Cody Rhodes Wins Royal Rumble

Cody Rhodes is the first back-to-back Rumble winner since “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who won the Rumble in ’97 and ‘98

Cody Rhodes is one step closer to finishing his story.

For the second straight year, Rhodes won the Royal Rumble. He is headed back to the main event of WWE’s signature event, where he is expected to wrestle Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40.

😲😲😲😲😲😲#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/2htpkgQmTb

— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024

The highlights of the match included Jey and Jimmy Uso starting as the first two entries, Bron Breakker was responsible for a flurry of eliminations, and Andrade making his WWE return at no. four. For the second year in a row, Gunther also put on a star performance. But all the focus here was on Rhodes and CM Punk.

Rhodes entered at the halfway point as no. 15, and Punk entered at no. 27. They were among the final four with Gunther and Drew McIntyre. Punk eliminated McIntyre, Rhodes eliminated Gunther–and the match came down to Rhodes and Punk.

The two former AEW stars put on a show at the Rumble. It remains odd to see Punk in a WWE ring, especially considering the vitriol surrounding his exit a decade ago. But he played his role well, going all out to ensure Rhodes’ victory was memorable.

DO THE WORK.
FINISH THE STORY.@CodyRhodes just won the Men's #RoyalRumble Match for the second year in a row! The American Nightmare has his sights set on @WWERomanReigns as the Road to #WrestleMania is underway! pic.twitter.com/RkHT2oAsLT

— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024

The finish came when Rhodes caught Punk’s GTS attempt mid-move, and then threw him out of the ring for the victory.

Rhodes has carried the WWE product, week after week, for the past year. This victory further cements that, and it will be fascinating to watch Rhodes build to his greatest challenge–dethroning Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.