WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights
For the first time, WWE presented a live event from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Friday afternoon.
It touted one of the most stacked cards in recent memory, co-headlined by a steel cage match for the Universal Championship pitting titleholder Brock Lesnar against Roman Reigns and the first 50-Man Royal Rumble match.
Championship matches from both Raw and SmackDown Live, the in-ring return of The Undertaker, and an epic clash between John Cena and Triple H rounded out a card that was the most star-studded event not named WrestleMania in years.
A unique atmosphere, a big-show feel and fans not overexposed to the product guaranteed an interesting viewing experience.
Who emerged victorious, and what (if any) long-lasting effects would the show have on the WWE product going forward?
Find out for yourself with this recap of the second grand extravaganza this month.
John Cena vs. Triple H
1 of 10
John Cena and Triple H are two of the most storied Superstars in WWE history. They have battled on several occasions but have only competed in two high-profile singles matches, each getting a win. Cena defeated The Game at WrestleMania 22, while The King of Kings returned the favor two years later at Night of Champions.
Friday afternoon, they would look to break the tie in a blockbuster opening match, kicking off the Greatest Royal Rumble in star-studded fashion.
Cena and Triple H engaged in a test of strength and then traded shoulder blocks to a thunderous ovation, proving how valuable the old-school staples of WWE live events will be in front of this wrestling-starved crowd.
The popular babyface fought out of a brief Triple H heat sequence with a series of shoulder tackles, but The Game escaped the sidewalk slam and flattened his opponent with a big clothesline. Cena fought his way back into the match, scaled the ropes and tried for a top-rope leg drop, but Triple H backed out just enough to catch Cena with a powerbomb for a near-fall.
Cena again fended off an extended onslaught by Triple H and delivered a Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment. However, he could only keep the COO of WWE down for a count of two. A frustrated Cena attempted another Attitude Adjustment, but Triple H slithered out and delivered a Pedigree. His finisher only netted a two-count as frustration set in on his end.
Cena escaped a submission attempt, delivered another Attitude Adjustment, a slingshot and one more of his finishing maneuvers for the hard-fought victory.
Result
Cena defeated Triple H.
Grade
B
Analysis
A delightfully random match on a delightfully random spectacular, this did exactly what it was intended to in that it fired up the crowd and delivered legitimate star power right out of the gate.
Both Cena and Triple H looked their ages but at the same time showed incredible command of the audience. They kept it simple, and the result was a fun, if unspectacular, match to kick off the afternoon's festivities.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match: Cedric Alexander vs. Kalisto
2 of 10
On the heels of a victory in a gauntlet match to earn the Cruiserweight Championship opportunity, Kalisto challenged Cedric Alexander Friday afternoon, looking to become the first Superstar to defeat Alexander since December.
It would prove problematic for the luchador.
After an exchange of raw athleticism that popped the crowd early, Alexander grounded his smaller opponent, working his midsection in an attempt to drive the air from the one Superstar on the cruiserweight roster who can match his own speed.
Kalisto mounted a comeback, using a flurry of sudden and quick offense to frazzle his opponent. A Michinoku Driver from the champion slowed the challenger's momentum and earned him a near-fall in the process.
The action headed to the top rope, where it culminated with Kalisto delivering a springboard Spanish Fly for a strong near-fall.
Counters and reversals reigned supreme late in the match until Alexander escaped the Salida del Sol and delivered the Lumbar Check to successfully retain his title.
Result
Alexander defeated Kalisto.
Grade
B
Analysis
There was a lot of effort from Alexander and Kalisto here, but as is the case in the U.S., it was difficult to win the crowd over on the heels of a marquee match starring two of the most recognizable wrestlers on the planet.
Still, the chemistry was there, and with a little more time, these two could have a hell of a match.
It was not nearly as hot as the opener, but in terms of in-ring production, it was probably a better match.
Alexander continues his roll, solidifying himself as one of the more underappreciated talents in all of WWE.
Michael Cole's stat about the champion not losing a match since December is a storyline that needs to be introduced on 205 Live, setting up a situation where Superstars vie not only to dethrone him but also to end his impressive win streak.
Raw Tag Team Championship Match: Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt vs. The Bar
3 of 10
The vacant Raw Tag Team Championships were up for grabs Friday afternoon as Woken Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt battled Sheamus and Cesaro of SmackDown Live. The duo of Hardy and Wyatt looked to continue its deep descent into madness with championship glory, while The Bar sought its fifth Raw Tag Team Championship reign.
The heels isolated Hardy, working the veteran tag team performer over.
A hot tag to Wyatt breathed new life in the unorthodox babyfaces' quest for history.
The action broke down with all four Superstars battling in the ring at the same time. Hardy was lucky to break up a pin attempt following a double-team maneuver, and it proved the difference in the match.
Wyatt dodged a Brogue Kick and delivered Sister Abigail's Kiss. The newly formed team followed up with an assisted Twist of Fate to win the titles.
Result
Wyatt and Hardy defeated The Bar.
Grade
C+
Analysis
The EXPEDEESHIN is complete.
Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy's twisted journey to tag team greatness culminated here with a championship victory over Sheamus and Cesaro. While the match was not pretty, and easily the worst of the show to this point, it was still a solid one.
The sloppiness late, including Hardy nearly failing to break up the pin on time, hurt it significantly. The awkward double-team Twist of Fate did not help matters.
The right team went over, and there is potential for great things from Hardy and Wyatt as they develop as a team. With that said, one cannot help but be slightly disappointed that this match did not live up to the talent involved.
United States Championship Match: Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal
4 of 10
Much was made of Jeff Hardy's knee, which he tweaked a week or so prior to Friday's show, as he defended the United States Championship against former titleholder Jinder Mahal in singles competition.
Mahal kept the faster, more dynamic Hardy grounded, working him over with basic rest holds. A jawbreaker by the champion allowed him to create some separation. Mahal attempted a gutbuster, but Hardy countered, delivering a double leg drop to the midsection for two.
Hardy continued his comeback and blasted Sunil Singh off the apron. He would survive a roll-up attempt by Mahal, using the tights for added leverage, and deliver a big Swanton Bomb for the successful title defense.
Result
Hardy defeated Mahal.
Grade
C-
Analysis
Maybe it was the injury to Hardy's knee or the relatively slow pace, but this did not click at all.
It was sloppy, disjointed and much slower than you would expect from a match with The Charismatic Enigma. The lack of a spark and its one-dimensional nature doomed it to the lowest grade of the show.
A disappointment given the quality match Hardy and Mahal had on Raw two weeks ago.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos vs. The Bludgeon Brothers
5 of 10
The Usos lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championships to The Bludgeon Brothers at WrestleMania 34 without even being involved in the fall. Friday afternoon, the decorated tandem would seek to add another reign to its already sparkling resumes by defeating the seemingly insurmountable new champions.
The behemoths cut Jey off from his brother, isolating and punishing him. A missed charge into the corner by Harper allowed Jey to make the hot tag to Jimmy.
The brothers took the fight to the former Wyatt Family members, but even their speed and agility could not keep the champions reeling for too long. The ferocious champions bowled over The Usos, and the full nelson-powerbomb combination earned The Bludgeon Brothers the victory.
Result
The Bludgeon Brothers defeated The Usos.
Grade
C+
Analysis
Another solid, unspectacular match that did not live up to the talent of the Superstars involved.
It felt like a house show title bout in which the winners were never really in question.
The commentary continues to do a phenomenal job of putting over the destruction left in the path of The Bludgeon Brothers. Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton effectively put Harper and Rowan over as unbeatable champions, questioning who could possibly dethrone them.
That opens the door for a duo to come along and unseat them at some point in the future, and when it happens, the team will be even more over as a result.
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship
6 of 10
Michael Cole pointed out at the top of the match that Seth Rollins was undefeated in ladder matches. Would the intercontinental champion be able to retain his title as he battled The Miz, Samoa Joe and Finn Balor in a huge Fatal 4-Way ladder match for the prestigious title Friday night in Jeddah?
Rollins unleashed a pair of suicide dives early, wiping Balor and Miz out at ringside. When Joe attempted to prevent Rollins from retrieving a ladder, Rollins and Miz formed a temporary alliance to take care of the heavyweight hitman.
Balor soared over the ropes, wiping all three opponents out at ringside.
With the ladder introduced in the ring, each competitor teased scaling its rungs and retrieving the golden prize hanging overhead. Each of them had a hard dose of reality dealt as they fell off or from the ladder, crashing to the mat below.
A manipulative Miz attempted to forge a partnership of sorts with Joe but ended up on the receiving end of the Samoan big man's wrath. Balor's back was painted with welts, the result of Joe's punishment with the eight-runged weapon.
Balor recovered and, with Miz sprawled on a ladder, delivered the Coup de Grace. Joe attempted to slow the Irishman, rekindling their NXT rivalry in the process.
The battle ultimately came down to Rollins and Balor, their competitive rivalry continuing. With Balor fingertips away from claiming the title, Rollins springboarded off the top rope and grabbed the title, falling from the ladder and earning the victory.
Result
Rollins defeated Balor, Joe and Miz.
Grade
A
Analysis
The best match of the show to this point.
A lot of that can be attributed to the in-ring chemistry they share. Rollins, Balor, Joe and Miz have worked together a ton over the last year, so it makes sense they can deliver when called upon. Throw in a ladder and things get a bit trickier, but as they proved Friday afternoon, it is a challenge they were ready for.
The lack of big bumps probably has some fans dismayed by the finished product, but at an event that is a glorified house show with a WrestleMania lineup, it is important to avoid injuries. They did (or at least it appears so on the surface), and the right guy went over.
The finish is an interesting one in that it continues building the rivalry between Rollins and Balor over the Intercontinental Championship. The disappointment Balor continues to experience, falling just shy of capturing the gold, could fuel a heel turn.
Given the one-dimensional nature of his babyface character at this point, that could benefit the charismatic Irishman and jump-start a rivalry between two of the most talented wrestlers on the roster just in time for the summer months.
WWE Championship Match: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7 of 10
A new attitude, philosophy and reliance on low blows led Shinsuke Nakamura to Jeddah Friday for a rematch from WrestleMania 34 with AJ Styles for the WWE Championship. A more personal match than their bout in New Orleans, it would determine the top dog on Smackdown Live for the foreseeable future.
Nakamura brilliantly played to the frustration and anger Styles has experienced in recent weeks, taunting him early and seizing control of the match by capitalizing on the opening the champion left.
Styles fought back into the match, his intensity fueling him. He unloaded with a series of strikes, escaped a sleeper and delivered a Ushigoroshi for two.
Nakamura retook control, delivering a front suplex and teasing a Kinshasa. Styles intercepted him and delivered a schoolboy for a count of two. Styles followed up with the Calf Crusher, seeking a tapout victory.
Nakamura intercepted Styles at one point, dropped him on the top turnbuckle and delivered a running knee.
A slugfest broke out late in the match, the dislike between the wrestlers coming to a head. At one point, Nakamura feigned injury and nearly caught Styles off guard, but the champion saw it coming. He was not able to avoid an armbar that momentarily left him prone, though. He escaped and delivered a Pele Kick.
As Styles soared through the air for the Phenomenal Forearm, Nakamura ducked out of the way. Styles nearly collided with the referee, and Nakamura capitalized, delivering a low blow. Styles barely held on to his title, grabbing the bottom rope and breaking the count.
The fight spilled to the arena floor, and the referee called for the bell, declaring a count-out.
After the bell, Styles bowled over Nakamura at ringside, taking him into the timekeeper's area. Styles blasted him with a steel chair. The champion left his rival lying in a heap to close out the match.
Result
Styles and Nakamura fought to a double count-out.
Grade
A
Analysis
Even with a count-out finish, this match was light years ahead of their WrestleMania bout, if only because they had a story to tell. This wasn't two guys having a match just because fans expected greatness from them. There was a legitimate good guy and a clear-cut bad guy, and the result was a much more engaging bout.
Nakamura pulling out all underhanded stops to try to win the match, only to endure the wrath of an angrier and more focused Styles than ever before, is a narrative that can bleed over onto SmackDown Live in the next two weeks as WWE prepares for Backlash.
The real question is whether Nakamura did enough here to convince WWE management to give him a run with the title. The answer? A definitive "yes."
Casket Match: The Undertaker vs. Rusev
8 of 10
For the first time since Survivor Series 2015, The Undertaker competed in a non-WrestleMania match, traveling to Saudi Arabia to combat Rusev in a casket match.
Rusev was aggressive at the start, backing The Deadman into the corner and pummeling away. His early arrogance proved problematic as he turned right back around into an onslaught by The Deadman.
Rusev's striking ability surprisingly kept him in the match as he proved capable of hanging punch-for-punch with The Phenom. As the match went on, though, the veteran competitor was able to catch Rusev with a chokeslam.
He tossed Rusev into the casket, but Aiden English interfered and was greeted with a chokeslam of his own. The Tombstone followed, and Undertaker threw the songster into the casket with his tag team partner. The Deadman slammed the casket lid and scored his second win this month.
Result
Undertaker defeated Rusev.
Grade
C
Analysis
This was little more than spectacle. The Undertaker made a rare appearance, drawing an enormous reaction and picking up a win in a match that was never in question. All of the talk about Rusev Day, his status with the company and his push were non-factors as Undertaker beat him down in a glorified squash and scored the win in one of his signature matches.
Undertaker looked significantly better than he did in his 2017 WrestleMania bout with Roman Reigns, but given the limited nature of his physicality here, that is not saying much.
Rusev looked good, slugging it out with Undertaker at one point, but he felt incredibly out of place in this match from a star power perspective. His credibility, when matched up with The Phenom, was nonexistent.
The match kept the crowd's interest, and on a show like this, that is not a bad thing.
For those expecting more, though, it can be classified as a disappointment.
Steel Cage Match for the Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar
9 of 10
In order for Roman Reigns to redeem himself following a crushing WrestleMania defeat at the hands of universal champion Brock Lesnar, he would have to do the unthinkable and defeat The Beast Incarnate inside a solid steel cage.
The idea, a seemingly inconceivable one given the Thanos-like ass-kickings Lesnar has dealt during his title reign, created intrigue for the co-main event of Friday's WWE Network broadcast.
Reigns started the match the same way he ended the last one: firmly in the vise-like grip of Lesnar, who delivered three suplexes to neutralize the determined challenger. An F-5 followed, and Lesnar appeared destined to roll to another successful title defense.
An arrogant, confident smile painted The Beast's face as he hoisted Reigns up for another F-5. Reigns, though, wiggled free and delivered a series of Superman Punches. Reigns nearly escaped the steel structure imprisoning him, but Lesnar grabbed hold of him and pulled him back into the squared circle.
Reigns delivered a big powerbomb to Lesnar, but it barely rattled the champion, who made it to his feet fairly quickly. What did affect Lesnar, though, was Reigns sending him face-first into the walls of the cage. The challenger blasted Lesnar with one spear, then another. The Big Dog, not satisfied with the bit of damage he had inflicted, set up for another.
A third left the champion flat on his back. Reigns covered but netted only a two-count.
As Reigns attempted to leave the cage, Heyman slammed the door in his face, leading to a second F-5 from Lesnar. Reigns shot his shoulder off the mat just in time to avoid another defeat.
Sensing Lesnar may be in danger, Heyman slid a chair into the ring. Lesnar de-gloved and raised the chair overhead, only to be greeted by a spear from Reigns.
Another Superman Punch floored Lesnar, and a fifth spear sent both men through the cage wall and to the floor. As it was determined Lesnar hit the floor first, he successfully retained his title.
Result
Lesnar defeated Reigns.
Grade
C+
Analysis
Like Styles vs. Nakamura earlier in the show, this was better than their WrestleMania match. Of course, that does not take much considering how truly awful that match was.
This was a heavyweight battle between two badasses looking for the knockout blow. Forget setup holds; forget submissions or hope spots. This was a fight, and the Superstars portrayed it well.
The finish is an interesting one in that it creates doubt that Lesnar fairly won the match and positions Reigns in a much more favorable position to demand a rematch than he was in following WrestleMania.
Had this occurred on the grand stage, the moans and groans coming out of the bout we were treated to probably would not have been quite as loud.
50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match
10 of 10
The largest Royal Rumble match in the history of WWE took place Friday, starring 50 Superstars. Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler were tasked with setting the tone for the match, the two workhorses drawing the unenviable Nos. 1 and 2.
Sin Cara and Curtis Axel would follow, but it was 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Mark Henry who drew the first oohs and aahs from the WWE Universe in Saudi Arabia, presumably because of the sheer size he brought to the match.
With Sin Cara and Axel eliminated in minutes, Mike Kanellis entered at No. 6. He was eliminated immediately after stepping into the ring, leading Michael Cole to question whether or not the Boston native set a new record for futility in Rumble matches.
Hiroki Sumi, a renowned sumo wrestler, entered at No. 7 as a surprise and immediately confronted Henry. Like Kanellis, Sumi's run was short-lived as Henry tossed him. Ziggler and Bryan, seizing an opening, teamed up to dump Henry.
Victor of The Ascension entered at No. 8 and took the fight to Bryan, catching him with a nasty flying knee to the face. Unfortunately for the NXT alumnus, he was dumped moments later by the leader of the Yes! Movement.
Kofi Kingston, the veteran of Royal Rumbles and master of unforgettable saves, entered at No. 9. Joining the fray at No. 10 was 205 Live's Tony Nese, who wasted little time showcasing his athleticism against Kingston. The ring began to fill up as Dash Wilder hit the ring at No. 11, looking to make a name for himself at a time when The Revival is struggling to gain traction on WWE television.
Former WWE cruiserweight champion Hornswoggle returned and entered at No. 12 and immediately helped eliminate Wilder. He wowed fans by delivering a Samoan Drop to Kingston but ate a superkick from Ziggler as he tried a Tadpole Splash. Nese finished his night, knocking him to the floor.
Primo Colon entered at No. 13 and immediately botched a springboard. He paired up with Nese for a sloppy exchange while, across the ring, Bryan planted Kingston with a tornado DDT. The New Day would gain strength in numbers at No. 14 as Xavier Woods entered the match.
Kingston staved off elimination, hanging on the back of Woods as he teetered on the ring apron. Nese celebrated with Woods and Kingston but found himself dumped to the floor.
Bo Dallas entered at No. 15, but it was the arrival of Kurt Angle at 16 that drew a big ovation and led to the eliminations of Dallas and Primo. Ziggler followed as the Olympian was a ball of fire. Scott Dawson of The Revival entered at No. 17, Goldust at 18 and The Ascension's Konnor hit the ring at No. 19.
The guitar strummed, and at No. 20, Elias entered the stadium, drawing a pop. He cut a promo, claiming Elias is universal. Seeing an opening, he entered the ring and dumped Kingston, Woods and Konnor in one swift motion.
Luke Gallows was out next at No. 21, but the eyes of wrestling fans everywhere turned to the center of the ring, where Bryan and Angle squared off. Angle countered the Yes Kicks with an ankle lock attempt. Bryan fought out but ate an Angle Slam. The Olympian went to pull down the straps, but Elias eliminated him.
The No. 22 spot was filled by Rhyno, Drew Gulak entered at 23 and Tucker Knight of NXT's Heavy Machinery arrived at No. 24.
As the match neared its midway point, former United States champion Bobby Roode rushed the ring at No. 25. Roode drop-kicked Goldust, ending his night, and did the same to Dawson.
Fandango was in at No. 26, Chad Gable followed at 27 and Rey Mysterio drew a huge pop for his arrival at No. 28. Much like he did at the Royal Rumble in January, he dazzled fans with his explosive offense, proving size matters not as he eliminated Gallows.
Mojo Rawley entered at No. 29 and eliminated Fandango, then targeted his fellow NXT alumnus Gable. Speaking of NXT alumni, Tyler Breeze was next up at No. 30. Immediately, he was sent off the apron and into the waiting arms of his tag team partner Fandango. As he attempted to re-enter the match, he was eliminated by Rawley.
At No. 31, Big E hit the ring having missed out on sharing it with partners Woods and Kingston. No. 32 Karl Anderson entered next, Apollo Crews followed at No. 33 and one-half of the NXT tag team champions, Roderick Strong, rounded out the latest string of Superstars at No. 34 as the ring began to fill up.
Two-time Royal Rumble winner Randy Orton sprinted to the ring at No. 35, taking the fight to anyone in front of him. He delivered a huge RKO to an overzealous Crews and cleaned house of him, Rawley and Anderson. The Viper paired off with Mysterio, the man who cost him a victory in the 2006 Rumble.
Heath Slater was out next at No. 36. Babatunde of NXT made his WWE Network debut at No. 37, and mere seconds later, 2016 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner Baron Corbin entered at No. 38. The Lone Wolf pulled Elias under the rope and sent him crashing into the ring steps. He followed up with a nasty Deep Six to Mysterio.
Corbin dumped Roode, and Titus O'Neil entered at No. 39. As he sprinted down the aisle, he tripped and slid under the ring apron. The commentators laughed uncontrollably as replays of the mishap aired. Dan Matha of NXT was out at No. 40, but it was No. 41, Braun Strowman, who drew tremendous interest from the fans.
Babatunde, Matha, Big E and Slater were all sent packing courtesy of The Monster Among Men. Bryan was sent to the arena floor, and the remaining Superstars paired off with the big man. Tye Dillinger entered at No. 42, joining Orton, Mysterio, O'Neil and Corbin in trying to eliminate Strowman.
O'Neil was gone next, and Dillinger followed. Mysterio and Orton paired up to double-team Strowman. Corbin blasted Mysterio, eliminating him. Orton sent Corbin packing, and Elias reappeared, dumping The Viper. Curt Hawkins was out at No. 43 and, upon seeing Strowman, tried to run away. Strowman chased him down, threw him back into the ring and delivered two big right hands to Bryan and Elias.
Strowman dumped Hawkins but missed a blind charge into the corner, allowing Elias to buy himself some time. Bobby Lashley entered at No. 44 and immediately pummeled Elias, unloading on him with a series of clotheslines and a shoulder to the gut. Lashley eliminated Elias before pairing off with Strowman. Bryan re-entered the ring and unloaded on both of his much larger opponents.
The Great Khali returned to WWE for one night only, arriving on the scene at No. 45, much to the delight of the audience. His run would end at the hands of Strowman and Lashley, who teamed up to dump him over the top rope.
The newest member of Raw, Kevin Owens, entered at No. 46 and unloaded on Bryan, Strowman and Lashley with a series of cannonballs. Michael Cole announced when Bryan had lasted over one hour and five minutes, passing the Royal Rumble longevity record. As he wrapped up that stat, "Here Comes the Money" played, and Shane McMahon hit the ring at No. 47, teeing off on Owens and rekindling their rivalry.
Bryan and McMahon stared each other down before opting to unload on Owens with a barrage of Yes Kicks.
Shelton Benjamin slid into the ring and took down Shane McMahon, momentum on his side at No. 48. Big Cass arrived on the scene at No. 49 and immediately set his sights on Bryan. Across the ring, McMahon scaled the ropes and came off with Coast-to-Coast on Strowman.
"Break the Walls Down" exploded over the PA system, and Chris Jericho returned to the squared circle at No. 50. Former tag team partner Owens waited for him, their rivalry still strong. The ring cleared, giving the future Hall of Famer the chance to shine. Jericho took the fight to The Prizefighter and eliminated Benjamin. Y2J applied the Walls of Jericho to Owens, only to be kicked in the face by Cass.
Bryan ordered McMahon to the top rope to deliver another Coast-to-Coast, but Strowman came from out of nowhere and slammed the boss' son from the top and through the announce table. A rejuvenated Strowman eliminated Lashley, Jericho and Owens.
Bryan teed off with Strowman but ate a big boot from Cass, who eliminated Bryan to a chorus of boos. Strowman and Cass, the final two competitors, came face-to-face, and a slugfest ensued. Strowman crotched Cass on the top rope and tackled him off and to the floor, winning the Greatest Royal Rumble match.
Result
Strowman won the Greatest Royal Rumble.
Grade
B+
Analysis
From a marketing standpoint, the Greatest Royal Rumble was an awesome concept that probably sold subscriptions to WWE Network. Execution-wise, it was too much with too many Superstars no one cared about.
With that said, there were some damn fun spots and stories that elevated its overall quality.
From Bryan's historic run to Shane McMahon's death-defying bump, Jericho and Mysterio's returns to the biggest win of Strowman's career, it spotlighted the right Superstars and gave fans a little bit of everything to enjoy.
A flawed concept, sure, but WWE treated it like it was a hugely significant match, and as a result, it was easy to invest one's self in the action unfolding on the screen.
