Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into the exhilarating WWE Royal Rumble that took place on January 29, 2022. This event was packed with surprises, intense matchups, and unforgettable moments. Whether you watched it live or are catching up, here's a comprehensive recap of everything that went down.

The Buildup to Royal Rumble 2022

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE's most anticipated events, setting the stage for WrestleMania. The road to the Royal Rumble in 2022 was paved with compelling storylines and rivalries across Raw and SmackDown. Key narratives included the ongoing feud between Roman Reigns and his challenger, the suspense surrounding the WWE Championship, and the buzz around potential surprise entrants in both the men's and women's Royal Rumble matches. The anticipation was palpable as fans worldwide speculated about who would emerge victorious and secure their spot in the main event at WrestleMania.

Key Storylines Leading Up to the Event

Several high-profile rivalries and title defenses built up the excitement for the Royal Rumble. On Raw, the WWE Championship picture was heating up, with Bobby Lashley looking dominant but facing credible threats. Over on SmackDown, Roman Reigns continued his reign of dominance as the Universal Champion, dismantling anyone who dared to step up. The women's division also had its share of intense feuds, with contenders vying for a chance to challenge the champions. These storylines added layers of intrigue to the Royal Rumble event, making it a must-watch for wrestling enthusiasts.

Excitement and Predictions

The Royal Rumble is famous for its unpredictable nature, and 2022 was no different. The rumor mill was churning with potential surprise entrants, from returning legends to NXT stars looking to make a splash. Fans eagerly debated and predicted who would win the Royal Rumble matches, speculating on potential WrestleMania main event matchups. This element of surprise and the high stakes involved contributed to the overall excitement surrounding the event, making it one of the most talked-about WWE shows of the year.

Royal Rumble Match Results

The Royal Rumble event featured several high-stakes matches. Here’s a breakdown of each match and their outcomes:

Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship

The WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins was a highly anticipated clash. Seth Rollins entered with his old Shield gear, a psychological tactic aimed at getting under Reigns’ skin. The match was a brutal back-and-forth affair, filled with intense moments and near-falls. Ultimately, Roman Reigns retained his title via disqualification after he refused to release a guillotine hold even after Rollins reached the ropes. This controversial finish left fans wanting more and hinted at a continuation of their rivalry.

Becky Lynch vs. Doudrop for the WWE Raw Women's Championship

In another title defense, Becky Lynch put her WWE Raw Women's Championship on the line against Doudrop. Doudrop brought her A-game, using her size and strength to dominate parts of the match. However, Becky Lynch's experience and cunning proved to be the difference. Lynch managed to outmaneuver Doudrop, securing the victory and retaining her championship. The match showcased both competitors' skills and added another chapter to Becky Lynch's impressive title reign.

Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship

The WWE Championship match between Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley was a heavyweight battle that fans had been eagerly awaiting. Lashley, accompanied by MVP, brought the fight to Lesnar, using his power and striking ability to gain an advantage. The match was full of impactful moves and near-falls, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. In a shocking turn of events, Roman Reigns interfered, spearing Lesnar, which allowed Lashley to pick up the win and become the new WWE Champion. This marked another significant moment in Lashley's career and set the stage for a potential showdown between Lesnar and Reigns.

Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. The Miz and Maryse

The mixed tag team match featuring Edge and Beth Phoenix against The Miz and Maryse added a unique dynamic to the event. The rivalry between these two couples had been building for weeks, and this match was the culmination of their animosity. The match was a mix of athleticism and drama, with both teams showcasing their skills. In the end, Edge and Beth Phoenix emerged victorious, defeating The Miz and Maryse in a thrilling contest. This win solidified their status as a power couple in WWE.

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

The Men’s Royal Rumble match was the highlight of the night, featuring thirty participants battling for a chance to main event WrestleMania. The match was filled with surprises, including the return of several legends and unexpected entrants. The final moments saw Brock Lesnar, who had lost his WWE Championship earlier in the night, enter at number 30 and dominate the competition, ultimately winning the Royal Rumble match. This victory set the stage for a highly anticipated WrestleMania main event clash between Lesnar and Roman Reigns.

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The Women’s Royal Rumble match was equally thrilling, with thirty female superstars vying for a shot at a championship at WrestleMania. The match featured a mix of current stars, returning legends, and NXT call-ups, creating a dynamic and unpredictable contest. In a surprising turn of events, Ronda Rousey made her return to WWE after a hiatus and entered the Royal Rumble match. Rousey showcased her dominance, eliminating several competitors and ultimately winning the match. This victory set the stage for Rousey to challenge for a women's championship at WrestleMania.

Key Moments and Highlights

The 2022 Royal Rumble was filled with unforgettable moments and highlights that had fans buzzing. Ronda Rousey's return and subsequent victory in the Women's Royal Rumble match was a major talking point. Brock Lesnar's dominant performance in the Men's Royal Rumble match also generated significant buzz, setting the stage for a high-profile WrestleMania main event. Other notable moments included surprise entrants, unexpected eliminations, and standout performances from various superstars.

Ronda Rousey's Return

Ronda Rousey's return to WWE was one of the biggest surprises of the night. After a hiatus, Rousey entered the Women's Royal Rumble match and immediately made an impact. Her presence added star power to the match, and her dominant performance reminded everyone of her skills and intensity. Rousey's victory set the stage for a highly anticipated WrestleMania match and injected new life into the women's division.

Brock Lesnar's Dominance

Despite losing his WWE Championship earlier in the night, Brock Lesnar made a statement by entering the Men's Royal Rumble match at number 30 and quickly eliminating several competitors. Lesnar's display of power and aggression was a reminder of his status as one of WWE's top stars. His victory solidified his spot in the WrestleMania main event and set the stage for a clash with Roman Reigns.

Surprise Entrants and Eliminations

The Royal Rumble is known for its surprises, and the 2022 event did not disappoint. Several unexpected entrants made their return to WWE, adding excitement and nostalgia to the matches. Additionally, there were several surprising eliminations that shocked the audience and altered the course of the matches. These unexpected moments contributed to the overall unpredictability and excitement of the Royal Rumble.

The Aftermath and WrestleMania Implications

The Royal Rumble had significant implications for WrestleMania, setting the stage for several high-profile matches. Ronda Rousey's victory in the Women's Royal Rumble match meant she would challenge for either the Raw Women's Championship or the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania. Brock Lesnar's win in the Men's Royal Rumble match secured his spot in the main event, where he would face Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. The outcomes of the Royal Rumble matches shaped the WrestleMania card and generated excitement for the biggest show of the year.

WrestleMania Main Event Set

With Brock Lesnar winning the Men's Royal Rumble, the main event for WrestleMania was set: a clash between Lesnar and Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. This match was highly anticipated, as Lesnar and Reigns have a long history of intense battles. Their rivalry added extra intrigue to WrestleMania, with fans eager to see who would emerge victorious in this epic showdown.

Championship Opportunities

Ronda Rousey's victory in the Women's Royal Rumble gave her the opportunity to challenge for a women's championship at WrestleMania. Rousey had the choice of facing either the Raw Women's Champion or the SmackDown Women's Champion, adding suspense to her decision. Her choice would have significant implications for the women's division and set the stage for a high-profile championship match at WrestleMania.

Future Rivalries

The Royal Rumble also laid the groundwork for future rivalries and storylines. The outcomes of the matches and the interactions between superstars created new narratives that would play out in the weeks and months following the event. These emerging rivalries added depth to the WWE landscape and kept fans engaged as they looked forward to WrestleMania and beyond.

Final Thoughts

The WWE Royal Rumble on January 29, 2022, was a night filled with excitement, surprises, and memorable moments. From championship clashes to Royal Rumble match victories, the event delivered on its promise of high-stakes action and drama. The outcomes of the Royal Rumble matches shaped the WrestleMania card and set the stage for several high-profile matchups. As fans look ahead to WrestleMania, the 2022 Royal Rumble will be remembered as a pivotal event that kicked off the road to WWE's biggest show of the year.

Whether it was Ronda Rousey's triumphant return, Brock Lesnar's dominant performance, or the various championship defenses, the Royal Rumble provided plenty of talking points and memorable moments for wrestling fans. The event underscored the unpredictable nature of WWE and the excitement that comes with the road to WrestleMania. As the wrestling world looks forward, the 2022 Royal Rumble will undoubtedly be remembered as a key chapter in WWE history.