The 2018 Royal Rumble was a show full of ups and downs, but more importantly, it was a show that encouraged excitement from a WWE fanbase desperately in need of it as it embarked on The Road to WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans.
From unpredictable returns to shocking debuts, awesome showdowns and the tease of a much-anticipated championship clash, the first pay-per-view of the year gave fans plenty to geek out over.
STYLES VS. NAKAMURA
The moment Shinsuke Nakamura eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Royal Rumble, fans clamored for the opportunity to see "The Artist" challenge WWE champion AJ Styles at WestleMania.
Then the charismatic Japanese star announced he would do just that, and wrestling fans across the globe pinched themselves to make sure they weren't dreaming.
The two last competed at Wrestle Kingdom 10 two years ago and according to critics, delivered one of the best matches of 2016. When they both ended up on Smackdown Live a year later, fans were hoping for the opportunity to see the internationally recognized stars mix it up on the grandest stage in professional wrestling.
ROWDY RONDA ROUSEY
There is no bigger news story coming out of Sunday's show than WWE's signing of Ronda Rousey to a full-time contract.
One of the most influential mixed martial artists in UFC history, Rousey is a legitimate mainstream media icon whose mere presence in WWE triggers interest in the company that otherwise may not have existed.
While many people expected her to make an appearance in Sunday's women's Royal Rumble match, she instead waited until afterward to interrupt Asuka's celebrations and greet Stephanie McMahon at ringside before making her intentions known that she plans to appear at WestleMania 34 in some shape or form.
Rousey's arrival sparked a ton of social media activity and had WWE's name, and the Royal Rumble event, in the headlines across mainstream news.
It's hard to ignore the significance of her WWE debut Sunday and the coverage it will warrant the promotion.
ASUKA'S HISTORIC VICTORY
The inaugural women's Royal Rumble headlined Sunday's pay-per-view extravaganza, and as predicted, Asuka continued her two-plus-year undefeated streak by eliminating Nikki Bella to win the first match of its kind.
The "Empress of Tomorrow" has been the definition of unstoppable force in WWE, defeating every superstar in her path, while simultaneously creating an aura for herself few can match.
She was expected to win Sunday's match because that's what she does: wins.
There are some who are not too happy with what they perceive to be Rousey stealing Asuka's thunder at the close of the show, but "The Empress" will have plenty of spotlight to bask in over the coming months.
REY MYSTERIO RETURNS
My favorite part of the night and the biggest surprise return of the men's Royal Rumble belonged to Rey Mysterio.
In 2014, the former world champion entered the bout at No. 30 and was greeted by a chorus of boos. Why? Because he had become a cliche and stale, an all-time great whose adulation from the fans had been replaced by lethargy and a desire to see new underdog Daniel Bryan succeed.
What could have been a dubious last major appearance for the future Hall of Famer was erased Sunday night by Mysterio's return to the match he won way back in 2006. This time, fans erupted for the luchador, cheering him on as he blasted Roman Reigns with a 619 and outmaneuvered several other modern-day superstars.
Mysterio turned in a valiant effort, surviving until late. Finn Balor was the man who tossed him to the arena floor, ending his night on a sour note. Still, despite the disappointment from fans and Mysterio himself that he didn't win the Rumble, his return, performance in the annual bout and reception made of one of the brightest spots of the show.
