Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into a thrilling flashback to the WWE Royal Rumble 2017. This event was jam-packed with unforgettable moments, surprise entrants, and of course, the high-stakes Royal Rumble match itself. Whether you're a long-time WWE follower or new to the wrestling world, the 2017 Royal Rumble is one you won't want to miss. So, let's get ready to rumble and explore all the excitement from that night!

The Buildup to the Rumble

Before we jump into the match, it's essential to understand the storylines and rivalries brewing in WWE leading up to the 2017 Royal Rumble. Several key narratives set the stage, creating anticipation and high expectations for the event. Champions were looking to defend their titles, and challengers were eager to seize their moment.

One of the most significant storylines revolved around the WWE Championship. AJ Styles, the then-champion, was set to defend his title against John Cena. This match was highly anticipated, as fans were eager to see if Cena could tie Ric Flair's record of 16 world championships. The tension between Styles and Cena was palpable, with both wrestlers delivering intense promos and showcasing their incredible in-ring skills. The outcome of this match would undoubtedly impact the Royal Rumble match itself, as the winner would carry significant momentum heading into WrestleMania.

Another compelling storyline involved the WWE Universal Championship. Kevin Owens, the champion, was embroiled in a feud with Roman Reigns. Their rivalry was marked by interference from Chris Jericho, Owens's best friend, adding layers of complexity to their matches. Reigns was determined to reclaim the title, while Owens was equally determined to hold onto it by any means necessary. The animosity between these two superstars made their interactions must-see television, further hyping up the Royal Rumble event.

Additionally, the Royal Rumble match itself had several subplots. Superstars from both Raw and SmackDown were vying for the opportunity to main event WrestleMania. The field was stacked with talent, including established stars like Randy Orton, The Undertaker, and Brock Lesnar, as well as up-and-coming wrestlers looking to make a name for themselves. The unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble match meant that anyone could emerge victorious, adding to the excitement and intrigue.

Leading up to the event, WWE did an excellent job of highlighting these storylines through weekly television shows, social media, and online content. The company created a sense of anticipation and drama, making the 2017 Royal Rumble a must-see event for wrestling fans worldwide. The stage was set for an explosive night of action, with careers on the line and WrestleMania dreams within reach.

Royal Rumble Match: Key Moments and Highlights

The Royal Rumble match in 2017 was a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and incredible athleticism. From start to finish, the match delivered memorable moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. Let's break down some of the key highlights that made this Royal Rumble match so special.

The match kicked off with a familiar face: Big Cass. He started the match with Chris Jericho. The early moments saw wrestlers like Braun Strowman and James Ellsworth dominating their opponents, showcasing their strength and agility. The crowd erupted when surprise entrants like Jack Gallagher made their way to the ring, adding an element of unpredictability to the match.

Midway through the match, the intensity continued to escalate. The Undertaker's entrance sent chills down the spines of everyone in attendance. His presence immediately changed the dynamic of the match, as he eliminated several competitors and set his sights on the championship. Brock Lesnar also made a significant impact, delivering devastating suplexes and eliminating wrestlers with ease. The clash between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar was a particularly memorable moment, as these two titans of wrestling collided in a battle of strength and will.

As the match approached its final stages, the tension reached fever pitch. Eliminations became more frequent, and alliances began to form and break apart. Roman Reigns, who had lost his Universal Championship match earlier in the night, entered the Royal Rumble match as the 30th entrant. His presence was met with a mixed reaction from the crowd, as some fans cheered while others booed. Reigns quickly made his presence felt, eliminating several competitors and positioning himself as a potential winner.

The final moments of the match were nothing short of dramatic. Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Bray Wyatt were the last three superstars remaining in the ring. The crowd was on its feet, anticipating the final elimination. In a shocking turn of events, Randy Orton eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Royal Rumble match. The arena exploded with cheers as Orton celebrated his victory, earning himself a spot in the main event of WrestleMania.

The 2017 Royal Rumble match was filled with unforgettable moments and highlights. From surprise entrants to intense battles between wrestling legends, this match had something for everyone. The victory of Randy Orton set the stage for an exciting Road to WrestleMania, as he prepared to challenge for the WWE Championship.

Surprise Entrants and Unforgettable Spots

One of the most exciting aspects of any Royal Rumble match is the potential for surprise entrants and unexpected moments. The 2017 Royal Rumble was no exception, as it featured several shocking appearances and unforgettable spots that added to the overall excitement of the event.

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the entrance of Tye Dillinger at number 10. The crowd erupted when Dillinger's music hit, chanting "10! 10! 10!" in unison. Dillinger's popularity had been growing steadily, and his appearance in the Royal Rumble match was a well-deserved reward for his hard work. Although he didn't win the match, his entrance was a memorable moment that showcased his connection with the fans.

Another surprise entrant that generated buzz was Jack Gallagher. Known for his unique personality and technical wrestling skills, Gallagher brought a different dynamic to the match. His interactions with other superstars were entertaining, and his presence added a touch of comedy to the high-stakes environment.

In addition to the surprise entrants, the 2017 Royal Rumble match featured several unforgettable spots that had fans talking. One such spot involved Braun Strowman, who delivered a series of devastating attacks on his opponents. Strowman's sheer size and strength made him a formidable force in the match, and his eliminations were particularly brutal.

Another memorable spot involved James Ellsworth, who attempted to enter the match but was immediately attacked by Braun Strowman. Ellsworth's comedic antics and over-the-top reactions made this moment hilarious, providing a brief respite from the intense action. While Ellsworth's appearance was brief, it was certainly memorable.

The 2017 Royal Rumble match was full of surprises and unforgettable spots that kept fans entertained from beginning to end. These unexpected moments added to the overall excitement of the event, making it a must-see for wrestling fans around the world. Whether it was the surprise entrances of Tye Dillinger and Jack Gallagher or the unforgettable spots involving Braun Strowman and James Ellsworth, the 2017 Royal Rumble had something for everyone.

The Aftermath and Road to WrestleMania

The 2017 Royal Rumble not only provided thrilling moments but also set the stage for the Road to WrestleMania. Randy Orton's victory in the Royal Rumble match earned him a guaranteed spot in the main event of WrestleMania 33, where he would challenge for the WWE Championship. This win marked a significant milestone in Orton's career, as he had been seeking another opportunity to headline WrestleMania.

Following the Royal Rumble, Orton's journey to WrestleMania was filled with twists and turns. He initially aligned himself with the WWE Champion, Bray Wyatt, who had also been a member of The Wyatt Family. Orton pledged his allegiance to Wyatt, refusing to challenge him for the title. This alliance created a sense of uncertainty, as fans wondered whether Orton would eventually turn on Wyatt and claim his rightful opportunity.

As WrestleMania drew closer, the tension between Orton and Wyatt began to escalate. Orton eventually revealed that his allegiance to Wyatt was a ruse, and he set his sights on the WWE Championship. This betrayal led to a heated rivalry between the two superstars, culminating in a match at WrestleMania 33.

At WrestleMania, Orton defeated Wyatt to win the WWE Championship, marking his 13th world title reign. The match was a culmination of months of storytelling and character development, solidifying Orton's status as one of the top stars in WWE. His victory was a testament to his longevity and his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling.

The Road to WrestleMania following the 2017 Royal Rumble was filled with drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Randy Orton's journey from Royal Rumble winner to WWE Champion was a compelling narrative that captivated fans and set the stage for an unforgettable WrestleMania moment. The 2017 Royal Rumble will be remembered not only for its thrilling match but also for the exciting Road to WrestleMania that followed.

Final Thoughts

The WWE Royal Rumble 2017 was truly an amazing event. From the intense buildup to the shocking conclusion, the entire show delivered non-stop action and excitement. The Royal Rumble match itself was a highlight, featuring surprise entrants, unforgettable spots, and a thrilling finish that saw Randy Orton emerge victorious. This event had everything a wrestling fan could ask for, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves the sport.

So, what are your favorite memories from the 2017 Royal Rumble? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation going and relive the excitement of this unforgettable event together. Whether you were cheering for your favorite superstar or gasping at the unexpected twists and turns, the 2017 Royal Rumble is a night that will live on in wrestling history. Thanks for reading, and keep wrestling!