WWE: Royal Rumble 2016 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

WWE: Royal Rumble 2016 Blu-ray Movie Review

Can Roman Reigns remain for the entire Rumble match?

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 2, 2016

Note: the analysis portion of this review was written the day after the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View aired on the WWE Network. The write-ups are based on the WWE landscape as it unfolded prior to, during, and immediately following Royal Rumble rather than what's come in the time between the original air date and the Blu-ray release, allowing for a more event-specific reaction. Video, audio, and supplemental reviews are based on the Blu-ray disc alone and were written after viewing the disc. Spoilers for the matches, and the WWE landscape leading up to the Royal Rumble, obviously follow.

Forget "one versus all" or any of the other shenanigans at play in this year's Royal Rumble. The main driving force behind the event can be whittled down to one word: "injuries." Seth Rollins' November knee injuries left him unable to retain the title that started the WWE down the road of pushing Roman Reigns in an anti-Authority way reminiscent of Stone Cold Steve Austin, which worked when Reigns was given full reign to go "beast mode" on Triple H and even Vince McMahon himself, who became a regular in the weeks leading up to the Rumble, at one point even refereeing a match between Reigns and his enforcer, Sheamus. Roughing up Vince's daughter Stephanie and going full-on dark rogue would have done wonders for the characters, but the PG era just never allowed Roman to be pushed in a logical direction and maintain the full momentum of his widely praised actions against The Authority. Other injuries hung over the rumble as well. John Cena had recently returned from hiatus but no sooner did he return, he was forced under the knife to repair a shoulder. That injury opened the door for the diminutive Kalisto, himself recently forced into solo duty after his tag partner Sin Cara dislocated his shoulder, to step in against Cena's would-be opponent, Alberto Del Rio, and enter the U.S. title picture. Though less directly impacting the Rumble, other roster injuries include Randy Orton; the popular Cesaro, whose solo career seemed to be taking off after his tag partner Tyson Kidd suffered a career ending injury; and Daniel Bryan, the fan favorite whose "yes!" chants still swells in the crowd on a nightly basis.

Entering the champ...

Beyond the preliminary pre-show Fatal Four-Way match to fill the final two open slots for the Rumble (resulting in a win by the team of Mark Henry and Jack Swagger, both of whom only barely outlasted their intro music after entering the Rumble), 2016's Royal Rumble was nothing but title match after title match, with the hotly contested Intercontinental Championship up for grabs in a bare-knuckle brawl between Dean Ambrose and Kevin Owens, the Tag Team titles on the line with challengers The Usos squaring off against champions The New Day, The U.S. title at the center of a feud between the smaller Kalisto and the larger Alberto Del Rio, a Diva's championship defense by Charlotte against Becky Lynch, and the Rumble match itself that would award the World Heavyweight belt to the winner rather than simply guarantee him a spot against the champ at WrestleMania, as tradition dictates. The event delivered no real surprise winners but did prove vastly entertaining, particularly in its bookend matches. Below is a match-by-match breakdown.

Intercontinental Championship Match: Dean Ambrose (Champion) vs. Kevin Owens (Challenger):

2016's Royal Rumble couldn't have started any better. In the night's most epically violent match that saw the competitors frequently crashing through tables and barricades, the believably intense rivalry that began when Ambrose won the Intercontinental title from Owens at the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Pay-Per-View showed no signs of slowing down, regardless of who walked away with the prize. Owens and Ambrose both are amongst the top performers in the WWE today, both in the ring and outside of it on the microphone. It was the perfect pairing of Ambrose's "lunatic fringe" approach to wrestling and Owens' tough guy brawler approach to wrestling and self-centered demeanor on the mic. In a different era, Dean Ambrose might be positioned as the next Mick Foley and Owens a true no-holds-barred sort. As it is, both men pushed the limits of their bodies for their fans' gratification, and both men deserve to be in the World Heavyweight title picture in the future. Grade: A+.

Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day (Champion) vs. The Usos (Challenger):

The tag team matches, normally the highlight of the night at recent WWE Pay-Per-View events, was one of the more uninspired events of the evening. Defined more by The New Day's out-of-the-ring antics -- including the introduction of "Francesca 2" -- and the storyline of The Usos inexplicably winning the Tag Team Slammy award over the more deserving New Day (The Usos didn't even see a full year's worth of action with Jey out for an extended period of time with an injury), the match nevertheless seemed primed for greatness if only because The New Day only delivers greatness, inside the ring and out of it. But the match fell flat, featuring no truly memorable spots and came across more like a garden-variety RAW match rather than a PPV spectacle. The New Day retained, no surprise, and will likely continue feuding with The Usos in a tag division that's becoming increasingly barren under the burden of injuries and the failure to push lesser squads like The Ascension. Grade: C+.

United States Championship Match: Alberto Del Rio (Champion) vs. Kalisto (Challenger):

Following John Cena's unexpected departure due to injury, Sin Cara's injury, and Kalisto's epic OMG! Slammy-winning moment at TLC, the smaller of the two Lucha Dragons was suddenly thrust into title contention against Alberto Del Rio for the U.S. Championship. Kalisto upset Del Rio to take the title on the January 11th episode of RAW in one of the most shocking title twists in RAW history. However, Kalisto would barely have time try the belt on for size before losing it to Del Rio days later on SmackDown, setting up another rematch in a feud that's been compared to the Biblical story of David vs. Goliath. But much like the Tag Team match, there wasn't a lot of top end energy here. A few good spots peppered an otherwise routine and occasionally sloppy technical match. Kalisto's victory surprised, though why the WWE is handing off the title on, seemingly, a weekly basis remains the big question. Hopefully, he'll hold onto the the title for more than a few days (or even hours if he's unceremoniously stripped of it on the January 25th RAW) but feud with a new opponent. There's not much of a spark between he and Del Rio, though the classic underdog story is welcome and putting the belt on a surprise winner is always a plus. Grade: B.

Divas Championship Match: Charlotte (Champion) vs. Becky Lynch (Challenger):

Yet another Diva's match in which the peripherals outweighed the in-ring action. First, Charlotte's legendary father Ric Flair planted a distracting kiss on his daughter's opponent, Becky Lynch. Then, following Charlotte's victory, Sasha Banks' surprise return overjoyed the crowd, overshadowed the title match itself, and set the stage for one of the juiciest Diva story lines in some time. The match proper delivered a few good spots, but the spotlight seems to be less on the Divas and more on an aged Ric Flair. Grade: C.

Royal Rumble Match: Winner takes the World Heavyweight Championship (held by Roman Reigns, entering at number one):

In several ways it was a great match, in a few ways a bad match, and in others a match marked with both predictability and unpredictability. It was entertainingly all over the map but the stories and in-ring action occasionally felt overshadowed by the parade of entrants and the process of elimination, not so much by who but by how long they stayed in the ring. Tyler Breeze? Grossly shortchanged in an early match elimination. Dolph Ziggler? Again unceremoniously tossed aside after teasing a threat to Triple H. Sami Zayn? Nothing more than a "he's back" spot to set up a future clash with Kevin Owens, who should instead be keeping up the magical feud with Dean Ambrose. Chris Jericho? Stayed in too long because, really, even with the buildup in the shows leading up to the Rumble, he was never a serious threat to win, not with names like Reigns, Triple H, Lesnar, and Wyatt lined up to be amongst the last men standing. Obviously not everybody can remain until the final minutes but they've got to do a better job at showcasing some of the talent, at throwing in a few more surprises. Then there's the string of people -- Golddust, Stardust, The Miz, Curtis Axel, Big Show, Titus O'Neil -- who are just there to take up space and expand the program, people who had about as good a shot of winning the Rumble anyone watching at home. Lower end roster fodder is expected and they're the people that the likes of Breeze and Zayn should be eliminating to raise their stature rather than being tossed aside far too soon. The biggest pop of the night went to newcomer AJ Styles; he rightly received the kind of booking that should have also followed the likes of Breeze and Zayn, hanging around well into the match and, even with no shot at winning, showcasing his talents for the fans for the duration. R-Truth, whose Slammy-winning LOL moment last year was pure gold, offered what is sure to be another nominee when he pulled a ladder from under the ring and climbed it, only to find no briefcase and no title hanging from the rafters.

The night's other big shock came at the end when it was Dean Ambrose, not Roman Reigns, left standing against Triple H, who (un)surprisingly entered the Rumble at thirty. An Ambrose victory could have worked wonders for the company, even beyond the shock value, particularly if he had lost the IC title earlier in the night to Owens. It would have sent the crowd into a frenzy, supplanted Reigns as the face of the company, and allowed Reigns to turn full-on violent rogue bent on earning back what he deems as rightfully his. Getting away from his baby face antics that often leave him looking like he's slipped into a Brendan Fraser Comedy rather than fighting for WWE gold is exactly what he needs. When Reigns is working the "I don't give a s***" angle and doling out punishment on those who wrong him, he's gold. He got a great reaction after decimating Triple H and knocking around Vince McMahon (slapping and/or shoving Stephanie to the ground would have cemented the character) in the weeks leading up to the Rumble but was thoroughly booed by the Orlando crowd, anyway, a crowd that actually cheered Authority heel Triple H instead. And why, why, why build up this "one man versus the world" angle, force in Reigns at number one, and put the title on the line only to have him leave the ring for half the match to rest up backstage? In a company that's been ridiculed for terrible booking in the past, and recently in particular, completely undoing weeks of buildup was nothing short of a disaster that might even ruin any chance Reigns ever has of really winning over the crowd and making him the face of the company. His loss was the right call, but a valiant effort, staying in until the bitter end, fighting for his life with every breath, staving off elimination left and right might have elevated him to where he needed to be. But instead Vince sent in his League of Nations goon squad that resulted in a great spot when Rusev slammed him through an announce table but accomplished nothing more than destroying everything they'd been building. Maybe they have something in mind to rebound him, but it's looking bleak. Add in a weak elimination for Brock Lesnar at the hands of the Wyatt family to set up another random Wyatt feud and the match, while entertaining, was as equally head-scratching and home to more missed opportunities than hits, even as it was very entertaining in a bubble. Grade: B.

WWE: Royal Rumble 2016 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Royal Rumble 2016's 1080i Blu-ray presentation is certainly a rather large step up from the WWE Network stream, if only because it doesn't drop definition, pixelate, freeze, or experience any of the other issues associated with watching a stream. While the disc retains some macroblocking and a little aliasing, the incredible increase in stability and smoothness more than make up for a few technical shortcomings. Details are fine, though hardly exacting. Wrestler attire shows basic lines nicely enough, including accumulated sweat and water from soaking wet hair. Skin textures and tattoos stand apart well enough. The apron, announce table, steel stairs, and other ancillary objects hold strong detail. Image clarity and sharpness are fine. Faces in the crowd are clearly visible a fair bit of the way back. Attendees in any kind of proximity to the ring will find themselves with ease. Colors are the highlight. Wrestling outfits and digital and handmade signs reveal good vibrancy and pop. Black levels generally hold true, but there are some hazy, paler blacks as well. Wrestler skin tones appear natural.

WWE: Royal Rumble 2016 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Royal Rumble 2016 features an active Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. Entrance music is the unequivocal highlight. Whether sharp Metal notes or bass-heavy beats, there's a lot to hear and enjoy, but the presentation is decidedly uneven. Reigns' entrance is more front-heavy with only light surround support, while Rusev's is more immersive. Bass is well balanced, however, and instrumental clarity is fine. There's a good sense of wide stage immersion to microphone introductions. Crowd cheers are clear, whether chants of "holy s***!" in response to Ambrose going through the barricade in his title match or boos for Roman Reigns during his entrance and eliminations. The sound announcing a new arrival into the rumble sends a good, heavy buzz into the stage, accompanied by excellent reverberation throughout the listening area. Announcing comes through clearly and with a firm center placement.

WWE: Royal Rumble 2016 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Royal Rumble 2016 contains several bonuses, all of which are Blu-ray exclusives save for the pre show match. A Stone Cold Steve Austin Topps trading card is also included, though it's not in clear shrink wrap as with previous cards; expect dings around the edges.

• Royal Rumble Kickoff Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match to Qualify for the Royal Rumble Match (1080i, 9:46): Mark Henry & Jack Swagger vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. Darren Young & Damien Sandow vs. The Ascension.
• Divas Championship Match (1080i, 16:21): Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch. SmackDown -- January 7, 2016.
• Mr. McMahon's Version of One vs. All Match (1080i, 21:27): Roman Reigns vs. All. Monday Night RAW -- January 11, 2016.
• RAW is Jericho (1080i, 14:58): The Royal Rumble Comes Early on The Highlight Reel. Monday Night RAW -- January 18, 2016.
• SmackDown Moment (1080i, 10:45): Dean Ambrose & Kevin Owens Invade MizTV. SmackDown -- January 21, 2016.

WWE: Royal Rumble 2016 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

2016's Royal Rumble was more hit than miss, and the misses came more in the way of missed opportunities than anything else. The action was generally strong and the matches entertaining overall, though questions linger about booking and Roman Reigns' ability for recover from the latest debacle for his character. The event did set up some story lines moving forward, for both WrestleMania and the upcoming Fastlane, including Triple H vs. Roman Reigns (and, perhaps, Dean Ambrose), Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens, and Brock Lesnar vs. The Wyatt family. WWE home Video's Blu-ray release of Royal Rumble 2016 offers good video and audio within the basic WWE interlaced and lossy parameters. Supplements once again fail to reveal some of the key moments from the RAW after the PPV. Recommended.