The WWE Royal Rumble premium live event, which took place on January 31, was marked by a surprise change in the match order that left many in the locker room stunned. According to sources close to the situation, the change was made at the last minute, causing some superstars to feel blindsided by the decision.
A Dramatic Turn of Events
The Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defended his title against Sami Zayn in the main event of the evening. While McIntyre emerged victorious, the real story was the dramatic change in the match order that took place just hours before the event. According to a WWE insider, the original plan was to have the Undisputed WWE Championship match take place in the middle of the card, but it was pushed to the main event slot at the last minute.
“This was a huge shock to the system,” said a WWE source. “The superstars were already mentally preparing for their matches, and then suddenly, the whole order is flipped on its head. It’s not easy to adjust to, especially when you’re dealing with high-stakes matches like the championship.”
The Impact on Superstars
The change in match order had a significant impact on several superstars, including some who were originally scheduled to compete in the main event. According to sources, Cody Rhodes was set to face Brock Lesnar in a highly anticipated match, but was instead bumped to the fifth match on the card.
“It’s frustrating, to say the least,” said a source close to Cody Rhodes. “You spend weeks preparing for a match, and then suddenly, it’s taken away from you. You’re left feeling like you’re not a priority.”
A Strategy to Keep Drew McIntyre Relevant
While the change in match order was a surprise to many, it’s believed that it was a deliberate move by WWE to keep Drew McIntyre relevant in the storyline. McIntyre has been a key player in the company for several years, and WWE may have felt that putting him in the main event would give him a much-needed boost.
“Drew McIntyre is a beloved champion, and WWE wants to keep him in the spotlight,” said a WWE insider. “By putting him in the main event, they’re giving him a chance to shine and generate buzz around his title reign.”
A Shift in Power Dynamics
The change in match order also had a significant impact on the power dynamics within the locker room. According to sources, some superstars feel that the change was a reflection of the company’s priorities, with certain individuals being favored over others.
“It’s a bit of a shakeup, and it’s left some people feeling uneasy,” said a source close to the situation. “When you’re dealing with high-stakes matches and championship reigns, it’s not just about the in-ring product – it’s about who gets to be in the spotlight and who gets to be in the background.”
A New Era for WWE
The WWE Royal Rumble premium live event marked a new era for the company, with a fresh set of superstars emerging as top contenders. While the change in match order was a surprise to many, it’s clear that WWE is committed to shaking things up and keeping the product fresh.
“As always, WWE is looking to the future and trying to stay ahead of the curve,” said a WWE insider. “The change in match order was a bold move, and it’s a sign of the company’s willingness to take risks and try new things.”
The WWE Royal Rumble premium live event was a reminder that in professional wrestling, nothing is ever set in stone. With the constant flux of storylines and match orders, it’s a testament to the company’s ability to adapt and evolve.
In the end, the change in match order was a surprise to many, but it’s clear that WWE is committed to keeping the product fresh and exciting. As the company looks to the future, it’s exciting to think about what’s in store for the WWE Universe.