Hot take: I prefer WWE’s Royal Rumble events more than their WrestleMania events. I don’t think I’m alone in that.
There’s an excitement. Ask any fan, and they’ll mention the surprises. Returns, debuts, and face-offs.
These elements are moving wheels, turning the powerful and overwhelming machine. It should be exciting, and full of thrills.
Of course, that’s not always possible. Things happen when padding out time for the next entrant. Naturally, I felt compelled to point out why the aforementioned elements are essential to a Royal Rumble.
The Overarching Narrative of the Royal Rumble
Typically, Royal Rumble matches feature inherent plot structures. Some may feature an Iron Man performance, leaving the wear and tear to create an underdog. Others may feature pure desperation, such as Shawn Michaels in the 2010 match.
Then there are unique cases, such as the 2020 Rumble. Largely dominated by one man, wrestlers were fed to him until Drew McIntyre conquered that beast.
These performances culminate with the final four competitors. Their choosing must be with sound reason.
The climax requires a high level of care where the finalists make sense and are believable. The later this goes on, the more the final two increases urgency. Such is a case where two top talents clash.
In 2007, it was Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. In 2023, Cody Rhodes chased destiny against the dominant Iron Man in then-Intercontinental Champion Gunther. Instances like these feel like an extra match on top of a pulse-pounding morality play.
Individual Narratives in the Royal Rumble
As stated earlier, returns and debuts instantly add a simple story to the Royal Rumble proceedings. However, ongoing plot threads in WWE inject lifeblood into eliminations and victories.
In the 2016 Royal Rumble, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn’s intense rivalry saw the latter put in a heartfelt babyface performance. 2024’s victory by Bayley left the former Damage CTRL leader in dire straits without her teammates until she pulled off a victory by herself.
Whether or not these narratives lead to success isn’t often needed, compared to the pre-determined winners. But they can impact the overall web by their singular strand. Furthermore, these strings continue to reverberate afterward in grudge matches or title bouts on the road to WrestleMania.
In the 2025 Royal Rumble, several wrestlers already have a gripping, biting reason to be in the match. John Cena wants to end his final year on a high note as champion.
CM Punk has been aching for a chance to main event the Showcase of the Immortals. As always, Drew McIntyre will likely want recompense for his crowd-less championship run during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Many reasons to win, but whose will be the biggest driving force?
Conclusion
Time is a river with changing currents; the Royal Rumble on the road to WrestleMania must reflect that in its ripples. What happens during the Rumble can have lasting impacts that influence matches on the grandest stage of them all.
Royal Rumbles are like a testing ground for what is hot or not in the WWE product. The hottest feuds are created here and star-making performances can help in finding a place on the card. With the business as hot as ever, standing out is crucial.
Moreover, the last wrestler standing should become the next big star or send everyone home happy. Whatever the case, plans and contingencies must be in place. The road to WrestleMania is paved with delicacy.
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