Royal Rumble 2013: Full Match & Highlights!

Hey wrestling fans! Are you ready to dive into one of the most electrifying Royal Rumble events in WWE history? The Royal Rumble 2013 was a night filled with unforgettable moments, shocking eliminations, and the beginning of a historic Wrestlemania main event run. Let's get into all the juicy details of this incredible event!

The Buildup to Royal Rumble 2013

Before we get to the main event, let's set the stage. The WWE Universe was buzzing with anticipation as several major storylines converged heading into the Royal Rumble. One of the most prominent storylines was CM Punk's historic WWE Championship reign. Punk, with Paul Heyman by his side, had held the title for over 400 days, and his arrogance was at an all-time high. He was set to defend his title against The Rock, who had returned to WWE seeking to reclaim his place at the top. This match had been brewing for months, and the animosity between Punk and Rock was palpable.

Another significant storyline involved Alberto Del Rio and his World Heavyweight Championship. Del Rio, managed by Ricardo Rodriguez, was riding high as champion, but a formidable challenger emerged in Big Show. Their rivalry was intense, with both men trading vicious attacks in the weeks leading up to the Rumble. Fans were eager to see if Del Rio could overcome the size and strength of the World's Largest Athlete.

Additionally, the Shield, consisting of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns, had made their debut just a few months prior at Survivor Series. They quickly established themselves as a dominant force, interfering in matches and wreaking havoc on the WWE roster. Their presence added an element of unpredictability to the Royal Rumble match itself, as no one knew what kind of impact they would have.

With these storylines in place, the Royal Rumble 2013 had all the ingredients to be a memorable night. The tension was high, the stakes were even higher, and the WWE Universe was ready for action.

WWE Championship: The Rock vs. CM Punk

The night kicked off with a bang as CM Punk defended his WWE Championship against The Rock. The atmosphere was electric as these two titans of wrestling collided in the center of the ring. Punk, with Paul Heyman in his corner, employed his signature strategy of calculated aggression, targeting Rock's injured ribs in an attempt to weaken him. The Rock, however, weathered the storm and unleashed his own arsenal of moves, including the People's Elbow and the Rock Bottom.

The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men exchanging near falls and momentum shifts. Punk's cunning tactics and Heyman's interference kept the match competitive, but The Rock's resilience and determination proved to be too much. In the end, after a grueling battle, The Rock hit the Rock Bottom and secured the victory, ending CM Punk's historic WWE Championship reign. This victory marked The Rock's first WWE Championship win in over a decade, and it set the stage for his main event match at Wrestlemania 29.

The match itself was a masterpiece of storytelling, with both wrestlers playing their roles to perfection. Punk's arrogance and Heyman's scheming made him the perfect heel, while The Rock's charisma and determination made him the ultimate babyface. The crowd was on their feet for the entire match, captivated by the drama unfolding before their eyes. This match alone was worth the price of admission and set a high bar for the rest of the night.

World Heavyweight Championship: Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show

Next up was the World Heavyweight Championship match between Alberto Del Rio and Big Show. Del Rio, the smaller and more agile competitor, relied on his speed and technical skills to evade Big Show's brute strength. He targeted Big Show's legs, attempting to ground the giant and take away his power. Big Show, on the other hand, used his size and strength to dominate Del Rio, tossing him around the ring like a ragdoll.

The match was a contrast in styles, with Del Rio's mat-based offense clashing with Big Show's power moves. Del Rio managed to lock in his signature Cross Armbreaker, but Big Show was able to break free with his incredible strength. In the end, Del Rio managed to trap Big Show in the Cross Armbreaker once again, forcing the giant to tap out. Del Rio retained his World Heavyweight Championship in a hard-fought victory.

This match showcased Del Rio's resilience and his ability to overcome larger opponents. It also highlighted Big Show's dominance and his imposing presence in the ring. While not as flashy as the WWE Championship match, Del Rio vs. Big Show was a solid contest that kept the crowd engaged.

The Royal Rumble Match: Chaos and Surprises

Now, for the main event: the Royal Rumble Match! This year's Rumble was particularly stacked with talent, featuring a mix of established stars and rising newcomers. The rules were simple: 30 men enter at timed intervals, and the only way to be eliminated is to be thrown over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. The last man standing would earn a championship opportunity at Wrestlemania.

The match began with a flurry of action as the first two entrants, Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho, immediately went at it. Ziggler, known for his high-flying style, and Jericho, a veteran of countless Royal Rumble matches, traded blows and near eliminations. As more wrestlers entered the match, the chaos intensified. Sheamus, John Cena, and Randy Orton were among the favorites to win, and they all made their presence felt.

One of the most memorable moments of the match was the performance of Kofi Kingston, who found innovative ways to avoid elimination. At one point, he landed on the back of a fallen wrestler and used him as a bridge to avoid being eliminated! Another standout moment was the surprise entrance of Goldberg, who made his return to WWE after a long hiatus. Goldberg immediately went on a tear, eliminating several wrestlers before being eliminated himself.

The final four consisted of John Cena, Sheamus, Randy Orton, and Ryback. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as these four powerhouses battled for supremacy. In the end, John Cena eliminated Ryback to win the Royal Rumble match and earn a shot at the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 29!

The Royal Rumble match was a wild ride from start to finish, filled with surprises, memorable moments, and intense action. John Cena's victory was met with a mixed reaction from the crowd, as some fans were excited to see him back in the main event picture, while others were disappointed that other deserving wrestlers were passed over.

Aftermath and Wrestlemania Implications

John Cena's victory at the Royal Rumble set the stage for a Wrestlemania 29 main event against The Rock for the WWE Championship. This match was billed as a rematch from their previous encounter at Wrestlemania 28, where The Rock had defeated Cena. The storyline was centered around Cena's desire for redemption and his determination to finally defeat The Rock on the grandest stage of them all.

The feud between Cena and Rock intensified in the weeks leading up to Wrestlemania, with both men trading barbs and physical attacks. The WWE Universe was divided, with some fans supporting Cena and others siding with Rock. The anticipation for their Wrestlemania match reached fever pitch, and it was clear that this was going to be one of the biggest matches in WWE history.

At Wrestlemania 29, John Cena defeated The Rock to win the WWE Championship, finally avenging his loss from the previous year. The victory was a culmination of Cena's hard work and dedication, and it solidified his place as one of the top stars in WWE history. The match was a fitting end to their rivalry and a memorable moment for the WWE Universe.

Final Thoughts on Royal Rumble 2013

The Royal Rumble 2013 was a night to remember, filled with great matches, shocking moments, and Wrestlemania implications. From The Rock's WWE Championship victory to John Cena's Royal Rumble win, the event delivered on all fronts. The storylines were compelling, the wrestling was top-notch, and the crowd was electric. If you're a fan of professional wrestling, the Royal Rumble 2013 is definitely worth a watch.

So, there you have it, guys! Everything you need to know about the Royal Rumble 2013. What were your favorite moments from the event? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to check out more wrestling content right here. Until next time, stay awesome!