10 Amazing Small WWE Royal Rumble Moments You May Have Missed

While there are arguably more thrilling Rumbles, there’s a strong case to be made that none has been so smartly booked as 2018’s. Perfectly paced, with exactly the right balance of nostalgia, excitement, and story, it builds to a fantastic crescendo which exceeds the Philadelphia crowd’s wildest dreams.

Before Shinsuke Nakamura brings it home, though, is a lovely table setting spot involving the final six - a past vs present staredown across the ring. On one side, veterans Randy Orton, John Cena, and Rey Mysterio. On the other, Roman Reigns, Nakamura, and Finn Balor (some of whom are, admittedly, about the same age, but newer to the company).

It sets up the endgame magically: will WWE let the fans have what they actually want? Or will they revert to type, sticking with someone safe? The narrative is hammered home further when the final four pair up - indie darlings Naka and Finn vs WWE products Reigns and Cena.

The match gives the fans so much of what they want, and for once, actually delivers at the end with Shinsuke’s big win. A beautiful moment - just don’t expect too much out of the ‘Mania match.