WWE aired its Royal Rumble special on FS1’s now-defunct WWE Backstage series. Former WWE broadcaster Renee Young hosted alongside Booker T and Paige on a night where the No. 30 Royal Rumble entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble would be decided in addition to the No. 1 and No. 1 entry in the men’s Royal Rumble. WWE previously announced completely opposite stipulations for its Backstage special.

Randy Orton was announced as the No. entrant in the Royal Rumble while Edge was announced as No. 2.

Natalya and Tamina Snuka faced off for the right to become No. 30 with Natalya picking up the victory. This is a departure from WWE’s modern-day booking of the Royal Rumble which, builds suspense and surprise for every entrant, leaving the No. 30 entry as the most climactic of them all. John Cena memorably appeared as a surprise entrant in the 2008 Royal Rumble at No. 30 in what many consider to be the greatest Royal Rumble surprise of all time.

• May 19 Episode: Unavailable
• May 26 Episode: 125,000 viewers with a 0.05 rating in the 18-49 demographic
• June 2 Episode: 121,000 viewers with a 0.04 rating in the 18-49 demographic
• June 9 Episode: 112,000 viewers with a 0.03 rating in the 18-49 demographic
• June 16 Episode: 175,000 viewers with a 0.06 rating in the 18-49 demographic

Natalya def. Tamina—Winner Becomes No. 30 in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match

I was really holding out hope that Natalya and Tamina Snuka would wrestle in the studio wrestling ring with the panelists still inside of it.

Corey Graves noted “most these women could be considered dark horses” in the women’s Royal Rumble, which is absolutely true. Though disorganization may be to blame, with reportedly little to no finalized plan for WrestleMania, the lack of a favorite has made both Royal Rumbles more exciting.

This was one of those rare finishes where Natalya won via post.

I will only believe Natalya won that No. 30 spot when I see it. #WWE didn’t even stick to the original plan for this Backstage Special for a week, this plan could always change as well.

Randy Orton Will be the No. 1 in the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match. Edge Will be No. 2

Randy Orton vs. Edge will have an outside shot for the greatest start to a Royal Rumble in history. Also, I expect at least one of these two to make the Final Four.