The 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match, one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, took place on January 27, 2024, inside a packed Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. With 30 superstars battling for a chance to headline WrestleMania 40, the match delivered breathtaking moments, shocking returns, and intense in-ring action from start to finish.
The match kicked off with two determined competitors looking to make history. The first entrant was none other than former WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, eager to replicate his 2023 Rumble success. His opponent at number two was Jey Uso, who had been on a red-hot singles run since leaving The Bloodline. The two engaged in a fast-paced opening exchange, showcasing their resilience and technical prowess.
As the countdown clock hit zero, new entrants joined the fray at regular intervals. Superstars like Sami Zayn, Gunther, and Drew McIntyre brought their A-game, each adding a unique dynamic to the bout. Gunther, the Intercontinental Champion and last year’s Iron Man, once again proved his dominance, delivering brutal chops and suplexes to everyone in his path.
One of the biggest surprises of the night came when CM Punk entered at number 17, making his long-awaited return to a WWE Royal Rumble match after a decade away. The crowd erupted as Punk stepped into the ring, immediately going after Seth Rollins, reigniting their real-life rivalry. The two exchanged strikes and near eliminations, providing a glimpse of a potential future showdown.
Throughout the match, several alliances formed and crumbled. The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest, Finn Bálor, and Dominik Mysterio worked together, eliminating multiple competitors, including Chad Gable and Kofi Kingston. However, their unity was tested when Priest accidentally eliminated Dominik, causing tension within the faction.
By the time the final five entrants made their way to the ring, only a handful of competitors remained standing. Logan Paul, LA Knight, Bobby Lashley, Solo Sikoa, and Randy Orton added even more chaos to the match. Orton, making his first Royal Rumble appearance since returning from injury, received one of the loudest ovations of the night.
As the match neared its conclusion, the final four came down to Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Gunther, and Seth Rollins—four of WWE’s biggest stars, each with a compelling story heading into WrestleMania. Gunther, showing his incredible endurance, fought off elimination multiple times but was finally thrown over the top rope by Punk.
The final three engaged in an all-out war. Rollins and Punk rekindled their feud, exchanging finishers before Rhodes intervened. In a stunning moment, Punk eliminated Rollins, leaving just himself and Rhodes in the ring. The two went back and forth, each coming within inches of elimination. After a dramatic sequence, Cody Rhodes delivered a Cross Rhodes and tossed Punk over the top rope, securing his second consecutive Royal Rumble victory.
With tears in his eyes, Rhodes pointed to the WrestleMania sign, knowing he was one step closer to finishing his story and claiming the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship. The 2024 Royal Rumble concluded with an emotional celebration, setting the stage for an electrifying Road to WrestleMania 40.
