The 2020 Royal Rumble delivered one of the most memorable moments in WWE history when Drew McIntyre claimed victory in the men's Royal Rumble match. This milestone win launched him into main event contention and set the stage for his WWE Championship triumph at WrestleMania.
Below is a detailed snapshot of the match outcome, key eliminations, and historical context that defined the 2020 Royal Rumble.
| Match | Winner | Notable Final Eliminations | Rumble Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Royal Rumble (2020) | Drew McIntyre | Braun Strowman, AJ Styles, Randy Orton | 30 |
| Women’s Royal Rumble (2020) | Rhea Ripley | Bianca Belair, Ruby Riott, Shayna Baszler | 30 |
The Historic Drew McIntyre Victory
Drew McIntyre’s win marked the first time a Scottish wrestler headlined a Royal Rumble match victory. Entering at number 24, he outlasted a field filled with established stars and rising threats. His decisive eliminations of Braun Strowman and AJ Styles showcased both power and technique.
This triumph ignited a push that culminated in winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36. Fans and analysts alike noted how his momentum carried directly from the squared circle to the main event stage, reinforcing his status as a top heel contender.
In the weeks following, McIntyre leveraged the Royal Rumble win to challenge for the world title, reinforcing WWE’s long-term plans to position him as a franchise centerpiece heading into the year.
Women’s Royal Rumble Highlights
On the women’s side, Rhea Ripley emerged as the surprise package, claiming the 30-woman rumble victory. She eliminated multiple threats including Bianca Belair and Shayna Baszler, displaying raw power and ring awareness.
Her win elevated NXT’s women’s division into the main roster spotlight and paved the way for high-profile feuds in early 2020. Ripley’s performance highlighted how quickly new stars could capture attention on the grand stage.
Together, these victories underscored the Royal Rumble’s role as a launchpad for fresh narratives and long-term championship pursuits across both the men’s and women’s divisions.
Key Match Moments and Eliminations
The 2020 Royal Rumble featured several elimination sequences that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Early chaos gave way to strategic targeting of top contenders, reshaping the landscape mid-match.
Notable eliminations included Randy Orton by Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman by Rhea Ripley, both of which signaled a shift in momentum. These moments demonstrated how the rumbles serve as turning points for years-long storylines.
Impact on Storylines and Card Building
Victory in the Royal Rumble often dictates card positioning and feud hierarchies for the next several months. For McIntyre and Ripley, the wins translated into main event opportunities and title matches.
WWE utilized these outcomes to refresh feuds, inject new challengers, and maintain audience interest heading into WrestleMania and beyond. The 2020 Rumble stands as a blueprint for how battle royales can steer an entire year of programming.
Key Takeaways
- Drew McIntyre won the men’s 2020 Royal Rumble, entering at number 24 and eliminating Braun Strowman and AJ Styles.
- Rhea Ripley won the women’s 2020 Royal Rumble, eliminating Bianca Belair, Ruby Riott, and Shayna Baszler.
- Their victories translated into immediate main event opportunities and world title matches at WrestleMania 36.
- The 2020 Royal Rumble reshaped WWE storylines, positioning new champions and extending feuds into the year.
- Looking ahead, Royal Rumble wins continue to serve as critical springboards for championship pursuits and long-term narrative arcs.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who won the men’s 2020 Royal Rumble match?
Drew McIntyre won the men’s 2020 Royal Rumble match, last eliminating Braun Strowman to claim the iconic victory.
Who won the women’s 2020 Royal Rumble match?
Rhea Ripley won the women’s 2020 Royal Rumble match, outlasting stars like Bianca Belair and Shayna Baszler for the win.
Which notable wrestlers were eliminated by Drew McIntyre in 2020?
Drew McIntyre notably eliminated Braun Strowman and AJ Styles during his victorious 2020 Royal Rumble run. Drew McIntyre’s Royal Rumble win directly earned him a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 36, where he defeated Brock Lesnar to capture the title and solidify his main event status.