What a let-down of a main event after a really, really solid PPV show. One of the best, dare I say, in years.
The pre-show, at two hours long, was ridiculous, but I enjoyed Jax's mauling of Sasha Banks and the tag team bout was fun. The two-ref shtick seemed a little gimmicky, and the Club's crowning moment fell a little flat as a result of poor booking and character development in recent months, but Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows thoroughly deserve the belts.
Babyfaces look better chasing the title, as is the case in the cruiserweight division, so it was pleasing (and predictable) to have Neville pick up the W against Rich Swann. He has breathed life into the division and deserves to carry the belt for as much as 2017 as possible. Have him clash with Swann, Cedric Alexander, TJ Perkins, Tajiri, Kalisto et al. Similarly, Bayley's eventual conquering of Charlotte needs to be delayed so it feels right at the time when it eventually happens. It was a shame to see the women's bout start the event, really. I'd have preferred them to hang fire and place it into a more meaningful slot.
There were a few shocks last night - namely Roman Reigns not being victorious in the match with Kevin Owens, owing to Braun Strowman interference, and John Cena picking up the belt against AJ Styles. The latter duo delivered a match-of-the-year contender, but Cena having the strap? I'm unsure. If SmackDown's main event at WM33 is Cena vs Orton, it's just a joke. I think Bray Wyatt will pick up the belt next month, though. As for what WWE has in line for Styles, I have no idea. He deserves a main event programme with another superstar, but that doesn't like happening. Unless it's Undertaker?
As for Reigns, it was absolutely the right decision to have Owens stay over, until he and Jericho's friendship eventually spectacularly combusts, allowing the two to feud for the title. Jericho has signed a new WWE contract, so it makes complete sense for him to carry the belt now. The addition of Strowman was an interesting surprise. It allowed Owens to play the scavenger, and Reigns now has a rival to pursue moving forward.
The other big shock of the night, of course, was Reigns' emergence at No. 30. I have to admit, I was worried he was going to go over - which would have been WWE's biggest trolling ever. Unfortunately, the winner - Randy Orton - wasn't much better. He's headlined numerous Manias, carried the belt multiple times, and he doesn't need the rub. Braun Strowman, the Miz, Sami Zayn, Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, The Undertaker, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor... anybody but Orton, really.
The Royal Rumble itself went from cluster**** to enjoyable. There were a few spots - Enzo's opening promo (it made complete sense for Big Cass to kick things off), Tye Dillinger at 10, Jack Gallagher appearing with William, Kofi Kingston's usual antics, the dominance of Braun Strowman, the hint of a heel turn when Reigns eliminated Taker, the dissension of the Wyatt Family, Corbin downing Strowman. But there were plenty of lowlights - namely Orton's win, no Seth Rollins, a lack of Goldberg vs Lesnar, and no surprise entrants like Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Kurt Angle, or Shinsuke Nakamura.