WWE Royal Rumble 2019: Match Card & Results

The WWE Royal Rumble 2019 was a night to remember, filled with unexpected twists, thrilling matches, and championship showdowns that had fans on the edge of their seats. Held on January 27, 2019, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, the event showcased some of WWE's biggest stars and set the stage for WrestleMania 35. Let's dive into the exciting match card and relive the memorable moments.

Men's Royal Rumble Match: A Battle of Attrition

The Men's Royal Rumble match is always a highlight, and the 2019 edition did not disappoint. Thirty Superstars battled it out for an opportunity to challenge for a world championship at WrestleMania. The lineup included established stars, rising talents, and surprise entrants, creating a dynamic and unpredictable contest. Wrestlers like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton were among the favorites, but as always, the Royal Rumble had a few tricks up its sleeve.

The match began with Elias and Jeff Jarrett, a surprise entrant, who was quickly eliminated by Elias. The early stages saw a mix of veterans and newcomers vying for control, each hoping to outlast their opponents. As the match progressed, the intensity increased with each new entrant. Big names like Samoa Joe and AJ Styles added to the chaos, delivering impactful moves and near-eliminations. The crowd erupted when Kurt Angle made his appearance, showcasing his iconic moves and battling with the younger stars.

One of the most memorable moments was the dominant performance of Braun Strowman, who eliminated several competitors and asserted his dominance. However, the resilient Andrade proved to be a formidable opponent, showcasing his agility and strength. The final moments of the match saw a tense showdown between Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman. After a grueling exchange, Rollins managed to eliminate Strowman, securing his victory and earning a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 35. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with high spots, surprising eliminations, and a deserving winner in Seth Rollins, marking a significant moment in his career.

Women's Royal Rumble Match: History in the Making

The Women's Royal Rumble match continued to make history, featuring some of the most talented female Superstars in WWE. Building on the success of the previous year, the 2019 edition promised even more excitement and surprises. Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Nia Jax were among the top contenders, each with their eyes set on a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. The match was not just a battle for supremacy but also a showcase of the incredible strides the women's division had made.

The match started with Lacey Evans and Natalya, setting the tone for a night of intense competition. The early entrants included a mix of established stars and NXT call-ups, each eager to make an impact. Mickie James and Billie Kay added to the drama with their strategic maneuvers and near-eliminations. As the match wore on, legends like Michelle McCool and Alundra Blayze made surprise appearances, adding a nostalgic touch to the event. The crowd went wild as each new entrant brought their unique style and energy to the ring.

One of the most talked-about moments was when Lana was injured before she could enter the ring and Becky Lynch, who had lost her earlier match against Asuka for the SmackDown Women's Championship, took her spot. Lynch's entry injected a new level of excitement into the match, and she quickly became a force to be reckoned with. The final stages of the match saw Lynch and Charlotte Flair battling it out in a grueling contest. Both women delivered their signature moves, each refusing to back down. In the end, Becky Lynch emerged victorious, eliminating Flair and securing her spot in the main event of WrestleMania 35. Her win was a defining moment, solidifying her status as "The Man" and setting the stage for a historic WrestleMania showdown.

WWE Championship Match: Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles

The WWE Championship match pitted the champion, Daniel Bryan, against the challenger, AJ Styles. This clash of styles promised a technical masterpiece, with both men known for their incredible in-ring skills and storytelling ability. Bryan, who had adopted a more aggressive and eco-friendly persona, aimed to retain his title against the ever-popular Styles. The match was highly anticipated, with fans eager to see who would emerge as the WWE Champion.

From the opening bell, Bryan and Styles engaged in a fierce battle, showcasing their technical prowess. Bryan focused on grounding Styles, using his grappling skills to wear down the challenger. Styles, known for his high-flying offense, looked for opportunities to create space and unleash his signature moves. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with each man gaining momentum at different points. Bryan's new aggressive style was on full display, as he used underhanded tactics to maintain control.

As the match progressed, the intensity increased, with both men exchanging near falls. Styles hit the Styles Clash, but Bryan managed to kick out, much to the surprise of the crowd. Bryan responded with a series of vicious strikes and submission attempts, pushing Styles to his limit. In the end, Bryan retained his title with the help of Rowan, who made his presence known by attacking AJ Styles. The match was a testament to the skill and determination of both competitors, with Bryan proving his dominance as the WWE Champion.

Universal Championship Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Bálor

The Universal Championship match featured Brock Lesnar defending his title against Finn Bálor. Despite being smaller in stature compared to Lesnar, Bálor had earned the opportunity to challenge for the championship, showcasing his resilience and skill. This match was seen as a classic David versus Goliath encounter, with fans eager to see if Bálor could overcome the dominant Lesnar.

The match started with Lesnar immediately taking control, using his size and strength to overpower Bálor. Lesnar delivered a series of suplexes, asserting his dominance early on. However, Bálor refused to back down, using his agility and speed to evade Lesnar's attacks. Bálor targeted Lesnar's legs, attempting to ground the champion and limit his mobility. The crowd was firmly behind Bálor, cheering him on as he fought against the odds.

As the match progressed, Bálor managed to gain some momentum, hitting a Coup de Grace. However, Lesnar kicked out and quickly regained control, delivering an F5 to secure the victory and retain his Universal Championship. The match was a hard-fought battle, with Bálor proving his worth as a top contender, despite the loss. Lesnar's win solidified his reign as the dominant force in WWE.

SmackDown Women's Championship Match: Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

The SmackDown Women's Championship match saw Asuka defending her title against Becky Lynch. This match was highly anticipated, with both women known for their fierce competitiveness and incredible in-ring abilities. Lynch, who had been on a roll, aimed to capture the title and continue her rise to the top of the women's division.

The match started with both women exchanging strikes and submission attempts, showcasing their technical prowess. Asuka used her unique offense to keep Lynch off balance, while Lynch relied on her strength and determination to gain the upper hand. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with each woman gaining momentum at different points. The crowd was split, with fans supporting both competitors.

As the match progressed, the intensity increased, with both women delivering their signature moves. Asuka locked in the Asuka Lock, forcing Lynch to tap out and retain her SmackDown Women's Championship. The match was a testament to the skill and determination of both competitors, with Asuka proving her dominance as the champion. Despite the loss, Lynch's performance set the stage for her later entry and victory in the Women's Royal Rumble match.

Other Notable Matches

Besides the main matches, the WWE Royal Rumble 2019 also featured other notable contests that added to the excitement of the event:

• Raw Women's Championship Match: Ronda Rousey defeated Sasha Banks to retain her title in a hard-fought battle.
• SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus) defeated The Miz and Shane McMahon to retain their titles.

Conclusion

The WWE Royal Rumble 2019 was a night filled with unforgettable moments, thrilling matches, and unexpected twists. From the Royal Rumble matches to the championship showdowns, the event delivered excitement and set the stage for WrestleMania 35. The victories of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in the Royal Rumble matches were defining moments, setting them on a path to greatness. The WWE Royal Rumble 2019 remains a highlight in WWE history, showcasing the incredible talent and storytelling that make professional wrestling so captivating.