WWE Royal Rumble 2013 Results: The Rock Wins Historic Championship Title, Can Record Gross Take Wrestling Back To The Mainstream?

The Royal Rumble is one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the WWE Universe and this year it did not disappoint.

In the 26^th annual event from Phoenix at the US Airways Center had a number of historical results, including a title win by The Rock, who challenged for the WWE championship. The Rock announced his intentions way back in July at Raw 1000, with CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and John Cena all saying they would face him as the defending champion.

In the championship match, The Rock took down CM Punk to become the new champion, reclaiming it for the first time sine August 2002. The match was exciting as any, as about 20 minutes in, just as the Rock was about to use his usual People's Elbow, the lights in the arena went dark and there was a sound of a body crashing through the commentators' desk.

There was confusion in the arena, but at home people were greeted by Michael Cole, who said that The Shield had been responsible for the assault. With The Rock sprawled out on the desk and no one around, CM Punk brought him back with the win in hand--but he was interrupted by WWE Chairman Mr. Vince McMahon, who said that any involvement by the Shield would strip CM of the title.

The Rock demanded a restart before he mentioned the promise, to which he said:

"You don't take it from him," he said, leaning tiredly against the ring barriers ringside. "I am. Restart the match now."

The win for The Rock was the first championship since 2002 against Brock Lesnar and his eighth overall. It is likely that The Rock will now face John Cena at WrestleMania XXIX on Apr. 7 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after Cena took home the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match.

CLICK here for a full list of results. 

The Rock def. CM Punk to become new WWE Champion

John Cena won the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match

WWE Tag Team Championship Match

Team Hell No (c) def. Team Rhodes Scholars

World Heavyweight Championship Last Man Standing Match

Alberto Del Rio (c) def. Big Show

United States Championship Match (Pre-Show)

Antonio Cesaro def. The Miz