Connect with us

Recaps

WWE Royal Rumble 2024: Cody Rhodes, Who Aims to ‘Finish the Story’, Bayley, Earn Title Shots at WrestleMania 40

By Michael Fairman

Published

2 years ago

on

Photos: WWE

On Saturday night, The Royal Rumble live from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida and streaming on Peacock, was one of the most highly-anticipated premium live events in WWE history.

Would Cody Rhodes win his second men’s Royal Rumble in a row to punch his ticket to WrestleMania 40 and an apparent rematch from last year’s ‘Mania” with Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, or would CM Punk, Gunther, Drew McIntyre or anyone else stand in his way?  That was just one of the plotlines going into the night.

However, the card started out with the 30 women Royal Rumble, and as it turned out, it wound up being the best match of the night.  Although the women’s rumble lasted well over an hour, it provided many highlights, a tease of stories to come and gave the victor her due. Here’s a rundown of the four matches on the card.

Photo: WWE

WOMEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE: When the contestants clocked in, the usual blasts from the pasts were not involved, which was a good sign that WWE had enough sense to keep it truly competitive. The women’s rumble included the ‘biggest pop of the night’ and that was for the returning Naomi! If you recall, she, along with Sasha Banks, walked out of the building and the company, and threw down their WWE tag team title belts, in May of 2022 and she hasn’t been back in a WWE ring since.

The women’s rumble also featured the long-awaited debut of Jade Cargill, who did not disappoint one bit. During the rumble, it was Cargill who power lifted one competitor over her shoulders, while Bianca Belair did the same, noting that a Bianca vs Jade showdown could come at WrestleMania 40. TNA champ, Jordlynne Grace also appeared in the rumble to the delight of the crowd and the fact that the door appears to be open for Grace to work in the WWE, as well, and future performers from that organization. The last entrant at #30 was returning favorite Liv Morgan, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Photo: WWE

At the end of the match is was down to three: Cargill, Bayley and Morgan. Next, Cargill went over the top rope and then Bayley gave a kick to Morgan and she went over the rope, leaving Bayley victorious. Now, who will Bayley pick to go up against at WrestleMania 40? Well, it has to be Damage CTRL team member and WWE women’s champ, Iyo Sky for the juiciest of storylines. Stay tuned as Bayley’s win will continue the dissolution of the most dominant female clique in sports entertainment, right now.  It was clear the crowd at Tropicana was all-in on a Bayley win.

FATAL FOUR-WAY – ROMAN REIGNS, LA KNIGHT, RANDY ORTON, AJ STYLES for the universal championship

Going second was the Fatal Four-Way No DQ match for Reigns’ Universal Championship. However, aside from coming out of the gate with some major moves by all four competitors, the end of this match was the same ole’ same ole’.

After ‘The Tribal Chief’ was down, he got back only to be targeted by the “Megastar” with a BFT, while “The Phenomenal One” landed a Styles Clash.  However, Orton delivered three RKOa in a row to each of his opponents.

Just as Orton had Reigns about to be pinned for the three-count, the referee got pulled out of the ring, when his leg was grabbed by a hooded man, who revealed himself to be the Bloodline’s enforcer Solo Sikoa. Next Sikoa comes in the ring to deliver a few Samoan Spikes. “The Viper” was furious while an enraged AJ Styles grabbed a steel chair. In the end, Reigns prevailed and hit a spear on Styles to retain the title.

If the Bloodline’s storyline isn’t reinvigorated asap, these wins by Reigns are getting stale, with the same interference over and over again. But, it’s always great to watch, or in the case of the attendees, be in the presence of the ‘Tribal Chief” nonetheless.

Photo: WWE

KEVIN OWENS VS. LOGAN PAUL FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

Fresh off signing a new deal full-time contract with the WWE, just what would be the fate of Logan Paul’s run as United States Champion?  The match with KO and “The Maverick” got off to a solid start, due to Paul’s ability to b a high-fly and so athletic and agile in the ring.

After some back and forth, there became a scene at ringside, when a member of Paul’s entourage (revealed to be his real-life manager Jeff Levin) was being told to leave by security. It was then that Austin Theory and Grayson Waller arrived to deliver brass knuckles to Paul.

However, Owens got a hold of the knucks but was caught by the official during a three-count for the victory. The ref quickly disqualified KO. At the end of the match Owens assaulted Paul with a powerbomb through the announce table.

Looks like “The Jerks” clique is becoming a ‘thing” by having Paul, Waller and Theory watching each others backs and cheating along the way.

Photo: WWE

MEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE

The start of the Men’s Royal Rumble was red hot with the #1 and #2 entrants were twin brothers, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso. It marked the first time the two shared a ring together since Jimmy’s betrayal of his brother at Summerslam. While we thought perhaps at some point the two would work together for their own gain, they were at odds, leading us to believe as many suspect it could be Uso vs. Uso at WrestleMania 40.

Another AEW defector made his WWE debut when Andrade shocked the crowd and returned at the #4 spot.  However, it was clear that the show was behind in time, as the competitors were now making their way to the ring in what felt like lightning speed.

When the smoke cleared, there were only four remaining Drew McIntyre, Gunther, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.  Punk sent McIntyre flying over the ropes and Rhodes was able to outsmart the IC champion and Gunter went out next.  Leaving to  a heart-stopping conclusion. After several minutes of meeting each other move for move, and Punk clearly trash talking Rhodes, in particular when he said, “I didn’t wait ten years to lose to Dusty’s kid,” it became more apparent that a full heel turn is imminent for Punk.  Previously, Punk delivered a Pedigree on Cody as well.

However, Rhodes was not going to give in to Punk and rallied to throw the “Voice of the Voiceless” over the top win for the victory. Not since ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in 1997-1998 has anyone gone back-to-back with Royal Rumble victories. “The American Nightmare” joins an elite group of Austin, Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels as the only fourth man to do so in WWE history.

Photo: WWE

At the end of the night, Rhodes celebratory in the ring, pointed to Reigns and special counsel Paul Heyman now seated in the sky box at Tropicana Field, meaning he is coming for him and he intends this time to “finish the story.”

With no shocking entrant such as “The Rock” showing up at #30, this was a predictable way to finish the show. But maybe everyone that was hoping for a plot twist was just blindsided by what’s in front of them. The WWE is telling us Cody will ‘finish the story’ and this April, it looks like Reigns lengthy time on top of the mountain might seriously come to its end.

So, what did you think of CM Punk and Bayley winning the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first check out the WWE Royal Rumble video highlights, followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s “What’s Up? Wrestling” livestream immediately following last night’s ‘Rumble’ from St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

Related Topics:
Click to comment

0 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Recaps

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?

Published

14 hours ago

on

May 1, 2026

By

We have another scream machine on her hands at The Bold and the Beautiful after the dramatic ending of the May 1 episode, and that would be Dylan (Sydney Bullock)!

B&B is finally making some headway on just who was the person behind the mystery call that Dylan received telling her they have some “unfinished business.” At the time of the mysterious call, it was clear that the voice was altered to disguise the true identify of the person on the the other line.

On today’s show, after Dylan and Electra (Laneya Grace) exchange words in the wardrobe room about Dylan wanting to rebuild their trust and friendship and how Electra has issues stemming from way back trusting anyone after what Remy (Christian Weissmanm) did to her by befriending her and then plastering deep fake nude photos of her across social media.

Photo: JPI

The timing of Electra bringing up Remy is also interesting to us, as we had previously reported now that Christian Weissmann is back and on on contract with The Bold and the Beautiful, he’s already teased that Remy has another connection to someone on the canvas, which many are still believing its Dylan.

At the end of the episode, after Electra leaves the room, Dylan hears noises coming from behind the dress rack. She asks, “Jamie” is that with you? After no answer and a bit more hangar and dress ruffling, a figure steps out behind it, while Dylan is looking down at her tablet trying to get back to work.

When Dylan looks up, she lets out a scream that could be heard to Nebraska, as viewers see partial view of what looks to be a woman with long dark hair from the back. Dylan in shock, says, “It’s you!” We fade to black.

So, what’s going on here? Is the reason the caller said to her that we have “unfinished business” because on Monday, it will be revealed to actually be an alive and well, Luna (Lisa Yamada)? Did the two strikes some sort of deal, that allowed Dylan to help Luna escape after Luna supposedly died after Dylan ran her down with her car, which was all off-screen? Another theory, is the mystery caller is Remy and he is doing some sort of Luna fakeout on Dylan for a yet to be revealed reason.

What do you think is going on? Did Lisa Yamada just make an on-screen return to The Bold and the Beautiful? Share your thoughts and theories below, but first check out our recent interview from back in March on the Michael Fairman Channel when Lisa who attended the BBTV app launch party.

Continue Reading

Recaps

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond

Published

15 hours ago

on

May 1, 2026

By

When The Young and the Restless can deliver an emotional side to their stories and their family dynamics, it usually makes for some great scenes delivered by their A-list cast.

Such was the case on the Friday, May 1 episode when Adam (Mark Grossman) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) returned to Genoa City and gave their father, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), an update on what had gone down with Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) in Las Vegas.

As Victor questioned, “What the hell happened?” Nick piped up, “We both made mistakes along the way, but we’re here now and we’re sorry for giving you so much worry on top of everything else that you’re dealing with,” which was in reference to Victor trying to reclaim his company Newman Enterprises et al.

Courtesy/CBS

NICK’S CONFESSION

Next, Nick, explains one of the ways he messed up while trying to go after Matt Clark, when he admitted to this father with tears in his eyes, “That’s one of the ways I messed up … I took Fentanyl willingly. Some of it was because of Matt, but most of it was on me. I was in a lot of pain, dad, after my accident, I was burning through my prescription meds really quickly after I left the hospital. I could see that it was becoming a problem. But honestly, I thought that I could manage it.  I was wrong. I was out in LA and Matt had taken Noah (Lucas Adams) and Sienna (Tamara Braun) and he gave me this bag of pills and said I could use it to trade for information. When I went out to that drug warehouse, he was trying to convince me and Sharon (Sharon Case) that Noah was a drug addict. I just put the pills in my pocket of my jacket and I came back to Genoa City and I was in a lot of pain, dad, and I was wearing that jacket. I put my hands in the pocket and the pills were there.”

Nick sadly added, “I was desperate. I couldn’t get anymore prescription meds, so I took the fentanyl  I’m deeply ashamed that I was so weak, but all I can do is stand here and tell you the truth that I’m going to make this right and I’ll get better.”

BROTHER TO BROTHER

Adam stood up for his brother and reconfirmed to Victor the plan for help Nick through his pill addiction, “Nick is already on his way to doing that. Sharon has set up an appointment with an outpatient facility. He’s going to do the meetings and he’s going to push through this better than ever.”

Courtesy/CBS

“You should also know that the only reason I’m standing here is because of Adam,” Nick confessed to Victor. “Every time I fell, you were there to pick me up. You risked your life to save me, and that’s not something I will ever forget.”

In the climatic and emotional ending of the scene, Nick in tears admits his shame to his dad, who comes in to give him hug. Nick says, “I’m so sorry. I know that this is the last thing you or this family needs.”

All three actors, Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman and Eric Braeden, were excellent in this exchange in their scenes, but at its epicenter continues to be the Emmy-worthy performances by Y&R MVP, Joshua Morrow. Nick’s heartbreaking journey and fall from grace with his pill addiction problem has finally shown the clinks in the armor of the man who is always on the ready to help others … now he needs to let others help him through this. Can we do it?

So, what did you think of the scenes between the Newman man featuring Joshua, Mark and Eric on the Friday episode of Y&R? And though who watched also know that at the very end, Matt Clark who clearly has been injured wakes up from being conked out, so there is more revenge to come on the Newman clan. Share your thoughts below, but take a look at these scenes from a Canadian viewers who saw them air yesterday.

Continue Reading

Days Of Our Lives

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside

Published

1 day ago

on

April 30, 2026

By

The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!

After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.

So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.

Photo: JPI

FIERY FACE OFF

The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.

Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.

Photo: JPI

A BROKEN SOPHIA

Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”

Photo: JPI

A DEADLY TRAP

Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.

So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

CBS unveils Beyond the Gates season 2 promo and Jordi Vilasuso joins the cast. Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Genie

Giovanni Mazza as Gio

General Hospital

Airdate: 12-8-2025

Popular

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x