Hey wrestling fans! Are you ready to dive back into one of the most electrifying Royal Rumble matches in recent history? I'm talking about the WWE Royal Rumble 2017! This event was jam-packed with surprises, unforgettable moments, and intense battles. So, buckle up as we break down everything that made this match a classic. We'll be covering all the key highlights, the shocking eliminations, and, of course, the triumphant winner. Let's get ready to rumble!

The Road to the Royal Rumble 2017

Before we jump into the full match, let's set the stage. The Royal Rumble 2017 took place on January 29, 2017, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, with a massive crowd of passionate fans eager to witness the thrills and spills that only the Royal Rumble can deliver. Heading into the event, there were several simmering storylines that added extra intrigue to the Rumble match itself. Superstars from both Raw and SmackDown were vying for a chance to main event WrestleMania, making the stakes higher than ever.

Major Storylines:

• Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns: Their feud for the Universal Championship was a major highlight. Owens, the crafty champion, always found ways to weasel out of tough situations, often with the help of Chris Jericho. Reigns, on the other hand, was determined to dethrone Owens and reclaim the title.
• AJ Styles vs. John Cena: These two icons were set to clash for the WWE Championship. Styles, the phenomenal one, had been a dominant force on SmackDown, while Cena aimed to tie Ric Flair's record of 16 world championships. Their rivalry was built on respect and fierce competition, promising an epic showdown.
• The Royal Rumble Match Itself: With no clear favorite, the Rumble match was wide open. Legends like Goldberg and Brock Lesnar were announced as participants, adding a layer of unpredictability. Rising stars like Braun Strowman and established main eventers like Randy Orton were also in the mix, making it anyone's game. The anticipation was palpable, and everyone was eager to see who would punch their ticket to WrestleMania.

The Entrants: A Mix of Legends and Rising Stars

The Royal Rumble match is always a fascinating blend of veteran legends, established main eventers, and hungry up-and-comers. The 2017 edition was no exception. Let's take a look at some of the key participants who entered the fray:

• Goldberg: The WCW icon and WWE legend made a shocking return to the ring, adding star power and a sense of danger to the match. Goldberg's presence alone made the Rumble a must-see event.
• Brock Lesnar: The Beast Incarnate was another dominant force in the match. Known for his incredible strength and explosive offense, Lesnar was a threat to anyone who crossed his path.
• The Undertaker: Making a surprise appearance, The Deadman brought his aura of mystique and intimidation to the Rumble. His participation instantly elevated the match's significance.
• Randy Orton: A seasoned veteran and former Royal Rumble winner, Orton was looking to add another WrestleMania main event to his resume. His cunning and experience made him a formidable competitor.
• Roman Reigns: Despite already having a Universal Championship match earlier in the night, Reigns entered the Rumble as a surprise entrant, seeking to defy the odds and win his second Rumble.
• Braun Strowman: The monstrous Strowman had been on a tear in the months leading up to the Rumble, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His size and power made him a dangerous threat to everyone in the match.
• Chris Jericho: The Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla brought his unique brand of charisma and ring savvy to the Rumble. Jericho's ability to strategize and survive made him a potential dark horse.
• Other Notable Entrants: The match also featured a host of other talented superstars, including Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Bray Wyatt, and Luke Harper, all vying for a chance at WrestleMania glory. Each entrant brought their own skills and motivations to the match, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

Key Moments and Highlights

The Royal Rumble 2017 was filled with unforgettable moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the standout highlights:

• Goldberg and Lesnar's Confrontation: The clash between Goldberg and Lesnar was a highly anticipated rematch from Survivor Series. Their brief but explosive exchange saw Goldberg quickly eliminate Lesnar, sending shockwaves through the Alamodome.
• The Undertaker's Dominance: The Deadman made his presence felt, eliminating several competitors and showcasing his enduring mystique. His performance reminded everyone why he's considered one of the greatest of all time.
• Braun Strowman's Rampage: Strowman lived up to his monstrous reputation, eliminating a string of superstars and asserting his dominance. His sheer power and aggression made him a force to be reckoned with.
• Chris Jericho's Endurance: Jericho showcased his veteran savvy by lasting over an hour in the match. His ability to avoid elimination and capitalize on opportunities was a testament to his ring smarts.
• The Wyatt Family's Alliance: Bray Wyatt and his Wyatt Family members, Randy Orton and Luke Harper, worked together strategically, controlling portions of the match and eliminating key opponents.
• Roman Reigns' Surprise Entry: Despite losing his Universal Championship match earlier in the night, Reigns entered the Rumble as the 30th entrant, much to the surprise (and dismay) of the fans. His participation added another layer of drama to the final moments of the match.

The Final Showdown and the Winner

The final moments of the Royal Rumble 2017 were nothing short of chaotic and dramatic. As the field narrowed, the tension in the Alamodome reached fever pitch. The last few competitors standing were Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and a handful of other determined superstars.

The Climactic Ending:

In a shocking turn of events, Roman Reigns eliminated The Undertaker, drawing massive heat from the crowd. The fans erupted in boos, making it clear they were not happy with Reigns' actions. This elimination added fuel to the already intense rivalry between Reigns and the WWE Universe.

Ultimately, it came down to Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. After a hard-fought battle, Orton managed to outmaneuver Reigns and eliminate him, securing his second Royal Rumble victory! The crowd erupted in cheers as Orton celebrated his triumph, punching his ticket to the main event of WrestleMania 33.

Randy Orton's Victory:

Orton's win was a culmination of his experience, cunning, and ability to capitalize on opportunities. He had strategically navigated the match, avoiding unnecessary risks and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. His victory was a testament to his longevity and his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of WWE.

The Aftermath and WrestleMania Implications

Randy Orton's Royal Rumble victory set the stage for a compelling storyline heading into WrestleMania 33. As the winner, he earned the right to challenge for a world championship at the biggest show of the year. Orton chose to challenge Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship, setting up a clash between two members of the Wyatt Family.

The Road to WrestleMania:**

The rivalry between Orton and Wyatt intensified in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania. Orton feigned allegiance to Wyatt, only to reveal his true intentions later, burning down the Wyatt Family compound and declaring his intention to take the WWE Championship. This betrayal added a personal and emotional layer to their feud, making their WrestleMania match highly anticipated.

WrestleMania 33:

At WrestleMania 33, Randy Orton defeated Bray Wyatt to capture the WWE Championship. Their match was a controversial affair, with many fans criticizing the bizarre and confusing imagery used during the bout. However, Orton's victory cemented his status as a top star in WWE and marked another significant milestone in his illustrious career.

Why the 2017 Royal Rumble Still Matters

The WWE Royal Rumble 2017 remains a memorable event for several reasons:

• Star Power: The match featured a stacked lineup of legends, main eventers, and rising stars, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment.
• Unforgettable Moments: From Goldberg's quick elimination of Lesnar to Reigns' shocking elimination of The Undertaker, the match was filled with moments that fans will never forget.
• Storyline Implications: The Rumble had significant implications for the Road to WrestleMania, setting up compelling feuds and ultimately leading to Randy Orton's WWE Championship victory.
• Fan Reaction: The passionate crowd in San Antonio added to the electric atmosphere, making the event even more special.

So there you have it, folks! The WWE Royal Rumble 2017 was a wild ride from start to finish. From the surprise entrants to the shocking eliminations and the ultimate victory of Randy Orton, this match had it all. It's a classic example of what makes the Royal Rumble one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in WWE history. Until next time, keep wrestling!