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Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of the 2021 WWE Royal Rumble PPV!
Before we start off, I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their support, however you have supported us, for the past 17 years after we hit our anniversary last week. If I could, I would spend hours writing about every single opportunity you have afforded myself personally and everyone here at the site, but we've got a few Rumbles to cover, so trust me when I say THANK YOU. Let's get into it!
Kickoff Show
The Kickoff Panel is Charly Caruso, Booker T, Jerry Lawler, JBL and Peter Rosenberg. Rosenberg correctly pointed out what a difference a year makes since last year, Drew McIntyre hadn't even had a title bout yet.
They ran down the lineup for the show and then went to a video feature on the WWE Championship match. They discussed the match with the theme being Goldberg at 55 facing Drew at 35. JBL said if Goldberg getting the shot upsets people in the back, then they should go make their own spot. They compared this to Tom Brady being back in the Superbowl spotlight next week. The longer the match goes, the less it will favor Goldberg.
Backstage, Carmella convinced herself that Reginald was using Sasha Banks' ego against her this past week but warned him that she works for her and to run all future plans through her. He apologized, saying it wouldn't happen again, realizing she let him out of hot water.
The panel discussed the Smackdown Women's Championship match with Sonya Deville joining the panel. Her pick was Carmella. Booker T says Sasha has a stronger in ring IQ" and will win. Lawler agreed Sasha has more experience but felt Reginald may be the difference maker.
They aired video clips from Bianca Belair's recent WWE Chronicle documentary, pushing her as a top prospect for the Rumble. They discussed her prospects in the Rumble.
They aired a video package on the Universal Championship Last Man Standing match. As they broke down the match, 24/7 Champion R-Truth showed dressed as a hunter looking for Booker T's friend Bugs Bunny, who he confused with Bad Bunny. As a HUGE Looney Tunes fan, this cracked me up but it was complete immature ridiculousness.
We go to ringside.
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair & Asuka vs. Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax.
Flair and Jax started out and began trying to gain an advantage over the other. Flair grabbed a waistlock but was taken over into a hammerlock and then a front facelock. Flair slipped out and cinched in a side headlock. She controlled Baszler with a front facelock and brought her into the corner, tagging out to Asuka. Nia was able to tag in but Asuka drilled her with a kick to the mid-section. She and Flair battled. Asuka tagged in but Jax used her power to cut her. The challengers tagged in and out, working over Asuka. Baszler began focusing her attack on Asuka's arm.
Asuka fought back but Jaz nailed a sit-out powerbomb. Flair interfered to break up the pinfall. Flair made the hot tag and drilled Baszler with a running clothesline. She chopped away at the former UFC fighter and sent her hard into the corner. Flair missed a charge into the corner. Flair nailed a double Natural Selection on the challenger but Baszler kicked out at the last second. Flair went to the top but Jax drilled her to allow the challengers to regain control of the battle.
Jax nailed a Samoan Drop. Baszler nailed a running knee but Flair kicked up at the last second. Asuka attacked Jax on the floor with a hip attack. Baszler drilled her but Flair nailed a moonsault to the floor (in theory at least) that the cameras gave away too early. Ric Flair's music hit and Ric strutted out. Baszler rolled up the distracted Charlotte and scored a two count. Lacey Evans distracted Flair. Flair locked in the Figure 8 but Evans interfered again. Flair nailed her. Lacey hit Flair with the Woman's Right. Jax nailed the atomic legdrop and scored the pinfall.
Your winners and new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax!
The work was fine with the exceptions of a few rough exchanges. I literally picked this exact finish in the Tip Sheet and boy, I was on the money for that one.
They aired the annual By the Numbers Royal Rumble video.
They officially announced the PPV would kick off with the WWE Title bout.
2021 WWE Royal Rumble
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Bill Goldberg for the first time ever.
Goldberg did his grand entrance. They aired a video package on the match. Lots of Goldberg chants playing as he waited for Drew.
Drew hit him with the Glasgow Kiss before the bell and speared him. They battled to the floor where Goldberg speared him through a barricade. They made sure to tell us the match hadn't officially started. The announcers wondered if Drew had been injured before the bout even commenced.
The referee made sure Drew could go and he said to ring the bell. Drew kicked Goldberg as he went for a spear and hit the Claymore for a two count. They pushed that only Brock had kicked out of it. Goldberg ducked another and speared Drew. He speared Drew again but McIntyre kicked out at the last second. Drew was pulled up for the Jackhammer and was nailed with it but again kicked out. Goldberg was shocked.
Goldberg missed a charge in the corner and hit the buckles. Drew set up for a Claymore, nailed it and scored the pin.
Your winner and still WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre!
Goldberg faced off with Drew, showed him respect and hugged the Champ. As it should have been.
This was as short and impactful as a four minute match could be. McIntyre losing would have washed away a year's worth of work so this was the right call. They can easily rebound Goldberg if they want based on what a powerful bull the character is.
Coverage continues on Page 2!!
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