WWE Didn't Call An Audible For Cody Rhodes To Win The Royal Rumble

Cody Rhodes was always scheduled to win the 2024 men's Royal Rumble, becoming the first wrestler to secure back-to-back Royal Rumble wins since Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1998.

Rhodes entered the men's Royal Rumble at #15 on January 27 and Cody made it to the final two when the match came down to The American Nightmare and CM Punk. Both talents then battled back and forth until Punk became cocky, saying he didn't spend 10 years away from WWE just to lose to "Dusty's kid." At this point, Rhodes escaped a second GTS attempt and managed to throw Punk over the top rope to win the match.

Punk sustained a torn triceps during the Royal Rumble, with the injury believed to have occurred following a Futureshock DDT from Drew McIntyre. Punk then managed to work for the next several minutes with the injury, ultimately finishing the Rumble.

Punk can be seen speaking to a referee immediately after the Futureshock DDT and he reportedly waved away medical attention, with WWE aware that he was injured. This prompted some to question if Punk may have been scheduled to win the Royal Rumble but WWE called an audible following his injury.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has confirmed that wasn't the case, noting on X (FKA Twitter) that Punk was not originally booked to win the Rumble.

Punk now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following the injury. Cody Rhodes looked set to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 but Seth Rollins pitched for The American Nightmare to actually challenge him at Mania on Monday Night Raw.