5 key takeaways from WWE Royal Rumble 2022

#1. WWE showed its lack of will to fully invest in the future in the Men's Royal Rumble Match

At this year's Royal Rumble, WWE failed to create a breakout star. Last year, Bianca Belair established herself as a force to be reckoned with when she won the 2021 Women's Rumble Match. On the same night, Damian Priest made his main roster debut and eliminated four superstars, including Hall of Famer Kane.

There was no outstanding breakout performance in this year's Rumble Matches. Vince McMahon's latest project, Austin Theory, could've benefitted immensely from a star-making performance, but he didn't accomplish much as he was a non-factor. Big E's woes continued as he scored zero eliminations and was eliminated by Riddle and Randy Orton in just six minutes. The reigning US Champion, Damian Priest, was eliminated early by Omos. Such incidences show an unwillingness to fully commit to talented individuals who could become significant players one day.

On the contrary, it was a night dominated by veterans nearing the tail-end of their careers. While AJ Styles is still a big-time player, he wasn't to eliminate six superstars, including prospects like Theory and Ridge Holland. The winner, Brock Lesnar, tossed over five men like they were meaningless individuals. Shane-O-Mac's return was a pleasant surprise, but he shouldn't have eliminated Kevin Owens, a star already struggling to maintain his aura.

The final six included Bad Bunny and Shane-O-Mac, two individuals who will never be around full-time.

On a night where stars could be made, WWE stuck to its tendency to rely on stars from the past and part-timers when it could've made a new mega superstar.