Royal Rumble 2022: Top Moments, Surprises, And Controversies

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into the Royal Rumble 2022, a night packed with unforgettable moments, shocking surprises, and a healthy dose of controversy. This event, held on January 29, 2022, at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri, had everything a wrestling fan could ask for. From returning legends to unexpected victories, the Royal Rumble 2022 delivered drama and excitement in spades. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s break down all the action!

The Highs: Unforgettable Moments and Epic Returns

The Royal Rumble is always a hotbed for spectacular moments, and the 2022 edition was no exception. One of the biggest highlights of the night was the surprise return of Ronda Rousey. After a hiatus from WWE, Rousey entered the Women's Royal Rumble match and showcased her dominant presence, ultimately winning the match and securing a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. Her return sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, and the crowd erupted with excitement as she hoisted the trophy. This marked a significant comeback for Rousey and immediately reignited her rivalry with top female superstars.

Another unforgettable moment was the performance of Brock Lesnar. Having lost his WWE Championship earlier in the night, Lesnar made a surprise entry into the Men's Royal Rumble match. His sheer power and intensity were on full display as he bulldozed through the competition, eliminating multiple wrestlers in quick succession. Lesnar's dominance culminated in him winning the Royal Rumble, setting the stage for a highly anticipated championship match at WrestleMania. His victory was a testament to his enduring popularity and his ability to captivate audiences with his unparalleled athleticism.

The Royal Rumble also featured several other notable returns and appearances. Fan favorites like Lita, Mickie James, and Shane McMahon made their presence felt, adding a layer of nostalgia and excitement to the event. These returns not only provided memorable moments but also created opportunities for new storylines and potential rivalries. The combination of established legends and rising stars created a dynamic atmosphere that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Furthermore, the Royal Rumble matches themselves were filled with edge-of-your-seat action. High-flying maneuvers, unexpected eliminations, and dramatic near-misses were aplenty, ensuring that there was never a dull moment. The creative storytelling within the matches added depth and intrigue, with alliances forming and breaking, and rivalries intensifying. These elements combined to create a truly unforgettable viewing experience for wrestling fans around the world.

The Lows: Controversies and Disappointments

Of course, no Royal Rumble is without its share of controversies and disappointments, and the 2022 event had its fair share. One of the main criticisms was the booking of certain wrestlers and storylines. Some fans felt that certain superstars were unfairly eliminated or underutilized, while others were disappointed with the direction of specific rivalries. These criticisms highlighted the subjective nature of professional wrestling and the challenges that WWE faces in satisfying its diverse fanbase.

One particular point of contention was the handling of the WWE Championship match between Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley. The match ended in controversial fashion, with interference from Paul Heyman playing a significant role in the outcome. This finish frustrated many fans who felt that it undermined the credibility of both wrestlers and the championship itself. The controversy surrounding the match sparked debates and discussions online, with fans expressing their opinions on the booking decisions.

Another disappointment for some fans was the lack of surprise entrants in the Royal Rumble matches. While there were a few notable returns, some fans had hoped for even more unexpected appearances. This led to speculation and disappointment, as many dream matchups and potential storylines failed to materialize. The absence of certain wrestlers left some fans feeling underwhelmed and longing for more surprises.

Moreover, there were concerns about the overall pacing and structure of the event. Some fans felt that the show was too long and that certain matches dragged on unnecessarily. This impacted the overall viewing experience and led to complaints about the event's length. The criticism of the pacing highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between action, storytelling, and downtime in professional wrestling events.

Surprises That Shook the Ring

The Royal Rumble is synonymous with surprises, and 2022 did not disappoint. Ronda Rousey's return was arguably the biggest shock of the night. After being away from WWE for an extended period, her unexpected entry into the Women's Royal Rumble match sent the crowd into a frenzy. Her dominant performance and eventual victory solidified her status as a top superstar and set the stage for a high-profile WrestleMania match.

Another surprise was the appearance of Bad Bunny in the Men's Royal Rumble match. The Grammy-winning artist showcased his athleticism and wrestling skills, lasting an impressive amount of time in the match and even eliminating some established stars. His involvement added a unique element to the Royal Rumble and demonstrated WWE's willingness to collaborate with mainstream celebrities.

The return of Shane McMahon was also a surprise for many fans. After being away from WWE television for several months, McMahon made a surprise entry into the Men's Royal Rumble match. His appearance added a sense of unpredictability to the match and created opportunities for new storylines and rivalries. McMahon's involvement injected a dose of nostalgia and excitement into the event.

Additionally, the performance of some unexpected wrestlers in the Royal Rumble matches was a pleasant surprise. Superstars who were not initially considered frontrunners exceeded expectations and delivered memorable performances. These wrestlers seized the opportunity to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves on one of WWE's biggest stages. Their performances added depth and excitement to the Royal Rumble matches and demonstrated the depth of talent within WWE's roster.

The Aftermath: WrestleMania Bound

The Royal Rumble 2022 had significant implications for WrestleMania. Ronda Rousey's victory in the Women's Royal Rumble match guaranteed her a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. She chose to challenge Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Championship, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between two of WWE's top female superstars. Their rivalry promised to be intense and personal, with both wrestlers vying for supremacy on the grandest stage of them all.

Brock Lesnar's victory in the Men's Royal Rumble match also had major WrestleMania implications. He chose to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship, setting up a rematch of their previous encounters. Lesnar and Reigns have a long and storied history, and their rivalry is one of the most iconic in modern WWE. Their WrestleMania showdown promised to be a brutal and physical battle, with both wrestlers determined to walk away as the Universal Champion.

The Royal Rumble also provided opportunities for other wrestlers to establish themselves as contenders for WrestleMania. Superstars who delivered memorable performances in the Royal Rumble matches positioned themselves for potential championship opportunities or high-profile matches at WrestleMania. The event served as a launching pad for new storylines and rivalries, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable road to WrestleMania.

In conclusion, the Royal Rumble 2022 was a night of unforgettable moments, shocking surprises, and a healthy dose of controversy. From Ronda Rousey's triumphant return to Brock Lesnar's dominant victory, the event delivered drama and excitement in spades. While there were some criticisms and disappointments, the overall experience was one that wrestling fans will remember for years to come. The Royal Rumble set the stage for an exciting road to WrestleMania, with several high-profile matches and rivalries already in place. As we look ahead to WrestleMania, it's clear that the Royal Rumble 2022 will have a lasting impact on the landscape of WWE.