Cageside Community Star Ratings for Royal Rumble 2021

After every WWE PPV, we ask you all to rank each match on the show using the star rating system made famous by Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer.

The results are in from Royal Rumble, the first event of 2021. Here’s a look at how our little corner of the wrestle web graded the six matches that happened in the ThunderDome last weekend - and how our subjective grade compares to Meltzer’s.

Our ratings line up with the “Match of the Night” poll from right after the show ended on Sunday night (Jan. 31). Both in the heat of the moment and with some time to reflect, Cagesiders really liked Roman Reigns & Kevin Owens’ Last Man Standing affair, and dug the Women’s Rumble more than the Men’s version.

The differences between our numbers and Uncle Dave’s also track. Historically we rate women’s matches higher than he does... with one involving [imagine these next two words are in sarcasm font] internet darlings Nia Jax & Charlotte Flair being the exception.

Interestingly for a show that seemed to get universal praise, Royal Rumble’s average star rating (3.39) was lower than TLC 2020’s (3.73). Likely a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, as fans were able to overlook the weaker opening matches due to quality and booking of the later ones; December’s PPV didn’t have any matches we rated below 3 stars. That, and our overall affection from the Rumble as a concept/brand.

Also a reminder that WWE events usually deliver, and that you probably don’t need to watch the five hours of television they put out each week in support of them. Anyway...

Do Cageside’s Community Rankings match up with your personal ones? Any final thoughts on the first WWE PPV of 2021?