Royal Rumble Backstage Notes: John Cena Not in Phoenix, Notes on Superstars Who Were Backstage, and Royal Rumble Burger Sells Out

– PWInsider has a report with some backstage notes on last night’s Royal Rumble event.

* Velveteen Dream was reportedly wearing a neck brace backstage. He had been in action earlier in the day at Royal Rumble Axxess.

* Most of the NXT crew headed back to Florida after the Royal Rumble. So, they will not be appearing at Raw or Smackdown in Phoenix, Arizona this week. NXT’s next TV taping is set for Wednesday, January 30.

* John Cena was not in Phoenix for the Royal Rumble. As previously reported, WWE waited until yesterday to announce that John Cena was not taking part in the Royal Rumble.

* The report notes that “a lot of people” were pleasantly surprised by the reaction Nikki Cross received for her entrance in the women’s Royal Rumble match.

* Hornswoggle’s appearance in the women’s Royal Rumble match last night was reportedly a one-off appearance. Per the report, Hornswoggle is not back with WWE full-time. Hornswoggle also recently made an appearance on the Edge and Christian Show on the WWE Network.

* According to the report, Mike Kanellis did make it to the event, as he shared a tweet of himself and his daughter watching Maria in the Royal Rumble.

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/1089716967190085632

* Sin Cara, Big Show, and Tye Dillinger were all backstage at the event.

* Sonjay Dutt and Abyss were not backstage at the show. As previously reported, they are expected to start their gigs with WWE in mid-February.

* Lana’s injury during the women’s Rumble match was a kayfabe/storyline injury, and Lana is reportedly not suffering from a legit injury.

* Aleister Black is reportedly attending the premiere of Fighting With My Family at the Sundance Film Festival, so he won’t be making a surprise appearance on Raw.

* The fabled Royal Rumble Burger at Chase Field was a sellout item last night. The Souvenir Rumble cups also sold out. It seems Daniel Bryan’s rants on the burger only had the reverse effect.