Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the heart-pounding action of the WWE Royal Rumble 2021? This event was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, surprise entrants, and unforgettable moments. If you're a wrestling fanatic or just looking for some high-octane entertainment, buckle up because we're about to break down the full match highlights. Let's get ready to rumble!

The Buildup to Royal Rumble 2021

Before we jump into the matches, let’s set the stage. The Royal Rumble is one of WWE's most anticipated events, marking the beginning of the road to WrestleMania. The stakes are always incredibly high – the winner of the Royal Rumble match gets a guaranteed championship match at WrestleMania. In 2021, the excitement was palpable, with several ongoing storylines and simmering rivalries reaching a boiling point. Superstars from both Raw and SmackDown were vying for a chance to punch their ticket to the grandest stage of them all. The air was thick with anticipation as fans worldwide speculated who would emerge victorious. Key rivalries like those involving Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, and other top stars added extra layers of intrigue, making the event a must-watch. The promise of surprise entrants always adds an element of unpredictability, making it impossible to look away. Seriously, who doesn't love a good surprise return or debut? The buildup included weeks of intense promos, backstage brawls, and strategic alliances, all designed to ramp up the drama and get fans emotionally invested. The Royal Rumble isn't just another pay-per-view; it's a launching pad for some of the biggest storylines in WWE, and 2021 was no exception. The energy surrounding the event was electric, and everyone knew they were in for a wild ride. The narratives crafted in the weeks leading up to the Rumble played a crucial role in setting the tone and raising the stakes, ensuring that every match felt significant and meaningful.

Men's Royal Rumble Match

The Men's Royal Rumble match is always a highlight, and the 2021 edition did not disappoint. Edge, returning after a significant injury, started the match at number one, immediately setting a dramatic tone. His endurance and determination were on full display as he lasted nearly the entire match. We saw surprise entrants, including Christian, Edge's former tag team partner, making for an emotional reunion in the ring. The match featured a mix of current stars, legends, and unexpected appearances, creating a dynamic and unpredictable atmosphere. Superstars like AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Daniel Bryan (now Bryan Danielson) all had memorable moments, showcasing their unique skills and adding to the overall excitement. The final moments were intense, with Edge and Randy Orton as the last two competitors. In a stunning turn of events, Edge eliminated Orton to win the Royal Rumble, securing his spot in the WrestleMania main event. This victory was particularly poignant given Edge's comeback story, marking a full-circle moment for the Rated-R Superstar. The match was filled with near-falls, close calls, and incredible displays of athleticism, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Beyond just the wrestling action, the match told a compelling story of resilience, determination, and the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. Edge's win was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the enduring power of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. The drama, emotion, and sheer unpredictability of the Men's Royal Rumble match made it an instant classic, solidifying its place in WWE history.

Women's Royal Rumble Match

The Women's Royal Rumble match in 2021 was another showstopper. Bianca Belair and Naomi kicked things off, setting a fast pace right from the start. Belair's incredible athleticism and power were on full display as she dominated much of the match. We saw appearances from legends like Torrie Wilson and Jillian Hall, adding a nostalgic touch to the event. The match also featured NXT stars like Rhea Ripley, who made a significant impact with her impressive strength and agility. The twists and turns kept everyone guessing, with several potential winners emerging throughout the contest. The final showdown came down to Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley, two rising stars in the women's division. After a grueling battle, Belair eliminated Ripley to win the Royal Rumble, earning her a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. This victory was a huge moment for Belair, solidifying her status as a top star in WWE. The match itself was a showcase of the depth and talent in the women's division, with each participant bringing their unique skills and personalities to the forefront. The blend of veterans and newcomers created a compelling dynamic, highlighting the evolution of women's wrestling in WWE. Belair's win was not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of progress and the growing prominence of women in the sport. The emotional intensity and unpredictable nature of the match captivated audiences, making it a memorable and significant moment in WWE history. The journey to WrestleMania for Belair was set, and fans eagerly anticipated her championship pursuit.

Other Key Matches

Beyond the Royal Rumble matches themselves, the 2021 event featured several other key matches that added to the overall excitement. One notable contest was the WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Goldberg. This clash of generations saw McIntyre defending his title against the legendary Goldberg. The match was short but intense, with both men delivering their signature moves. McIntyre ultimately retained his title, defeating Goldberg in a hard-fought battle. This victory solidified McIntyre's reign as champion and proved his ability to overcome even the most formidable opponents. Another significant match was the Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens. This Last Man Standing match was brutal and highly physical, with both competitors pushing each other to their limits. The match spilled outside the ring and into the backstage area, showcasing the intense animosity between Reigns and Owens. Reigns eventually emerged victorious, retaining his title in a controversial finish. The match was a testament to the storytelling and athleticism of both performers, adding another layer of drama to the event. These additional matches helped to round out the Royal Rumble card, providing a diverse range of styles and storylines to keep fans engaged. Each match contributed to the overall narrative of the event, building anticipation for WrestleMania and setting the stage for future rivalries and championship pursuits. The combination of high-stakes title defenses and intense personal feuds made the Royal Rumble 2021 a truly unforgettable event.

Surprise Entrants and Memorable Moments

One of the most exciting aspects of the Royal Rumble is the surprise entrants, and the 2021 event delivered on this front. The return of Christian in the Men's Royal Rumble was a particularly emotional moment, reuniting him with his longtime friend and tag team partner, Edge. This surprise appearance generated a huge reaction from the crowd and added a nostalgic touch to the match. In the Women's Royal Rumble, we saw appearances from legends like Torrie Wilson and Jillian Hall, bringing back familiar faces and adding to the overall excitement. These surprise entrants not only provided a sense of nostalgia but also added an element of unpredictability to the matches. Another memorable moment was Edge winning the Men's Royal Rumble after a remarkable comeback from injury. This victory was a testament to his resilience and determination, and it marked a full-circle moment in his career. Bianca Belair's win in the Women's Royal Rumble was also a significant moment, solidifying her status as a rising star in WWE. These unexpected twists and turns are what make the Royal Rumble so captivating, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The combination of surprise entrants, unexpected victories, and emotional reunions creates a unique and unforgettable atmosphere that sets the Royal Rumble apart from other WWE events. These moments become ingrained in wrestling lore, adding to the rich history and tradition of the Royal Rumble.

The Aftermath and Road to WrestleMania

The aftermath of Royal Rumble 2021 set the stage for WrestleMania 37, with both Edge and Bianca Belair earning championship opportunities. Edge's victory in the Men's Royal Rumble gave him the choice of which champion to challenge at WrestleMania. He ultimately chose to face Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship, setting up a highly anticipated main event. This decision sparked a heated rivalry between Edge and Reigns, with both men delivering intense promos and engaging in physical confrontations in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania. Bianca Belair's win in the Women's Royal Rumble gave her the opportunity to challenge Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women's Championship. This matchup was significant as it featured two of the most talented and charismatic performers in the women's division. The buildup to their match included emotional promos and intense in-ring action, generating a lot of buzz and excitement. The road to WrestleMania was filled with twists and turns, as both Edge and Belair navigated their respective rivalries and prepared for the biggest matches of their careers. The Royal Rumble served as a launching pad for these storylines, setting the stage for a memorable WrestleMania event. The anticipation and excitement surrounding these matches were palpable, as fans eagerly awaited the chance to see their favorite superstars compete for championships on the grandest stage of them all. The Royal Rumble not only provided thrilling moments in the ring but also set the tone for the entire WrestleMania season, making it a crucial event in the WWE calendar. The strategic booking and storytelling in the aftermath of the Rumble helped to elevate the stakes and create a sense of urgency, ensuring that WrestleMania 37 would be an unforgettable experience for fans around the world.

Final Thoughts

The WWE Royal Rumble 2021 was an unforgettable event, filled with thrilling matches, surprise entrants, and emotional moments. From Edge's triumphant return to Bianca Belair's historic win, the event delivered on all fronts. The road to WrestleMania was paved with intense rivalries and high stakes, making it a must-watch for any wrestling fan. So, whether you're a longtime follower or new to the WWE universe, the Royal Rumble 2021 is a testament to the excitement and drama that professional wrestling has to offer. What were your favorite moments from the Royal Rumble 2021? Let us know in the comments below!