
Ooh.
[crowd chattering]
[Michael] Corey, pick what he's gonna sing.
[Corey] If he had a mute button, that'll be the first thing I'd touch.
[Jerry] What?!
-[JBL] I have all his albums. -[Jerry laughs]
[crowd singing indistinctly]
[JBL] I love the way he builds the suspense.
[Corey] I love that we've been here for four and a half hours,
and he's still taking his time.
-Let's get the match underway, Elias. -[JBL] You don't rush Picasso.
Now it is no surprise that Elias comes to town,
and Chase Field fills up with 48,193 people.
[crowd cheering]
I mean, I should take a picture of this and send it to the Diamondbacks
because they have never seen this amount of people in this stadium.
[crowd cheering]
I know, I know, it is truly a testament to how great I am,
but right now, I am going to do something even more impressive.
That is start the Royal Rumble
and finish the Royal Rumble.
-[crowd cheering] -[Michael] Oh.
But before I do that,
I have written a song for everyone here tonight.
-[crowd cheering] -[Corey] Great.
[Michael laughs] Here we go.
So right now, I need you all to silence your cell phones
and hold your applause until after I am finished.
["Double J" by WWE, Jim Johnston playing]
[JBL] What?!
-[Corey] This isn't an Elias original. -[Jerry] What?!
-[Corey] But I know it. -[JBL laughing] Holy cow!
-[Michael] The Hall of Famer! -[JBL] Yes!
[announcer] Introducing our second entrant,
WWE Hall of Famer "Double J" Jeff Jarrett.
[Jerry] Oh my God, guys.
This is the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life.
[Corey] Surprises right out of the gate.
Unbelievable.
[Michael] Jeff Jarrett's actually been in the ring with King and JBL.
[Jerry] A fellow Tennessean.
I'm so happy right now, tears are running down my leg.
-[JBL] Wrestled Jeff for the NWA title. -[Jerry] Awesome.
He looks great.
[Michael] Looks like he wore those tights 20 years ago.
All he needs is his blond mullet.
[Corey laughs]
[Michael] At least the battery's finally red in that hat.
-[Jerry laughs] -[JBL] No, it didn't. Look at it.
-[Jerry] It's flashing. -[JBL] Oh!
["Double J" continues]
Get out of the way.
-[Michael] Oh, look at that. Oh! -[Corey] Oh yeah!
[Michael] You've seen that in Memphis, hadn't you, King?
[Jerry] Oh yeah.
[Corey] The only thing missing is the roadie.
[music continues]
[Michael] Be careful, Elias,
you'll your own guitar smashed over your head.
[Double J] Howdy, folks.
Double J here.
[crowd cheering]
That's right.
That's J-E-F-F
J-A-R-R-E-T-T.
The world's greatest singer,
the world's greatest entertainer,
and the world's greatest wrestler.
[laughs]
-[JBL laughs] Oh, Double J. -[Double J] Ain't I great?
-[Michael] Ain't he great, King? -[King] He is.
[JBL] I think he's awesome
[Jerry] That was the name of his hit song.
Listen, I… [laughs]
I get interrupted almost all the time.
Why? I have no idea.
But let me just say it is nice
to be interrupted by someone
that actually brings something to the table.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Better believe it.
I mean, listen.
I know who you are.
I know why you're out here, okay?
A Hall of Famer.
A future Hall of Famer.
You're out here not because you just wanna walk with Elias, but--
Well, I mean, listen, it's written in the stars.
This is fate, man, okay?
I'm normally a solo act, but
tonight, you wanna sing with Elias.
You wanna do a duet with Elias.
[Jerry] What?!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Guys, that's great idea. Really, it is.
Y'all wanna hear a duet to kick off the Royal Rumble?
[crowd] Yeah!
[Michael] This is gonna be the next Sonny & Cher.
Do you all wanna hear a duet
for us to kick off the Royal Rumble?
[Michael] The next Captain and Tennille!
[JBL] The next Roy & Buck.
-[Michael] Maybe Milli Vanilli. -[Corey laughs]
[crowd chanting]
-[Jerry] Do it. -[JBL] It's like George and Willie.
[crowd chanting]
Well, hey, hey.
The people have spoken,
so ladies and gentlemen,
to get this Royal Rumble started,
a very special
one-time only
duet between Elias and Jeff Jarrett.
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Double J. -[Jeff laughing]
Jeff, how do you spell your name again?
Oh, let's do it one more time.
[Michael] Yes!
-[Jeff] Y'all wanna do it with me? -[crowd] Yeah!
That's J-E-F-F
J-A-R-R-E--
-Oh! -Oh man!
-[Michael] What?! -[Corey] The day that music died.
-[Michael] What in the world? -[bell rings]
[Michael] Well, the match is officially underway
and there are your first two contestants
in the 2019 Royal Rumble, Elias and Jeff Jarrett.
[Corey] For the first time ever, I was sort of excited,
mildly excited to hear Elias perform
'cause they would've done "With My Baby Tonight."
Pretty good song.
[Michael] Elias will have to go from number one…
I've been compared to this guy my entire career.
…to witness Royal Rumble match this year.
Last year, Elias lasted 26 minutes before being eliminated.
[Corey] I don't know why Elias is upset.
He's yelling about being compared to Jeff Jarrett.
He's offended by it.
[grunting]
-Jarrett's a Hall of Famer. -[Jerry] I'm in shock.
This is worse than the breakup of Sonny & Cher.
Come on.
[Michael] And now Elias--
-Oh yeah! -Look at Double J go!
[Jerry] Come on, Double J.
The Hall of Famer's still got something left.
[Jerry] Yes, he does.
[JBL] It's like watching Springsteen and McCartney go after it. Oh!
[Michael] Elias takes out Jarrett.
Walk the walk with Elias!
[Jerry] Well, McCartney sang with Michael Jackson.
[Michael] And, uh…
[crowd chattering]
[Corey] Oh no.
-No, no, no, no. -[Corey] No.
-[Michael] No, don't, please. -[Corey] Don't do it.
-This is-- -[men] Oh!
[JBL] Come on!
-[Jerry] No. No, no, no. -[Corey] No.
[Michael] And Jarrett eliminated by Elias.
[crowd] Nine…
[Michael] And we now await entry number three
into the Men's Royal Rumble match.
[crowd] …three, two, one.
[klaxon sounds]
["Shadows of a Setting Sun" playing]
[Michael] Oh, here is the winner of last year's Royal Rumble match.
And earlier tonight, Corey…
[Corey] Became the brand-new United States Champion.
[Michael] Shinsuke Nakamura,
knocking off Rusev earlier tonight on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show.
And John, Nakamura winning this event last year,
entering number three this year.
[JBL] Long road to go.
He has debut advantage you mentioned,
but he's already had a grueling match against Rusev.
[Michael] And Elias quickly going right after Shinsuke Nakamura
and hoping to eliminate him early.
Oh, and Nakamura right to the face of Elias.
[Corey] Imagine what a great night it'd be
for the United States of Nak-America
if Shinsuke wins the Royal Rumble match again.
[Michael] Ooh. Nakamura, kick right to the midsection
and he caught Elias right on the side of the face.
[JBL] Nakamura's gotta be careful.
He just… He won the first title tonight.
And now, uh, you know…
Greatest thing since sliced bread,
but if he's not careful, he can be toast.
-[Nakamura screaming] -[groaning]
[Michael] Elbow by Elias, caught Nakamura.
Glad to see he hasn’t lost a step, King.
[laughing]
[Corey] What do you mean?
[Michael laughing]
[Corey] Delivery's awesome. Content's terrible.
[men laughing]
[Michael] And now Elias up to the second rope.
He's got to be careful up there.
He's got to be careful up on the top rope now.
-WWE stands for… -[crowd] Walk with Elias!
[Corey] He wants everyone to walk with Elias.
[Michael] Here we go.
[crowd clamoring]
[Michael] Well, "The Phenom" The Undertaker usually does that.
It's called old school.
[Corey] But Undertaker does it much better.
[Michael] Oh, of course. As Shinsuke is sent across the ring by Elias.
-[yells] -Oh! Over the top rope.
Shinsuke lands on the apron,
still in this match as we await entry number four.
[crowd counting down]
[Corey] Big kick to the neck, as Nakamura keeps himself in this matchup.
[klaxon sounds]
[groans]
["Medal" by WWE, Jim Johnston playing]
[Michael] It's a Hall of Famer.
-[Jerry] Hey! -[Corey] Yes!
[Michael] Kurt Angle.
[crowd] ♪ You suck, you suck… ♪
[Michael] The former Raw General Manager.
[crowd] ♪ You suck ♪
♪ You suck ♪
[Michael] Into the ring now, and Elias-- Oh, and what a suplex by Angle.
And Kurt Angle now with a German suplex
to Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Corey] Couple American heroes doing battle in there.
-[Michael] Who, Elias and Angle? -[Corey] Nakamura and Angle.
[grunts]
[Michael] And, oh, what a throw by Kurt Angle to Elias.
[JBL] And on his head.
[Michael] Vintage Kurt Angle here.
Suplex after suplex.
[Corey] Can you imagine if Kurt Angle won tonight
and got to headline WrestleMania once again?
Talk about an incredible comeback story.
[Michael] You and King have been in the ring with Kurt Angle.
[Jerry laughing] Yes, we have. Many times.
[JBL] King was in the ring with his grandfather.
[Michael] Elias sent over the top rope, lands on the apron.
Kurt Angle would love to eliminate Elias here.
Kurt Angle's one of the best athletes,
a gold medalist, I've ever been in the ring with.
[Corey] Elias is teetering right now.
[Michael] Former Olympic gold medalist, of course, former WWE Champion as well,
been in four previous Royal Rumble matches.
And Elias, who began the night at number one,
has already eliminated Jeff Jarrett.
[grunting]
Wow.
[crowd] Nine, eight, seven…
[Michael] And now we await the entry of number five.
[crowd] …four…
[Corey] Starting to fill up pretty quick inside the ring.
[klaxon sounds]
Oh, Phoenix!
Don’t you dare be sour,
clap for your world-famous five-time champs
and feel the power.
♪ It’s a new day Yes, it is ♪
[JBL] This is like my favorite TV show, The Price Is Right.
[Jerry] Come on down, boys.
-This is awesome. -[Corey] And it will be Big E.
[Jerry] Big E, come on down.
[Michael] I want you guys to check out
what The New Day is gonna be wearing tonight in the match.
They posted it on their Instagram account earlier today.
It's a…
The gear is a compilation
of Kofi Kingston’s best Royal Rumble moments
in comic book form from over the years.
[Corey] Oh, so now it explains why he stuffed his gear with pancakes, right?
-That’s great for-- -Oh!
And Big E now with a belly-to-belly,
and another to Shinsuke.
[Corey] Could you imagine if Big E went on to headline WrestleMania?
That dunderhead?
It’d be the last WrestleMania we ever had.
[Michael] I think Big E would be a great main eventer at WrestleMania.
[JBL] Big E has everything there is to be a World Champion.
[Jerry] Look at that kid at ringside.
He’s eating one of those pancakes, Corey.
-[grunting] -Oh no!
[Michael] And Big E with a big splash to Shinsuke Nakamura.
[JBL] I told you, he’s toast.
[crowd chanting] New Day rocks! New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
[Michael] And the "New Day rocks" chants
echoing throughout Chase Field here in Phoenix.
[screaming]
Big E looking for the Big Ending
and sending Shinsuke over the top rope that way.
Hanging on, though.
[Corey] There we go. Angle Slam!
[Jerry] No way!
[Michael] Kurt Angle with the Angle Slam.
[Nakamura yelling]
[Michael] And now, Shinsuke Nakamura sends Angle into the post.
And Shinsuke Nakamura looking to eliminate a Hall of Famer.
-[yells] -[Jerry] Come on, Kurt.
[Corey] Nakamura with a kick right to the midsection.
[Michael] Angle still on the apron, however.
[JBL] There’s a chance, Shinsuke, you better get rid of him.
[Michael] And Shinsuke eliminates Kurt Angle.
[JBL] That’s a huge elimination.
[crowd booing]
[Jerry] Two of my favorites are already gone.
[JBL] Two great Hall of Famers.
[Michael] And now we await entry number six
in this match here tonight.
[crowd] …two, one.
[klaxon sounds]
["Rebel Heart" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
Whoa!
It's the brand-new NXT North American Champion, Johnny Gargano,
who knocked off Ricochet at NXT TakeOver last night.
In fact, Corey, his wife Candice LeRae
appeared in the women’s Royal Rumble match earlier tonight.
[Corey] It’s been a big 24 hours for Johnny Gargano and his wife,
an absolute classic between Johnny and Ricochet last night.
I was happy to enjoy every minute of it as a fan.
[Michael] Well, Gargano will be a part of the big six-man NXT tag team match
on Halftime Heat on the WWE Network next Sunday night
when the big game goes to halftime.
Meanwhile, Gargano…
-[Jerry] Oh, look out! -…taking it to Elias.
And Corey, Johnny Gargano was one of those Superstars
that you got to be careful.
He could hang around this match a long time.
[Corey] Completely agree with you.
Look at Gargano even… Oh!
…muscling down Big E.
You always got to keep your eyes on Johnny.
He's world-traveled multiple times over.
[Michael] Lands on the apron after being sent over the top rope.
Elias looking to eliminate Gargano.
Gargano, true student of the game,
you know, he has dreamed of competing in a Royal Rumble match
for as long as he can remember.
-Oh! And Gargano! -[Jerry] Nice.
[Michael] Slingshot through the second rope, taking out Elias.
Indeed Gargano's first Royal Rumble appearance ever.
And looking to make the best of it.
Looking to represent NXT.
[crowd chanting]
[Jerry] How long did you say Elias lasted in the last Royal Rumble?
[Michael] Last year, Elias in 2018, lasted 26 minutes.
In the greatest Royal Rumble last year, King,
he lasted over 35 minutes.
[Jerry] He's in trouble now.
[klaxon sounds]
["Sher (Lion)" playing]
[Michael] And at number seven,
the former WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal.
Accompanied by Samir and Sunil.
[Corey] I think maybe the Singh brothers will win the Royal Rumble match together.
[Michael] But where's Grandpa Singh?
[Corey] He's probably in the back somewhere.
It's late. He might be asleep now.
[Michael] And Jinder now goes right after Johnny Gargano.
Jinder Mahal who preaches inner peace.
[yelling] Boom!
[Corey] All about staying centered.
[Michael] You should take one of his classes, John.
[JBL] That's exactly what I need.
[chuckles] Stay centered.
[Michael] And look at the Singh brothers holding Elias down
and Johnny Gargano looking to eliminate Mahal.
How embarrassing would that be for Jinder Mahal.
[Corey] Oh no, not the Maharaja.
-[Michael] Mahal eliminated by Gargano. -[Corey] You're kidding me!
[crowd cheering]
I thought tonight was the night.
[Michael] Now you thought wrong.
The Singh brothers might want to head back to the locker room
because this is not gonna be pretty.
Oh no! Oh!
I guess he wanted to get out of there.
[groans]
-[Corey] Oh, this is disgusting. -[Michael] Oh no!
[Corey He's gonna need a vaccine now.
[Michael] Hey, he's carbing up.
[Corey] Those were underwear pancakes.
[Michael] Oh! The Big Ending.
Shouldn't somebody call PETA on that?
[Corey laughing]
[Michael] Shinsuke, Gargano, Big E, and Elias.
[Corey] And the pancakes.
[crowd] …nine, eight…
[JBL] How many pancakes does Big E have?
[crowd] …five…
[Corey] He's a large man. He's got a very limitless supply.
-[Michael] Number eight on the way. -[klaxon sounds]
["Destroyer" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Corey] Okay.
[Michael] And can you believe
for the first time in his illustrious career,
Samoa Joe is marching down the aisle into a Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] There is one man that is built for a competition like this.
That being Samoa Joe,
size, speed, skill, power,
and just a nasty streak second to nothing.
[Michael] Samoa goes right after Big E.
What about the path of destruction, Corey?
-Samoa Joe has been on SmackDown Live. -[Corey] STO!
[Michael] And the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] Samoa Joe's mission… Bang! …statement is clear,
the entire roster will savor the suffering at the hands of Samoa Joe.
[JBL] Well, Corey, I completely agree with you.
It'll be a lot impressive for a person winning their first Royal Rumble.
Brock Lesnar did. Shinsuke Nakamura did,
and I think Samoa Joe has the same opportunity here.
[Michael] Just locks away from Johnny Gargano.
[Jerry] Sure the guys in the ring have heard the expression,
"The worst is yet to come." Well, he just got here. Samoa Joe.
[Michael] And Samoa Joe maybe the perfect man to win the Royal Rumble--
[Jerry] Look out, Big E!
-[Michael] Eliminates Big E. -[Corey] Wow.
[Michael] He has the perfect size of speed and viciousness,
that low center of gravity, Corey.
[Corey] Talk about making an impact in a short period of time,
launching Big E out to the floor.
Samoa Joe, a long-storied history with Shinsuke Nakamura
from their days in NXT.
[Michael] Indeed, as we now get entry number nine.
[klaxon sounds]
[intro music playing]
Well, Curt Hawkins, who is currently on a 256-match losing streak.
Can you imagine ending that streak tonight by winning the Rumble?
[JBL] The Washington Generals won against the Globetrotters.
You never know, it's gonna happen eventually.
[Michael] I doubt it's today, but you never know.
[JBL] Actually, you do know.
It's not gonna be today. You're right. You do know.
-[laughing] -[Corey] It's just a matter of time.
-[Jerry] What? -[Corey] Smart move.
-[JBL] Hawkins isn't gonna win. -[Michael] Run and hide.
Now, Curt Hawkins who was a referee
the last time we saw him on Raw, Monday night.
[Jerry] Tell Curt he's on the road to WrestleMania,
but somebody else is driving.
[Michael] I'm not sure if Samoa Joe would be the guy I would go after.
[Corey] Stick and move.
[Michael] Hit-and-run attacks by Curt Hawkins.
Shinsuke Nakamura buries a knee into Johnny Gargano.
Hawkins again sliding
into the ring.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
Very stealth-like.
[JBL] Stealth, yes.
[Corey laughing] Stealth?
And look at Samoa Joe with the coquina clutch--
[Corey] He's about to be stealth.
[Michael] On Curt Hawkins who may be going to sleep.
Look at that face on Samoa Joe.
He's like Mighty Joe Young’s brother, Mighty Ugly.
[Michael laughs]
[JBL] So, the thing with Samoa Joe is
he might just put him to sleep and leave him there.
[Michael] Well…
-[JBL] He's like a speed bumper-- -[Corey] What is he doing?
Maybe he's going to look for Hornswoggle. We found that out that earlier.
-[Michael] Or Zelina Vega. -[Corey] Yeah.
[JBL] There may be a whole herd of leprechauns under there,
you never know.
Oh man!
[Corey] We'll keep a trashcan ready for you, John, just in case.
[Michael] Number 10, a third of the way through the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Who will it be?
[crowd] …three, two, one.
[klaxon sounds]
["Burn It Down" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Michael] All right!
The Kingslayer from Monday Night Raw,
Seth Rollins.
["Burn It Down" continues]
He had an interesting Rumble match last year
when he was actually eliminated
by his Shield brother, Roman Reigns.
But he's got some momentum, Corey.
He knocked off Drew McIntyre in a match on Raw, this past Monday night.
[Corey] Seth Rollins has had one of the best years,
calendar-wise, of anybody in WWE.
He's been functioning on a high level.
-[Jerry] Corey? -[Corey] Sir?
-I'm thinking about picking Seth Rollins. -[Corey] All right.
-[Jerry] I'm thinking about it. -[Michael] Falcon arrow!
[Corey] I suggest you just reserve judgment and predictions
until, I don't know, the 30th entrant.
[Jerry] Maybe so. You're right.
[Michael] Rollins is wearing Bears colors.
Favorite team is--
Elias sent across the ring.
-[Jerry] Whoa. -[Michael] Out to the apron.
And Elias burying a shoulder to the midsection of Seth Rollins.
Elias has lasted 15 minutes so far
since starting the Royal Rumble match at number one.
And Elias bounced off the post, still hanging on.
Can he stay in this match, trying to--
[grunts, yells]
-[Michael] And Rollins eliminates Elias. -Oh!
[Jerry] And a smart, smart move.
[Michael] Had to do what he had to do, right?
[JBL] Sonny and Cher are gone.
[Michael] Yeah.
Surprised you guys haven’t made any Carpenters references yet.
And now we await entry number 11.
[crowd] …six, five, four, three…
And Gargano in trouble.
Seth trying to eliminate the North American Champion.
[klaxon sounds]
["Making Moves" by WWE, Jim Johnston playing]
[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Michael] Are you guys ready?
-[Corey] I-- -[Michael] For Titus World Slide?
-[Jerry] Oh boy! -[JBL] Here we go.
-[Michael] And notice-- -[Corey] Titus rocking it.
Notice Titus.
[Michael] Notice Titus is-- Well, he's going into the ring again!
[JBL] Here we go!
-[Michael] Titus O'Neil. -[JBL] Get on the slipping slide!
[Michael] Titus O'Neil slowly approaching the ring.
Remember, at the Greatest Royal Rumble,
Titus O'Neil tripped and slipped head first underneath the ring.
[Corey] But Hawkins is underneath the ring.
[Michael] Oh.
It’s one of the all-time great Royal Rumble moments, and Titus O'Neil--
-[Jerry laughing] -[JBL] Titus went back--
[Michael] I guess he’s looking to do it for strategy this time around.
[grunting]
[Jerry] Looks like an instant replay in slow motion there.
[Corey] Look, look, Hawkins now on this side of the ring.
[Michael] 'Cause Titus O'Neil’s in pursuit.
Now, Hawkins back into the match, Titus O'Neil as well.
-There goes Titus! Eliminated! -[crowd cheers]
Curt Hawkins has eliminated Titus O'Neil.
Does that count for an end to the winning streak?
[Jerry] Oh, no! Look out!
[Michael] A losing streak? I guess not because Samoa Joe just eliminated--
[JBL] Curt is our guy. Elimination.
[Jerry] Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa. Look out!
[Michael] Now Gargano and Seth Rollins are gonna work together
to try to eliminate Samoa Joe.
[Jerry] Should’ve tried that when there were six guys in the ring.
[crowd counting down]
[Corey] Joe now going right to the eyes of Seth Rollins.
[Michael] This will be entry number 12.
[klaxon sounds]
♪ It's a new day Yes, it is ♪
[Michael] Which New Day member will it be?
Big E has already been in and eliminated.
And it’s Kofi Kingston.
Kofi Kingston,
who is entering a Royal Rumble match for the twelfth time in his career.
[Jerry] Cole, JBL, we’ve seen Kofi Kingston do some amazing things
at Royal Rumbles, haven't we?
[Michael] Kofi has tied for fourth all-time,
King, with 17 appearances.
Leads the pack.
[JBL] But as far as iconic moments go,
Kofi Kingston may be at the top of the list.
Defied the laws of physics at times.
[Michael] Yeah, we’ve seen Kofi do some amazing things
to stay alive in the Royal Rumble match.
[grunting]
[Michael] And Kofi going after Samoa Joe.
[Corey] Oh.
[Michael] And meanwhile, Shinsuke and Seth battling one another.
[JBL] Kofi’s done some amazing things.
If he lifts Samoa Joe out and throws him out of the ring,
that will be his biggest.
[Corey] Well, good luck with that one. Joe just raining down elbows.
[Michael] And the new United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
taken out by Seth Rollins.
Now, Kofi Kingston caught up top rope.
[Corey] King of Strong Style about to be eliminated by the Kingslayer.
[Michael] Kofi stays in it, though.
[JBL] I don't like that name, Kingslayer.
[Corey chuckling]
-[wrestlers panting] -[Kingston groans]
[Michael] And Joe burying the knee in the midsection of Kingston.
And look at Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura going at it.
We await the appearance of the number 13…
[crowd] …five, four…
…entrant into the Royal Rumble match.
[crowd …one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Go Hard" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
And for the first time in his career,
Mustafa Ali will enter a Royal Rumble match,
and he's had some major issues, Corey,
with Samoa Joe on SmackDown Live.
[Corey] He's been a thorn in Samoa Joe's side.
He's been a victim of Samoa Joe's on multiple occasions.
I think Joe heard the music and realizes
he's gonna have another opportunity to put his hands on Ali.
[Michael] And Joe realizes Ali's coming
and Mustafa Ali now with a shoulder right to the midsection.
Whoa! Face first goes Samoa Joe.
And Ali taking it to Joe.
[Jerry] Samoa Joe didn't fall down.
-He just does random gravity checks. -[Ali screams]
-[grunts] -[groans]
[Corey] It's not the fall that hurts. It's the sudden stop at the end.
[Michael laughs] Yes. Now, Nakamura turning his attention.
Meanwhile, Seth Rollins lands on the apron,
but slides right back into the ring.
[grunting]
[Michael] Staying alive in this matchup.
Come on!
-[Michael] Ali mocking Nakamura. -[Corey laughs]
Nakamura not impressed.
[Michael] Should be impressed with that,
but Ali runs into a kick by Shinsuke Nakamura.
-[screaming] -[Corey] Whoa.
[Michael] And Shinsuke eliminated.
-[JBL] Wow. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] By Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] A long fall for the United States Champion.
[JBL] So much for back-to-back Royal Rumble winning.
[Corey] Bang, Johnny Gargano looking for the kick--
-[JBL] Oh, man, he got one-- -[Jerry] Ooh.
[crowd] Nine, eight…
[Michael] Ali, second rope, planting Gargano with a tornado DDT.
[JBL] He's history.
[Michael] And now Samoa Joe--
-[Corey] Oh my God! -[klaxon sounds]
[Michael] Here comes number 14.
[Corey laughing] You mean Ali was history?
[Michael laughing] He is now.
["Retaliation" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
Oh boy. Well, the man who calls himself the Moral Compass of WWE,
Dean Ambrose marching down to the ring.
What's interesting about this, Corey,
is the fact that Seth Rollins is in the ring.
[Corey] Seth Rollins staring a hole through Dean Ambrose already.
[Michael] Ambrose and Rollins, former brothers in The Shield,
that exploded over the past number of months.
And now Rollins and Ambrose going at one another.
Quite the rivalry for the Intercontinental Championship.
Look at Ambrose taking it out on The Architect.
[JBL] It may feel good for Ambrose, it may feel good for Seth Rollins,
but you only had the 14th number in the Royal Rumble.
-[Michael] Look at Kofi and Ali. -[JBL] It's a long way to go.
[Michael] Kofi on the apron trying to stay in this.
Remember, over the top rope,
both feet hit the floor, you're eliminated.
-[Jerry] Oh whoa! -Kofi Kingston!
-Did his feet hit? -I think it hit.
[Michael] Referee Charles Robinson is right there.
He said that Kofi Kingston's…
His second foot did not hit.
Kofi is still in this.
And look at Kofi Kingston, again,
somehow staying alive.
That is absolutely incredible.
[Jerry] He's going up top.
[Michael] And Kingston plants Dean Ambrose.
[Jerry] Look at Ambrose. He's back to his feet already.
[Michael] Gargano launched over the top rope.
[grunting]
And this time he got caught by Ambrose who plants him with a DDT.
And now Ambrose looking to eliminate Johnny Gargano, and he does.
The new North American Champion from NXT is out of the Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] Trouble in Paradise connects with Dean Ambrose.
[crowd] …eight…
[JBL] A great representation of Gargano.
Congratulations on your first Rumble.
[Michael] Here comes number 16.
[crowd] …two, one.
-[Michael] More than halfway. -[klaxon sounds]
["No Way Jose" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
Actually, number 15.
No Way Jose and the entire conga line.
[Corey] And you think this guy has any chance of winning the Royal Rumble match?
[Michael] Uh, slim and none.
Slim just left town.
[Corey laughs] Maybe one of the members of the conga li--
[Michael] Look at this.
Seth Rollins and Kofi Kingston working together
to try to eliminate Dean Ambrose.
Joe and Ali still going at it,
and No Way Jose is having a party at the Royal Rumble match.
[all cheering]
[JBL] No Way Jose.
[Michael] We are halfway through this matchup.
No Way Jose in the ring. No Way Jose out of the ring.
[Corey] Thanks for coming, Jose.
[Michael] And we have to see if that's a record.
Samoa Joe eliminating No Way Jose before he even knew what hit him.
[conga line members clamoring]
[Jerry] I'm just wondering, "No Way,
did the Wizard ever get back to you about that brain?"
"Was there an over-under on that prop bet?"
["No Way Jose" continues playing]
-[Jerry] He doesn't care. -[Corey] Oh, he's not too upset.
[Michael] No Way Jose gonna go back to partying with the conga line.
[laughing]
[JBL] Does he realize he was just eliminated from the Royal Rumble?
[Michael] I don't think he has any clue.
Nonetheless, Kofi, and Joe, and Ali,
and the rest of the crew going at it inside the Royal Rumble matchup,
as we now await entry number 16.
["No Way Jose" continues playing]
[Jerry] I'm just happy No Way Jose is not a twin.
[klaxon sounding]
["Gallantry (Defining Moment Remix)" playing]
[Corey] Oh!
-[Michael] Here is my pick… -[Jerry] What?
-…to win the Royal Rumble match. -[Jerry] You're picking?
[Michael] "The Scottish Psychopath."
Drew McIntyre.
The reason John Cena is no longer in the Royal Rumble match.
Drew McIntyre taking Cena out a couple of weeks ago.
[Corey] Jose, take the conga line and run.
Nothing good can come of this.
[Michael] Drew has no interest,
as he delivers the Glasgow Kiss.
Oh!
And now takes out one member of the conga line and yet another.
[JBL] Always wanted to do that to a conga line.
[Michael] McIntyre, who said he is standing on the precipice
of a prophecy fulfilled.
[Corey] Earlier on the Kickoff Show,
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels said that Drew McIntyre was his pick.
[Michael] The Claymore Kick to Rollins.
And a Claymore Kick to Ambrose.
[Corey] And look at these two studs getting ready to lock horns.
[Michael] And Joe and McIntyre…
[grunting]
…middle of the ring.
[Jerry] These guys are throwing haymakers.
[JBL] Yes, they are.
They're blocking every punch with their face.
[Michael] Claymore Kick floors Joe.
Drew McIntyre is taking everybody out.
[McIntyre breathing heavily]
[JBL] I think I may have to agree with HBK.
-[Corey] Take a look. -[Michael] Watch this.
Boom! Impact!
[Corey] Right on the jaw of Samoa Joe.
[Michael] Samoa Joe barely moving.
Now McIntyre turns his attention to Rollins.
Remember, Rollins beat McIntyre in a one-on-one matchup
this past Monday night.
[Corey] And McIntyre was humiliated by that.
[crowd] …three, two, one.
[Michael] Number 17.
♪ It's a new day Yes, it is ♪
[Michael] Kofi Kingston's got some backup.
It's Xavier Woods.
But remember, it's every man for himself in the Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] Maybe we'll finally get to see the New Day explode.
[Jerry] Or implode. What do you want them to do?
Work together or--
[Michael] Wait a minute.
I'm trying to figure out what--
Is Kofi still alive?
-[Corey] What is happening here? -[Michael] I have no idea.
[Corey] This is wildly inappropriate.
[indistinct chatter]
[wrestlers screaming]
[Michael] So Kofi is still alive in this matchup,
thanks to Xavier Woods.
[speaking indistinctly]
[JBL] This is where I'd turn on my partner.
-[laughing] -[Michael] Yeah, right.
Oh.
[Michael] I remember when you and Ron used to do this.
[JBL laughs]
[crowd chanting]
[JBL] Ron and I would have to go see Dr. Andrews if we tried this.
[Michael] Oh, and look at Kofi Kingston.
[laughing]
[Michael] Still alive, thanks to Xavier Woods.
[JBL] Ron’s gonna punch you when he sees you, Michael.
[Michael] Think of those days when you used to ride in the car.
Anyway, up on the apron of the ring, Woods and Kofi launched themselves.
-[Jerry] Look out! -[Michael] The New Day--
That is-- Both eliminated by Drew McIntyre.
[crowd jeering]
[Corey] The Scottish Psychopath has no interest in fun and games
and enjoyable memories.
[JBL] Killed the conga line and the New Day.
[Michael] And now McIntyre goes right after Ambrose and Mustafa Ali.
Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins, still in this match as well.
Number 18 soon to be on his way to the ring.
[klaxon sounds]
["Bruiserweight" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[Corey] Yes! -[Michael] The Bruiserweight.
The WWE UK Champion, Pete Dunne.
Do you guys realize that this man has held
the WWE United Kingdom Championship for 617 days?
[JBL] Absolutely realized that. He's a terrific champion.
A perfect representation of the British Isles.
[Corey] I am a big fan of The Bruiserweight
and what he brings to the table.
Everything Pete Dunne does hurts.
[Michael] Smash-mouth, in-your-face style.
Ali runs into a German suplex by Pete Dunne
and just stomps on the hand of Ali.
[JBL] That's all of it.
[Corey] Well, this is… this is an interaction I'll pay to see.
[Michael] Oh, Dunne lands on his feet--
-And a kick right to Samoa Joe. -[Corey] Oh! Good God!
[Michael] Pete Dunne, joint manipulation is the name of this man's game.
[Jerry] Ow! Ow!
[Corey] Have you ever seen anyone bring Drew McIntyre…
[Jerry] Look out!
…to his knees like that?
[JBL] That hurt me.
[Michael] Samoa Joe, talking about him throughout this matchup,
has been in this match for over 17 minutes now,
as Pete Dunne continues to put on a clinic.
[crowd cheering]
If you have not yet experienced the NXT UK brand of the WWE Network,
Well, here is one reason why you've got to watch Pete Dunne "The Bruiserweight."
[Corey] I think it's a matter of time
before Pete Dunne becomes a World Champion.
[Michael] Saw Rhea Ripley from the NXT UK brand earlier tonight
in the Women's Royal Rumble match,
had a very impressive performance,
as we now await number 19.
[crowd] …four, three, two, one.
[klaxon sounds]
["Making a Difference" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[Michael] Here comes Andrade.
His business manager, Zelina Vega,
was involved in the Women's Royal Rumble earlier tonight.
We've talked a lot about this, Corey, over the past couple of weeks.
Last year in his debut with the Royal Rumble match,
this man, Andrade, lasted almost 30 minutes.
[Corey] Andrade's career has been on an upward trajectory
especially in recent weeks.
You wanna talk about momentum.
The incredible instant classic matches Andrade's had recently with Rey Mysterio.
[Michael] He beat Rey Mysterio a couple weeks back.
[Corey] You're right.
He did nearly beat him again this past week.
-Andrade is on a roll. -[commentators] Oh!
[Michael] Andrade and Pete Dunne going at it,
two of the bright young stars of WWE's future.
[Corey] Zelina and Andrade have declared on numerous occasions…
-Oh. -[Michael] Oh!
Andrade turned Dunne inside out.
[JBL] A great counter.
[Corey] …numerous occasions that Andrade is the future of WWE,
and it's hard to argue with that statement.
[Michael] Look at some of the bright young stars in the ring, Corey.
You see Mustafa Ali. You see Andrade, Pete Dunne.
[Jerry] I think you guys just like to say "Andrade."
-[Corey] It's fun. -[wrestlers grunting]
Francisco.
[Michael] Andrade taking it to Ambrose now.
Dean Ambrose with the elbow to the midsection.
Ambrose, of course, a former WWE Champion,
Money in the Bank ladder match winner.
[Corey] You see Ambrose from Monday Night Raw,
Andrade on SmackDown Live.
It's not often you see these two Superstars lock horns together like this.
[Jerry] And look at McIntyre now, looking to eliminate Seth Rollins.
This has turned into quite the rivalry on Monday Nights,
as we wait for number 20,
two-thirds of the way through the entries into the Royal Rumble match.
[crowd] …one.
[klaxon sounding]
["Cruise Control" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Michael] Guys, I've been thinking about this all week long.
This man here, Apollo Crews, he can be a sleeper pick,
especially entering at number 20.
Here's the man who eliminated eight different Superstars
in the Fresh Start Battle Royal late last year.
Apollo Crews with some momentum.
Whoa. Beautiful dropkick.
And Crews now taking out Dean Ambrose
and going right after Samoa Joe.
[Corey] Apollo is wrecking everybody right now.
Pete Dunne, welcome to the party.
Oh, yeah!
[scattered applause]
[JBL] Sometimes, it's just a matter of luck,
where you enter the Rumble, where you end up in the ring with,
as to how you fair in this match.
[Jerry] But we already know, right, that Truth is gonna be number 30.
[Michael] Yup, we do.
He, of course, won the Mixed Match Challenge with his partner, Carmella,
to earn that opportunity.
[Corey] We even realize that Truth knows when the Royal Rumble is.
[Michael] Right.
Earlier on the pre-show, he called it the Elimination Chamber to that.
[Corey] Good.
[JBL] Truth take his vacation to Stamford, Connecticut?
[Corey] Yes, he did.
The cultural epic-center.
[Michael] Look at McIntyre. McIntyre in trouble.
Seth Rollins looking to eliminate Drew McIntyre.
Oh, Seth Rollins, if he can get McIntyre out of this match,
how huge would that be?
[Corey] Totally change the complexion, the landscape
of the entire field right now.
[Michael] McIntyre trying to hang on, and he's out through the apron.
[JBL] I think this is where you team up to eliminate a threat like McIntyre.
-[klaxon sounding] -[Michael] Well, number 21 now.
["Root of All Evil" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
-[crowd cheering] -On his way to the ring.
[Corey] Oh, yes.
[Michael] And you can hear the reaction from the WWE Universe here
at Chase Field in Phoenix.
There is the former NXT Champion,
Aleister Black,
entering the Royal Rumble match for the first time in his career.
What a main event, Corey, he had last night
against Tommaso Ciampa at NXT TakeOver.
[Corey] Absolutely incredible.
Aleister Black would love to redeem himself
for coming up short last night
by somehow winning the Royal Rumble match.
King, watch Aleister Black's strikes.
He's got some of the most lethal hands and feet you will ever see.
[crowd chanting]
[Michael] And now Pete Dunne from behind.
[chanting continues]
Dunne and Aleister Black.
Look at Aleister Black taking out Pete Dunne
[grunting]
[Michael] Black launching himself off the second rope, I think a beauty.
[crowd applauding]
And now, Drew McIntyre, as Black sidesteps,
and McIntyre with a big chop.
[Jerry] I was gonna say something about Black's tattoos,
all of those tattoos, and then I looked over at you, Corey.
[Corey laughing]
[Michael] And now, Mustafa Ali with a kick to the midsection.
Meanwhile, trying to build momentum on that side of the ring.
Andrade, trying to hang on.
-Ali. -[Corey] Oh man!
[Michael] He ran right into a kick by Black.
Aleister Black hopes tonight that following the left-hand path,
will lead him to WrestleMania.
[grunting]
-[Michael] Look at Dean Ambrose. -Get out of the way.
[JBL] At this point, these guys are just in survival mode.
You can't win the match right here, but you can certainly lose it right here.
[Corey] Ambrose, looking to…
-[Michael] A kick to Ambrose. -[Jerry] Oh no!
-[Michael] Black has eliminated Ambrose. -[Corey] Good grief!
[Michael] Aleister Black with a huge elimination.
[Corey] The Black Mass kick.
-Uh-oh. It's Samoa Joe from behind. -[Jerry] Oh man!
[Michael] Aleister Black able to counter Samoa Joe. Joe, with a powerslam.
[Jerry] You don't counter that.
-[Michael] Who will be number 22? -[klaxon sounding]
["Set It Off" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
A veteran from SmackDown Live.
Although, the man, John, you're very familiar with,
Shelton Benjamin.
[JBL] One of the greatest athletes in the history of a company
that's been filled with the world's best athletes.
Shelton Benjamin was a former 100-meter champion in Junior College.
The same year, he was a wrestling heavyweight champion.
[Michael] And now, Shelton Benjamin entering at number 22.
[Corey] It's a big opportunity for Shelton Benjamin
to sort of get his career back on track.
Hasn't necessarily had the most success recently.
A big showing tonight could do great things for Shelton's career.
Bang!
[Michael] Benjamin caught Crews, takes him down.
The ring beginning to fill up once again
with Superstars in the Royal Rumble match.
Hanging on.
[Corey] Look at that.
[JBL] I'm telling you, one of the best athletes WWE has ever had.
[Michael] And there's Dunne.
Paydirt by Benjamin.
[Jerry] Oh, look out.
[Michael] And now, Samoa Joe with the Coquina Clutch.
[grunting]
And it's Ali
going right after a man who's developing quite the rivalry with.
Samoa Joe, who now locks the Coquina Clutch in on Mustafa Ali.
Shelton Benjamin with a knee to Joe.
[Corey] Stepping up off of Ali's knee.
[Ali yelling]
[commentators exclaiming]
[Michael] Oh my God!
That's huge. Huge.
[crowd cheering]
Samoa Joe lasted 24 minutes and five seconds,
but he was eliminated by Mustafa Ali.
And, Corey, how good must that taste for Ali?
[Corey] It's gotta feel incredibly good for Ali,
but he can't savor the flavor too long
because Shelton Benjamin's stalking.
[Jerry] And I got a feeling from the look of Samoa Joe's face,
it won't be too long before he pays the favor.
-Ali fell, but lands on the apron. -[klaxon sounding]
[Michael] Number 23 now, entering the Royal Rumble match.
["I Bring the Darkness" playing]
And it is the, well, former acting general manager
of Monday Night Raw, Baron Corbin.
The name in the game tonight is "redemption for Baron Corbin."
[Michael] Because he hopes to last longer than last year, Corey.
[Corey] Let's not bring up the past.
[Michael] One minute last year before being eliminated by Finn Bálor.
[Corey] Let's talk about what a stellar job he did
as acting general manager of Monday Night Raw.
[Michael] Went under the bottom rope. So he's still in this match.
Went right after Seth Rollins now.
[JBL] You know, Corey, nobody likes Baron Corbin.
Well, I take it back. His dog likes him.
But then again his dog eats tofu, so he can't-- [laughs]
-[Ali yelling] -[Corey] Look at that.
Deep six. Thanks for coming, Ali.
[Michael] Baron Corbin looking to eliminate Mustafa Ali,
who is still in this match hanging on.
[Jerry] Look out, man, Shelton Benjamin.
-[JBL] Who was that? -[Corey] That was Apollo.
[Michael] Apollo Crews eliminated
as Shelton Benjamin now still in this matchup,
working on Andrade on the other side of the ring.
And now, it's Baron Corbin with a straight right hand to Seth Rollins,
and now Black to Drew McIntyre
as we now await number 24 to enter the Royal Rumble matchup.
[Corey] Corbin now looking to dump Ali to the outside.
[klaxon sounding]
["Loaded" by Zack Tempest playing]
-[Michael] Oh yeah. -[Corey] I like this.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Jeff Hardy.
Here comes Hardy.
[Corey] I talked to Jeff Hardy earlier today.
I said, "What are you looking forward to most?"
He said, "Graves, I've done everything there is to do in this business
except win a Royal Rumble match."
"That all changes tonight."
[JBL] He's talking about creating some iconic moments.
Some of the greatest in WWE's history belong to that man, Jeff Hardy.
[Michael] Could be my next pick.
[groans]
[Michael] Oh!
[Corey] Jawbreaker from Hardy, drops Ali.
Twist of Fate connects.
[grunting, yelling]
[Michael] And now Hardy driven into the corner.
And-- Oh!
Corbin runs into a right hand by Jeff Hardy.
-He goes up to the top rope. -[Jerry] Look out!
[Corey] It is getting crowded in that ring.
[Hardy groaning]
[groans]
[Corey] Pete Dunne now assailing Seth Rollins in the corner.
[Michael] Oh, wow!
Aleister Black right to the face.
And look at Pete Dunne now.
[Jerry] Ow, ow, ow.
-[yelling] -[Corey] Oh my God!
[Michael] Might have broken the fingers of Black.
-Pete Dunne just enjoys that, doesn't he? -[crowd] Oh!
[JBL] It's that old English style.
You know, Lord Steven Casey, Tony Saint Clair.
[Corey] Good thing Pete Dunne's wearing a mouthpiece
because otherwise, most of his teeth would be in the first row.
[screaming]
-Ooh, just popped it back in. -Put it back in.
[Michael] Can you believe that?
Mmm!
[Michael laughs] Man!
[groaning]
[Michael] And Baron Corbin looking to eliminate Aleister Black and he does.
[crowd booing]
[Jerry] I told you, nobody likes this guy.
[Michael] Baron Corbin would love to eliminate Pete Dunne right here.
-And Pete Dunne-- -[Corey] No, Pete, he might need those.
-[Jerry] Do it. Do it. -[JBL] That's his right hand.
-[crowd] Oh! -[Michael] Oh. Claymore kick by McIntyre.
And McIntyre sends Pete Dunne over the top rope
and out of the Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] What a hell of a showing for Pete Dunne tonight, though.
[Michael] Andrade, McIntyre, Hardy, Rollins, Benjamin, and Ali.
[Corey] This is truly a who's who of top Superstars
in the ring all at once.
[klaxon sounding]
[Michael] And at number 25.
["Booyaka 619" by WWE, P.O.D. playing]
Oh, baby. Rey Mysterio.
The winner of the 2006 Royal Rumble match,
when he went from entering number two to Paydirt.
He lasted an hour and two minutes in that matchup.
-[Jerry] I'm maybe picking Rey Mysterio. -[JBL] I gotta agree with you, King.
[Michael] And Mysterio off the top rope going right after Corbin,
-caught by Baron Corbin though. -[Corey] Uh-uh.
-[Rey Mysterio groans] -[Michael] What a backbreaker!
-[Corey] Wicked. -[Michael] Knee right to the spine.
[Corey] Rey Mysterio has had an unbelievable career resurgence
in recent months since returning back to WWE.
Looks like a man half of his age.
But here you go, Andrade hasn't forgotten
that he wants to make a name for himself at Rey Mysterio's expense.
-[grunting] -[Jerry] Jeff Hardy's in a lot of trouble.
[Michael] McIntyre looking to eliminate Jeff Hardy.
Meanwhile, Andrade planted,
who's had quite the rivalry with Rey Mysterio on SmackDown.
[Jerry] Well, Rey's had zero offense since he got in there.
[Michael] Rollins is still in this. Corbin delivering rights in the corner.
On the other side, that's Ali and Shelton Benjamin,
as we now await the number 26 entry.
-[Corey] Rollins is in trouble. -[Michael] Rollins in deep trouble.
Rollins trying to hang on. He's on the apron.
-[klaxon sounding] -Slides back into the ring.
["Dominance (Remix)" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
As "The Almighty" Bobby Lashley
comes down the entranceway,
led of course by his hype man, Lio Rush.
[Corey] The current Intercontinental Champion.
Over 48,000 people here in Chase Field.
All have their eyes locked on The Almighty.
[JBL] What a physique.
[Michael] Hey, guys, you know that an Intercontinental Champion
has never won the Royal Rumble match.
[JBL] Bobby Lashley could be the first.
Very easily.
[Michael] Goes right after Seth Rollins in a quiet rivalry.
[JBL] Bobby Lashley reminded me on the pre-show
that he won his first championship from me.
[Michael] And there's Lashley.
Lashley trying to hang on.
-And he's eliminated. -[Corey] He's gone!
[Michael] Lashley is out of this Rumble match already.
[indistinct chatter]
-[Corey] What-- -[Jerry] I can't believe it.
-I can't believe it. -[Corey] Well, how the--
[yells]
[JBL] Lio Rush is so wound up.
[Jerry] Easy now. Easy. Hey, hey, hey!
-What is wrong with you? -He's screaming at us to move
as he's tearing our announce table apart here.
[screaming]
[Corey] Don't know how this is gonna help anybody win the Royal Rumble.
[Michael] And meanwhile, Lashley is attacking Rollins.
Rollins has not been eliminated from this match.
[JBL] Bobby Lashley has gone crazy.
[Michael] But-- Yeah. He's gone berserk.
Lashley, eliminated, has gone absolutely nuts here.
[Jerry] Oh!
And Rollins now on the German announce table.
[Lio Rush] Right now!
[Michael] "The Almighty" Bobby Lashley is---
[JBL] Don't do that.
-Watch out, King. -[Jerry] Look out!
[Michael] Bobby Lashley!
[Jerry] Oh my God.
Bobby, that's enough.
[Michael] Bobby Lashley slamming Rollins through our table.
[Jerry] Get him out of here.
[crowd counting down]
[Michael] Lashley's so upset.
[crowd] …three, two, one.
[klaxon sounding]
[Corey] Enough is enough. Get him back.
["I Am Stronger" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[Michael] Well, the man who replaced John Cena in the Royal Rumble match,
"The Monster Among Men" Braun Strowman is now entering at number 27,
as they try to get Bobby Lashley out of here.
[Corey] Rollins hasn't moved.
[Michael] We need medical attention for Seth Rollins
who is lying here out cold at our feet.
Braun Strowman now marching down the aisle way.
Strowman, of course, the winner of the Greatest Royal Rumble last year.
[Corey] Strowman making a beeline for Baron Corbin.
[Michael] Remember, Baron Corbin cost Braun Strowman the Universal Championship.
[Corey] Braun Strowman cost Braun Strowman the opportunity to--
[Michael] Corbin eliminated by Strowman.
[Jerry] That didn't take long.
-[Michael] Remember, back at Crown Jewel-- -I'm fed up with you!
[Michael] …cost Strowman the…
[JBL] And at Crown Jewel, Strowman set the record
for eliminations with 13. He's picking up right where he left off.
[Michael] Now Braun Strowman with a kick to the midsection
of Shelton Benjamin.
[grunting]
And now Benjamin eliminated by Strowman.
[Jerry] I think Strowman is about to do to this Royal Rumble
what he did to Vince McMahon's limousine.
Turn this thing upside-down.
[JBL] Strowman holds the record for the most eliminations
in Elimination Chamber, Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble.
He has been virtually unstoppable.
[Michael] Meanwhile, inside the ring,
this action continues with McIntyre and Mustafa Ali,
Strowman and Jeff Hardy, Mysterio, Andrade.
[Corey] Seth Rollins still lifeless down here at our feet.
[JBL] Seth Rollins has hardly moved.
[crowd] …eight, seven, six, five…
[Michael] And right now, we are waiting the entry of number 28.
[Corey] Look at this precarious situation for Mysterio and Andrade.
["Here To Show The World" playing]
[Jerry] Jeff Hardy's in trouble. Look at this!
[Michael] Hardy's eliminated. Strowman's still on the apron.
Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre looks to the entranceway
because here comes his former buddy
and the man that he took out in a steel cage match,
Dolph Ziggler.
[Jerry] I think McIntyre thinks that he eliminated Strowman,
but, no, he didn't.
Oh! Whoa!
[Michael] And Dolph Ziggler now with a superkick to McIntyre.
[Corey] And Ziggler eliminating McIntyre.
Sweet, sweet revenge…
[crowd cheering]
[yelling]
…for the Showoff.
[Jerry] Oh watch out, Showoff!
[Michael] Ali with a kick right to the back of the neck.
[Jerry] Showoff just got shown up.
[Michael] But, yes, McIntyre has been eliminated.
[JBL] I forgot to mention, Strowman entered at number 27--
The number with the most wins in Royal Rumble history.
[Corey] I think Strowman would be happy to pad the statistic.
Andrade just spiked Mysterio.
-Good God! What a clothesline. -[Michael] Talk about spiking.
[JBL] If Mysterio lasts 23 minutes,
he'll be able to join the only two other people
that have spent four hours total in Royal Rumbles.
[roaring]
[JBL] Triple-H and Chris Jericho.
[crowd] Nine, eight, seven, six…
[Michael] Number 29, will be on his way.
[klaxon sounding]
["Voices" playing]
[crowd cheering]
Oh, The Viper,
who declared his intentions this past Tuesday night
on SmackDown, Corey, in a big, big way.
[Corey] An RKO from out of nowhere
flattening Samoa Joe who had wreaked havoc on everybody.
[Jerry] Look at Strowman.
[Corey] We mentioned it on Tuesday night.
Only one man in history has won three Royal Rumble matches,
that being "The Texas Rattlesnake," "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Will the Viper join that elite company tonight?
[Michael] Yeah. Randy Orton, two previous wins,
2009 and 2017.
He went from number 8 to number 23.
Tonight, he enters at number 29.
[Jerry] Look at Strowman's face.
He's so scary even his razor backs away from his face.
[Michael] And Randy Orton will not back down from Strowman.
In Randy Orton's career,
he has eliminated 22 competitors in the Royal Rumble match.
-[Corey] Uh-oh. -[Michael] Randy Orton went for the RKO.
[Jerry] Whoa, man.
[Michael] Blocked by Strowman. Braun Strowman now with a powerslam to Orton.
[roaring]
[crowd jeering]
[Corey] Look at Andrade up on the top rope.
[Jerry] Oh no. Look out.
[Corey] Mustafa Ali-- What the--
Don’t do this.
No way.
-[Jerry] Look. -[Michael] You gotta be kidding me.
-And now Mysterio-- -[Jerry] Oh!
[crowd exclaims]
[Jerry laughing] That was amazing.
[Michael] There are bodies everywhere.
[crowd chanting]
[JBL] The problem with that though
is you gotta get these guys up, get them over the top rope
to eliminate them.
[Jerry] Watch this again. This is unbelievable.
[Michael] And Strowman with a clothesline following it up.
Meanwhile, in the top part of your screen,
Braun Strowman-- Oh, posting it. Braun Strowman still in it.
-Did not go over the top rope. -[JBL] You're right.
[Michael] Went through the ropes to the floor.
[indistinct chatter]
[Corey] Man!
[Michael] Strowman down and out on one side.
Number 30 now. R-Truth.
We know R-Truth's number 30.
He will enter the Royal Rumble match as the final entry
-into this year's event. -[klaxon sounding]
[JBL] Strowman may have a dislocated shoulder. He's hurt.
["What's Up?" by WWE, R-Truth playing]
[R-Truth] Phoenix, Arizona.
Chase Field.
Here we go.
People over there, what's up?
If you feel me, say, "What's up?"
-What's up? -[crowd] What's up?
-[Michael] Wait a-- -Oh!
[Corey] What is Nia Jax doing?
[Michael] "The Irresistible Force" Nia Jax attacking R-Truth.
[Jerry] She just knocked him face-first into that retaining wall.
He's hurt.
What's this about?
[Michael] That's a great question, King.
Nia Jax ambushed R-Truth,
attacked him from behind.
And now Nia Jax is marching down the entranceway.
-[Jerry] Are you kidding me? -[Corey] What?
[crowd clamoring]
[Corey] This is what we saw in the Women's Royal Rumble match
with Becky Lynch.
Because Lana couldn't compete--
[Michael] But R-Truth can compete. Nia Jax just beat the hell out of him.
[Corey] That's what I'm saying.
[Jerry] She's in the match. She's in the ring.
[Michael] And I'm assuming this is official.
[Corey] What do you mean it's official?
[Michael] If it is, Nia Jax becomes,
I believe the… one, two, three… fourth woman
to ever compete in the Men's Royal Rumble match.
[Jerry] Oh no.
[Michael] I mean, there was Chyna, there was Beth Phoenix,
there was Kharma, and now Nia Jax?
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Look at the grin on the face,
that million-dollar smile on a wrecking ball.
[Jerry] She means business.
[Michael] Well, Nia Jax believes
she should have won the Women's Royal Rumble match earlier tonight.
[inaudible conversation]
Oh!
And Nia with a headbutt.
Nia Jax looking to eliminate. She does.
[crowd cheering]
Nia eliminates Mustafa Ali.
Ali lasted over 30 minutes in the Royal Rumble match
before being eliminated by Nia Jax.
[Jerry] Oh, Nia Jax, watch your back.
-There's a viper sneaking-- -[Michael] Look out, look out.
[Corey] Wrong guy.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Did you ever think in a million years, you would see this?
[Corey chuckles]
[crowd chanting]
This is what the Royal Rumble is all about.
[JBL] Fourteen-time World Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner,
facing off with Nia Jax.
-[Jerry] Ahh! -[Michael] No!
-[Corey] He went for it. -[Michael] Went for the RKO.
Shoulder tackle from Nia.
[Corey] Randy's in the wrong part of town.
I think Rey's gonna dial up the zip code.
[Michael] Well, Nia Jax saying, "Go ahead, Rey."
[Corey] Area code, zip code, a hundred hours deep at this point.
[JBL] Nia is directing traffic?
-[Michael] Well, she was. -[Corey] Oh no.
[Jerry] Are you kidding me?
[Michael] Nia Jax looking to eliminate Rey Mysterio.
Dolph Ziggler with a superkick.
-[Jerry laughs] -[Corey] What the hell are you doing, man?
-[Jerry] It staggered her. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Oh no!
-[Jerry] Oh, no. -[Corey] No, Rey, don't do that.
-[Jerry] No, do it. -[Corey] These people are cheering this.
[Michael] Well, she already eliminated Ali.
-619 from Mysterio! -[Jerry] Look out!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] No!
-[Jerry] She's out of it. -[Michael] Oh my God!
-RKO out of nowhere. -[crowd cheering]
[Corey laughing] What the hell is happening?
[Michael] Superkick, 619, RKO.
Nia Jax is down and out.
[JBL] We knew he was a snake.
-[Jerry laughs] -[JBL] I love it.
Randy Orton has done some things in his career.
-[Corey] Oh man! -[Michael] But do you believe he did that?
[JBL] I think Cowboy Bob is smiling right now in Saint Louis watching this.
[chuckling]
That is something I didn't think I'd see tonight.
[Michael] Well, Nia Jax, remember, attacked R-Truth.
She put herself in this position--
[JBL] Michael, you're right.
[Jerry] Look. Wait a minute. Hey, she's still in this thing.
[JBL] Apparently, she's in the Rumble. She's a contestant in it.
[Michael] John, she's already eliminated somebody. Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] Look at this.
-[Michael] Now Orton and Rey Mysterio. -[JBL] Oh!
[Michael] Is Nia still-- She's still in it.
She's still on the apron.
[Jerry] The Superwoman.
[Michael] And Mysterio now eliminates Nia Jax.
[crowd applauding]
Mysterio and Orton, a long rivalry.
[Corey] I don't think that Rey has come to terms with what just happened.
[Michael] Andrade and Dolph--
-RKO! -[crowd cheering]
[JBL] Andre the Giant once got eliminated by The Snake.
[Michael] Now Randy Orton tries to eliminate Mysterio, and he does.
And now Andrade from behind eliminates Orton.
Andrade, Ziggler remain.
Andrade just eliminated Randy Orton.
[Corey] WrestleMania could very well be tranquilo.
[Jerry] You can't turn your back on anybody in the Royal Rumble match.
[Michael] And now Ziggler and Andrade.
-You wanna go? -Yeah.
-Me and you. -Yeah.
[Michael laughing] Oh!
And Dolph Ziggler and Andrade exchanging right hands
in the middle of the ring here in the Royal Rumble match.
Ziggler went for the superkick, caught by Andrade.
-Side step. -[Jerry grunting]
[Michael] Andrade lands on his feet.
[Corey] Hammerlock DDT.
-[Jerry] Oh, nope, nope. -[Michael] Dolph Ziggler though…
counters momentarily.
[Jerry laughing] What's up with those, I think, headbutts?
Just not having the effect that he's hoping.
[Corey] The old rabbit punch.
[Michael] And Dolph Ziggler with a big right hand to Andrade.
And Dolph Ziggler to show up,
what a return this would be for Dolph Ziggler.
Meanwhile, we forgot about Strowman.
-[Jerry] What? -Strowman still in this thing.
[Corey] He went through the ropes, hit the post.
[Jerry] I'd forgotten about Strowman.
[Michael] Braun Strowman is back in the Royal Rumble match.
Remember, he won the Greatest Royal Rumble last year.
[JBL] Lucky spot number 27 also.
[Michael] The winner of this match
will be able to choose which champion he'll face at WrestleMania
in one of the main events.
-[JBL] Who's your favorite now, King? -[Jerry] You're looking at him.
Braun Strowman.
[Michael] Strowman just-- Oh man! Running almost through Andrade.
[Corey] Andrade's got flattened.
[roaring]
[Michael] And now Dolph Ziggler on the other side of the ring.
[JBL] That size and speed is incredible to see in person.
[Corey] 385 pounds with closing speed like that?
[scoffs] Terrifying.
[Michael] Braun, he went through the second rope.
Meanwhile, Braun Strowman--
-[Jerry] Oh, no, no! -[Michael] Strowman Slam!
Braun Strowman saw Seth Rollins coming to.
Rollins has not been eliminated from this match,
so Strowman said, "Let me make sure he stays down."
[JBL] The thing is, you gotta get Rollins in the ring
to get him out of the ring.
[Michael] There you go.
Braun Strowman just accomplished that pretty easily.
[Jerry] Let me get this straight. I'm confused.
So all four of these men right now
are still left in the Royal Rumble match?
[Michael] Ziggler, Andrade, Rollins, Strowman.
[Corey] One of these men will head to WrestleMania
to challenge the champion of their choosing.
[Michael] And now Braun Strowman with Seth Rollins on his shoulders.
Rollins trying to fight to stay in this thing.
-Ziggler with a superkick to Strowman. -[Corey] On the button.
[Jerry] It didn't put him down.
-[Michael] Andrade! -[Corey] Oh man!
[Michael] Double knees to The Monster Among Men.
[grunting]
-Ziggler, Zig Zag. -[Jerry] That got him.
[JBL] Smart strategy. Gang up on Strowman and fight it out among yourselves.
[Michael] Now Rollins going up to the top rope.
Seth Rollins looking to take out The Monster.
-Whoa. -[Michael] Frog splash by Rollins.
[Corey] I can't believe Rollins is even back in this fight
after being driven through our table a few minutes ago.
[Michael] Yeah, by "The Almighty" Bobby Lashley,
who was eliminated in near record time in this Rumble.
We're down to the four men,
Andrade, Rollins, Ziggler, and Strowman.
[JBL] This isn't when you turn on yourself.
This is when you get rid of the biggest threat. Strowman.
This is great strategy.
Then fight it out among yourselves.
-Yes! -[grunting]
[Michael] And Strowman now eliminates Andrade.
And we're down to three.
[Corey] Strowman just bull-rushed Andrade
and threw him right over the top rope.
[Michael] Ziggler and Rollins working together
to try to eliminate Strowman.
It's normally every man for themselves.
-[Jerry] Look at this. -[Michael] Braun Strowman-- Oh!
-[Jerry] No, no, no. -[Corey] They're both hanging on.
[Michael] Ziggler and Rollins still in this.
-Braun Strowman now-- -[Jerry] Ahh!
-Oh man! -[Michael] Eliminates Ziggler.
And now Rollins from behind.
-Look at this. -[Jerry] Whoa, whoa.
[Michael] Strowman still in it.
Strowman still in it. Rollins thinks he won,
but Braun Strowman is still hanging on.
And now Rollins with a kick.
Strowman teetering on the apron.
What does Seth Rollins have to do?
Will it be Rollins's moment?
[choking]
Strowman caught Rollins.
Chokeslam.
[Jerry] This Strowman is unreal.
[JBL] I think Rollins's luck has run out.
[Michael] And now Braun Strowman entering the ring and looks…
[crowd jeering]
…to take out Rollins and win
the 2019 Royal Rumble match.
[JBL] It looks like a foregone conclusion.
-I think you're right, Michael. -[Michael] Look at those hands.
Much like Strowman did at the Greatest Royal Rumble,
looking to dominate again here tonight
and eliminate Seth Rollins,
and get the matchup and the champion of his choice at WrestleMania.
[Corey] Brock Lesnar or Daniel Bryan.
[Jerry] Oh. Wait, wait, wait, wait.
[Michael] Seth Rollins trying to eliminate Strowman.
Strowman in trouble, top rope.
Rollins trying to wrestle him down to the floor.
[Jerry] Rollins has a death grip on his head.
[Michael] Strowman trying to hang on. Both men are on the apron of the ring.
[grunting]
[Michael] And, again, the power of Strowman.
Look at Strowman.
Rollins though posting Strowman.
Strowman's still on the apron.
Rollins to the midsection.
Strowman's still staying alive.
-Rollins! -Oh!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
-[Jerry] Oh my God! -Rollins is going to WrestleMania.
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Seth Rollins.
[Michael] Seth Rollins is going to WrestleMania.
Seth Rollins has won the Royal Rumble match.
[Jerry] What an amazing feat.
[Michael] 48,193 WWE fans on their feet
in celebration.
And now who will Rollins choose?
Will he choose Daniel Bryan and the WWE Title
or will he choose Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship?
[Jerry] I love the look on Seth Rollins's face.
I think he can't-- he can't believe it right now.
[JBL] What a year for Seth Rollins.
He's had this past 12 months,
and now he is the driver on the road to WrestleMania.
[music continues]
[Michael] Absolutely incredible closing sequence to this match.
The stomp by Rollins driving Strowman off the apron.
Seth Rollins is the winner
of the 2019 Royal Rumble match.
[Jerry laughing] Man oh man!
["Burn It Down" continues]
[Michael] The Kingslayer has slayed 29 other men,
as he looks out into the sea of people here
at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
Congratulations to Seth Rollins.
Rollins wins the Men's Royal Rumble match.
Becky Lynch wins the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[music ends]
Congratulations.
Thank you for joining us,
as we start the road to WrestleMania.
Goodnight, everybody, from Phoenix.
[music ends] erybody, from Phoenix.