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| photo courtesy: wwe.com |
For the first time in Royal Rumble history, the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion must defend his title in the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match when the champion Roman Reigns enters the annual rumble match on Jan. 24.
The match was announced by WWE Chairman and CEO Mr. McMahon on the Jan. 4 edition of Raw (WATCH), after Reigns defeated Sheamus in a title match which was officiated by Mr. McMahon. Heading into that night, the WWE Chairman had guaranteed Reigns that he would not leave Raw as champion. In spite of the fact that Reigns proved Mr. McMahon wrong that night, but now the question hold - will The Big Dog resist the chances and defeat 29 other Superstars in the up-coming Royal Rumble Match?
Reigns vs. Sheamus - Mr. McMahon Guest Ref: Raw, Jan. 4 (WATCH)
Reigns on defending his Title in the Rumble: Raw, Jan. 4, (WATCH)
The annual pay per-view of the year, the Royal Rumble Match is completely an unique match for it's rules. Before the match, every one of the 30 Superstars draw their entrance number which is earlier determined. The Superstars who draw Nos. 1 and 2 starts the match, and every 90 seconds a new Superstar joins the match until every one of the 30 Superstars have entered the ring. The only way to be eliminated is to be thrown over the top rope with both feet touching the floor.
So far, the following Superstars have been declared official participants in the match:
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns
- Chris Jericho
- Bray Wyatt
- Erick Rowan
- Luke Harper
- Braun Strowman
- Dolph Ziggler
- Ryback
- Big Show
- Curtis Axel
