Shane McMahon Rumored to Have Booked Men’s Royal Rumble Match, Receiving Heat Backstage

– According to a report by F4WOnline.com, Shane McMahon, who made a surprise return to WWE last Saturday at the WWE Royal Rumble 2022 event, was one of the producers for the men’s Rumble match. Shane also competed in the match, entering at No. 28.

Per Dave Meltzer, while Shane McMahon is not a regular producer or office worker for WWE, Vince McMahon reportedly assigned Shane to work on the Rumble match. Previously, Shane McMahon was involved with producing the 2020 and 2021 Royal Rumbles. However, he is said to have taken on a more hands-on role and controlling influence with this year’s Rumble match compared to the two previous ones.

Additionally, WWE officials “on the inside” apparently knew who the winners would be all along, despite many in the company being told differently. This rumor may account for the different reports on who was supposed to win the match. PWInsider reported that Riddle was the main frontrunner to win the match until a late change, while another pitch had Orton winning the match. Meanwhile, Fightful Select reported that Brock Lesnar was penciled in as the winner for the men’s Rumble for at least two weeks before the show took place. One source for the Fightful report claimed the previously planned winner for the match before Lesnar was not Riddle either.

Meltzer also noted that what was going to happen in both Rumble matches constantly changed, which is consistent with earlier reports. Meltzer also reported that there was heat on Shane McMahon regarding the men’s match and how creative control he took over this year’s match, which he discussed in further detail on today’s Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer stated on WOR regarding Shane McMahon having heat backstage, “I do know there are several people who kind made off-handed remarks to me about Shane and what was going on there and everything.” He added, “For whatever reason, Vince has allowed him to do the Rumble the last couple of years, but it was him and many other people. This one was as well, but he really took charge and rubbed some people the wrong way evidently.”

The men’s Royal Rumble match saw Brock Lesnar enter No. 30 and win the match. He will now face Roman Reigns for the Universal title at the WrestleMania 38. He’s also looking to regain the WWE Championship from Bobby Lashley in the Elimination Chamber in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia later this month.