10 Biggest WWE Talking Points Coming Out Of Royal Rumble 2018

8. Finn Balor: Iron Man

Ronda Rousey
WWE.com

Things weren't looking great for Finn Balor a couple of months ago. Pulled from a Universal Title match because Vince McMahon reportedly felt he "wasn't over enough," the Irishman was stuck battering The Miztourage in pointless lower-midcard matches, with little hope of advancement. Now, he's finally back on the ascendancy, with last night's performance a particularly big step forward.

Balor was competing in his first Rumble match, and emerged as one of its biggest stars. Entering at number two, he was this year's Iron Man, spending an impressive 57:38 in the match, during which he was able to eliminate Baron Corbin, Rey Mysterio, Aiden English, and Dolph Ziggler. More importantly, though, was the way the commentators put him over. Michael Cole and co. were full of praise, even pointing out his incredible endurance during the women's bout, and that speaks volumes.

Vince and his producers are in Cole's headset all night long. If the maligned announcer is pushing a point, it's because his bosses told him to, and thus, Finn's main event career may not be as doomed as first thought. It's not proof, but it's definitely a sign that things are looking up.

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.