Hey wrestling fans! Are you ready to dive into one of the most electrifying Royal Rumble matches in recent history? The WWE Royal Rumble 2017 was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and unforgettable moments. In this article, we’re going to break down the full match, highlighting all the key events, surprise entrants, and the ultimate winner. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s relive the excitement!

The Road to Royal Rumble 2017

Before we jump into the rumble itself, let’s set the stage. The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the Big Four pay-per-views, alongside WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. Held annually in January, it marks the beginning of the road to WrestleMania. The Royal Rumble match is a battle royal featuring 30 participants (historically, though this number can vary), who enter at timed intervals. A superstar is eliminated when they are thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. The last man standing earns a championship opportunity at WrestleMania.

In 2017, the stakes were high. The WWE Championship and Universal Championship pictures were fiercely contested, and the Royal Rumble match offered a golden ticket to the main event of WrestleMania. Speculation was rife about who would enter, who would be a surprise, and who would ultimately emerge victorious. The storylines leading into the event added an extra layer of excitement, with rivalries intensifying and new feuds brewing.

Royal Rumble 2017: The Full Match Breakdown

The 2017 Royal Rumble took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on January 29. The atmosphere was electric, with over 52,000 fans in attendance, all eager to witness wrestling history. Let's break down the match, entrant by entrant, moment by moment.

Early Entrants and Initial Chaos

The match kicked off with two familiar faces: Big Cass and Chris Jericho. Cass, the powerhouse, and Jericho, the veteran strategist, immediately went at it, setting a dynamic pace for the early minutes. Jericho, ever the crafty competitor, used his experience to evade Cass’s power moves.

Next up was Kalisto, bringing his high-flying offense to the ring. He targeted Jericho, using his speed to gain an advantage. However, the size and strength of Cass proved to be a significant obstacle.

The fourth entrant was Mojo Rawley, injecting some high-energy aggression into the mix. Rawley’s intensity added to the chaos, as he went after anyone in sight.

The early stages of the Royal Rumble are always a mix of strategy and survival. Superstars try to conserve energy, form temporary alliances, and avoid elimination. Jericho, with his years of experience, was particularly adept at this, often finding himself on the ropes but managing to hang on.

Mid-Match Mayhem and Surprise Appearances

As the match progressed, more competitors entered the fray, each bringing their unique style and intensity. Jack Gallagher with his unique personality provided some interesting spots.

The surprises are a hallmark of the Royal Rumble, and the 2017 edition did not disappoint. One of the most memorable moments was the entrance of Tye Dillinger at number 10. The crowd erupted as Dillinger, known for his Perfect 10 gimmick, made his way to the ring. The arena chanted “10! 10! 10!” creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Other notable entrants in the mid-match phase included James Ellsworth, who was quickly eliminated by Braun Strowman. Strowman’s dominance was on full display as he tossed out several competitors, establishing himself as a major threat.

The mid-match period is where the field starts to thin out, and the contenders begin to emerge. Alliances form and break, and the stakes get higher with each passing elimination.

Late-Match Showdowns and Final Eliminations

The final stretch of the Royal Rumble is where legends are made. As the clock ticked down, the tension in the Alamodome was palpable. Braun Strowman continued his reign of terror, eliminating more superstars and solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with.

The entry of Goldberg added another layer of excitement. Goldberg, making a comeback to WWE after many years, immediately went after Brock Lesnar, who had entered earlier. The two powerhouses clashed in a brief but intense exchange, reminiscent of their WCW days. Ultimately, Goldberg eliminated Lesnar, sending shockwaves through the arena.

However, Goldberg’s dominance was short-lived, as he was soon eliminated by The Undertaker. The Undertaker’s entrance was met with a thunderous ovation, and he quickly made his presence felt, taking out multiple competitors.

The final moments of the match came down to a handful of superstars, including Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, and Chris Jericho. Reigns, who had lost the Universal Championship earlier in the night, entered at number 30, much to the dismay of the crowd. He immediately went on the offensive, eliminating several competitors.

In the end, it was Randy Orton who emerged victorious, last eliminating Roman Reigns to win the Royal Rumble. The crowd erupted as Orton celebrated his second Royal Rumble victory, securing his spot in the main event of WrestleMania.

Key Moments and Highlights

• Tye Dillinger’s Entrance: The crowd’s reaction to Dillinger’s entrance at number 10 was one of the most memorable moments of the night.
• Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar: The brief but intense clash between Goldberg and Lesnar was a highlight for fans who remembered their WCW rivalry.
• Braun Strowman’s Dominance: Strowman’s numerous eliminations showcased his incredible strength and established him as a major player in WWE.
• The Undertaker’s Appearance: The Undertaker’s entrance and subsequent eliminations added a sense of legend and legacy to the match.
• Randy Orton’s Victory: Orton’s win was a culmination of his veteran status and his ability to seize the moment when it mattered most.

The Aftermath and Road to WrestleMania

Randy Orton’s victory at the Royal Rumble set the stage for his WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 33. He would go on to face Bray Wyatt for the title, continuing their intense rivalry.

The 2017 Royal Rumble had significant implications for other superstars as well. Roman Reigns, despite losing the Rumble, remained a top contender in the Universal Championship picture. The surprises and memorable moments from the Rumble helped shape the storylines leading into WrestleMania.

Final Thoughts

The WWE Royal Rumble 2017 was a classic event filled with excitement, surprises, and unforgettable moments. From the early chaos to the late-match showdowns, the Rumble delivered on all fronts. Randy Orton’s victory was a fitting end to a night that celebrated both the present and the future of WWE.

So, there you have it – a complete recap of the WWE Royal Rumble 2017. Whether you watched it live or are reliving it now, it’s a match that will be remembered for years to come. Keep wrestling!