8 WWE Royal Rumble 2021 Impulse Reactions
2. Roman Reigns (c) Vs. Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens had lost two separate Universal Title matches to Roman Reigns in December, though WWE did everything they could to make this third battle between the two feel like some kind of decider.
Last Man Standing has been bastardised by WWE over the last two decades, but Owens' similarly-stipulated banger with Dean Ambrose on 2015's Rumble undercard and some strong television segments gave rise to optimism for 'KO's last chance.
It took Reigns hilariously bulldozing through Owens with a golf cart to really bring the match to life, even if it probably should gave been the death of this feud once and for all. That was a popper of a spot, but it raised a bar beyond anything else the pair could realistically achieve afterwards. Owens flew from another great height, both of them went through the LED screens at the top of the stage, and 'The Tribal Chief' eventually scored the vital 10-count with his choke after a botched handcuff spot killed the heat.
Reigns has felt a cert for WrestleMania since he rescued the Universal Championship in August. Owens lost three times, no matter how powerful his words occasionally were. He's too beloved to turn, but too soundly defeated to compete yet again with the show's top heel.