The WWE Royal Rumble post-show featured in-character appearances from Liv Morgan, Gunther, Drew McIntyre, and Triple H, with Jackie Redmond, Big E, and Peter Rosenberg hosting the panel. The discussion took place immediately following the event, focusing on key moments and rivalries that emerged during the match. Central to the conversation was Drew McIntyre’s fiery reaction to events at the Royal Rumble, emphasizing the stakes surrounding his future in WWE.
Liv Morgan Reflects on Her Royal Rumble Success and Future Goals
Liv Morgan, the standout participant in the women’s Royal Rumble, spoke first with the panel about her performance. When asked about eliminating Raquel Rodriguez, Morgan dismissed the idea of any bad blood, expressing her belief that Rodriguez was likely pleased by her success, though they had not yet spoken. Morgan then addressed the crowd’s negative reaction to her mention of Dominik Mysterio, dedicating her victory to him despite the boos. Regarding her next step, she indicated she would consult with her Judgment Day allies before deciding which championship to pursue, emphasizing a patient and strategic approach.
“I dedicate my victory tonight to Daddy Dom,”
Morgan said amid the crowd’s disapproval. – Liv Morgan, WWE Superstar
Gunther’s Brief but Defiant Post-Match Appearance
Gunther made a short but memorable visit to the panel, greeted by hostile chants from the audience. He succinctly addressed his goals, admitting he failed to win the Royal Rumble or make AJ Styles submit but took pride in rendering Styles unconscious during their encounter. After delivering his pointed remarks, Gunther exited the stage promptly, leaving a strong impression despite the brief presence.
Gunther said he intended to make Styles tap out and he intended to win the Rumble, and he didn’t achieve those goals but he did make AJ Styles pass out like a little b—.
Drew McIntyre Confronts Betrayal and Outlines His WrestleMania Ambitions
The crowd’s chants of CM Punk met Drew McIntyre as he arrived at the panel. When questioned about his interference with Rhodes during the Rumble, McIntyre’s response was unapologetic and intense. He portrayed himself as loyal but warned that repeated betrayals would provoke his wrath:
“Why not? I’m a good guy. I never lie. If you don’t wrong me, if you don’t screw me time and time again, I’ll be your best friend. But if you wrong me, if you constantly cost me the championship, get on my bad side, I’ll be the worst enemy you’ve ever had.”
Directing his frustration at Rhodes, McIntyre added that he was indifferent to who won the Rumble—as long as it was not Rhodes.
“I was fine with anybody winning the Rumble, just not you.”
Looking forward, McIntyre entertained the possibility of Roman Reigns choosing him as a WrestleMania challenger, appreciating that Reigns would not have his family by his side as in previous encounters. Regarding his string of victories over Sami Zayn, McIntyre acknowledged that this latest match was far tougher than his previous wins, recognizing Zayn’s elevated determination.
“I’m an honest man, this was not the same Sami Zayn I’ve beat 11 times. He didn’t just bring heart, he brought heart x 10.”
McIntyre also suggested that Sami Zayn should accept his limitations in the ring.
Triple H Comments on Performances and Future Prospects in WWE
Triple H faced a mixed reaction from the audience upon his appearance, initially receiving boos but ignoring chants for Y2J. He praised undercard performers like Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, Lash Legend, and Sol Ruca, particularly aligning Legend’s impact to that of Kane’s in the Rumble. When asked about AJ Styles, Triple H highlighted Styles’ unique standing in the industry, noting his widespread respect among peers. He compared Styles’ influence on wrestling to that of Shawn Michaels.
“His influence on this business will be Shawn Michaels-esque,”
Triple H said regarding AJ Styles.
Although hints at Styles’ future involvement with WWE were mentioned, Triple H declined to discuss concrete plans. Addressing questions about Roman Reigns’ next WWE appearance, Triple H stated that Reigns operates on his own timeline.
“One thing about the Tribal Chief is he does things on his terms,”
Triple H said.
Regarding the mysterious hooded figure who attacked Bron Breakker before the men’s Rumble began, Triple H described the attack as a clean and decisive curb stomp but refrained from naming the assailant. He also recognized the significance of the stadium in Riyadh where the event was hosted and acknowledged Brie Bella’s return, noting the progression of women’s roles in WWE from exclusion to headlining a 30-woman Royal Rumble.
He ended by emphasizing that WWE is now fully focused on the path towards WrestleMania.
