WWE Royal Rumble Highlights: The Bloodline attacks Sami Zayn after Roman Reigns beats Owens; Ripley, Rhodes off to Mania

WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Highlights: Roman Reigns defeated Kevin Owens in the main-event after which The Bloodline attacked Sami Zayn. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley won their respective Royal Rumble matches to book their WrestleMania tickets.

Royal Rumble 2023. (Screengrab)

WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Highlights: The Bloodline unleashed a brutal attack of Sami Zayn as the former 'Honorary Uso' drilled a steel chair on the back of Roman Reigns. After Reigns defeated Kevin Owens to retain the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship, Roman wanted Sami to assault KO with a steel chair. A visibly miffed Sami had enough and hit Roman with a chair before all members of the Bloodline beat up Zayn barring Jey Uso. Rhea Ripley and Cody Rhodes won their respective Royal Rumble matches to secure a place in the main event of WrestleMania 39. Ripley won the Women's Royal Rumble becoming only the 4th individual ever to win it after entering No. 1, while Rhodes made a triumphant return to the WWE entering the Rumble match at No. 30 and winning it by eliminating the No. 1 entrant Gunther in the final-two showdown. A huge shocker ensued during the match when Bobby Lashley eliminated Brock Lesnar, leaving The Beast infuriated. Other notable returns including that of Edge and Logan Paul, while Booker T took laced his boots and sizzled with a Spinaroonie. In other matches, Bianca Belair successfully retained her WWE Raw Women's Championship against Alexa Bliss, while Bray Wyatt defeated LA Knight to win the first-ever Pitch Black match.

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• 29 Jan 2023, 10:51:37 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Jey Uso walks out, tension within The Bloodline

  Jey Uso, who trusted Sami with his life, is in utter shock after seeing Zayn turn his back on Roman, and leaves the ring as Jimmy, Roman and Solo wear a puzzled look on their faces. The Bloodline has laid waste to Sami and Owens as an explosive Royal Rumble comes to an end. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:44:55 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: SAMI ZAYN attack Roman Reigns with a CHAIR

  Oh my god! It has happened. Sami Zayn puts a chair through Roman Reigns as the crowd goes mad. But that is that, that is all he can conjure. The Bloodline is attacking Sami Zayn with everything they've got. Solo Sikoa landed the Samoan Spike while Jimmy Uso pummels on to Sami. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:42:40 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: FINALLY… Sami stops Roman from assaulting Owens

  Roman Reigns was about to unleash a chair shot on an already knocked out Kevin Owens but before he took the swing, Sami came in front and stopped him. Roman then hands the chair to Sami Zayn to let him do the beating, but Zayn is in two minds. Roman tries to encourage him but Sami is still reluctant.

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:40:28 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: The Bloodline with a vicious assault on Kevin Owens after the match

  The match may have ended but The Bloodline is not done. They have handcuffed Kevin Owens as the The Usos and Solo Sikoa mercilessly beat down KO… in front of Sami Zayn. It's getting uncomfortable to watch.

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:38:34 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: SPEAR… and Reigns retains

  Roman goes on a rampage on Owens, slamming his head on the steel steps twice before a devastating spear acted as the final nail in the coffin. 1, 2 and 3. Roman Reigns beats Kevin Owens to retain the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship. The 850-plus day reign continues.

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:35:20 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Hesitation from Sami Zayn almost costs Roman Reigns

  With the referee down, Roman Reigns asked Sami Zayn to get a chair but KO's long-time friend hesitates. That moment allows KO to hit Reigns with a stunner but Roman kicks out. Reigns then recovers to hit two more spears - one inside the ring and another through the barricade outside - but Owens kicks out again. Unbelievable.

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:30:55 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: The referee gets KNOCKED OUT

  Reigns shoves Owens on to the referee after countering a stunner. KO delivers a Pop-Up Powerbomb to Reigns but there is no referee to make count. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:29:16 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: KO kicks out of THE SPEAR

  WHAT? A Spear from Reigns but not enough? How rarely have we seen that? Reigns planted Owens with the spear but KO kicks out at 2.  

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:28:00 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: There is life left in Kevin Owens 

  Owens counters a spear and sends Roman Reigns crashing on the pole. Then flies from the top rope with a beautiful Moon Sault. 1… 2… and a KICK OUT! 

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:26:33 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Reigns delivers the SuperMan punch but KO kicks out

  Close but not close enough. Roman Reigns went for the SuperMan punch but ran into a German Suplex from Kevin Owens. But the slam hardly did any damge since Reigns connected successfully with a second SuperMan punch, albeit not enough to keep KO down. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:24:35 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Owens with consecutive FROG SPLASHES

  With Roman on the floor outside, KO pulled off a frog splash from the apron. Owens then tosses him back in the ring and brings out another froggy - this time from the top rope. KO tried to add to the assault but Roman countered and delivers a thunderous Powerbomb.

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:21:59 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Sami cheers Roman on from outside the ring

  Roman Reigns Irish whips KO to the corner but the real picture is developing outside the ring. The camera captured Sami clapping and applauding the Tribal Chief. Reigns builds momentum and lands the 'drive-by' on Owens. Reigns back dictating terms, burying Owens in the corner with flurry of rights.

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:19:05 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Reigns displaying his strength early on

  Kevin Owens sat perched on the top rope as Roman Reigns was showboating. The opening bell rings and the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship match is underway. Reigns flatted Owens with a hard shoulder tackle but KO delivered a shoulder block of his own followed by a senton and a cannonball. Owens on top in the early part of the match.

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:11:52 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Here comes the GOAT! The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns enters the arena

  Here we go. Reigns vs Owens for the second time in Rumble history. But wait, this is an interesting sight. Roman Reigns has only Sami Zayn by his side. There is no sign of the Usos. Of course, there is the wiseman Paul Heyman, but the fact that only Sami and not Usos are out there, indicates a lot. Is this the test, is this the final hurdle Sami has to cross to cement his place in The Bloodline?  

• 29 Jan 2023, 10:06:18 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: It's time for the main-event; Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens

  The 800-plus day reign of Roman Reigns' title reign is under threat again as he gets set to defend the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship against Kevin Owens. This promises to be a cracker of a match-up as barring Reigns and Owens, there is one more individual who promises to play a major role in this contest… and that is Sami Zayn. Remember, last Monday night on Raw, although Reigns declared Zayn NOT GUILTY in his trial, he also informed Sami that he will be up for ONE FINAL test. We cannot wait for this

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:52:24 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: RHEA RIPLEY punches her ticket to WrestleMania

  What a dramatic finish. On the apron outside the ring, Asuka first tried to blind Rhea with the green mist but she ducked and Liv Morgan got the worst of it. Taking advantage of the situation, Ripley threw Asuka out of the ring, leaving her and Morgan as the final 2 contenders. A blinded Morgan almost had her moment under the sun when he triggered an offence to Ripley. But Rhea, even as she hung inches above the ground, caught Morgan with her feet and out of pure strength threw Morgan rolling and punched booked her WrestleMania ticket. Only the fourth wrestler ever to win the Rumble from No. 1. What a performance!

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:45:37 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: It's all winding down pretty quickly now

  Down to the final 3 as Raquel Rodriguez, Nikki Cross and Piper Niven eliminated. It's a triple-threat showdown between Asuka, Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:44:20 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Eliminations galore

  In less than 2 minutes, 5 women have been eliminated, including Michelle McCool and Shotzi. From 11, we are down to 6 - Rhea Ripley, Piper Niven, Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Nikki Cross and Liv Morgan.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:41:28 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: RIP-TIDE to Nia, JAX eliminated

  It took an unbelievable Rip-Tide from Rhea Ripley and 11 other women to eliminate Nia Jax from the Rumble. She has been eliminated but rest assured, Monday Night Raw is going to be mighty interesting. Another elimination has ensued as Raquel Rodriguez ends Lacey Evans' Rumble outing.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:38:58 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: OH MY GOD! Nia Jax is No. 3

  The Irresistible Force has returned, and her intimidating stature has caught everyone's attention. Wasn't she released? Dead sure she was but it seems as if WWE has renewed their contract. Nia was the first woman to compete in both men and women's Rumble matches on the same night, back in 2020. Quite a shocking yet stunning return this. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:36:46 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Nikki Cross has arrived

  The Chaos, the tornado Nikki Cross enters at No. 29. Plants Liv Morgan immediately, who along with Rhea Ripley has stayed afloat in the match by over 50 minutes now.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:35:13 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Shotzi in at No. 28; just 2 more to go 

  We are into the final three as Shotzi enters the Rumble match at No. 27. And what an entrance. She rides a tank and begins the match by flying off the top rope as she tries to eliminate Lacey Evans. Sonya Deville who entered at No. 27 effects an elimination. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:29:39 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: WHAT! It's Michelle McCool

  Michelle McCool, a former Divas Champion and The Undertaker's wife enters the Royal Rumble at No. 25. She was sitting in the front row with her daughter and enjoying the show. It was only when her music hit that Michelle rose from the chair, removed a stoll and entered teh Rumble match. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:28:10 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Lacey Evans enters the fray

  She may no longer be the Sassy Southern Belle, but Lacey Evans is still a savage when it comes to taking her chances. Lacey promises she will eliminate every woman in her sight, and while the crowd may not entirely be behind her, she's off to a cool start.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:25:06 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Raquel Rodriguez enters at No. 22

  Maddening cheer from the crowd as Texas' very own Raquel Rodriguez comes into the match. She is a bonafide superstar in the making and is expected to be the next big thing in women's wrestling. Through her attire, she is paying homage to the late great Eddie Guerrero.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:21:43 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Bayley eliminates Becky, then gets thrown out by Liv Morgan

  Crazy couple of eliminations. And BIG eliminations too. Bayley outsmarts Becky Lynch by throwing her over the top rope but as she gloats in the glory, Liv Morgan emerges from behind and does the same to Bayley. Becky and Damage Control engage in a brawl outside.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:20:06 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: CHELSEA GREEN IS BACK, and gets ELIMINATED

  At No. 20 enters Chelsea Green in a surprise entry. The internet was buzzing with rumours about her return but turns out it's true. But in a shocking turn of events, gets eliminated in 5 seconds, which is a record.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:17:50 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Piper Niven aka Doudrop enters the Rumble

  Piper Niven, earlier known as Doudrop has entered the Rumble. Will the Gimmick change work? Seems to as she is off to a strong beginning, smashing everyone in her sights. Meanwhile, the first 2 entrants in the match - Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan are still in in. They have lasted over half an hour. In comes Tamina and Piper and she go after each other.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:15:05 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: The Alamodome on its feet as Asuka enters the Rumble

  OH MY GOD! It's true. Winner of the 2018 Royal Rumble, Asuka has entered the arena at No. 17, and she's got a new and more fierce-looking face mask. Goes after Damage Control and almost eliminates Dakota there for a second it seemed 

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:10:15 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: The MAN, Becky Lynch is here

  Damage Control was reveling in the joy of yet another elimination before the smiles were wiped off their faces. At No. 15 comes the MAN, Becky Lynch. So much history between the two. Winner of the 2019 Rumble, Lynch went after the three women but the 3-on-1 advantage is too much even for The MAN to overcome. Gets laid out by Bayley, Dakota and Iyo near the commentary table.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:06:52 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: COMPLETE DOMINATION from Damage Control

  This faction is on fire as all three of them - Bayley, Dakota and Iyo combine to effect two eliminations at the same time. Natalya's return is short-lived as she and Baszler fall outside the ring. We are almost mid-way through the Women's Rumble match as Xia Li enters at No. 14.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:02:48 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Roxanne Perez OUT, Natalya returns

  The reigning NXT Women's Champion, Roxanne Perez put on a show before her Rumble match appearance was cut short by the Damage Control. However, shortly after, entering No. 11 is Natalya, who was put out of action after Shayna Bazsler had broken her nose. Goes right after her.

• 29 Jan 2023, 09:00:30 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Iyo Sky is here to aid Dakota and Bayley

  All three members of Damage Control are here. If Dakota's arrival at No. 9 wasn't enough to support Bayley, Iyo Sky comes in at No. 10 to boost the faction even more. Just one elimination so far. Oh wait! Scratch that - Make it two… no 3 as Dana Brooke and Emma eliminated in quick succession. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:55:55 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: B-Fab's forgettable Rumble debut

  Great display of strength by B-Fab, who goes right after Liv Morgan first and then targets Bayley. However, she lasted just 36 seconds as Ripley floors her with a head butt and throws her flying over the ring.

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:53:59 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Shayna Baszler in at No. 4, Bayley enters No. 5 

  Shayna Baszler holds the record for the most eliminations in the Rumble in a very dominant history. After her at No. 5 is Bayley, making her 4th Rumble match appearance. She has never won a Rumble match yet and that bothers her.

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:51:32 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Emma enters at No. 4

  Emma, resigned to the WWE, makes her first-ever Royal Rumble match appearance. She was released just a month before the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble match back in 2018. And as we continue, Emma, Brooke and Morgan tagging up to take on Ripley. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:48:55 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Dana Brooke at No. 3

  Here is someone who has participated in every Women's Royal Rumble match. Dana Brooke enters at No. 3. Two women have won from that spot in the past. Brooke, the fresh entrant goes after Ripley and Morgan, lands a Superplex off the second rope on the latter.

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:46:26 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Rhea Ripley enters No. 1 as Women's Rumble match gets underway

  Rhea Ripley, who took a spear earlier in the evening, enters No. 1 in the Rumble favouring her abdomen. At No. 2 enters Liv Morgan. Surprisingly, Morgan asked to be No. 1. Last year, she lasted 37 minutes in the match but also holds the dubious distinction of being the fastest woman to be eliminated in the Women's Rumble match having lasted just 8 seconds.

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:37:55 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Bianca Belair retains Raw Women's Championship

  Alexa Bliss certainly brought a new level to her game and put on one heck of a fight but it's Bianca Belair who retains her title with a KOD. Bliss was all game with her challenge but despite a string of early offences. it wasn't enough for the former champion to add to her title reigns.  

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:20:52 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: WHAT IN THE WORLD? Uncle Howdy?

  Unbelievable scenes! First Wyatt puts on a scary-looking mask and frightens LA Knight all the way up to the stage before strangling him with the Mandible Cla. And then Uncle Howdy Shows up and launches himself from a platform on to Knight as members of the FireFly Funhouse look on from there. Creepy!

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:17:01 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Sister Abigail and Wyatt picks up the win

  LA Knight did not stand a chance. He tried to run it at Wyatt with a kendo stick but got caught in the Sister Abigal. 1… 2… 3, and it's Wyatt who picks up the win.

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:14:57 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Bizarre scenes in the arena

  Well, the lights in the arena have gone out and there are things glowing in and outside the ring. Wyatt with the early offence but Knight comes flying from the barricade and clothesline Wyatt as both crash through the announce table. This is Wyatt's first WWE match in nearly 2 years and boy, this is rather surreal.  

• 29 Jan 2023, 08:06:37 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: On to the Pitch Black match now

  Phew! As the euphoria of Cody Rhodes winning the Men's Royal Rumble match settles down, we turn out attention to the Pitch Black match between Bray Wyatt and LA Knight. We know nothing about what to expect from the match. But whenever it's a new match involving Wyatt, rest assured, it's going to deliver the kicks.

• 29 Jan 2023, 07:54:35 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: CODY RHODES wins the Rumble, and he is going to WrestleMania

  He has done it. Cody Rhodes has taken his first successful comeback step by winning the Royal Rumble. What a finish. Gunther did not give up till the end. he landed a dropkick on Cody, followed by a bone-jarring powerbomb. But Rhodes did not give up. The American Nightmare delivered a Cross-Rhodes and threw Gunther out of the ring. WHAT A COMEBACK STORY! From Dashing, to Stardust, to WrestleMania main-eventer. Cody Rhodes' time is HERE and NOW

• 29 Jan 2023, 07:50:57 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Both men fighting on top rope, Gunther punishing Rhodes

  Will there be a fairytale ending for Rhodes? Doesn't look like it since Gunther is pummelling the American Nightmare. Remember this is Cody's first match in month. And to be up against a physical specimen like Gunther is not a cakewalk. But wait, Cody comes back with an offence, nails the Cody Cutter jumping off the ropes. A tantalising finish awaits. 

• 29 Jan 2023, 07:47:30 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Logan Paul eliminates Seth Rollins, then gets thrown out by Cody

  Where did he come from? We totally forgot about Logan Paul amid the whole Rollins vs Cody drama. He comes from nowhere and throws Seth Rollins. But his moment doesn't last forever. Cody Rhodes land the Cross-Rhoades and out goes Logan. We are on to the final 2. It's Rhodes vs Gunther.

• 29 Jan 2023, 07:44:14 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Live: Make that 3 now

  A stomp to Austin Theory ends his Rumble campaign. And now it's Cody and Rollins with a faceoff. What a rivalry they have had. Remember WrestleMania, remember Hell in a Cell. Oh what a moment. Gunther still in it. The Intercontinental Champion has been in the Rumble match for over an hour.

• 29 Jan 2023, 07:42:08 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Cody, Theory, Gunther, Rollins the final 4

  There we have it. The final four. One of Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Austin Theory and Gunther is winning the Royal Rumble. Only one of them has won the Rumble previously.

• 29 Jan 2023, 07:40:49 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: Cody eliminates Dominik

  Dominik's efforts in the Rumble come to an end. He was in there for a long time, a commendable effort for a first-timer. But it's the cockiness that got him. Trying to pay homage… or whatever to Eddie Guerrero, Dominic was in the middle of the Three Amigos to Cody when Rhodes countered it with a Cross-Rhoades and thew him flying out of the ring.

• 29 Jan 2023, 07:37:47 AM IST

  WWE Royal Rumble Live: CODY RHODES IS HERE at No. 30

  THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE is the final entrant in the match as the Rumble enters its final minutes. His recovery from the torn pectoral muscle has been well-documented and Cody's road back to the top begins tonight. San Antonio is on its feet.