The Royal Rumble is one of WWE's hallmark events, pulling in thousands of fans and a plethora of heart-pounding moments each year. In 2017, the Royal Rumble took place in San Antonio, and it was one for the books. The anticipation was palpable as fans speculated on who would emerge victorious from this exciting and often unpredictable match format. Join us as we take a closer look at the memorable highlights from this iconic event and unveil the winner of the 2017 Royal Rumble!
Overview of the Royal Rumble Event
The 2017 Royal Rumble was held on January 29 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This year's event marked the 30th anniversary of the annual match, and excitement was at an all-time high. The Royal Rumble is unique because it features 30 superstars entering the ring at intervals, eliminating each other until only one remains. The winner earns a championship title match at WrestleMania, making this event a cornerstone of WWE storytelling.
Here are some key details about the 2017 Royal Rumble:
- Date: January 29, 2017
- Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
- Participating Superstars: 30
- Winner: Randy Orton
This event not only featured the Rumble match itself but also included championship bouts that added to the drama of the night. The excitement of the crowd was electric as they cheered, gasped, and reacted to every twist and turn of the evening. From surprise entrants to unexpected eliminations, the Royal Rumble offered fans a rollercoaster of emotions. You'll want to stay tuned as we dive into the critical highlights and unforgettable moments that made this event stand out!
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Key Matches Leading Up to the Royal Rumble
As the WWE Universe geared up for the electrifying Royal Rumble event in 2017, several key matches set the stage for the excitement that was to unfold. These bouts not only showcased the talent and intensity of the Superstars but also built the backstory that would culminate in the Rumble match itself. Let’s take a look at some of those pivotal matches.
1. WWE Championship Match: AJ Styles vs. John Cena
In a highly anticipated rematch, AJ Styles defended his WWE Championship against John Cena at the recent SmackDown Live event before the Rumble. This match was packed with tension, as both Superstars aimed to cement their legacy. Styles emerged victorious, retaining the title and adding fuel to the fire for his participation in the Rumble.
2. Braun Strowman vs. Sami Zayn
Another significant match took place when Braun Strowman faced off against Sami Zayn. The difference in size and strength was glaring, but Zayn’s resilience captured the attention of fans. Strowman dominated the match, showcasing his brute power, which made everyone wonder how he would fare in the Rumble.
3. Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day vs. Cesaro & Sheamus
This exciting match pitted fan favorites The New Day against the formidable duo of Cesaro and Sheamus. With high-flying moves and teamwork, both teams put on a fantastic show, leading to a nail-biting conclusion. The stakes were high, making it a notable prelude to the Rumble.
These matches not only entertained but also helped to build storylines that would unfold in the Rumble, creating a rich tapestry of anticipation that had the WWE Universe buzzing!
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The Winner of the Royal Rumble 2017
The Royal Rumble 2017 was a historic night filled with surprises, drama, and the kind of unpredictable outcomes that keep fans on the edge of their seats. The winner of this year’s Rumble was none other than the “Animal” himself, Randy Orton.
Orton’s victory was not just a triumph; it was a compelling story of resilience and strategy. Entering the Rumble at number 23, Orton displayed a mix of cunning tactics and athletic prowess, managing to outlast the competition to secure his spot in the main event of WrestleMania 33.
Here's a brief recap of Orton's path to victory:
- Eliminations: Orton showcased his skills by eliminating several formidable opponents, including Bray Wyatt, his fellow Wyatt Family member who had previously been instrumental in his success.
- Strategy: Rather than engaging in every confrontation, Orton strategically hung back, conserving his energy until the right moment to strike.
- Final Moments: In a thrilling climax, Orton faced off against Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt, ultimately tossing them both over the top rope to claim victory.
Orton's triumph not only earned him a title shot at WrestleMania but also reignited his status as a top contender in WWE, making his win one of the standout moments of the evening.
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Highlights of the Royal Rumble Match
The Royal Rumble is known for its exhilarating moments and unexpected twists, and the 2017 edition did not disappoint. This unmistakable blend of excitement kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s revisit some of the most thrilling highlights of the Royal Rumble match:
- Shock Eliminations: One of the most jaw-dropping moments occurred early in the match when Bray Wyatt eliminated Big Show. Fans weren't expecting such a major throw, and it set the tone for the surprises to come.
- Entrant Numbers: The event's unpredictability is amplified by the random entry numbers. Randy Orton, entering at number 23, made a significant impact that night, utilizing his experience to stay in the game.
- High-Flying Moves: AJ Styles showcased his incredible agility, executing spectacular high-flying maneuvers that left the audience in awe, proving why he is one of the best wrestlers in the world.
- The Final Four: The tension peaked during the closing moments when the last four competitors were Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, and Goldberg. The showdown was a classic example of raw talent clashing with high stakes.
- Ultimate Victory: Randy Orton emerged victorious, a decision that surprised many and reignited discussions among fans regarding his legacy in the WWE. His strategic approach and timing were crucial throughout the match.
These highlights not only showcased the grappling skills and endurance of the superstars but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble, making it a memorable night for WWE fans.
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Notable Returns and Surprises
The 2017 Royal Rumble was a thrilling showcase not just of in-ring action but also of unexpected comebacks and surprises that had the audience buzzing. Here are some of the most notable returns and surprises from the event:
- Shinsuke Nakamura: Several fans were delighted to see the NXT Champion make his main roster debut. His presence added a different flavor to the mix, and everyone was eager to see how he'd perform on the big stage.
- Goldberg's Appearance: The legendary Goldberg made a shocking return to the WWE after a long hiatus. Not only did he return, but he also eliminated several competitors, showing he still has the power to excite the fans.
- Undertaker's Surprise Entry: The iconic Undertaker made an appearance, creating an electric atmosphere. His entrance was met with loud cheers and established him as an undeniable force in the match.
- Top Stars in Action: The presence of superstars like Chris Jericho and Bray Wyatt added layers of storytelling that captured the audience’s attention. Their dynamic interactions were highlights in a match filled with drama.
- Fan Reactions: The crowd's response ranged from cheers to shocked gasps, with many fans erupting in joy or disbelief at various moments throughout the match.
These returns and surprises not only provided unforgettable moments but also reignited rivalries, set the stage for future encounters, and reminded fans why the Royal Rumble is one of the year’s most exciting events. The mixture of nostalgia, excitement, and anticipation truly defined the night.
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Impact on WrestleMania 33
The 2017 Royal Rumble didn't just end with a thrilling victory; it set the stage for one of the most anticipated WrestleMania events in WWE history. The winner, Randy Orton, had a profound impact on the WrestleMania 33 lineup and its overarching storylines.
Orton's win gave him a direct path to challenge for the WWE Championship, then held by Bray Wyatt, his former ally. This tension added layers to their existing feud, which would culminate at WrestleMania 33. The buildup involved a series of mind games, betrayal, and intense promos that resonated with fans. Their rivalry perfectly illustrated how the Royal Rumble can elevate storylines, leading to high-stakes matches during 'The Grandest Stage of Them All.'
Additionally, by winning the Rumble, Orton became a focal point for WWE's promotional efforts leading up to WrestleMania. His return to the main event scene not only reignited his career but also served as a nostalgic moment for long-time fans who had followed his journey through WWE.
Here's a quick look at how the Royal Rumble winners impact WrestleMania:
- Champion Challenges: Winners typically challenge for a title, heightening stakes.
- Storyline Developments: Rivalries are often enriched through Rumble storylines.
- Fan Engagement: Winners increase fan investment leading up to WrestleMania.
In summary, the outcomes of the Royal Rumble often ripple through to WrestleMania, and 2017 was no different, as Orton’s win influenced both the WWE Championship picture and fan excitement.
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Fan Reactions and Reception
The 2017 Royal Rumble sparked a wide range of reactions from fans, and let's just say it was a rollercoaster of emotions! Randy Orton's victory drew mixed responses, showcasing the passionate nature of the WWE fanbase.
Many long-time fans celebrated Orton's win as a just reward for his years of hard work and dedication to the company. After being sidelined by injuries and facing ups and downs in his career, seeing him triumph once again brought nostalgia and joy. The setting night was electrifying, and witnessing a veteran reclaiming glory was heartening for fans who have followed him throughout the years.
However, not all reactions were positive. Some fans voiced their discontent over the predictability of the outcome, citing that Orton's win lacked the surprise factor that many expected from a Royal Rumble. Frustration bubbled up on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where fans expressed their desires for fresher faces and new talent to shine in such high-profile events.
Positive Reactions | Negative Reactions |
---|---|
Celebration of Orton's legacy | Predictability of the outcome |
Excitement for WrestleMania feuds | Desire for new talent to be showcased |
Nostalgic moments for long-time fans | Certain matches felt underwhelming |
Ultimately, the reactions served as a reminder of how deeply invested fans are in the WWE product. Regardless of differing opinions, one thing is for sure: the 2017 Royal Rumble made waves that carried all the way to WrestleMania 33, ensuring that the excitement wouldn’t die down anytime soon!
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Who Is the Winner of Royal Rumble 2017? A Recap of WWE’s Biggest Moments
The 2017 Royal Rumble was one of the most anticipated events in WWE history, held on January 29, 2017, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This event marked the 30th annual Royal Rumble match and was filled with shocking returns, dramatic eliminations, and unforgettable moments.
The winner of the 2017 Royal Rumble match was *Randy Orton. This victory not only solidified his position as a top contender but also set the stage for a significant showdown at WrestleMania 33. Orton entered the Rumble match as the 23rd participant and showcased his incredible endurance and strategic prowess, ultimately eliminating Roman Reigns to claim victory.
Here are some of the biggest moments from the 2017 Royal Rumble:
- The Return of the Undertaker: The Deadman made a dramatic return, sending shockwaves through the arena.
- The Phenomenal AJ Styles: As the WWE Champion, Styles had a target on his back throughout the match.
- Braun Strowman Dominates: Strowman was a powerhouse, eliminating several superstars before being outlasted by Orton.
- Surprise Entrants*: The Rumble featured surprise appearances, including legends and former champions.
Position | Superstar | Elimination Method |
---|---|---|
1 | Randy Orton | Last Man Standing |
2 | Roman Reigns | Eliminated by Orton |
3 | Undertaker | Eliminated by Strowman |
Ultimately, Randy Orton’s victory at the Royal Rumble 2017 not only demonstrated his remarkable talent but also contributed to the ongoing legacy of the Royal Rumble as one of WWE’s most captivating events.
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Conclusion: Legacy of the 2017 Royal Rumble
The 2017 Royal Rumble left a lasting impression with its mix of nostalgia, surprises, and intense competition, proving once again why it is a cornerstone event for WWE fans and shaping the storylines leading into WrestleMania 33.
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