WWE Raw Wrestler Pulled From Royal Rumble 2021 At Last Minute

Backstage WWE news on last-minute Royal Rumble 2021 changes...

by Andy H Murray
Angel Garza silhouette
WWE

Angel Garza was reportedly pulled from this year's men's Royal Rumble at the last minute.

This is according to Dave Meltzer, who spoke about the situation on today's episode of Wrestling Observer Radio. There's no word on why, exactly, Garza was taken out of the match (the former Cruiserweight Champion was never publically announced as a competitor), but he was.

In addition, Otis was a last-minute addition.

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As reported earlier, Jey Uso was forced to pull out of the match as he wasn't medically cleared to compete at WWE Royal Rumble 2021. There's currently no word on when he might return.

Garza's Raw appearances have shrunk since he split from Andrade back in October. As talented as he is, the lothario has worked just one bout on WWE's format flagship show since then - a short win over Drew Gulak on 21 December. He has, however, remained active on Main Event, where he has built up a 5-0 streak in recent outings.

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WWE has just abandoned a mystery romance angle with Garza, which had Angel attempting to seduce an unnamed person behind the camera. The still-to-return Eva Marie had been speculated for this role.

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.