Edge Stuns Randy Orton To Win 2021 Royal Rumble
The Rated-R Superstar punched his Wrestlemania ticket with his first Royal Rumble victory in over a decade.
Last night in a career-defining moment, Edge stunned Randy Orton to win the 2021 Royal Rumble. The Rated-R Superstar captured his second Royal Rumble crown, and his first in just over a decade. Now, his ticket to Wrestlemania is punched.
With his win, Edge becomes the eight Superstar to win the Royal Rumble twice, and only the second to do it when starting from the first slot.
On April 11, 2011, Edge gave an emotional speech on Monday Night Raw announcing his retirement. The seven-time World Heavy Weight Champion had suffered a series of severe neck injuries that left him no choice but to hang up his boots. Last year, Edge shocked the world by entering the Royal Rumble. He performed well and even eliminated the Viper himself - Randy Orton.
This set up an ongoing feud between the storied Superstars, leading to Edge defeating Orton at Wrestlemania 36. Orton returned the favor at Backlash, defeating Edge. Edge suffered a torn triceps in the bout, and was sidelined for several months. Last week on Raw, Edge made his first appearance since the injury and declared his entry into the 2021 Royal Rumble.
Entering first, Edge fought his way through to exact his revenge on Orton nearly a decade after announcing his retirement.
WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2021 MEN'S RESULTS
WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (C) vs. Goldberg
Reigning WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defeated his challenger - wrestling icon Goldberg. McIntyre won by pinfall to retain the WWE Championship belt.
Drew McIntyre (C) def. Goldberg
Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (C) vs. Kevin Owens
In a brutal Last Man Standing match, Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated challenger Kevin Owens to retain the title.
Roman Reigns (C) def. Kevin Owens
Men's Royal Rumble: Edge (1) def. Randy Orton (2)
In his first bout back from a torn triceps injury, Edge entered at No. 1 and fought his way though a tough field of competitors. His current rival Randy Orton entered second, and Edge went after him before Orton could even reach the ring. Edge's former long-time Tag Team parter Christian entered at No. 24. The match came down to remaining contestants Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Christian, and Edge while a seemingly injured Orton was in the locker room having not yet been officially eliminated. In a moment of pure nostalgia, Edge and Christian teamed up to eliminated Strowman. Rollins took care of Christian, and Edge knocked out Rollins. Orton returned and tried to finish off Edge with an RKO, but Edge countered it and sent Orton over the top rope for the victory.
- Matt Bishop