The 27th of January, 2024, marked a historic night for WWE fans in the UK. Not only did the Royal Rumble return to the Tampa Bay area for the third time, but it was also the first major WWE event to take place without Vince McMahon or any member of the McMahon family at the helm. This significant change set the stage for a night of unexpected twists and turns, all broadcast live at 1:00 AM GMT.

Held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, the 2024 Royal Rumble boasted a packed house of over 48,000 enthusiastic fans. The event featured a stacked card with championship matches and the highly anticipated Royal Rumble matches, where the winner receives a world title shot at WrestleMania.

A New Era Dawns: Women’s Royal Rumble Makes History

Breaking tradition, the 2024 Royal Rumble kicked off with the women’s match. This decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the talented female wrestlers put on a show for the ages. The match witnessed familiar faces like Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, alongside rising stars like Rhea Ripley and Shotzi Blackheart.

The night belonged to Bayley, the veteran SmackDown Superstar. With a strategic performance and surprising eliminations, she outlasted all competitors, including a dominant display by Rhea Ripley who lasted over an hour. Bayley’s emotional victory not only earned her a coveted spot at WrestleMania but also shattered the record for the longest time spent in a women’s Royal Rumble match, clocking in at an impressive 1 hour and 3 minutes.

Championship Clashes Set the Stage

The Royal Rumble wasn’t just about the namesake matches. The event also featured two championship bouts that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

The first championship clash saw Logan Paul defend his WWE United States Title against the veteran Kevin Owens. In a fast-paced and action-packed match, Paul managed to retain his title, showcasing his impressive in-ring skills despite his relative inexperience.

The main event of the non-Rumble portion of the card was a colossal four-way match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Roman Reigns, the dominant champion, faced a formidable challenge from AJ Styles, LA Knight, and Randy Orton. The match was a brutal display of athleticism and strategy, with each competitor showcasing their signature moves and vying for the coveted title.

In a shocking upset, AJ Styles emerged victorious, dethroning the seemingly invincible Roman Reigns. This unexpected result sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe and left fans eagerly speculating about the future of the championship.

Royal Rumble Upsets and New Faces Emerge

The night’s main event, the Men’s Royal Rumble match, was a spectacle filled with thrilling entrances, brutal eliminations, and unexpected returns. The match featured a diverse group of wrestlers, including established stars like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar, alongside NXT call-ups like Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes.

The crowd erupted as familiar faces like Edge and The Undertaker made surprise returns, reminding fans of their legendary careers. However, the night belonged to a new generation. After a grueling battle, the young and charismatic Austin Theory, a Raw Superstar, emerged victorious. His emotional win marked a significant moment, symbolizing a potential changing of the guard in WWE.

Looking Ahead: WrestleMania Bound

The 2024 Royal Rumble in the UK was a night of unforgettable moments. With Bayley and Austin Theory securing their WrestleMania title shots, the future of WWE looked bright. The unexpected results and new faces that emerged left fans eager to see how these developments would shape the road to WrestleMania. 

Whether it’s the seasoned veterans like Styles or the rising stars like Theory, one thing was certain: the WWE Universe was in for an exciting journey leading up to the biggest event of the year.

FAQs

When and where was the 2024 Royal Rumble held in UK time?

The event was held on January 27, 2024, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA. However, it aired live in the UK at 1:00 AM GMT on January 28, 2024.

What was the significance of the 2024 Royal Rumble?

This Royal Rumble marked a significant shift in WWE leadership, with the McMahon family no longer at the helm. This change led to a more unpredictable event with surprising results.

Who won the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble?

Bayley secured the victory in the Women’s Royal Rumble, lasting an impressive 1 hour and 3 minutes – the longest time spent in the match’s history.

Were there any other championship matches besides the Royal Rumble?

Yes. Logan Paul successfully defended his WWE United States Championship against Kevin Owens. The main event also featured a four-way championship clash for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, with AJ Styles emerging victorious against Roman Reigns, LA Knight, and Randy Orton.

Who won the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble?

Austin Theory, a rising star on the Raw brand, secured a shocking victory in the Men’s Royal Rumble.

Were there any surprise appearances or returns?

Yes! The Rumble featured surprise returns from legendary wrestlers like Edge and The Undertaker, sending the UK audience into a frenzy.

What is the significance of Bayley and Austin Theory’s victories?

Both wrestlers secured a coveted spot at WrestleMania, signifying a potential changing of the guard in WWE and a push towards younger talent.

How did AJ Styles’ win over Roman Reigns impact the championship picture?

Styles’ shocking victory dethroned the seemingly invincible Reigns, leaving the future of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship wide open.

What are the implications of the 2024 Royal Rumble for WrestleMania?

The event set the stage for an exciting road to WrestleMania. Fans can expect to see Bayley and Austin Theory challenge for their respective world titles, while AJ Styles’ reign as champion adds a new layer of intrigue to the main event picture.

In conclusion, the 2024 Royal Rumble in the UK marked a turning point for WWE. It showcased a new era with a focus on rising stars and unexpected results. Bayley’s record-breaking win and Austin Theory’s shocking victory symbolized a potential shift in power. 

With AJ Styles dethroning Roman Reigns and a new generation stepping up, the road to WrestleMania promised a landscape filled with exciting possibilities for the WWE Universe.

To read more, Click here