Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into the WWE Royal Rumble 2013, a night packed with surprises, memorable moments, and intense action. This event, held on January 27, 2013, at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, was a significant stop on the road to WrestleMania 29. We’re going to break down the entire show, focusing on the Royal Rumble match itself and some of the other key contests from the night. Whether you're a long-time wrestling fanatic or new to the WWE universe, get ready for a nostalgic trip filled with bone-crunching moves, unexpected eliminations, and the electric energy of the WWE at its finest. We'll cover everything from the match card to the final moments that left fans on the edge of their seats. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's get started!

The Buildup to Royal Rumble 2013

Before we get into the specifics of the Royal Rumble match, it's essential to understand the storylines and rivalries brewing in the weeks leading up to the event. These narratives added layers of excitement and anticipation, making the night even more memorable.

Championship Climates

The WWE Championship scene was dominated by CM Punk, who had been holding the title for an impressive 434 days heading into the Royal Rumble. His opponent, The Rock, was back in WWE full-time, adding star power to the event. Their rivalry was intense, filled with personal attacks and a palpable sense of animosity. The buildup included The Rock vowing to end Punk's reign and reclaim the championship he had last held a decade prior. This clash of titans set the stage for what promised to be a historic encounter.

Meanwhile, the World Heavyweight Championship picture involved Alberto Del Rio defending his title against The Big Show in a Last Man Standing match. Del Rio had recently turned face, aligning himself with Ricardo Rodriguez, and was portraying a babyface character for the first time in his WWE career. The Big Show, known for his imposing size and strength, aimed to regain the championship he had lost to Del Rio. Their feud was physical and brutal, promising a hard-hitting affair with no disqualifications or count-outs, just a battle of attrition to see who would be the last man standing.

Royal Rumble Match Hype

The Royal Rumble match itself was promoted with the usual fanfare, with numerous superstars declaring their participation and vowing to win the coveted opportunity to headline WrestleMania. Names like John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Dolph Ziggler were among the favorites, each carrying their own momentum and storylines. The unpredictability of the Rumble, with its surprise entrants and dramatic eliminations, made it a must-watch attraction. WWE hyped the match as a platform for new rivalries to ignite and existing feuds to escalate, setting the stage for WrestleMania season.

Other Key Storylines

Beyond the championship and Rumble match, other storylines added depth to the event. Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) were set to defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow (Team Rhodes Scholars). The comedic yet effective pairing of Bryan and Kane had won over fans, while Rhodes and Sandow sought to dethrone them and establish their intellectual superiority. Additionally, Kaitlyn defended her WWE Divas Championship against Eve Torres, adding a women's division spotlight to the card.

Royal Rumble 2013 Match Card Breakdown

The WWE Royal Rumble 2013 featured a well-rounded card that provided a mix of championship bouts, grudge matches, and, of course, the Royal Rumble match itself. Each contest contributed to the overall narrative of the event, making it a memorable night for wrestling fans. Let's delve into each match and highlight the key moments.

WWE Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. The Rock

This match was highly anticipated due to the star power of both competitors and the long-standing title reign of CM Punk. The match was intense, with both Punk and Rock exchanging signature moves and near-falls. A controversial moment occurred when The Shield interfered, attacking The Rock. Mr. McMahon restarted the match, ensuring a decisive outcome. Ultimately, The Rock defeated CM Punk to win the WWE Championship, ending Punk's impressive 434-day reign. This victory marked The Rock's first WWE Championship win in over a decade, adding a significant chapter to his legendary career.

World Heavyweight Championship Last Man Standing Match: Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. The Big Show

The Last Man Standing stipulation added a brutal element to this championship clash. Both Del Rio and The Big Show used the environment to their advantage, employing chairs, tables, and other weapons. Del Rio showcased his resilience and resourcefulness, while The Big Show relied on his size and strength. The match concluded when Del Rio locked in the Cross Armbreaker with the aid of the ring ropes and Rodriguez duct-taping Big Show's legs to the bottom rope after he was already down for a count of 9, preventing The Big Show from standing up before the ten count, thus allowing Del Rio to retain his title. This victory solidified Del Rio's reign as World Heavyweight Champion.

WWE Tag Team Championship: Team Hell No (c) vs. Team Rhodes Scholars

Team Hell No, consisting of Daniel Bryan and Kane, defended their WWE Tag Team Championships against the intellectual duo of Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow. The match was a blend of comedy and technical wrestling, with Bryan and Kane's contrasting personalities providing entertaining moments. Ultimately, Team Hell No retained their titles, showcasing their teamwork and chemistry. This victory further cemented their status as a dominant tag team in WWE.

WWE Divas Championship: Kaitlyn (c) vs. Eve Torres

Kaitlyn defended her WWE Divas Championship against Eve Torres in a match that highlighted the evolving women's division. Kaitlyn showcased her strength and athleticism, while Eve used her cunning and agility. Kaitlyn emerged victorious, retaining her title. This win was a significant moment for Kaitlyn, as she continued to establish herself as a top competitor in the Divas division.

The Royal Rumble Match

Now, for the main event! The Royal Rumble match is always a highlight, and the 2013 edition was no exception. The match featured a mix of established stars, rising talents, and surprise entrants, all vying for a chance to main event WrestleMania.

Key Entrants and Eliminations

The match started with Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho, setting a high bar right from the beginning. Sheamus, John Cena, Randy Orton, and other top stars entered, adding to the excitement. Notable eliminations included The Godfather, who made a surprise appearance but was quickly eliminated by Dolph Ziggler, and Kofi Kingston, who had an awesome moment where he walked on his hands to avoid elimination. The crowd was on the edge of their seats with each new entrant and elimination.

The Final Four

The final four consisted of John Cena, Ryback, Sheamus, and Randy Orton. The tension was palpable as each competitor fought for their WrestleMania moment. Randy Orton was eliminated by Ryback, and Sheamus was eliminated by Cena. The final showdown between Cena and Ryback was intense, with both men showcasing their strength and determination.

The Winner

In the end, John Cena emerged victorious, last eliminating Ryback to win the Royal Rumble match. The crowd erupted as Cena celebrated his win, securing his spot in the main event of WrestleMania 29. This victory marked Cena's second Royal Rumble win, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.

Memorable Moments and Surprises

Royal Rumble 2013 was full of moments that had fans jumping out of their seats. Here are some of the highlights:

• The Rock's WWE Championship Win: The ending of CM Punk's long title reign was a major shock, and The Rock's victory was a huge moment for fans who had waited years to see him back on top.
• Chris Jericho's Return: Chris Jericho's entry at number two was a pleasant surprise, and he put on a great performance, lasting over 47 minutes.
• Kofi Kingston's Save: Kofi Kingston had an innovative and unforgettable save when he walked on his hands to avoid elimination.
• The Godfather's Appearance: The Godfather's surprise entry was a fun nostalgic moment, even though it was short-lived.
• The Shield's Interference: The Shield's attack on The Rock during the WWE Championship match added drama and controversy to the title bout.

The Aftermath and Road to WrestleMania 29

The Royal Rumble 2013 set the stage for WrestleMania 29, with several key storylines and matches taking shape. John Cena's Royal Rumble victory earned him a shot at The Rock's WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania. This match was highly anticipated, as it pitted two of WWE's biggest stars against each other for the top prize. The Rock and Cena had previously faced off at WrestleMania 28, with Cena losing. Their rematch was filled with personal attacks and intense build-up, making it one of the most talked-about matches of the year.

Alberto Del Rio continued his reign as World Heavyweight Champion, setting up a feud with Jack Swagger, who had won the Elimination Chamber match to become the number one contender. Their rivalry took on a controversial tone, with Swagger's character incorporating anti-immigrant sentiments. The match at WrestleMania saw Del Rio successfully defend his title against Swagger.

Team Hell No continued their run as WWE Tag Team Champions, eventually dropping the titles to The Shield. The Shield's rise to prominence was one of the major stories of 2013, and their victory over Team Hell No solidified their dominance. CM Punk's loss to The Rock led to a match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania, where The Undertaker continued his undefeated streak. This match was a significant moment for Punk, as he faced one of WWE's most legendary figures on the grandest stage.

Final Thoughts

The WWE Royal Rumble 2013 was a memorable event filled with exciting matches, shocking moments, and significant storyline developments. From The Rock's WWE Championship win to John Cena's Royal Rumble victory, the event set the stage for an action-packed road to WrestleMania 29. The night showcased the best of WWE, with a mix of established stars, rising talents, and unexpected surprises. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of wrestling, Royal Rumble 2013 is definitely worth revisiting. So, that's a wrap, guys! Hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the WWE Royal Rumble 2013. Until next time, keep wrestling!