The stage is set for the annual World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Royal Rumble event TONIGHT (Sun., Jan. 24, 2016) at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
This year, though, there is a twist as Roman Reigns — the reigning WWE World Heavyweight champion — must defend his title in the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match.
The kicker?
Reigns will be the first man of 30 to enter the ring. Which means he’ll have his work cut out for him if he wants to hold on to his title. But, it’s not like he’s sweating it..
So why the change in format? WWE breaks it all down:
The unprecedented development was announced by WWE Chairman and CEO Mr. McMahon on the Jan. 4 edition of Raw after Reigns defeated Sheamus in a title match officiated by Mr. McMahon. Heading into that evening, the WWE Chairman had promised Reigns would not leave Raw as champion. Though Reigns proved Mr. McMahon wrong that night, will The Big Dog defy the odds and outlast 29 other Superstars in the ever-unpredictable Royal Rumble Match? Perhaps the single most anticipated bout of the year, the Royal Rumble Match is utterly unique for its scale and rules. Prior to the match, all 30 competitors draw their entry number randomly. The Superstars who draw Nos. 1 and 2 begin the bout, and a new Superstar joins the fray every 90 seconds until all 30 Superstars have entered the ring. The only way to be eliminated is to be thrown over the top rope and to the outside, with both feet touching the floor. On the Jan. 18 edition of Raw, the McMahon Family revealed Roman Reigns would enter the match at the unenviable No. 1 spot after pulling his name three times from the Royal Rumble tumbler.
Bold.
Also, Intercontinental champion Dean Ambrose and Kevin Owens will vie for the strap in a “Last Man Standing” match. Plus, Alberto Del Rio and Kalisto will fight for the United States title, and Divas champion Charlotte and Becky Lynch will meet head on and much, much more.
MMAmania.com will provide LIVE matches coverage of Royal Rumble this evening, which is slated to begin promptly at 8 p.m. ET on PPV. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that, however, with a WWE.com “Prelim.”
ROYAL RUMBLE 2016 QUICK RESULTS:
Triple H wins the Royal Rumble
Charlotte def. Becky Lynch
Kalisto def. Albert Del Rio to win the United States title
New Day def. The Usos
Dean Ambrose def. Kevin Owens in Last Man Standing Match to retain Intercontinental championship
Mark Henry and Swagger defeat the Dudley Boyz vs. The Ascension vs. Darren Young & Damien Sandow to advance to the Royal Rumble Match
Looking for more detail? Then head over to our flagship professional wrestling sister site, CageSideSeats.com, which will deliver Royal Rumble play-by-play results, as well as all the post-event recaps and fallout you can shake a stick at,