Royal Rumble: The WWE Royal Rumble premium live event has always been known for its jaw-dropping moments. Every year, superstars return to surprise everyone, but this event has also been recognized for its dramatic turns. Storylines are often crafted where wrestlers shock everyone by turning against their allies.
In the 36-year history of the Royal Rumble, from icons like Hulk Hogan and The Rock to the likes of Brock Lesnar, many great wrestlers have been part of iconic moments, but some moments have been emotionally intense. In this article, let’s delve into the most significant twists seen in the Royal Rumble.
1. Roman Reigns Ambushed in WWE Royal Rumble 2023:
In 2022, The Bloodline storyline remained a major attraction, with Sami Zayn playing a crucial role. As time passed, Sami Zayn was drifting away from The Bloodline due to Kevin Owens. Meanwhile, in Royal Rumble 2023, Kevin Owens challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Reigns emerged victorious in the match, but after the bout, The Tribal Chief and his brothers brutally attacked Owens. When Roman Reigns asked Sami Zayn to join in attacking Owens, he surprised everyone by attacking The Tribal Chief with a steel chair. The crowd’s reaction to this twist was iconic.
2. Ken Betrays The Undertaker in WWE Royal Rumble 1998:
Ken and The Undertaker were known as the storyline brothers, and their dark characters formed a formidable team. In Royal Rumble 1998, Shawn Michaels was supposed to defend the WWE Championship against The Undertaker in a Casket Match. The Undertaker came close to victory, but then The New Age Outlaws and other wrestlers attacked him.
Ken made a surprising entry and scared off all the wrestlers in the ring. Since they were being presented as brothers, when Ken attacked The Undertaker, everyone was shocked. After Michaels won the match, Ken burned The Undertaker alive in the casket.
3. Paul Heyman Betrays Brock Lesnar in WWE Royal Rumble 2022:
In December 2021, during a SmackDown episode, Roman Reigns fired Paul Heyman from his special counsel position. As The Tribal Chief and his brothers were about to attack Heyman, Brock Lesnar made a surprise entry to save him. During Royal Rumble 2022, The Beast was defending the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley.
In the closing moments of the match, Roman Reigns spearheaded Lesnar, and Heyman, seemingly assisting Lesnar, hit him with the championship belt. In this bout, Lashley emerged victorious, becoming the new champion. Heyman’s betrayal secured his position as The Tribal Chief’s special counsel once again.
These dramatic twists have added unexpected turns to the Royal Rumble, leaving fans in awe and disbelief.