The 2023 edition of WWE’s annual Royal Rumble was a blockbuster event, bringing fans to San Antonio, TX to see whether their favorite wrestlers would earn a title match at the upcoming WrestleMania in Los Angeles, CA.
Both the men’s and women’s Rumble matches featured surprises and returning Superstars, but the bouts weren’t without incident as multiple stars suffered the effects of the hard-hitting action.
According to a report from PWInsider, WWE producer Ken Doane suffered an injury despite not being an active competitor at the event. Doane was one of the officials who intervened as The Judgment Day brawled with Edge in the aisle, and during the melee, he injured his leg. The report states that the injury could be a torn calf and that the former Spirit Squad member will be undergoing an MRI soon to diagnose the severity of the injury. He’s been working as a producer since 2021 and receives regular praise for his efforts.
Meanwhile, former authority figure Sonya Deville also felt the brutal effects of the Royal Rumble match after entering at number 27. Before she was eventually eliminated by Asuka after about ten minutes in the match, Deville took a hit to the face that left her with a gaping cut above her eye. She showed off the brutal wound on social media, declaring “I’m a beast!”
Cody Rhodes And Rhea Ripley Were Hurt On Their Way To Royal Rumble Wins
Weeks ago, it was announced that Cody Rhodes would be making his return to WWE as part of the Royal Rumble. Rhodes hadn’t been seen on WWE television since the night after Hell in a Cell back in June due to undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral muscle, and after making his entrance at number 30, he managed to win the entire match when he eliminated GUNTHER, who had entered at number 1.
Speaking to Ryan Satin after his win, Rhodes reflected on the event and revealed that he suffered a ruptured eardrum in the match; however, he says the experience outweighs any pain he suffered.
“I popped my eardrum, but I don’t care. Just a wonderful Royal Rumble.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
“The Biggest Night of My Career!”
Exclusive Interview with the Men's #RoyalRumble Winner @CodyRhodes@RyanSatinpic.twitter.com/O0ehktIHdm
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) January 29, 2023
Rhodes wasn’t the only winner of the night to suffer injury on the way to WrestleMania. After entering the Royal Rumble at number 1, Rhea Ripley went on to win the whole thing, lasting a record-breaking 60 minutes and 15 seconds. During the post-show press conference, Ripley revealed that she briefly dislocated her knee, but that it’s feeling fine after going back into place.
“I’m obviously beat up. My knees aren’t very good in general. My knee did dislocate for a second, and then it went back in.
“I’m feeling good now, and because of all my emotions, I’m just excited, so I’m blocking out everything else. If anything, I can smell blood in my nose, and that’s definitely there, but my knee is good.” (h/t Fightful)