WWE Royal Rumble 2014: Match Card & Results

The WWE Royal Rumble 2014 was a highly anticipated event for wrestling fans around the globe. Taking place on January 26, 2014, at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it featured a card packed with thrilling matches and high-stakes confrontations. This event is particularly remembered for its surprises, controversies, and the beginning of significant storylines that would unfold throughout the year. Let's dive into the details of each match and revisit the outcomes that defined this memorable night in WWE history. The Royal Rumble is always a significant event, not just because of the namesake battle royal, but also because it sets the stage for WrestleMania, making every match feel incredibly important.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton (c) vs. John Cena

This match was a clash of titans, featuring Randy Orton, the then-current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, defending his title against John Cena, a perennial main eventer and fan favorite. Their rivalry had been brewing for months, marked by numerous confrontations and attempts to gain the upper hand. Orton, known for his calculated and vicious style, aimed to solidify his reign, while Cena sought to reclaim the championship and reassert his dominance in WWE. The match itself was a back-and-forth affair, filled with signature moves and near-falls that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Both superstars delivered their trademark offenses, with Orton utilizing his DDT and RKO, and Cena relying on his Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment. The intensity escalated as the match progressed, with each competitor showing resilience and determination. Interference played a crucial role in the outcome, adding another layer of drama to their already heated rivalry. The Authority, led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, made their presence felt, attempting to influence the match in favor of Orton. However, their interference was met with resistance, creating chaos and uncertainty. Ultimately, Orton managed to capitalize on the distractions and secured the victory, retaining his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The aftermath of the match saw the rivalry between Orton and Cena continue to intensify, leading to further encounters and confrontations in the following months. This match not only highlighted the individual skills of Orton and Cena but also underscored the ongoing power struggle within WWE, involving the Authority and other key players.

Batista vs. Alberto Del Rio

The return of Batista was one of the biggest stories heading into the 2014 Royal Rumble. After a four-year hiatus from WWE, Batista, also known as "The Animal," made his comeback with the intention of dominating the wrestling landscape once again. His first opponent back was Alberto Del Rio, a talented and arrogant superstar who aimed to make a statement by defeating the returning legend. This match was built on the contrast between Batista's brute strength and Del Rio's technical prowess. Batista sought to showcase his power and remind everyone of his past accomplishments, while Del Rio aimed to prove his worth as a top-tier competitor. The match itself was a physical encounter, with Batista using his size and strength to overpower Del Rio. However, Del Rio utilized his agility and submission skills to try and weaken Batista. The crowd was heavily in favor of Batista, eager to see him succeed in his return. Batista delivered his signature moves, including the spinebuster and Batista Bomb, much to the delight of the fans. Del Rio, on the other hand, targeted Batista's arm and attempted to lock in his cross armbreaker submission hold. Despite Del Rio's efforts, Batista proved too strong and resilient. He managed to break free from the submission attempts and eventually hit the Batista Bomb to secure the victory. The win solidified Batista's return and set him on a path toward the main event scene. However, the fan reaction to Batista's victory was mixed, as many had hoped to see other superstars rise to the top. Nevertheless, Batista's return added excitement and unpredictability to the Royal Rumble event.

Royal Rumble Match

The Royal Rumble match is always the centerpiece of the event, and the 2014 edition was no exception. Featuring 30 superstars battling for an opportunity to headline WrestleMania, this match was filled with surprises, memorable moments, and intense competition. The anticipation was high as fans speculated about potential winners and surprise entrants. The match began with familiar faces and quickly escalated into a chaotic free-for-all. Superstars from various eras and styles clashed in the ring, each vying for a chance to outlast the competition. Notable participants included established stars like CM Punk, Kane, and Sheamus, as well as rising talents eager to make a name for themselves. The match featured several memorable moments, including impressive displays of athleticism, unexpected eliminations, and shocking returns. One of the most talked-about moments was the dominant performance of Roman Reigns, who broke the record for most eliminations in a single Royal Rumble match. Reigns showcased his strength and agility, eliminating numerous opponents and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. However, the ending of the match was met with controversy. Batista, who had returned earlier in the night, emerged as the winner, last eliminating Roman Reigns. The crowd's reaction was largely negative, as many fans had hoped to see Reigns win and receive a WrestleMania title shot. The backlash against Batista's victory was significant, leading to changes in the WrestleMania main event plans. Despite the controversy, the Royal Rumble match provided plenty of entertainment and set the stage for several key storylines in the months that followed. The match highlighted the depth of the WWE roster and showcased the potential of future stars.

Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan

This match was a highly anticipated clash between two of WWE's most charismatic and popular superstars. Bray Wyatt, the enigmatic leader of the Wyatt Family, sought to spread his message of chaos and destruction, while Daniel Bryan, the underdog hero, aimed to overcome the odds and prove his doubters wrong. Their rivalry had been building for weeks, with Wyatt targeting Bryan and attempting to recruit him into his family. Bryan, however, refused to succumb to Wyatt's influence, leading to a series of intense confrontations. The match itself was a psychological battle as much as a physical one. Wyatt used his mind games and unsettling demeanor to try and intimidate Bryan, while Bryan relied on his technical skills and unwavering determination. The Wyatt Family, consisting of Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, played a significant role in the match, interfering and attempting to assist Wyatt. However, Bryan managed to overcome their interference and focus on Wyatt. The match featured several near-falls and dramatic moments, with both superstars showcasing their resilience and skill. Bryan delivered his signature kicks and submission holds, while Wyatt relied on his strength and unorthodox offense. Ultimately, Wyatt managed to gain the upper hand and defeated Bryan. The victory further solidified Wyatt's status as a rising star and added momentum to his character. The aftermath of the match saw Bryan's journey take an unexpected turn, leading him down a path that would eventually culminate in a WrestleMania main event victory.

Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show

The match between Brock Lesnar and Big Show was a classic David vs. Goliath encounter, pitting Lesnar's speed and agility against Big Show's immense size and power. Lesnar, known for his dominant performances and destructive tendencies, aimed to assert his dominance over the WWE roster. Big Show, a veteran of the wrestling industry, sought to prove that he could still compete at the highest level and defeat Lesnar. This match was built on the contrast between Lesnar's intensity and Big Show's experience. Lesnar wasted no time in attacking Big Show, delivering a series of suplexes and strikes. Big Show, however, used his size and strength to withstand Lesnar's onslaught and mount his own offense. The match was relatively short but filled with impactful moves and moments. Lesnar delivered several German suplexes, showcasing his technical wrestling ability. Big Show responded with powerful slams and chokeslams, attempting to ground Lesnar. Ultimately, Lesnar proved too much for Big Show to handle. He delivered a devastating F5 to secure the victory. The win further solidified Lesnar's status as a dominant force in WWE and set him on a path toward future championship opportunities. The match highlighted Lesnar's ability to overcome larger opponents and showcased his strength and athleticism. The aftermath of the match saw Lesnar continue to dominate the WWE landscape, feuding with top superstars and capturing championships.

In conclusion, the WWE Royal Rumble 2014 was a memorable event filled with thrilling matches, surprises, and controversies. From the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match to the Royal Rumble match itself, each contest contributed to the overall excitement and drama of the night. While some outcomes were met with criticism, the event set the stage for several key storylines and highlighted the talent and potential of the WWE roster. As fans look back on the 2014 Royal Rumble, they remember it as a pivotal moment in WWE history that shaped the landscape of professional wrestling for months to come. The matches not only provided entertainment but also set the direction for WrestleMania, making the event even more significant.