WWE Royal Rumble 2013: Full Match Review & Analysis

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into a detailed review and analysis of the WWE Royal Rumble 2013 full match. This event, held on January 27, 2013, at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, was a thrilling night filled with surprises, memorable moments, and intense action. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of wrestling, understanding the nuances of this match can enhance your appreciation for the sport. So, let's get started!

The Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated events in WWE, primarily because it sets the stage for WrestleMania. The 2013 edition was no exception, featuring a star-studded lineup and a Rumble match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Before we delve into the specifics of the Royal Rumble match itself, let's briefly touch on the undercard to provide a complete picture of the event. The undercard featured matches like Alberto Del Rio defending his World Heavyweight Championship against The Big Show in a Last Man Standing match, and The Rock challenging CM Punk for the WWE Championship. These matches not only added depth to the event but also set the tone for the high-stakes drama that would unfold in the Royal Rumble match.

The Undercard Highlights

The 2013 Royal Rumble undercard was nothing short of spectacular, setting a high bar for the main event. Alberto Del Rio and The Big Show clashed in a brutal Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship. This encounter was a showcase of strength and endurance, with both wrestlers pushing their limits. The match was filled with dramatic spots and near-falls, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Alberto Del Rio emerged victorious, retaining his title in a hard-fought battle. This win solidified his position as a top contender and added to the anticipation surrounding his future storylines leading into WrestleMania.

Another significant match on the undercard featured CM Punk defending his WWE Championship against The Rock. This match was highly anticipated, as it marked The Rock's return to WWE after a long hiatus. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd split between supporting the established champion and welcoming back the legendary challenger. The match itself was a classic, filled with technical wrestling, high-impact moves, and dramatic storytelling. The ending, however, was controversial, with interference and questionable officiating playing a role in The Rock's victory. This win ended CM Punk's historic title reign and set the stage for a new era in WWE, with The Rock once again at the top of the mountain. The controversy surrounding the finish only added fuel to the fire, creating buzz and anticipation for the fallout on subsequent episodes of Raw and SmackDown.

Royal Rumble Match: The Main Event

Now, let's get to the main event: the Royal Rumble match. This match featured 30 participants, each entering at timed intervals, with the objective of eliminating all opponents by throwing them over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. The winner would earn a championship match at WrestleMania. The 2013 Royal Rumble match had a diverse mix of veteran superstars, rising stars, and surprise entrants, making it a captivating spectacle from start to finish. Some of the notable participants included John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, and a surprise appearance by Chris Jericho.

The match started with Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho as the first two entrants, setting the stage for a high-paced and exciting contest. Ziggler, known for his agility and athleticism, and Jericho, a seasoned veteran with a knack for innovation, immediately engaged in a series of back-and-forth maneuvers. Their chemistry was evident, as they traded blows and near-eliminations, keeping the audience guessing. As more participants entered the fray, the intensity escalated. Wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, and Santino Marella added their unique styles to the mix, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment. The match featured several memorable spots, including Kofi Kingston's innovative escape from elimination, showcasing his incredible athleticism and resourcefulness.

Key Moments and Surprises

The 2013 Royal Rumble match was full of key moments and surprises that had fans buzzing. One of the most memorable moments was the surprise entry of Chris Jericho, who had been absent from WWE for several months. His return was met with thunderous applause and added a sense of excitement to the match. Another significant moment was the dominant performance of John Cena, who entered the match at number 19 and quickly began eliminating opponents. Cena's presence immediately shifted the dynamic of the match, as he became the prime target for many of the other participants.

Another noteworthy surprise was the unexpected elimination of several top contenders. Wrestlers like Randy Orton and Sheamus, who were considered favorites to win the match, were eliminated earlier than many expected, adding to the unpredictability of the Rumble. These eliminations created opportunities for other stars to shine and added to the drama of the event. The final moments of the match were particularly intense, with John Cena, Ryback, and Sheamus as the last three participants. The tension in the arena was palpable as these three powerhouses battled for supremacy. Ultimately, John Cena emerged victorious, eliminating Ryback to win the Royal Rumble and earn a championship match at WrestleMania.

Analysis of the Winner: John Cena

John Cena's victory at the 2013 Royal Rumble was a significant moment, solidifying his status as one of the top stars in WWE. His win was met with mixed reactions, as some fans felt that it was predictable, while others were excited to see him back in the main event picture. Regardless of opinion, Cena's victory set the stage for a highly anticipated WrestleMania match against The Rock for the WWE Championship. The storyline leading up to WrestleMania focused on the rivalry between Cena and The Rock, building on their previous encounter at WrestleMania XXVIII. This rematch was highly promoted and generated significant buzz, drawing in both longtime fans and casual viewers.

Cena's victory also had implications for the broader landscape of WWE. It signaled a shift in focus towards established stars, as opposed to newer talent. While some fans expressed disappointment that a newer star did not win the Rumble, Cena's victory provided a sense of stability and familiarity. His win also allowed WWE to capitalize on his popularity and marketability, ensuring a successful WrestleMania event. In the aftermath of the Royal Rumble, Cena's character remained consistent, portraying him as the ultimate underdog and a symbol of perseverance. This persona resonated with many fans and contributed to his continued success in the company.

Impact on WrestleMania 29

The 2013 Royal Rumble had a profound impact on WrestleMania 29, shaping the main event and several other key matches. John Cena's victory set the stage for his WWE Championship match against The Rock, which was heavily promoted as a clash of titans. This match was the culmination of a year-long rivalry and drew significant attention from the mainstream media. The storyline leading up to WrestleMania focused on Cena's quest for redemption, as he sought to avenge his loss to The Rock at the previous WrestleMania. The buildup was filled with intense promos, physical confrontations, and emotional storytelling, captivating audiences and driving ticket sales.

In addition to the WWE Championship match, the Royal Rumble also influenced other matches on the WrestleMania card. The outcomes of the undercard matches at the Royal Rumble, such as Alberto Del Rio's World Heavyweight Championship defense, played a role in determining the storylines and matchups for WrestleMania. The event also served as a platform for rising stars to showcase their talent and earn opportunities at WrestleMania. Wrestlers like Ryback, who had a strong showing in the Royal Rumble match, were given prominent roles at WrestleMania, further solidifying their positions in the company. Overall, the 2013 Royal Rumble served as a crucial launching pad for WrestleMania 29, setting the stage for a memorable and impactful event.

Conclusion

The WWE Royal Rumble 2013 full match was a night to remember, filled with action, surprises, and drama. From the intense undercard matches to the unpredictable Royal Rumble match itself, the event delivered on all fronts. John Cena's victory set the stage for a memorable WrestleMania 29, and the event as a whole showcased the best that WWE had to offer. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of wrestling, the 2013 Royal Rumble is a must-watch event that exemplifies the excitement and spectacle of WWE. Thanks for reading, and keep wrestling!