The 2024 Royal Rumble delivered numerous memorable moments in both its titular matches, featuring returns and a high-stakes finale with a WrestleMania 40 main event spot on the line.
Following the first WWE premium live event of the year and the kickoff of the road to WrestleMania, the show left viewers with several key takeaways. This recap from Saturday’s event explores these insights and considers their potential impact on the year’s biggest WWE spectacle.
Jade Cargill vs. Bianca Belair: The Dream Match We Need at WrestleMania1 of 4
Jade Cargill made a highly anticipated debut during the women’s Royal Rumble, swiftly establishing herself as a star by eliminating Nia Jax.
JUST ONEEEEEEE MOOOORRE FIIIGHT… pic.twitter.com/G33vLIpDan
— V. ✨🐝 (@HaangEmHiigh) January 28, 2024
The red-hot crowd response for the 31-year-old intensified during a staredown with Bianca Belair, hinting at a dream match that fans are eager to see on April 6-7 at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia. Both women, with unique physical prowess, promise an electrifying showdown on the grand stage.
2. Bayley Headed To Career-Defining Moment After Overdue Rumble Win2 of 4
For years, Bayley observed her fellow Four Horsewomen of NXT achieving historic milestones at WrestleMania, while she played supporting roles in tag matches and multi-woman clashes Bayley’s victory in the women’s Royal Rumble positions her for a career-defining moment and a potential showdown with WWE women’s champion Iyo Sky.
BAYLEY IS GOING TO WRESTLEMANIA!
Congratulations to 2024 Women's #RoyalRumble Match Winner @itsBayleyWWE! You EARNED it!!! pic.twitter.com/fhPuX2he7K
— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024
Despite challenges within Damage CTRL, Bayley aims to utilize her guaranteed title opportunity on The Genius of the Sky, setting the stage for her first singles match at WrestleMania.
3. Cody Rhodes Will End Roman Reigns’ Epic Run at WrestleMania 403 of 4
Roman Reigns entered the Royal Rumble as champion for the fourth consecutive year, successfully retaining his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
DO THE WORK.
FINISH THE STORY.@CodyRhodes just won the Men's #RoyalRumble Match for the second year in a row! The American Nightmare has his sights set on @WWERomanReigns as the Road to #WrestleMania is underway! pic.twitter.com/RkHT2oAsLT— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024
However, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in the men’s Royal Rumble, earning a rematch with Reigns at WrestleMania 40. After enduring a challenging journey, Rhodes is poised to finish his story, potentially dethroning Reigns and solidifying his status as a main event star.
4. CM Punk’s Defeat Won’t Affect Path to ‘Mania Main Event4 of 4
CM Punk faced a setback in the men’s Rumble match but remains on track for his WrestleMania main event aspirations. His runner-up status doesn’t hinder his path to the main event, where a showdown with Seth Rollins is anticipated.
Elimination Chamber 2024 on February 24 presents an opportunity for Punk to earn his title shot, reinforcing the belief that he will main-event WrestleMania, likely on Night One and possibly against Rollins. Saturday’s show may not have finalized the details, but Punk’s journey continues toward his goal.
