WWE’s recently concluded Royal Rumble premium live event had its ups and downs. Fans saw Cody Rhodes win the Men’s Royal Rumble match in spectacular fashion while Rhea Ripley came out on top in the Women’s Royal Rumble contest. As always, there was a lot of talk and debate over certain events throughout the night.
One spot that caught the attention of the fans was the awkward elimination of Kofi Kingston. Kingston, who has made a habit of pulling off incredible Rumble saves in recent years, botched his planned spot to prevent elimination from the second successive Rumble. In a scary-looking spot as GUNTHER threw out the former WWE Champion, he tried to jump on the chair near the commentary table. But his jump failed, and he went crashing into the desk. Although there was some doubt regarding his elimination, he didn’t appear for the rest of the match.
Kofi Kingston hints at dropping his customary Royal Rumble schtick
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Kofi Kingston became a Royal Rumble staple as he pulled off new stunts each year to save himself from elimination in the match. Whether it be walking on his hands or using a chair as a pogo stick, Kofi entertained fans with his antics. However, last year was the first time, when the New Day member botched up his customary Royal Rumble save.
Kofi Kingston botches planned spot #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/ARtgQ0dZFw
— SpotFlix Wrestling (@The_SpotFlix) January 29, 2023
Usually reliable in such situations, this was thought to be a one-off and fans were hoping to see what trick Kofi would have up his sleeve at this year’s Rumble match. Unfortunately for fans and for Kofi himself, he ended up messing up the spot again and even had a rough landing.
Afterward, Kofi took to Twitter to hint that he may be dropping his Royal Rumble act altogether. He tweeted, “Welp, The universe has spoken… RIP.” Fans online showed concern for him after his rough elimination and wished him well. They also showed support for him while recalling his usual Royal Rumble antics.
Welp, 🤷🏾♀️ The universe has spoken…
RIP 🪦 ☠️ #RoyalRumble— Kofi “Black Thor” Kingston (@TrueKofi) January 29, 2023
Here are the top reactions from fans to Kofi Kingston possibly being done with his yearly Royal Rumble save.
Was an excellent run bro 😂
— Jeff J. (@JeffJSays) January 29, 2023
Michael Jordan went out a Wizard. We only see Bulls highlights. Thanks for the memories Kofi! #RoyalRumble
— 🗣That’s Gotta Be Cain! (@CainMcCoy) January 29, 2023
Amazing run. Still will always be staples of the Rumble defined as the “Kofi” moments.
— Christian (@Chris_R_S_) January 29, 2023
Still one of the greatest and I don’t see anyone else taking the best spots in the royal rumbles
— JF (@JFroncek) January 29, 2023
2020:No Save
2021:Didn’t Enter
2022:Botched
2023:Botched Again
The 2020’s are not doing good for you with the royal rumble.— DTR (@TheDMan04) January 29, 2023
Fans were relieved that Kofi was all right after a bad landing during his elimination.
So sorry this happened but relieved you’re ok!
— Narin Flanders (@nkflanders) January 29, 2023
As long as you are okay, that's all that matters!!! Still got us behind you!
— Dawn Serrano (@smileygrl814) January 29, 2023
Just happy you’re okay. That was a nasty landing.
— Charnaye (@_Naye91) January 29, 2023
We’re just thankful to see that you’re alright! 👍🏼
— RIP Jay Briscoe (@Mr_Wrestling4) January 29, 2023
Brother I thought your face was broken in half. Just happy you're ok! Nothing you can do at this point will ever take away from your legacy
— A Huggs Life (@its_huggy) January 29, 2023
After years and years of entertaining the fans through his stunning ‘saves’ in the Rumble, Kofi seems to have hit a roadblock. It will be interesting to see if the current NXT Tag Team Champion will give it another go next year after his tweet.
Kofi Kingston recently completed 15 years in WWE
The 2023 Royal Rumble appearance was the fourteenth of Kingston’s WWE career. The 15-time tag team champion recently marked his 15 years with the company where he has been since 2009. He made his debut on WWE’s iteration of ECW and has been a solid performer since.
Apart from being a decorated tag team wrestler, Kingston has also held the Intercontinental and United States Championship. He also won the WWE Championship for the first time at WrestleMania 35, defeating Daniel Bryan. His career has also reached new heights due to his success with New Day.
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Despite falling short of his Rumble heroics, Kofi Kingston remains one of WWE’s valuable assets and will be hoping to continue his run at the heart of the company for years to come.
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