WWE Royal Rumble 2018 Results: What Fans Are Marking Out for After Epic PPV

The 2018 Royal Rumble was a show full of ups and downs, but more importantly, it was a show that encouraged excitement from a WWE fanbase desperately in need of it as it embarked on The Road to WrestleMania 34.

From unpredictable returns to shocking debuts, awe-inspiring showdowns and the tease of a much-anticipated championship clash, the first pay-per-view extravaganza of 2018 gave fans plenty to mark out over.

Delve deeper into the show's most memorable mark-out moments with this recap of Sunday's historic, potentially game-changing broadcast and relive what made the 2018 Royal Rumble the buzz-worthy extravaganza it was.

AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The moment dream became reality and Shinsuke Nakamura eliminated Roman Reigns to win the 2018 Royal Rumble, fans clamored for the opportunity to see The Artist challenge WWE champion AJ Styles at WrestleMania.

Then the charismatic Japanese star announced he would do just that, and the giddiness of wrestling fans across the globe could hardly be contained.

And rightfully so.

Last competing against each other at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in January 2016, they delivered one of the best matches of that year. When they both wound up on the SmackDown Live roster a year later, fans longed for the opportunity to see the internationally recognized stars mix it up on the grandest stage in professional wrestling.

Nakamura's victory on Sunday made that possible, and it was not lost on the audience, who should relish the chance to witness two of the best wrestlers of this generation square off under the WWE umbrella, something that would not have seemed possible as recently as five years ago.

The Debut of 'Rowdy' Ronda Rousey

There is no bigger news story coming out of Sunday's show than WWE's signing of Ronda Rousey to a full-time contract, as first reported by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN (h/t Timothy Fiorvanti). 

One of the most influential mixed martial artists in UFC history, Rousey is a legitimate mainstream media icon whose mere presence in WWE triggers interest in the company that otherwise may not have existed.

While many expected she would make an appearance in Sunday's women's Royal Rumble match, she waited until afterward to interrupt Asuka's celebrations and greet Stephanie McMahon at ringside before making her intentions to appear at WrestleMania 34 in some shape or form.

Rousey's arrival sparked a ton of social media activity and had WWE's name, and the Royal Rumble event, in the headlines across mainstream news.

It is hard to ignore the significance of her WWE debut Sunday and the coverage it will warrant the promotion.

Asuka's Historic Victory

The inaugural women's Royal Rumble headlined Sunday's pay-per-view extravaganza, and as predicted, Asuka continued her two-plus-year undefeated streak by eliminating Nikki Bella to win the first match of its kind.

The Empress of Tomorrow has been the definition of unstoppable force in WWE, defeating every Superstar in her path while simultaneously creating an aura for herself few can match.

She was expected to win Sunday's match because that's what she does: wins.

Despite odds that were not at all in her favor once The Bella Twins began double-teaming her, Asuka capitalized on Nikki's greediness and delivered a kick to the shin that sent her off the ring apron and to the arena floor.

There are some who are not at all happy with what they perceive to be Ronda Rousey stealing Asuka's thunder at the close of the show, but The Empress of Tomorrow will have plenty of spotlight in which to bask over the coming months.

Rey Mysterio Returns

The biggest surprise return of the men's Royal Rumble belonged to Rey Mysterio.

In 2014, the former world champion entered the bout at No. 30 and was greeted by a chorus of boos. Why? Because he had become cliche and stale, an all-time great whose adulation from the fans had been replaced by lethargy and a desire to see new underdog Daniel Bryan thrive.

What could have been a dubious last major appearance for the future Hall of Famer was erased Sunday night by Mysterio's return to the match he won way back in 2006. This time, fans erupted for the luchador, cheering him on as he blasted Roman Reigns with a 619 and outmaneuvered several other modern-day Superstars.

Mysterio turned in a valiant effort, surviving until late. Finn Balor was the man who tossed him to the arena floor, ending his night on a sour note.

Still, despite the disappointment from fans and Mysterio himself that he didn't win the Rumble, his return performance in the annual bout and reception made for one of the brightest spots of the show.

Old School vs. New School

Credit: WWE.com

It was so easy to become enthralled by the drama that permeated throughout the men's and women's Royal Rumble matches that one lost track of the fact both told essentially the same story once they got down to the last four competitors.

In both cases, WWE Creative told the story of chosen ones, the company's hand-picked megastars who are marketed and pushed harder than just about anyone on the roster, squaring off with the fresh faces of the New Era.

Roman Reigns and John Cena, the two stars Vince McMahon sees as the faces of his company, squared off with internationally renowned Superstars and NXT alumni, Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura, to determine the winner of the men's match.

Later in the show, Total Divas stars The Bella Twins went toe-to-toe with two of the most influential figures in the Women's Revolution, Sasha Banks and Asuka.

In both instances, the Philadelphia crowd voiced its support for the underdogs. The fans wanted to see the fresh faces of today's WWE overcome what they believed to be the favoritism of management to win.

They got their wish.

Nakamura and Asuka won their respective matches, not only putting to rest the idea McMahon would push the established stars but also becoming the first Japanese competitors to win the Royal Rumble.

Women's Royal Rumble Surprises

While Mysterio was a nice surprise in the men's Royal Rumble match, it was the women's incarnation that really brought the unexpected entrants.

Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Lita, Vickie Guerrero, Molly Holly, Jacqueline and Trish Stratus all made surprise appearances in the Rumble match, popping the crowd and delivering solid performances.

Lita was particularly significant early, as she earned a huge ovation and looked motivated to turn in a phenomenal performance, even if her best days between the ropes are clearly behind her.

Stratus was her typically great self, while McCool's performance may have been the most underrated of the bunch.

On a night when Stephanie McMahon incessantly mentioned the word "history" on commentary, it was refreshing and appropriate that WWE Creative and management opted to pay homage to the women who paved the way for the Women's Revolution and helped make such a match possible.

Andrade 'Cien' Almas' Star-Making Weekend

Saturday night at TakeOver: Philadelphia, Andrade "Cien" Almas defeated Johnny Gargano to retain his NXT Championship in a five-star classic.

Sunday night, he entered the Royal Rumble match and delivered another strong performance.

Feeding off the energy of a Philly crowd that clearly appreciated the superb wrestling match he delivered just 24 hours earlier, El Idolo worked alongside the likes of John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor for quite some time before being eliminated.

Though he did not win the Rumble, the pop he received upon his entry and his effort in the match more than earned him the audience's appreciation and hinted at a bright future for the Mexican-born Superstar.