WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Report Card: Grades Are In From Texas

The 2023 WWE Royal Rumble means the Road to WrestleMania is officially underway. So, we go to our report card for some grades.

WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Report Card: Grades Are In From Texas

Pitch Black Match: Bray Wyatt vs LA Knight

Heading into the contest, the rules of a Pitch Black Match were never mentioned. Basically, the match was somewhat in the dark with both superstars having glow.

Seemingly, it was a squash match. After almost two years away, Bray Wyatt retuned to score a victory.

Overall, not a compelling match. The post-match assault from Uncle Howdy was the best moment, yet many questions remain. Grade: C

As Bray Wyatt and @RealLAKnight met in the first-ever @MountainDew Pitch Black Match at #RoyalRumble, Uncle Howdy made a big splash! pic.twitter.com/TqYhpt1sAZ

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023

RAW Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs Alexa Bliss

Thankfully, WWE turned Alexa Bliss heel. Being a babyface just did not fit her well.

Bianca Belair walked into the match still champion dating back to WrestleMania 38. As for Bliss, she continues to be haunted by Uncle Howdy.

Belair retains the title in a rather boring affair. The biggest story continues to revolve around Bliss and her past. Grade: C+

#WWERaw Women’s Champion @BiancaBelairWWE defends against @AlexaBliss_WWE at #RoyalRumble! pic.twitter.com/eavVmRoHhR

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023

30 Woman Royal Rumble Match

Like every year, the Women’s Royal Rumble Match was short on competitors. Naturally, WWE used a bunch of names from NXT.

And, they brought back superstars from the past like Michelle McCool and Nia Jax. Seeing Nia appear was the biggest surprise between both Rumbles.

The ending with Asuka, Liv Moran and Rhea Ripley was phenomenal. Rhea scores the win and becomes the first woman to win from the first spot. Grade: B+

RIPTIDE TO NIA JAX!@RheaRipley_WWE wows us all in the 2023 Women’s #RoyalRumble Match! pic.twitter.com/0WydgHhhnQ

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens

Before the bell ring, many were looking at the clock as the show would go past midnight. But, after such an action packed night, even the live crowd seemed fatigued.

We have already seen Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens battle over the title. Therefore, the match was nothing new.

The biggest story was what Sami Zayn would do. In the end, Sami and seemingly Jey Uso are out of The Bloodline. Grade: B+

AN HONORARY UCE NO MORE!@SamiZayn has just betrayed @WWERomanReigns and the entire Bloodline at #RoyalRumble! pic.twitter.com/ZtzAF1xGGD

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023

30 Man Royal Rumble Match

I did not see WWE starting the show with the Men’s Royal Rumble Match. Honestly, what a great start to the show.

Spot of the match goes to Logan Paul and Ricochet. But, the crowd did not like Logan, especially when he tossed Seth Rollins over the top rope.

Cody Rhodes winning is setting-up a nice WrestleMania moment. Props to Gunther for his performance, although I thought the final two went a bit too long. Grade: A-

WHAT DID WE JUST WITNESS?!?@LoganPaul and @KingRicochet just blew our minds at #RoyalRumble with an unbelievable moment! ??? pic.twitter.com/V5HIMhT0yQ

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023

So, do you agree with our 2023 Royal Rumble report card?