WWE's Original Royal Rumble 2020 Winners Revealed?

"Plans can change," etc.

Royal Rumble mystery
WWE

WWE picked an interesting set of Royal Rumble winners last night, with Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair walking out triumphant.

The former has predictably gone down a storm, with fans quick to hail McIntyre's victory following an excellent Rumble, though Flair's win has proved more divisive. Again, that's hardly surprising.

What's most interesting about both winners, however, is that they may not have been WWE's first choices. This is according to Dave Meltzer, who has reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Roman Reigns and Shayna Baszler were WWE's original picks, only for the bookers to change their minds their WrestleMania 36 plans started coming together.

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Baszler and Reigns both made the final two in their respective matches. Going with them as winners may have flipped the crowd reactions, with Roman provoking a divided response and Shayna one of celebration. Booking changes are a way of life in WWE though, as anyone who's been following the company for longer than five minutes knows.

As well as discussing the winners, Meltzer also noted that Cain Velasquez was never set to appear in the Royal Rumble - despite the former UFC Heavyweight Champion telling the media he was definitely in the bout a few weeks ago.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.