More Backstage Details on Late Changes to WWE Royal Rumble & Reigns vs. Rollins

– During today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported additional details on some of the many late changes that happened at the WWE Royal Rumble event, including the Universal Championship match between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. The match saw Rollins win by disqualification after Reigns refused to let go of a submission hold. Reigns then assaulted Rollins with a chair after the match.

According to Meltzer, the finish to Reigns vs. Rollins was changed “several times.” The originally planned finish was going to see Reigns beat Rollins. Rollins was also reportedly originally booked to later appear in the men’s Royal Rumble match as well, but that was another last-minute change. As a result, Rollins did not come back for the Rumble match.

Meltzer stated, “The basic gist of the Rumble show was that Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar is the big match of the year, and everything at the Rumble was to accentuate that as the big match of the year. So, both [Lesnar and Reigns] had to look really, really strong.”

Vince McMahon reportedly opted to change the finish for Rollins vs. Reigns because having Reigns win and attack Rollins with a chair would’ve been “too much” damage to Rollins’ credibility.

Meltzer also noted that while Shane McMahon pushed to have Rollins appear later in the Rumble match, the feeling was behind the scenes was that it would be “stupid” for Rollins to receive such a terrible beating at the hands of Roman Reigns and come for the Rumble match later on. As noted, Meltzer also reported today that Shane McMahon was going to be a part of the Elimination Chamber match to set up a feud and match with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 38.

With regards to Lesnar, Meltzer reported that Lesnar was given “exactly what he wanted” for the Rumble, which was to make him look as strong as possible for his future matchup with Roman Reigns. WWE officials also reportedly wanted to do more with Drew McIntyre, who also returned for the matchup, but they didn’t get to do exactly what they wanted with McIntyre due to time constraints.

Lesnar and Rollins are currently scheduled to take part in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia later this month.