WWE Royal Rumble 2021 - Star ratings for every match

WWE Royal Rumble 2021 - Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship

Does he have your respect now, @DMcIntyreWWE? #RoyalRumble @Goldberg pic.twitter.com/svoYHxde8k

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 1, 2021

Outside of the Royal Rumble matches, the match with the most intrigue heading into this event was Drew McIntyre defending the WWE Championship against Goldberg. The interest had little to do with the expected match quality, but it was actually about what the result would be. Goldberg has made a new streak of beating defending champions, which had fans worried that Drew would be the next one on the chopping block.

This WWE Royal Rumble 2021 opener followed the formula of Goldberg's usual matches. There was action before the bell with the WWE Hall of Famer giving McIntyre a spear through the barricade. The WWE Champion sold this extremely well and created more vulnerability for his character. The near falls during the contest were greatly assisted by this beatdown.

He wanted to take his reign to another level, and @DMcIntyreWWE did JUST THAT by defeating @Goldberg to retain his #WWETitle! #AndStill #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/MOeN7kU09w

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2021

Drew McIntyre came out hot with the Claymore, but Goldberg became the first Superstar since Brock Lesnar to kick out. The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion then dominated with spears and a jackhammer that only got him a two-count. McIntyre then avoided another spear and followed with another Claymore for the win and successfully defended the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.

This encounter was short much like Goldberg's past battles. However, this was genuinely entertaining and exceeded low expectations. Drew McIntyre did not add another banger to his catalog, but he did defeat a former multi-time world champion and bonafide legend of the business at WWE Royal Rumble 2021.

Star rating: **3/4