14 Ups & 14 Downs For WWE In 2018

By Michael Hamflett /

11. The Royal Rumbles

WWE

The first ever pay-per-view to feature male and female Rumbles delivered two of the best booked battle royals in the grand history of the show.

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The inaugural women's encounter did much to sow the seeds for Evolution later that year, whilst the men's match reminded fans that the company will still listen to their catcalls on occasion.

Asuka and Shinsuke Nakamura may not have won much at all this year let alone at WrestleMania, but their victories were equal parts historic and groundbreaking all the same. Shinsuke was booked like a conquering hero in the face of bigger and safer stars John Cena and Roman Reigns, whilst 'The Empress Of Tomorrow' outlasted both Bella Twins in similar fashion.

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2019's version of the contest might lose some of the nostalgia pops earned by returnees Trish Stratus, Michelle McCool et al, but if it's scripted half as well it stands to prop up an already rich reputation.