2017 Royal Rumble Winner Highlights and Surprises

The 2017 Royal Rumble was a landmark event in professional wrestling, capturing the attention of fans around the globe. Held on January 29, 2017, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, this Rumble marked the 30th annual iteration of the event—and it did not disappoint! With a star-studded lineup and much anticipation around the surprises that would unfold, this

The Road to the Rumble

Leading up to the 2017 Royal Rumble, the WWE universe was buzzing with excitement and speculation. This build-up included various storylines and rivalries that set the stage for an explosive event. Here are some key highlights from the road to the Rumble:

• SmackDown vs. Raw: The brand split added layers of competition, as both brands aimed to showcase their top talents. This generated intense rivalries and heightened stakes, with fans eager to see which superstars would prevail.
• Previous Champions Returning: The announcement of legends and former champions entering the Rumble created an air of nostalgia. This included favorites like The Undertaker and Chris Jericho, who were expected to make a significant impact.
• Suspenseful Build-Up: Throughout January, numerous qualifying matches took place, leading to unexpected outcomes that stirred the pot. With surprise entrants and shocking alliances forming, fans were left guessing who might take home the win.

Ultimately, the road to the Rumble created a unique storyline that captivated fans and kept the excitement brewing. As the big day approached, all eyes were set on who would emerge victorious and secure their spot in WrestleMania history.

Key Matches Leading Up to the Rumble

Before the 2017 Royal Rumble, the build-up included some exciting matches that set the stage for the big event. Let's take a look at some key encounters leading up to the Rumble:

• WWE Championship Match: AJ Styles vs. John Cena - This match at the 2017 Royal Rumble was pivotal. Cena was chasing his 16th title reign, while Styles aimed to solidify his position as champion. Their previous encounters had delivered high stakes, with Styles gaining a significant victory at Backlash in 2016.
• Universal Championship Match: Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns - Another critical match contributing to the Rumble's buildup was this nose-to-nose encounter. Roman Reigns was known for his relentless pursuit of the championship, while Owens was intent on proving he could keep his title, always with the threat of Chris Jericho lurking in the background.
• WWE Women's Championship Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley - This was an exciting rivalry that culminated in a match at the Royal Rumble, where Bayley sought to dethrone Charlotte, who had held the championship for over a year. The fan support for Bayley was enormous, adding to the drama.

These matches contributed a great deal of tension and anticipation as fans speculated on how they would influence the Royal Rumble event and its outcomes. The history and rivalries built up during this time cast a long shadow, making the Rumble even more thrilling. It's always thrilling to see how the storylines connect and lead into such major pay-per-views.

Highlights of the 2017 Royal Rumble Event

The 2017 Royal Rumble was an unforgettable night packed with shocking moments and thrilling action. Here are some of the highlights from the event:

• The return of The Undertaker - One of the biggest surprises of the night was the appearance of The Undertaker. As one of wrestling's iconic figures, his entrance brought the arena to a standstill, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Fans eagerly speculated on his role in future storylines after his dramatic entry.
• The thrilling Royal Rumble Match - The match itself was filled with unexpected twists. With 30 superstars vying for the chance to headline WrestleMania, moments of suspense were at an all-time high. From surprise entrants to eliminations that left everyone buzzing, it truly was a rollercoaster ride!
• Randy Orton's historic win - Randy Orton triumphed in the Rumble match, marking his name in history once again. His cunning and strategic play allowed him to outlast numerous competitors and win the coveted opportunity, earning him a championship match at WrestleMania.
• Championship Matches - The matches for the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship were equally exhilarating. AJ Styles and John Cena delivered a classic encounter that showcased their wrestling prowess, while Owens defended his title against Roman Reigns in a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Each match had the audience roaring with excitement.

The 2017 Royal Rumble was truly a night to remember with surprises that kept fans talking long after the event concluded. Each moment seemed to hint at new rivalries and storylines that would unfold in the months leading to WrestleMania! It’s a reminder of why we love wrestling – the thrill of unpredictability and the passion that drives the athletes.

5. Surprise Entrants and Fan Reactions

The 2017 Royal Rumble was packed with unforgettable moments and, as usual, the element of surprise played a significant role in the match's excitement. The roster of entrants was full of well-known Superstars, but it was the surprise entrants that truly sent shockwaves through the audience and made the event stand out. Here’s a deeper dive into some of those surprise appearances and how fans reacted.

• James Ellsworth: The diminutive underdog returned to the WWE stage, proving once again that size doesn’t dictate heart. His presence elicited a huge pop from the crowd, as fans cheered for his determination against the much larger competitors.
• Mystery Entrant: The biggest surprise was undoubtedly the return of Chris Jericho, known for his innovative style and charisma. His unexpected entry brought the house down, generating an electric atmosphere that had everyone on their feet.
• Tyler Breeze: Another unexpected entry, Breeze's flamboyant character mixed with the gravity of the Rumble matched the crowd’s enthusiasm. Fans were thrilled to see him take part, adding to the overall excitement.

As these surprises unfolded, the crowd's reactions were priceless. Cheers, gasps, and ‘oohs’ filled the arena, showcasing the unpredictability that makes the Royal Rumble so special. A blend of nostalgia, excitement, and, of course, sheer unpredictability kept both fans in the arena and those watching at home buzzing. The chatter on social media exploded as fans shared their favorite moments, reflecting on the joy these surprise entrants brought to the event.

The Final Moments of the Rumble Match

The final moments of the 2017 Royal Rumble match were nothing short of exhilarating. Tension filled the air as the final participants battled it out for the coveted main event spot at WrestleMania. The culmination of the match showcased a stunning display of athleticism, strategy, and sheer willpower. Let's break down what went down in those nail-biting moments.

As the clock ticked down, the atmosphere grew increasingly intense. Fans could barely contain their excitement as they recognized Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt as the final two competitors. The stakes were incredibly high, not just for these two Superstars, but for the audience’s expectations. With every near elimination and surprising reversal, the crowd’s anticipation reached a fever pitch.

Ultimately, it was Randy Orton who outsmarted Bray Wyatt, delivering a decisive RKO that sealed his victory. The audience erupted in cheers, marking a pivotal moment that would lead Orton to headline WrestleMania. The final moments left fans reeling with excitement, showcasing what the Royal Rumble is truly all about: surprises, suspense, and unforgettable memories.

7. Who Won the 2017 Royal Rumble?

Let's dive into the action of the 2017 Royal Rumble, a pivotal event in WWE history! The winner of this relentless battle royale was none other than Randy Orton. The 30-man Royal Rumble match is always full of surprises and excitement, but Randy Orton's victory on January 29, 2017, was nothing short of spectacular. He entered the match as the 24th entrant and showcased his incredible skill and timing.

Orton's victory marked his second Royal Rumble win, with his first being back in 2009. The match was stacked with talent, featuring superstars like Bray Wyatt, Goldberg, Undertaker, and Roman Reigns. As the match unfolded, fans were treated to a wild display of athleticism and drama.

• Surprising Allies: Orton showed a surprising alliance with Bray Wyatt during the match, working together to eliminate several competitors.
• Iconic Eliminations: One of the highlights was Orton eliminating the legendary Undertaker, a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe.

With his plan executed to perfection, Orton claimed his ticket to the main event at WrestleMania 33, setting the stage for an exciting road ahead!

8. Aftermath and Implications for WrestleMania

The aftermath of the 2017 Royal Rumble had significant implications for WWE's biggest event of the year, WrestleMania. As Randy Orton celebrated his victory, all eyes turned to the potential matchups that would stem from this historic win.

Orton's victory positioned him as the #1 contender for the WWE Championship, held at the time by Bray Wyatt. This created an intriguing dynamic, especially since Wyatt and Orton had formed a strategic alliance during the Rumble, only to find themselves on a collision course at WrestleMania 33.

Additionally, the 2017 Royal Rumble also opened the door for intriguing rivalries and storylines featuring other key superstars, further enriching the WrestleMania card.

As fans looked forward to WrestleMania, the excitement continued to build, fueled by the unexpected twists and dramatic feuds ignited by the 2017 Royal Rumble. The stage was set for an unforgettable showdown!

2017 Royal Rumble Winner Highlights and Surprises

The 2017 Royal Rumble took place on January 29, 2017, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and was a night filled with unexpected twists and thrilling moments. The Royal Rumble match itself featured 30 entrants, all vying for a chance to main event WrestleMania 33. This year's event was particularly noteworthy for the dramatic returns and surprises that captivated fans during the match.

Key Highlights:

• Bray Wyatt entered the Royal Rumble match as the 5th participant and displayed remarkable endurance throughout the match.
• The match included surprise appearances from WWE legends such as Goldberg, Undertaker, and Brock Lesnar.
• Randy Orton, who was one of the long-standing competitors, made an impressive showing and ultimately emerged as the 2017 Royal Rumble winner, marking his second Rumble victory.

Surprises:

• Goldberg, who returned to WWE after a lengthy hiatus, eliminated Lesnar within seconds, stunning the audience.
• Entrant #27, the Undertaker, received a massive ovation as he made his way to the ring, adding an element of nostalgia to the match.
• Fans were also taken aback by the return of former champion Roman Reigns, who faced mixed reactions from the crowd.

In conclusion, the 2017 Royal Rumble was a defining moment in WWE history, showcasing not only the athletic prowess of its competitors but also the surprises that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Randy Orton’s victory and the shocking returns highlighted a night that reaffirmed the excitement and unpredictability of professional wrestling.