WWE Royal Rumble 2017: Full Match Highlights

by Alex Braham 45 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into one of the most talked-about Royal Rumble matches in WWE history? We're talking about the 2017 Royal Rumble, a night filled with surprises, intense moments, and unforgettable action. If you're a wrestling fan, you already know the Royal Rumble is one of the most exciting events of the year, and the 2017 edition definitely lived up to the hype. So, buckle up and let’s get into all the juicy details of the full match!

The Buildup to Royal Rumble 2017

Before we jump into the match itself, let's set the stage. The Road to WrestleMania always kicks off with the Royal Rumble, and in 2017, the stakes were incredibly high. Several ongoing storylines converged, creating a perfect storm of anticipation. Goldberg and Brock Lesnar, two absolute titans of the wrestling world, were set to clash again. Their previous encounters had been nothing short of destructive, and fans were eager to see what mayhem they would unleash in the Rumble match. Adding to the excitement, established stars like Randy Orton, The Undertaker, and Chris Jericho were also in the mix, each with their own motivations and histories.

Goldberg's Return: Goldberg's return to WWE after over a decade away had been a major talking point. His dominant victory over Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2016 shocked the world, and everyone wondered if he could repeat that performance on an even bigger stage. Goldberg's presence alone added a layer of unpredictability to the match. Would he dominate once again, or would someone finally put an end to his resurgence? The anticipation was palpable.

Brock Lesnar's Quest for Redemption: Speaking of Brock Lesnar, the Beast Incarnate was out for revenge. Humiliated by Goldberg at Survivor Series, Lesnar needed to reassert his dominance. The Royal Rumble presented the perfect opportunity. Lesnar's raw power and intensity made him a perennial threat in any match, and the Rumble was no exception. Fans were eager to see if he could overcome Goldberg and pave his way to WrestleMania.

The Undertaker's Mysterious Presence: The Undertaker, a Royal Rumble veteran, always brings an aura of mystique and unpredictability. His inclusion in the 2017 match had fans buzzing. Would he win and set up a dream match at WrestleMania? Or would he play spoiler, eliminating key contenders and setting up future rivalries? The Undertaker's presence guaranteed that anything could happen, and that's what made the Rumble so exciting.

Chris Jericho's Championship Ambitions: Chris Jericho, ever the showman, entered the Royal Rumble with championship aspirations. At this point in his career, Jericho had reinvented himself once again, becoming one of the most entertaining acts on WWE television. His wit, combined with his in-ring skills, made him a formidable competitor. Could Jericho defy the odds and win the Rumble, setting up a potential title match at WrestleMania? Only time would tell.

Royal Rumble 2017: The Match Unfolds

Alright, let’s dive into the actual match. The 2017 Royal Rumble featured a star-studded lineup, and the surprises started right from the beginning. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key moments and participants:

The match kicked off with Big Cass and Chris Jericho as the first two entrants. Jericho, a seasoned veteran, used his experience to outsmart the larger Cass early on. As more entrants joined, the action intensified. Kalisto, Mojo Rawley, and Jack Gallagher added a mix of speed and agility to the match, each hoping to make a lasting impression.

Mark Henry brought his power game to the ring, while Braun Strowman quickly established himself as a dominant force, eliminating several competitors in quick succession. Strowman's rampage showcased his incredible strength and cemented his status as a rising monster in WWE.

One of the most anticipated moments was the entry of Goldberg. The crowd erupted as Goldberg stormed into the ring, immediately targeting Brock Lesnar. The two behemoths clashed in a brief but brutal exchange, delivering spears and suplexes that had the crowd on its feet. Goldberg eliminated Lesnar, adding another chapter to their rivalry.

However, Goldberg's dominance was short-lived. He was soon eliminated by The Undertaker, setting up a staredown between the two legends. The crowd went wild at the prospect of a potential match between Goldberg and The Undertaker at WrestleMania. The tension in the ring was palpable.

The Undertaker continued to dominate, eliminating several other competitors. But his reign was also cut short when Roman Reigns entered the match. Reigns, a controversial figure among fans, eliminated The Undertaker, drawing a chorus of boos from the crowd. This elimination sparked a fierce rivalry between Reigns and The Undertaker, leading to their eventual clash at WrestleMania.

In the end, it came down to Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. Orton, a seasoned veteran and two-time Royal Rumble winner, used his experience and cunning to outlast Reigns. Orton hit Reigns with an RKO to secure the victory, earning his spot in the main event of WrestleMania 33.

Key Moments and Highlights

  • Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar: Their brief but impactful encounter was a highlight, with Goldberg eliminating Lesnar to continue their feud.
  • Braun Strowman's Dominance: Strowman's multiple eliminations showcased his incredible strength and established him as a major force in WWE.
  • The Undertaker's Appearance: The Deadman's presence added a layer of mystique and intrigue, and his elimination by Roman Reigns set up a future rivalry.
  • Randy Orton's Victory: Orton's win was a testament to his longevity and skill, earning him a spot in the WrestleMania main event.

The Aftermath and WrestleMania 33

Randy Orton's victory at the Royal Rumble set the stage for his WWE Championship match against Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 33. The rivalry between Orton and Wyatt was complex and personal, with Orton turning on Wyatt after joining his Wyatt Family. Their match at WrestleMania was highly anticipated, and Orton ultimately defeated Wyatt to capture the WWE Championship.

The other storylines that developed during the Royal Rumble also played out at WrestleMania. Roman Reigns's elimination of The Undertaker led to their No Holds Barred match at WrestleMania 33, where Reigns defeated The Undertaker in what was perceived to be The Undertaker's retirement match. Goldberg went on to defeat Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane, setting up his title defense against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33. Lesnar defeated Goldberg to win the Universal Championship, finally getting his revenge and ending their epic rivalry.

Why the 2017 Royal Rumble Still Matters

The 2017 Royal Rumble was more than just a single match; it was a pivotal moment that shaped the landscape of WWE for months to come. The storylines that originated in the Rumble led to some of the most memorable matches and moments at WrestleMania 33. The clash between legends like Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, and The Undertaker, combined with the rise of new stars like Braun Strowman, made the 2017 Royal Rumble a truly unforgettable event.

For fans, the Royal Rumble is always a highlight of the wrestling calendar, and the 2017 edition delivered on all fronts. The surprises, the drama, and the sheer excitement of the match made it a classic that fans will continue to talk about for years to come. Whether you're a long-time wrestling enthusiast or a casual viewer, the 2017 Royal Rumble is a must-watch event.

So, there you have it – a deep dive into the WWE Royal Rumble 2017! What were your favorite moments from the match? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to share this article with your fellow wrestling fans. Until next time, keep wrestling!