The talking points coming out of WWE's 2016 Royal Rumble are many, stemming from championship changes, monumental debuts, a return that will set up a strong Divas Championship program and the ignition of a feud between two forces of nature that could dominate the Road to WrestleMania 32.
On a show WWE needed to be strong in order to make up for months of lethargic booking, the company came through, creating a great deal of interest and excitement.
Whether it can continue to build on the momentum that exists after Sunday's show remains to be seen but for now, those within the company can revel in their success. Fans are buzzing about sports entertainment again, legitimately intrigued by the events of Sunday night.
As WWE embarks on a string of shows that will eventually culminate in The Showcase of the Immortals in Dallas, relive Sunday's WWE Network extravaganza through these matches, moments and Superstars that had fans buzzing in their wake.
Credit: WWE.comTriple H Wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
There was little doubt that Triple H would rear his head in the Royal Rumble match, hellbent on avenging the assault he suffered at the hands of Roman Reigns at Tables, Ladders & Chairs while simultaneously screwing him out of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
There was some question, though, as to whether or not the company would actually go as far as to have the 46-year-old win the Rumble and the title.
They did, and he did, and now the stage is set for a WrestleMania showdown between the COO and the juggernaut of WWE, Reigns.
There is an argument to be made that Triple H was the wrong guy to put in that position, and that in doing so, the company has made the same mistake promotions such as WCW and AWA did when booking the same tired old star at the top of the company. It devalues the young talent, even if the purpose is to eventually put over Reigns.
Still, the win at least makes sense given the context of the story. That is a major positive, considering some of the recent booking trends by a WWE Creative team that seemingly favors storytelling that lacks logic.
History will dictate whether the right decision was made or if someone else should have filled the role, perhaps someone younger like Kevin Owens or Bray Wyatt. But for now, there is no denying that The Game's win has generated buzz that simply did not exist weeks earlier.
Credit: WWE.comAJ Styles Debuts
For weeks, fans discussed the possibility of AJ Styles debuting in the Royal Rumble match. After wrapping up his obligations to Ring of Honor Saturday night, The Phenomenal One arrived at World Wrestling Entertainment Sunday night, receiving a deafening ovation as he entered the 30-man bout at No. 3.
Styles would last 28 minutes, easily the most popular Superstar in the ring for that duration. His interactions with Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns and Neville never once made him look out of place, a testament to his star power and presence, even if he was the smallest man in the ring for the most part.
The fans welcomed Styles with open arms, his reputation preceding him. After being eliminated from the Rumble and not-so-nicely welcomed to WWE by Kevin Owens, a feud with the former NXT and intercontinental champion is looming.
That is the perfect opportunity for Styles to work with a fellow indy darling and, in the process, introduce himself to those unfamiliar with his work.
Arguably the best wrestler on the planet, Styles now has at his disposal a plethora of fresh matches and the grandest stage on which to compete. And fans everywhere are rightfully excited.
Credit: WWE.comThe Boss is Back
After weeks of sitting on the sidelines, watching the vendetta between Charlotte and Becky Lynch unfold, Sasha Banks returned at the Royal Rumble, confronting the Divas champion and making her intentions to challenge for the title abundantly clear.
The moment she stepped through the curtain, the fans erupted, greeting her return with a thunderous ovation. After all, the hard work and dedication she put in in 2015 did not go unrecognized, nor did the fact that she is a legitimate star in waiting and one of the most well-defined characters on the roster.
Banks is a phenomenal performer, unmatched in her completeness. A feud with Charlotte over the Divas title is exactly what she deserves, and has always deserved, since being called up to the main roster last summer.
The only question now is whether she will supplant Lynch or be part of a three-way rivalry for the title.
Credit: WWE.comThe Beast vs. The New Face of Fear
WWE Creative teased the possibility of a Brock Lesnar-Bray Wyatt showdown on the January 18 episode of Monday Night Raw.
Sunday night in the Royal Rumble, that direction became clearer, as Lesnar dispatched Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper, only to be attacked by those three Superstars on the orders of Bray Wyatt. The Beast Incarnate had his opportunity to regain the WWE Championship dashed by The Reaper of Souls, who watched with a smile as wide as a cat's as his followers tossed a beaten and battered Lesnar over the top rope.
With his elimination came the emphasis for their program and yet another high-profile feud for Bray Wyatt as WrestleMania nears.
Will this finally be the year that the third-generation star breaks through, winning a major match and becoming the main event heel so many believe he can be?
History tells us no.
