MATCH NO.1(INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE)
A)KEVIN OWENS VS DEAN AMBROSE - LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
4-STAR MATCH-> That was an awesome match where both guys put their bodies on the line and there was a decisive conclusion to it. The final bump by Owens looked a little risky, but he was able to land safely. It sounded painful! I like how they had some outstanding spots for the near finishes. Ambrose hit Dirty Deeds twice yet Owens was able to avoid losing. Owens nailed his Popup Powerbomb and Ambrose was able to get to his feet too. Stuff like Owens rolling to the floor to break the count is so clever. Then Owens countering the suplex with one of his own to drive Ambrose through the table. Then there was the decisive ending that was the kind of massive bump by Owens that you don’t see very often. This was also the third Pay Per View in a row where Ambrose beat Owens. I would say that ends the feud and I hope that Owens isn’t hurt by it. The good thing is that Owens is such a good talker that will always get a reaction. He does need to be booked stronger, though. With that said, a match like this helps to legitimize the Intercontinental Title. Two awesome wrestlers put on a very entertaining match that is already an early match of the year contender. No complaints from me when you can start a Royal Rumble off with a match that’s over four stars out of five.
RATING-4 OUT OF 5
MATCH NO 2(WWE WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS)
B)THE USOS VS THE NEW DAY
3-STAR MATCH-> That was the usual very good tag match from two teams that are familiar with each other. What an awesome finish with Big E showing up as a surprise to Jey to nail the finisher. It was the right call to keep the titles on The New Day because they’re the best team in the company and there wasn’t that much of a build up to this match. There wasn’t any point in the match where I thought The Usos might win the titles. The crowd reactions were telling. As great as The New Day are as champions, they are getting cheered a lot more and The Usos were booed, so I hope it doesn’t lead to a turn for The New Day. They won’t be as entertaining as faces because faces get less promo time and aren’t allowed to be as creative as when they are heels. I’m not sure who The New Day might feud with after this.
MATCH NO.3(UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP)
C)KALISTO .VS. ALBERTO DEL RIO
2&HALF STAR MATCH->A good title match to put over Kalisto again. If this was the first US Title win for Kalisto then it would be a huge moment. The problem is they’ve done three title changes in about three weeks now. It doesn’t feel like a big deal because the title loses its value with all of the title changes. I think some of their other matches were better, but maybe I’m just tired of it after writing about four of their matches in the last few weeks. Is he going to lose it again? I hope not. I picked Del Rio to win, but I have no problem with the change because this show needed a change in one of the undercard matches and this one was the best choice. Kalisto’s had a lot of momentum since his big spot at TLC last month, so it is as if WWE is rewarding him for that.
MATCH NO.4 (DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP)
D)CHARLOTTE VS BECKY LYNCH
2&HALF STAR MATCH-> A really good match full of action and some awesome near finishes as well. I liked the intensity of both women and the way they built it up. While I expected Charlotte to win, they did a good job of building up some big spots for Becky as well. The crowd really wanted her to win and they were pissed off when Flair cost Lynch the match. The jacket spot was unique, that’s for sure. I thought Flair was pretty hilarious outside the ring and his presence gives Charlotte a lot of heel heat.
MATCH NO.5(WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP)
3 STAR MATCH->It was a pretty good Rumble that was better than the last couple of years, so that’s a positive at least. It was entertaining at times, but the ending didn’t excite me much at all. I know a lot of people predicted it. I figured it was a very possible choice too. I just didn’t want it to happen because to me putting the title on Triple H again is a step backwards. He’s 46 years old. What’s he gonna do, put over Roman for the WWE Title at WrestleMania? That’s nice, but Roman is already a two-time champion and a match like that feels predictable. Reigns got screwed at Survivor Series and then he lost clean here. If Triple H was going to win, it should have been a lot cheaper than this. In WWE’s defense, injuries forced their hand with this booking. They weren’t left with that many options. Doesn’t mean this was the best choice. I just kinda shrug my shoulders and move on. I look forward to other feuds.
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