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The 30th Annual Royal Rumble event was probably the most anticipated pay-per-view in recent memory.
With a star-studded roster in the match, a pantheon of legends, and the thrill of watching the clock count down to zero, to signal the arrival of the next participant, this was a thrilling affair in many ways.
At the same time, while millions tuned in to catch the event, we cannot help but feel that many were disappointed with certain booking decisions from WWE. Without further ado, let’s take a look back at this event and revisit the best and worst of Royal Rumble 2017.
#1 Worst: Wasted number 30 spot/ Possible reason behind the move
When The Undertaker entered at number 29, and the 30th spot was yet to be disclosed, many names were speculated. Names such as Kenny Omega, Kurt Angle and heck, even NXT’s own Samoa Joe were being thrown about. Who eventually showed up?
The same man who had been booed by 50000+ wrestling fans in unison, not so long ago. Roman Reigns did have a great match against Kevin Owens in the undercard, but we really think that this was a questionable booking decision by WWE.
The decision to have him enter the match was probably to build up an Undertaker vs Roman Reigns program, and we’re not sure we’re really excited about that. We echo the sentiments of the crowd that chanted ‘this is bulls***’.
#1 Best: The massive crowd
The Alamodome in Texas is a legendary venue indeed, because of its rich and storied history. Moreover, because it can fit so many WWE fans, the entire pay-per-view had a big fight feel, through the course of the night.
Whether they were cheering the participants much like a choir or uniting to boo Roman Reigns as one massive entity; they were very loud. Every single match felt special because of this. Oh, except one of course.
#2 Worst: Complete silence for the cruiserweights
From a massive roaring crowd during the Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens match, we came to the cruiserweights. There was more silence for this segment than there is in libraries. Clearly, no one cares about this division at all.
Soon after we came to the John Cena vs. AJ Styles match and the crowd was vocal again.
This has been a continuing trend, even during 205 Live. The match in itself wasn’t bad at all. We think Neville is a great champion for the division too. Sadly, there was absolutely no heat at all, like always.
#2 Best: Cena ties Flair’s record
All records, however sacred they are, are meant to be broken. We all knew that Cena would not only tie Ric Flair’s record (which is actually much more than 16 championship wins) but eventually surpass it.
We’re glad he paid tribute to his idol - The Nature Boy with the Figure Four leg lock as well. John Cena, much like Ric Flair is a once-in-a-lifetime performer, and we are glad AJ Styles gave him the match of his life for him to get to this coveted spot.
Did anyone notice that Little Naitch was the referee for the match?
#3 Worst: Lack of surprise entrants?
The build to the Rumble was massive because of the big names that were advertised. Sadly, that would be the peak of our excitement, as there would be no surprise entrants at all through the match with the exception of Tye Dillinger.
A few NXT call-ups like Samoa Joe or Nakamura would have sufficed, really. Sadly, the unknown spots were filled with wrestlers from WWE's own main roster undercard like James Ellsworth and Apollo Crews.
Sure, it was nice to see Mark Henry back home, but it wasn’t the mark out moment we were expecting very honestly.
#3 Best: Hard hitting Universal Championship match
Hey, the show wasn’t all bad. Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns have had a borderline stale feud for months now, wrestling each other on a weekly basis. If this was the final match in their feud, it was a great way to cap it off.
Some of the bumps that both men took during the match looked almost life-threatening.
Chris Jericho was brilliant inside the Shark Cage with his hilarious mannerisms all through the night. Hey, and Reigns is not Universal Champion, so that's always a good thing, right? Right?
#4 Worst: McMahon's favourites come out after the champions
Both number one contenders, Roman Reigns and John Cena made their entrances after the two champions at the Royal Rumble.
It's not a big deal, but it shows the difference in treatment between indy and homegrown talent.
#4 Undecided: Randy Orton in the Wrestlemania 33 main event
Randy Orton can put on decent matches for sure. We’ve seen this week after week, month after month, year after year, till we're almost sick and tired of watching him at the top spot.
Hey, at least it’s not Roman Reigns. Let’s take consolation in that fact, at least.
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