After the Kickoff Show match, which saw the women's tag-team titles change hands, we head back to the Kickoff Show panel, who introduces a video package detailing some of the historic stats related to Royal Rumble matches.
From there, we head back to the Kickoff Show panel where Caruso, Lawler, Booker, JBL and Rosenberg share their favorite Royal Rumble match memories, give their predictions for tonight's matches and hype some surprise entrants in store for the bouts.
Finally, the Kickoff Show wraps up and then we send things over to the pay-per-view broadcast, as it's time for the 34th annual WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view here at the ThunderDome inside of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL.
WWE Championship
Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Bill GoldbergAfter the bad-ass opening video package for the 2021 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view concludes, we shoot inside the ThunderDome as the camera pans around the venue as fireworks and pyro explodes and the commentators welcome us to the 34th annual WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view and to the road to WrestleMania 37.
Then we hear the infamous sounds of the entrance theme music of WWE Hall Of Fame legend Bill Goldberg as the camera pans backstage to show his locker room door as security guards come up and knock on the door.
Out comes the legend as the "Goldberg! Goldberg!" chants begin spreading throughout the ThunderDome as he makes his legendary, iconic trademark ring entrance for our opening bout here at tonight's PPV.
As "Da Man" settles into the ring, a video package is introduced for the reigning, defending WWE Champion heading into tonight, "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre and his rivalry with Goldberg heading into tonight's match.
Once the video package wraps up, we return live inside the ThunderDome as Goldberg is pacing in the ring while his music fades down and the "Goldberg! Goldberg!" chants keep rocking. Finally after an extended silence, we hear the sword slice throughout the venue and the familiar sounds of the entrance theme of the WWE Champion plays as "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre emerges, ready for battle!
As McIntyre settles into the ring, his music fades after one final fireworks eruption inside the squared circle. McIntyre and Goldberg go nose-to-nose as the ring announcer does the final pre-match, formal ring introductions for this opening WWE Championship contest.
Following the formal ring introductions, the two go nose-to-nose again. Before the bell even sounds, McIntyre blasts Goldberg with a headbutt to the face before the match is officially underway. Goldberg and McIntyre start brawling and they fight their way out of the ring. Goldberg sends McIntyre into the steep steps. As McIntyre gets up, Goldberg is stalking him and he sprints at him and spears him through the steel ring barricade in front of the ThunderDome screens. The match official goes over to check on the champ and then calls for help. McIntyre is recovering though and the second officials make sure Goldberg stays in the ring.
McIntyre is clutching at his rib as the commentators strongly put over the doubt in the condition of it as he struggles to get into the ring. We hear the referee ask if he's sure about this. Drew tells him to ring the bell. The bell sounds and Goldberg charges at him, but runs into a big boot. He follows that up with the Claymore Kick and covers him, however Goldberg manages to kick out at two.
As McIntyre is slow to get up, Goldberg charges at him and this time he ducks a second Claymore Kick attempt. He hits the ropes and blasts McIntyre with a spear. He backs off and waits for him to get up before hitting him with another spear on his injured ribs. He hoists McIntyre up and blasts him with a Jackhammer. He covers him, however Drew kicks out at two and a half. Goldberg does the Undertaker shocked and in disbelief facial expression, complete with the wide bug eyes, as he stares down at Drew following the kick-out.
We see some replays of this action and then Goldberg backs into a corner and stalks McIntyre again waiting for him to get up to deliver another spear. Drew side-steps him as he charges, and Goldberg blasts into the turnbuckles. Now Drew stalks Goldberg in the opposing corner and blasts Goldberg with another Claymore Kick. 1-2-3. Drew McIntyre retains!
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Drew McIntyre
After The Match: Respect Given, Respect Earned
Following the match, McIntyre celebrates with his title as his music plays. Goldberg finally gets up and the champ's music fades down.
The two square off again and Goldberg nods in approval and extends his hand, offering the respect he claimed "The Scottish Warrior" didn't have heading into tonight.
Goldberg leans over completely gassed as McIntyre smiles and has a chuckle. His music plays again as Goldberg struggles to exit the ring and make it up the aisle. McIntyre poses on the ropes one more time before the broadcast switches over to a quick commercial break.
- WWE Royal Rumble *SPOILERS* -- BIG Update On SURPRISE ENTRANTS Planned For This Sunday's Matches ...
WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2021 REACTION & DISCUSSION
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