10 Biggest WWE Talking Points Coming Out Of Royal Rumble 2018

9. Rey's Redemption

Ronda Rousey
WWE.com

Rey Mysterio and The Hurricane provided the men's Rumble's only real comeback stories, but while the latter's appearance was completely inconsequential, the former's was excellent.

The last time we saw Mysterio in a Royal Rumble match, he was booed out of the building. Fans rejected his entrance at number 30 in 2014 because he wasn't Daniel Bryan. Having spent the whole match chanting their hero's name, the audience were apoplectic when Rey's music hit, showering the former World Heavyweight Champion with hatred and bile. It wasn't his fault, as anyone who wasn't Bryan would've received the same reaction, but it was a dismal, dismal scene regardless.

Fortunately, WWE went a long way to righting that wrong last night. A shock entrant at no. 27, Mysterio received an excellent reaction, and put forth a fun, crowd-pleasing run that saw him handing out 619's left, right, and centre. Looking leaner, faster, and generally more athletic than he has in years, Rey was a real late-match highlight, and the bout was stronger for his inclusion.

2014 will never be fully undone, but Mysterio deserved this moment. It felt like a real 'make good' for the company hanging him out to dry four years prior.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.