WWE Royal Rumble 2021: Full Match Review

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into a detailed review of the WWE Royal Rumble 2021. This event was packed with surprises, intense moments, and unforgettable performances. We will explore each match, highlighting key moments, wrestler performances, and the overall impact on the WWE landscape. Whether you watched it live or are catching up, this review will give you an in-depth look at one of WWE's most exciting events. So grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

The Kickoff Show

Before the main card, the Kickoff Show set the stage with some exciting matches. These matches are crucial for warming up the crowd and giving some of the undercard wrestlers a chance to shine. While they might not have the same hype as the main events, they often deliver solid performances and surprising moments. The Kickoff Show helps build anticipation for the Royal Rumble, ensuring fans are fully engaged before the main card begins. Let’s dive into the specifics of what went down during this pre-show spectacle.

Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs. Charlotte Flair & Asuka (WWE Women's Tag Team Championship)

The Kickoff Show featured a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match where Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defended their titles against Charlotte Flair and Asuka. This match was a rollercoaster of power moves and strategic tag team wrestling. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler used their size and strength to dominate early on, but Charlotte and Asuka showcased their resilience and technical prowess. The match saw several near-falls and intense exchanges, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The turning point came when miscommunication between Charlotte and Asuka allowed Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler to capitalize. Shayna locked in the Kirifuda Clutch on Asuka, leading to a submission victory and retaining their titles. This win solidified Nia and Shayna's dominance in the women's tag team division, setting the tone for the rest of the night. The match was a solid opener, showcasing the talent and athleticism of all four women involved.

Main Card Matches

The main card of the Royal Rumble 2021 was where the real fireworks began. Each match brought its unique flavor, contributing to an unforgettable night of wrestling. From championship defenses to grudge matches, the main card had something for every wrestling fan. Let's break down each match, highlighting the key moments and outcomes.

Roman Reigns (c) vs. Kevin Owens (Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Universal Championship)

The Last Man Standing match between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal Championship was an absolute war. From the opening bell, both men unleashed a barrage of offense, using everything at their disposal to try and keep their opponent down. Roman Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman, brought his imposing presence, while Kevin Owens matched his intensity with relentless determination.

The match quickly spilled outside the ring, with both wrestlers using the environment to their advantage. Tables, chairs, and even a forklift were used as weapons. Kevin Owens took some incredible risks, including a death-defying leap off a high structure onto Roman Reigns. However, Reigns' resilience and strategic planning, aided by Heyman's interference, proved to be too much for Owens. In the end, Roman Reigns trapped Kevin Owens under a pile of equipment, preventing him from answering the ten-count and retaining his WWE Universal Championship. This match was a brutal and captivating display of athleticism and storytelling.

WWE Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The Women’s Royal Rumble match was one of the most anticipated events of the night. Featuring a mix of current stars, legends, and surprise entrants, the match delivered excitement and unpredictability from start to finish. Wrestlers like Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Bianca Belair entered the match with high expectations, while surprise appearances from legends like Torrie Wilson added a nostalgic touch.

The match was filled with memorable moments, including impressive displays of athleticism, shocking eliminations, and intense rivalries reigniting. Bianca Belair stood out with her incredible strength and agility, lasting an impressive amount of time and eliminating several competitors. In the end, it came down to Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair, with Bianca Belair ultimately eliminating Charlotte to win the Royal Rumble. This victory was a defining moment for Belair, solidifying her status as a top star in the women's division and earning her a championship opportunity at WrestleMania.

Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Goldberg (WWE Championship)

The WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Goldberg was a clash of generations. Drew McIntyre, the modern-day warrior, faced off against Goldberg, the legendary powerhouse. The match was short but explosive, with both men delivering devastating blows from the start. Goldberg showed he still had the power and intensity that made him a wrestling icon, while McIntyre proved he could stand toe-to-toe with anyone.

The match saw Goldberg hitting his signature spear and jackhammer, but McIntyre managed to kick out, showing his resilience. In a surprising turn, McIntyre countered a spear attempt with a Claymore Kick, securing the pinfall victory and retaining his WWE Championship. This win solidified McIntyre's reign as champion and proved he could overcome even the most formidable opponents. While the match was brief, it was packed with action and drama.

WWE Royal Rumble Match

The Men’s Royal Rumble match is always a highlight of the event, and the 2021 edition was no exception. Featuring a diverse lineup of wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, the match was filled with surprises, memorable moments, and intense competition. Edge, returning after a career-threatening injury, entered the match early and delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he's a WWE Hall of Famer.

The match included appearances from stars like AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Daniel Bryan, as well as surprise entrants like Christian, reuniting with his former tag team partner Edge. The final moments saw Edge and Randy Orton as the last two competitors, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. In a stunning conclusion, Edge eliminated Randy Orton to win the Royal Rumble, marking an emotional and triumphant return to the top of WWE. This victory earned Edge a championship opportunity at WrestleMania, completing one of the greatest comeback stories in wrestling history.

Overall Thoughts on Royal Rumble 2021

Overall, the WWE Royal Rumble 2021 was a memorable event filled with excitement, surprises, and exceptional performances. From the intense championship matches to the thrilling Royal Rumble matches, the event delivered on all fronts. The victories of Bianca Belair and Edge were particularly significant, setting the stage for their championship pursuits at WrestleMania. The event showcased the depth and talent of the WWE roster, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's to come.

The Royal Rumble is always a pivotal event in the WWE calendar, and the 2021 edition was no exception. It set the stage for WrestleMania and established new storylines and rivalries that would play out in the months to come. Whether you're a long-time wrestling fan or new to the sport, the Royal Rumble is an event that always delivers memorable moments and sets the tone for the year ahead. What were your favorite moments from the Royal Rumble 2021? Let us know in the comments below!