WWE Royal Rumble 2004
Royal Rumble (2004) was the seventeenth annual Royal Rumble PPV. It was presented by Sony's PlayStation 2, took place on January 25, 2004 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and featured talent from the Raw and SmackDown! brands. Beginning with this Royal Rumble, the winner could challenge at WrestleMania his choice of either the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship. The main event was the annual 30-man Royal Rumble match, which featured wrestlers from both brands. The primary match on the Raw brand was a Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship. The predominant match on the SmackDown! brand was Brock Lesnar versus Hardcore Holly for the WWE Championship. The featured match on the undercard was a Tables match for the World Tag Team Championship between Evolution (Ric Flair and Batista) and the Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von).
Insights
Plot Summary
The 2004 Royal Rumble event featured several high-profile matches, culminating in the namesake 30-man Royal Rumble match. This match was a chaotic battle for supremacy, with a surprise winner emerging, setting the stage for WrestleMania XX. The event also showcased championship defenses and grudge matches, delivering a full night of WWE action.
Critical Reception
The 2004 Royal Rumble is often remembered for its memorable moments and a surprising but well-received winner of the Royal Rumble match itself. While not universally acclaimed as one of the all-time best Rumbles, it is generally considered a solid entry in the event's history, praised for its booking and several strong performances.
What Reviewers Say
- The Royal Rumble match itself was a highlight, featuring eliminations that delighted and surprised fans.
- Key championship matches delivered solid in-ring action and compelling storylines.
- The event is often cited for its unpredictable nature and the booking of the main event.
Google audience: Audience reception for WWE events like the Royal Rumble is typically passionate, focusing on the excitement of the matches, the booking decisions, and the impact on ongoing storylines. Specific user reviews for this event often highlight the surprise winner and memorable moments within the Rumble match.
Awards & Accolades
None notable (as it is a professional wrestling event, not typically eligible for major film/TV awards)
Fun Fact
The 2004 Royal Rumble match famously featured a surprise entrant and eventual winner, Chris Benoit, who entered at #1 and lasted the entire match, a rare feat.
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