Royal Rumble 2017: Kevin Owens Vs. Roman Reigns Highlights

Let's dive into one of the most memorable matches from the WWE Royal Rumble 2017: the clash between Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns. This no disqualification match for the WWE Universal Championship was an absolute rollercoaster, filled with drama, intense action, and shocking moments. For those who might have missed it or want to relive the excitement, let's break down the highlights of this epic encounter. It's a match that truly showcased the strengths of both superstars and left fans on the edge of their seats.

The Setting: Royal Rumble 2017

The Royal Rumble is always a special event on the WWE calendar, guys. The energy in the arena is palpable, and the stakes are incredibly high. In 2017, the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, played host to this iconic event. The atmosphere was electric, with tens of thousands of fans eagerly anticipating the night's matches, especially the Universal Championship showdown between Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns. Going into the match, the animosity between Owens and Reigns was at a fever pitch. Owens, the crafty and arrogant champion, had been using every trick in the book to maintain his title, often relying on the assistance of his close friend Chris Jericho. Reigns, on the other hand, was the powerful and determined challenger, seeking to dethrone Owens and claim the Universal Championship. Adding fuel to the fire, the match was stipulated as a no disqualification match, meaning anything goes. This opened the door for interference, weapon usage, and all sorts of chaotic possibilities, raising the excitement and unpredictability even further. The stage was set for an unforgettable battle.

The Match: A No Disqualification War

From the opening bell, Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns went at it with everything they had. Being a no disqualification match, it didn't take long for the action to spill outside the ring. Weapons were introduced early, with kendo sticks, chairs, and tables all playing a role in the carnage. Owens, known for his strategic and often underhanded tactics, made full use of the no disqualification rule. He repeatedly targeted Reigns with kendo stick shots and utilized the environment to his advantage, slamming Reigns into the steel steps and barricades. Reigns, however, absorbed the punishment and fired back with his signature power moves. His Superman punches and spears had the crowd roaring, but Owens proved to be a resilient opponent, constantly finding ways to stay in the fight. One of the most memorable aspects of the match was the involvement of Chris Jericho. Locked in a shark cage suspended above the ring, Jericho could only watch as his best friend battled Reigns. However, his presence added a psychological element to the match, as Owens frequently glanced up at the cage, drawing strength from his ally's support. The match reached a fever pitch when Owens delivered a devastating pop-up powerbomb onto Reigns through a table. It looked like the end for Reigns, but he somehow managed to kick out, much to the shock of Owens and the delight of the crowd. The intensity continued to build, with both men exchanging near falls and showcasing incredible resilience. The use of weapons became more frequent and brutal, pushing both competitors to their limits. The no disqualification stipulation allowed for a level of violence and drama that wouldn't have been possible in a standard match, making it a true spectacle.

Key Moments and Highlights

There were several standout moments that defined this match. One of the most memorable was when Roman Reigns speared Kevin Owens through the announce table. The crowd erupted as both men crashed through the table, demonstrating the sheer force and impact of Reigns' signature move. Another key moment came when Owens attempted to use a steel chair to inflict further damage on Reigns. However, Reigns countered, delivering a thunderous Superman punch that sent the chair flying into Owens' face. The impact of the blow was audible, and it momentarily stunned Owens, allowing Reigns to gain the upper hand. The involvement of Chris Jericho, even from inside the shark cage, added another layer of intrigue to the match. Owens would often look up at Jericho for guidance and support, and Jericho's reactions to the action in the ring were priceless. Although he couldn't physically interfere, Jericho's presence loomed large over the match. The near falls were also a highlight of the match, with both men coming incredibly close to securing the victory on multiple occasions. Each near fall had the crowd on the edge of their seats, wondering if it would be the moment that decided the outcome. These moments of high drama and tension added to the overall excitement and unpredictability of the match. Ultimately, the interference of Braun Strowman proved to be the turning point. Strowman, who had been feuding with Owens in the lead-up to the Royal Rumble, emerged from the back and attacked Reigns, delivering a running powerslam that left Reigns incapacitated. This allowed Owens to capitalize and secure the pinfall victory, retaining his Universal Championship.

The Finish: Braun Strowman's Interference

The ending of the match was nothing short of controversial. Just when it seemed like Roman Reigns was on the verge of defeating Kevin Owens and capturing the Universal Championship, Braun Strowman made his presence felt. Strowman, a monstrous force in WWE, had been embroiled in a heated rivalry with Owens in the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble. His unexpected appearance completely changed the dynamic of the match. Strowman stormed to the ring and immediately set his sights on Reigns. He unleashed a brutal assault on Reigns, culminating in a devastating running powerslam. The impact of the powerslam was enough to leave Reigns completely vulnerable, and Owens seized the opportunity, crawling over to make the pin. The referee counted to three, and Owens retained his Universal Championship, albeit in controversial fashion. Strowman's interference not only cost Reigns the match but also added fuel to the fire of his ongoing feud with Owens. The finish left fans divided, with some criticizing the decision to have Strowman interfere and others appreciating the drama and unpredictability it added to the match. Regardless of opinion, the ending ensured that the rivalry between Owens, Reigns, and Strowman would continue to be a focal point of WWE programming in the weeks and months that followed.

The Aftermath: What Happened Next?

Following his controversial victory at the Royal Rumble, Kevin Owens continued his reign as Universal Champion. However, his alliance with Chris Jericho began to show cracks, leading to a bitter feud between the two former best friends. Owens eventually lost the Universal Championship to Goldberg at Fastlane, ending his reign at 188 days. Roman Reigns, on the other hand, shifted his focus to Braun Strowman, embarking on a brutal and intense rivalry that captivated audiences for months. Their battles were filled with physicality and destruction, solidifying both men as top stars in WWE. The feud culminated in several high-profile matches, including a Ambulance Match at Great Balls of Fire and a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam. The Royal Rumble match between Owens and Reigns served as a catalyst for several significant storylines and feuds that played out in WWE throughout 2017. It showcased the talent and versatility of both performers and left a lasting impression on fans.

Final Thoughts: A Rumble to Remember

The WWE Royal Rumble 2017 match between Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns was a truly memorable encounter. The no disqualification stipulation allowed for a level of intensity and violence that made it a standout match of the year. Both Owens and Reigns delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their skills and resilience. The controversial finish, with Braun Strowman's interference, added to the drama and intrigue, leaving fans eager to see what would happen next. Whether you're a longtime WWE fan or new to the sport, this match is definitely worth watching. It's a perfect example of the excitement and unpredictability that makes professional wrestling so entertaining. So, if you get a chance, check out the highlights of this epic battle and relive the excitement of Royal Rumble 2017. You won't be disappointed!