The Royal Rumble returns this weekend for its 35th edition, giving fans the chance to look back at some classic Royal Rumble moments.
Before the Rumble gets underway, fans will be treated to a Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
Reigns is no stranger to the Rumble. He was the winner of one of the most controversial matches in Rumble history back in 2015.
Who is Roman Reigns?
Roman Reigns is one of the biggest stars in the WWE. He made his return after the Covid-19 pandemic at SummerSlam in August 2020 in dominant fashion.
Reigns is the current WWE Universal Championship having held the title since his return and holds the longest reign in history. He has gone more than 500 days with the title and defeated former champion Brock Lesnar in October 2021.
He will face off against Rollins this weekend in a bid to continue his streak.
The Rock comes to Roman Reigns’ rescue in controversial Royal Rumble
Reigns has a peculiar place in Rumble history thanks to the 2015 edition.
The event in Philadelphia featured some of WWE’s all-time greats like John Cena and Brock Lesnar. But it was an appearance from Reigns’ cousin that got fans talking.
Reigns looked like he was heading for defeat when the Big Show and Kane teamed up to eliminate all but two of the opponents. Against the odds, Reigns toppled both giants. Unfortunately for him, neither took their eliminations well.
They decided to go back into the ring and hand a beating to their foe. As Reigns was choke-slammed, Dwayne Johnson – better known as The Rock – ran to his rescue.
The Rock performed a Rock Bottom on Big Show and a People’s Elbow on Kane leaving just Reigns and Rusev.
Reigns speared Rusev before throwing him out of the ring and winning the event but the result did not please the fans.
The crowd booed Reigns even as the Rock lifted his arm in victory. The reaction was consistent – they had booed Reigns for the entire match. The result was so universally disliked that Rolling Stone asked if it was the worst match in history.
Reigns will not take part in the Rumble this weekend but his presence there will no doubt remind fans of the 2015 controversy.
