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

By Michael Fairman

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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.

 

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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Recaps

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode

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Billy, Sally and Adam

The Tuesday, October 20 episode saw The Young and the Restless deliver some deeply-poignant moments in the aftermath of Billy (Jason Thompson) and Sally’s (Courtney Hope) wedding.

The scenes which will be talked about for some time to come, because of how they can impact longterm story, had Adam (Mark Grossman) being the one to deliver Billy and Sally’s baby, while Billy was gut-punched by a phone call from Snapper Foster that Jill had suffered a heart attack in London.

In story, while up in Sally’s room at the GCAC, wishing his ex all the happiness, (because Adam and Billy have no love lost, and he didn’t want to cause waves), Sally’s water broke. In true soapy fashion, all phones were dead. Sally’s phone was missing because it was with Audra (Zuleyka Silver), Adam’s battery ran out etc. Prior to that, Adam did try to call Billy, but Billy did not pick up his calls, as he was with Cane (Billy Flynn) coming to terms with the news on Jill.

Photo: JPI

TORN BETWEEN RUNNING TO HIS MOTHER OR HIS NEW WIFE AND BABY

Now in the perfect storm of circumstances, Adam is the one to help Sally deliver her baby when she begged him to stay with er screaming, “Please don’t make me do this alone!” Adam reminded Sally that he’d already delivered a baby twice before. She assured him that it will be OK, and not to be scared, because this isn’t the same set of circumstances when she lost their daughter, Ava, during childbirth.

Downstairs, Billy is in tears over his mother. So too is Cane. Cane speaks to Jill on the phone when Snapper holds the phone to her while at her hospital bed. He tells her he loves her. Billy cannot bring himself to talk to his mom.

Cane decides he will go to London. Billy doesn’t know what to do with a new wife and a baby on the way. It’s clear how much losing Jill would devastate Billy. Cane tells Lily (Christel Khalil) what has happened to Jill, and Billy informs Jack (Peter Bergman) before he tries to find his bride who is upstairs in her room.

Photo: JPI

A NEW ABBOTT

Back in Sally’s room, eventually Adam asks Sally (who is deep in labor), if she thought she was having a girl or boy, and she said a boy. But then, Adam introduced her to her “beautiful, perfect baby girl.” It was a moment laced with so much history for Adam and Sally and Adam and Billy, when you think of the deaths of Ava and Deliah.

As Sally cradled her newborn little bundle of joy, Adam went to go get Billy at her request, and as he made his way to the door, Billy was standing there. Billy is stunned to see his rival standing, but then Sally tells Billy to meet his daughter!

Billy rushes to the bedside to be my his new wife and daughter, with the heartbreaking final shot of Adam emotionally overcome thinking of the baby he has lost with Sally. and how he wishes things could have turned out differently in a bittersweet moment.

Photo: JPI

EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCES

The episode was laced with hankie-inducing moments from Jason Thompson, Courtney Hope, Mark Grossman and Billy Flynn, who each delivered, to bring this story so much heart and history.  There is plenty of Emmy material within for next year for these four.

You can check out the final moments of yesterday’s episode where Billy meets his daughter for the first time, followed by the final shot of Adam at the door below, followed by our live chat replay with Y&R stars, Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope which streamed immediately after this episode aired in all timezones on the Michael Fairman Channel.

Now let us know, did you reach for the hankies during the episode? Did you like that Adam was the one to deliver Sally’s baby? Do you think something more will happen with Jill? Share your reactions in the comment section.

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Recaps

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate

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Steffy and Finn

On the Monday, October 19 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, after Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) stammering around and trying to find a way to couch her lie to her husband, Finn (Tanner Novlan), she finally admits what she has been dreading telling him.

But not before, Finn and Steffy rehash Monaco, Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown), and how it was turning point in their lives (that’s an understatement) with Finn reiterating, “Our marriage is precious. What we have is pure and true.”

Finn promises Sheila is out of their lives for good, and Steffy chokes back tears saying how she wished she hadn’t removed her ring and hightailed it out of Monaco. She says she wishes she could take that back, but she can’t.

Finn

Courtesy/CBS

Steffy tells Finn she has a lot to say. Finn tells her there is nothing they can’t overcome. Steffy says she made a significant decision while he was away. She goes to to say what a great friend Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) has been to her. Finn asks if Daphne and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) are still interviewing to find a surrogate? Steffy says they found someone and the process has begun, and its “me.”

Finn gulps, “What do you mean it’s you?” Steffy eeks out of her mouth, “I agreed to be Daphne and Carter’s surrogate.” Finn, who is a doctor no less says, “I don’t understand!” He explains he knows there is a list of medical and legal hurdles someone has to go through before a woman can become a surrogate for a couple. He also tells Steffy he knows she could never carry a child and give it up.

Next, Finn tells Steffy she’s wonderful for considering to do this for Carter and Daphne, but she’ll have to tell them no. Steffy says it’s too late. That while he was out of town they went ahead with the procedure. Finn asks, “What procedure?” Steffy responds, “The fertilization of the eggs.” Finn learns they used Steffy’s frozen eggs and did the implantation and loses it!

“I can’t believe you went and did that! This isn’t something a wife does when their husband is out of town on a business trip,” hollers Finn. He cannot believe what he is hearing and that his wife just went and did this without him! He pushes back on Steffy. demanding answers, “There’s more going on here. What is it? Steffy? Tell me!” We fade to black.

You can check out the pivotal scene between Finn and Steffy below.

Now weigh-in: are you glad Finn is as of now not being a doofus? That he is pushy back on Steffy? Do you think Steffy will continue with this lie or admit she slept with Carter and became pregnant? Either way, would Finn stay with his wife while she became a surrogate for Carter and Daphne? Let us know in the comment section.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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