WWE Royal Rumble 2017: Full Match Highlights
Let's dive into the thrilling WWE Royal Rumble 2017! This event, held on January 29, 2017, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, was a night packed with surprises, intense matchups, and unforgettable moments. The Royal Rumble is always a highly anticipated event, and the 2017 edition certainly lived up to the hype. For wrestling fans, reliving this match is like taking a trip down memory lane, reminding us why we love the unpredictable nature and high-stakes drama of WWE. So, buckle up as we break down the highlights of the full match, capturing all the key moments and shocking eliminations that made this Royal Rumble a standout.
The Royal Rumble match itself is a battle royale featuring 30 participants, who enter at timed intervals. The goal is simple: eliminate all opponents by tossing them over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. The last man standing is crowned the winner and earns a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. In 2017, the stakes were even higher, making every elimination, near-miss, and surprise entrant all the more significant. The energy inside the Alamodome was palpable, and the roar of the crowd added to the electric atmosphere. From the opening bell to the final elimination, the Royal Rumble 2017 delivered a roller-coaster of emotions and showcased the incredible athleticism and showmanship of WWE superstars. Whether you watched it live or are discovering it now, this match is a must-see for any wrestling enthusiast.
The Royal Rumble 2017 was more than just a match; it was a showcase of WWE's storytelling prowess. Each entrant had a purpose, and the match weaved together various storylines, feuds, and alliances. This element of narrative depth elevated the event beyond simple competition and made it a captivating spectacle. Keep reading to discover more about the key participants, surprise entrants, and unforgettable moments that defined the Royal Rumble 2017. Every twist and turn kept fans on the edge of their seats, solidifying the Royal Rumble's place as one of WWE's most exciting and unpredictable events. This edition was no exception, providing a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and the promise of what was to come in the world of professional wrestling.
The Entrants and Early Action
The Royal Rumble 2017 kicked off with a bang, featuring a diverse lineup of superstars, each with their own ambitions and strategies. The initial entrants set the tone for a grueling and unpredictable match, and the early moments were filled with intense battles and strategic positioning. From veterans looking to prove they still had what it takes to up-and-comers eager to make a name for themselves, the Royal Rumble stage was set for a clash of titans.
The match began with Braun Strowman and Big Cass, a classic David vs. Goliath scenario. Strowman, known for his monstrous strength and imposing presence, immediately asserted his dominance. His early eliminations sent a clear message: he was a force to be reckoned with. Big Cass, despite his size and power, found himself quickly overwhelmed by Strowman's relentless assault. This opening clash highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble, where even the most formidable competitors could be caught off guard. The crowd was electric, sensing the intensity of the battle to come and eagerly anticipating the next entrant.
As the clock ticked down, more superstars joined the fray. Chris Jericho, a seasoned veteran known for his cunning and resilience, entered the match with a clear strategy: survive and capitalize on opportunities. His experience and ring awareness made him a dangerous threat, and he skillfully avoided early eliminations. Jericho's presence added a layer of intrigue, as his history with many of the other participants created potential alliances and rivalries. The entrances continued, each new competitor bringing their unique style and skillset to the Royal Rumble. The ring filled with a mix of brawlers, high-flyers, and technical wrestlers, all vying for a chance at WrestleMania glory. The dynamic of the match shifted with each new entrant, making it impossible to predict what would happen next. The early action set the stage for the surprises, betrayals, and unforgettable moments that would define the Royal Rumble 2017.
Mid-Match Mayhem and Surprises
As the Royal Rumble 2017 progressed, the mid-match action intensified, bringing with it a series of surprises and memorable moments. This phase of the match is where the unexpected often happens, with surprise entrants, shocking eliminations, and the emergence of potential contenders. The ring became a chaotic battleground, and the stakes were higher than ever.
One of the most talked-about moments was the entrance of Tye Dillinger at number 10. The crowd erupted in unison, chanting "10! 10! 10!" in support of the fan-favorite superstar. Dillinger's popularity had been building for months, and his Royal Rumble debut was a defining moment in his career. While his time in the match was relatively short, the reaction he received highlighted the power of fan support in WWE. This moment served as a reminder that the Royal Rumble is not just about winning; it's also about creating lasting memories and connecting with the audience.
Another surprise came in the form of Jack Gallagher, known for his unique Gentleman persona and technical wrestling skills. Gallagher brought a different style to the match, using his agility and mat-based offense to frustrate his opponents. Although he wasn't a favorite to win, his presence added a layer of variety to the Royal Rumble and showcased the diversity of talent in WWE. His innovative moves and quirky mannerisms entertained the crowd and added to the overall excitement of the event. The mid-match mayhem also saw several unexpected eliminations. Established stars like Sheamus and Cesaro were tossed over the top rope, reminding everyone that no one was safe in the Royal Rumble. These eliminations created opportunities for new contenders to step up and made the outcome of the match even more uncertain. The Royal Rumble is a contest of endurance, strategy, and a bit of luck, and the mid-match action underscored these elements perfectly.
Final Showdown and Winner
The final stages of the Royal Rumble 2017 were nothing short of epic. As the number of participants dwindled, the tension in the Alamodome reached fever pitch. The remaining superstars, battered and bruised, dug deep, giving it everything they had in pursuit of WrestleMania glory. This is where legends are made and dreams are realized, making every moment of the final showdown unforgettable.
Among the final competitors were Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, and Chris Jericho. Reigns, a polarizing figure known for his strength and resilience, entered late and quickly made his presence felt. His powerful moves and aggressive style made him a formidable threat, and he racked up several eliminations in quick succession. Orton, a seasoned veteran and master strategist, relied on his experience and cunning to outmaneuver his opponents. His calculated moves and ability to strike at the opportune moment made him a dangerous contender. Jericho, having survived for an incredible amount of time, continued to use his wit and ring awareness to stay in the match, defying the odds and proving his longevity in the sport.
The final moments were filled with drama and suspense. Reigns and Orton found themselves as the last two men standing, setting the stage for an intense showdown. The crowd was on its feet, chanting and cheering as the two superstars exchanged blows. In a shocking turn of events, Reigns, who had lost his Universal Championship match earlier in the night, was eliminated by Orton. The Alamodome erupted as Randy Orton stood tall, victorious in the Royal Rumble. This win marked Orton's second Royal Rumble victory and cemented his status as one of WWE's all-time greats. His journey to WrestleMania was set, and the wrestling world eagerly anticipated his championship match.
The Royal Rumble 2017 concluded with Orton celebrating his hard-fought victory. The image of Orton standing in the center of the ring, pointing towards the WrestleMania sign, is an iconic moment in WWE history. His win was a testament to his skill, experience, and determination, and it set the stage for an exciting Road to WrestleMania. The Royal Rumble is always a night of surprises, and the 2017 edition delivered in spades. From unexpected entrants to shocking eliminations and a deserving winner, this event was a memorable chapter in WWE history.
Impact and Aftermath
The Royal Rumble 2017 had a significant impact on the WWE landscape, setting the stage for WrestleMania and shaping the storylines that followed. Randy Orton's victory not only earned him a championship opportunity but also ignited a new chapter in his storied career.
Orton's Royal Rumble win paved the way for a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 33 against Bray Wyatt. This clash of generations was highly anticipated, as Orton had a long and complex history with Wyatt and his Wyatt Family. The rivalry between Orton and Wyatt became one of the focal points of SmackDown, with mind games, betrayals, and supernatural elements adding to the intrigue. Their match at WrestleMania was a spectacle, with Orton ultimately defeating Wyatt to capture the WWE Championship. This victory marked another milestone in Orton's career, solidifying his place among the elite champions in WWE history. The Royal Rumble win served as the catalyst for this championship run, highlighting the importance of the event in shaping the company's direction.
The Royal Rumble 2017 also had ramifications for other superstars. Roman Reigns, despite failing to win the Royal Rumble, remained a dominant force on Raw. His loss to Orton did not diminish his star power, and he continued to be a central figure in major storylines. The event also provided opportunities for emerging talents like Tye Dillinger and Jack Gallagher to showcase their skills on a grand stage. While they didn't win the Royal Rumble, their participation helped elevate their profiles and establish them as future stars. The Royal Rumble is more than just a single match; it's a platform for building careers, creating rivalries, and setting the stage for the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania. The 2017 edition was no exception, leaving a lasting impact on WWE and its fans.
