Biggest winners from the WWE Royal Rumble 2016

Sasha Banks’ return was one of the high moments of the nightThe Royal Rumble PPV (live special?) was thoroughly entertaining, top to bottom. A fantastic weapons-based brawl, a decent (well as decent as the Usos can be) tag title match, a competitive US title match and a surprisingly good Divas match. The Rumble match was also very good, one of the better ones in recent years. A better winner was possible, but dammit AJ Styles debuted and it was a dream come true.The event also set up WWE's future nicely. Without further ado, here are the biggest winners from the Royal Rumble PPV

#6 Triple H

Triple H is now a 14-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion

I can’t say that I would’ve ever enjoyed a HHH title win this much in 2016, but I really did. I’ll probably get to the point of not liking it soon, but as of the time of writing this I’m digging his victory. The winner of the Royal Rumble and the top title in WWE is its COO, Triple H, who celebrated his victory with his wife and father-in-law as the show went off the air.

Hunter came in at number 30, which is pretty much what many people were calling. He personally threw out the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and even survived a showdown with the current Intercontinental Champion.

It was a solid showing by the boss but I cannot shake the feeling that this was rather unnecessary. Hunter doesn’t need the title to make his feud with Reigns important. Someone like Lesnar should have taken the title, but now HHH is one step closer to Ric Flair’s amazing record.

#5 AJ Styles

Styles came out to DMX’s “Ain’t No Sunshine”

There really weren’t too many surprise entrants into this Rumble, save for this explosive debut. Just about a day removed from a Bullet Club Curtain Call in Ring of Honor, AJ entered the ring at number 3. The crowd went wild for him; probably the biggest pop of the night.

Styles was number 3 and didn’t get eliminated until he faced off against the number 18 entry, Kevin Owens. He was positioned opposite Roman Reigns in these early moments of the Rumble, like they were trying to one up each other with each new competitor that entered the ring. It was a fantastic introduction for him into WWE.

#4 Kalisto

Kalisto successfully defended his title on SmackDown

This article is an inherently positive one, but the thing that stood out most to me in the match for the United States Championship was that botch by Kalisto. It looked like he was attempting a Sunset Flip Powerbomb after standing on Alberto’s back, but he instead just landed on his head. Luckily, he was okay and had enough wherewithal to still rollup Del Rio.

Botch aside, the match had a great ending. Alberto sort of defeated himself when his head was driven into the turnbuckle that he himself exposed. This made him vulnerable for a Salida del Sol that put him away for a pinfall and they did well to play up the whole underdog thing.

#3 New Day

New...Day rocks!

They retained their tag titles with the usual entertaiment. Of course, bad guys can’t win clean so Xavier put Kofi’s foot under the rope, but the pin didn’t involve shenanigans and Big E finally ended a match with his finisher.

I expected more from New Day in the Royal Rumble and Kofi’s spot for this year was quite boring and unimpressive. He already did it with the Rosebuds last year and WWE need to get creative or let it go.

New Day are entertaining, the Usos are not. When New Day dance, its amazing. But when the Usos dance, it makes you cringe. But, you get what you get. The only problem for WWE is where the tag division goes from here.

#2 Dean Ambrose

Last Man Standing

Right. Amazing match against Owens. His fantastic performance in the Rumble was a joy to watch. He sold his injuries but fought and made his way to the final two. He outlasted Roman Reigns and came agonizingly close to becoming a joint World Heavyweight and Intercontinental champion.

Now, Dean can make multiple plays. As IC champion, he can move into a rumoured Chris Jericho feud or he can interimly fight Triple H as one of the final two of the Rumble match. I sincerely hope WWE moves him away from his usual role as Roman Reigns’ buddy and he can finally break out on his own.

He is of course a very talented performer and so it’s frustrating to see him stuck with Roman Reigns. Well, all’s well that ends well I suppose.

#1 Kevin Owens

Owens’ star is on the rise, regardless of Vince’s disapproval

Kevin Owens had a great night, despite not winning either of his matches. His amazing weapons-based brawl with Dean Ambrose, arguably stole the show. He put his body through great punishment and entertained the crowd. He may have come up short in his match, but he sure as heck won’t be considered a loser. His short cameo in the Rumble served its purpose. In a masterstroke by the WWE, Owens eliminated Styles.

Going forward, Owens is bubbling with potential. He can continue his feud with Dean Ambrose which has been fantastic or he could move on to face Sami Zayn and A.J. Styles (*drools*). Also, he once again proved his mettle as a heel with the subtly well timed “Thanksgiving is in November, Morons!’ to some fans thanking him for taking out tables,