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WWE Royal Rumble 2021 - Men's Royal Rumble Match
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The Men's Royal Rumble had a lot to live up to following a deeply satisfying and emotional Women's edition this year. Things would definitely be off to a charged start with the returning Rated-R Superstar Edge and Randy Orton coming in at No. #1 and No. #2. The two men fought before the bell, showing off their rich history and hatred for one another.
Much like the Women's Royal Rumble, the ring filled up quickly with eliminations being more spread out. However, unlike the ladies, the men's roster did not have the same stars from top-to-bottom. The middle portion of this Rumble particularly felt stale with so many performers who did not feel like they had any chance of being in the contest, let alone winning it.
A top AEW star just called one of his colleagues 'spoiled' and 'narcissistic' HERE.
There were WWE Superstars who made a good showing for themselves like Big E, Riddle, and the debuting Damian Priest. The former NXT North American Champion tied Big E and Seth Rollins with a total of four eliminations. He also went toe-to-toe with a few legends. Priest even tossed Kane over the top rope.
The surprise return of Christian will be the iconic moment of this Royal Rumble and the entire event. After seven years of being denied the chance to step back in the ring due to concussions, the former World Heavyweight Champion looked like he hadn't missed a day and brought a bolt of energy into this match.
Other Superstars who stood out had to be the returning Carlito, a funny cameo from The Hurricane, and Daniel Bryan. The former SmackDown General Manager was in there trying to get a piece of many different competitors. His interactions with Riddle were among the highlights and times that fans had to book their own dream matches.
The 2021 Men's Royal Rumble will be remembered for Edge, though. The Ultimate Opportunist became just the third man in history to go from the first spot to win the Royal Rumble Match. His endurance for a man who has been on the shelf for over six months is staggering and should be praised. Edge deserves this and is on his way to WrestleMania.
Star rating: ***3/4
