Royal Rumble 2017: Kevin Owens Vs. Roman Reigns Highlights
Let's dive into one of the most talked-about matches from the Royal Rumble 2017: the clash between Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns. This No Disqualification Match for the Universal Championship was nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with drama, intense action, and a few unforgettable moments. If you're a wrestling fan, you probably remember this one vividly, but let's break it down and relive the highlights!
The Buildup: A Championship on the Line
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the match, let's set the stage. Kevin Owens, the then-Universal Champion, had been riding a wave of cunning and strategic victories. His reign was largely attributed to his friendship (or perhaps alliance) with Chris Jericho. Jericho, often at ringside, played a crucial role in helping Owens retain his title through various distractions and interventions. On the other side, Roman Reigns was, well, Roman Reigns – the powerhouse that WWE consistently positioned as a top guy. He was hungry for the Universal Championship, and the Royal Rumble presented him with a golden opportunity.
The animosity between Owens and Reigns had been simmering for weeks leading up to the event. Reigns had repeatedly challenged Owens, asserting his dominance and claiming that Owens' title reign was illegitimate due to Jericho's constant interference. The stipulation of a No Disqualification match added an extra layer of intrigue. It meant anything could happen, and Jericho's involvement was almost guaranteed, but Reigns could also utilize weapons and other tactics to level the playing field. This backdrop made the match highly anticipated, with fans eager to see if Owens could continue his reign against all odds or if Reigns would finally capture the Universal Championship.
The Royal Rumble 2017 took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, adding to the spectacle. A massive crowd was on hand to witness the event, and the atmosphere was electric as Owens and Reigns prepared to battle. The No Disqualification stipulation heightened the tension, as everyone knew the match would be a brutal and chaotic affair. The stakes were incredibly high, with the Universal Championship hanging in the balance, and both competitors were determined to emerge victorious. For Owens, it was about proving he could be a dominant champion without relying on Jericho, while for Reigns, it was about cementing his place at the top of WWE and silencing his critics.
Match Highlights: Chaos and Carnage
From the get-go, the match was a brawl. Kevin Owens immediately tried to use the no-disqualification stipulation to his advantage, grabbing chairs and attempting to gain an early edge. However, Roman Reigns, known for his resilience and power, absorbed the initial onslaught and quickly turned the tables. The action spilled outside the ring early on, with both men using the environment to inflict punishment. Reigns tossed Owens into the barricades, while Owens retaliated by slamming Reigns into the steel steps.
One of the most memorable spots involved a series of powerbombs onto the announce tables. Reigns, in a show of brute strength, delivered multiple powerbombs to Owens, demolishing the tables in the process. Each powerbomb seemed to take its toll on Owens, but he somehow managed to keep fighting back. The crowd was on its feet, chanting and roaring as the intensity of the match escalated. It was clear that both men were willing to do whatever it took to win.
Of course, no Kevin Owens match is complete without some involvement from Chris Jericho. Suspended above the ring in a shark cage, Jericho was unable to physically interfere, but his presence added a psychological element to the match. Owens would often glance up at Jericho, seemingly drawing inspiration or perhaps seeking reassurance. The shark cage was a constant reminder of the complex dynamic between Owens and Jericho, and it added another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
As the match wore on, both men grew increasingly desperate. Owens introduced a table into the ring, hoping to use it to secure the victory. However, Reigns countered, and the two battled for control of the weapon. In a crucial moment, Reigns speared Owens through the table, nearly scoring the pinfall. The crowd erupted, thinking the match was over, but Owens somehow kicked out at the last possible second. The near-fall added even more drama to the match and showcased the incredible resilience of both competitors.
The Finish: A Shocking Betrayal?
The climax of the match was nothing short of shocking. Just when it looked like Reigns was about to put Owens away, the music hit, and Braun Strowman made his way to the ring. Strowman, who had been feuding with Reigns, delivered a devastating attack, taking Reigns out of the equation. This allowed Owens to capitalize and secure the pinfall victory, retaining his Universal Championship. The crowd was stunned, and the arena erupted in a mix of cheers and boos.
The interference by Strowman was a major turning point in the match and added a new dimension to the ongoing storylines. It not only helped Owens retain his title but also further fueled the animosity between Reigns and Strowman. The attack raised questions about Strowman's motivations and whether he had aligned himself with Owens. The finish left fans buzzing and eager to see what would happen next.
Many fans saw Strowman's actions as a betrayal, considering Reigns had previously been a target of The Authority, which Strowman had aligned with in the past. This added layers to the narrative, making it more than just a simple case of one wrestler interfering in another's match. It was a complex web of alliances and betrayals that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Aftermath: What Happened Next?
Following the Royal Rumble, the storylines evolved rapidly. Kevin Owens continued his Universal Championship reign, but the tension with Chris Jericho grew. Eventually, Jericho turned on Owens, leading to a heated feud between the two former allies. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns set his sights on Braun Strowman, leading to a series of brutal encounters between the two behemoths. The rivalry between Reigns and Strowman became one of the most intense and physical feuds in WWE at the time.
The events at the Royal Rumble had significant ramifications for the WWE landscape. Owens' victory allowed him to continue his reign, but it also sowed the seeds of his eventual downfall. Reigns' loss fueled his determination to reach the top, and his feud with Strowman elevated both men's careers. The Royal Rumble served as a catalyst for several major storylines that played out over the following months, keeping fans engaged and entertained.
Moreover, the match highlighted the importance of outside interference and the strategic use of the No Disqualification stipulation. It demonstrated how a well-timed intervention could change the course of a match and alter the balance of power. The Royal Rumble 2017 match between Owens and Reigns was a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring action, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable matches of that year.
Final Thoughts: A Rumble to Remember
The Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns match at Royal Rumble 2017 was a prime example of what makes wrestling so captivating. The blend of storytelling, in-ring action, and unexpected twists created a memorable experience for fans. Whether you were rooting for Owens or Reigns, the match delivered on all fronts. It had drama, suspense, and plenty of physicality. Plus, the shocking interference from Braun Strowman added an element of surprise that left everyone talking.
Looking back, this match is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of WWE. You never quite know what's going to happen, and that's part of the fun. The Royal Rumble 2017 was a night full of surprises, and the Owens vs. Reigns match was definitely one of the highlights. It's a match worth revisiting for any wrestling fan, and it's a testament to the talent and dedication of the performers involved.
So, there you have it – a recap of the Royal Rumble 2017 clash between Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns. What were your favorite moments from the match? Let us know in the comments below!