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WWE Royal Rumble 2019: John Cena Storyline-Sidelined; Braun Strowman Joins Rumble (UPDATED CARD)

With the WWE's Royal Rumble only hours away from kicking off at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, the WWE has officially confirmed that apparently due to fictional injuries beyond his control, John Cena will be storyline-sidelined tonight and will not be competing in the 30-man Royal Rumble match. In his place–and most likely to the chagrin of Mr. McMahon–Braun Strowman's going to get his opportunity to get those hands on 29 other superstars…all for a chance to take a shot at one of the show's champs.

WWE announced that Cena suffered an injury at the hands of Vince McMahon's one-time "chosen one" Drew McIntyre after a run-in with an ankle lock on RAW a few weeks back, and wasn't able to get himself cleared to wrestle in time. It should be noted that there are reports that creative never expected Cena to compete in the Rumble. Strowman was originally supposed to face WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar for the championship–but one irate Mr. McMahon and a flipped over limo later, Strowman was pulled from the match.

Here's a look at the "news update" from the WWE regarding Cena, followed by the Instagram post with the announcement of Strowman being added to the Rumble line-up as well as the current Royal Rumble rundown.

For a look back at the past 32 Royal Rumbles and how Bleeding Cool ranks them, check us out here.

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During this weekend's Royal Rumble and Royal Rumble Kickoff, a stable of announcers are lending their voices to the in-ring, ringside, and backstage action – and let's not forget our trusted ring announcers, Greg Hamilton and Mike Rome!

The Royal Rumble Kickoff (5 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. PT)

Jonathan Coachman, Beth Phoenix, Booker T, and Jerry "The King" Lawler are set for the first hour, with "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and David Otungareplacing Booker and Lawler in the second hour. In addition, a second panel will include JBL and Charly Caruso – with Kayla Braxton, Dasha Fuentes, and Sarah Schreiber providing exclusive interviews.

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Renee Young

Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) (c) vs. Finn Balor

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP

Announcers: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton

Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles

WWE SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

Announcers: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton

Asuka (c) vs. Becky Lynch

WWE RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Renee Young

Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Sasha Banks

MEN'S ROYAL RUMBLE

Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, JBL, and Jerry "The King" Lawler

R-Truth (#30), Drew McIntyre, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Seth Rollins, Jeff Hardy, Dean Ambrose, Samoa Joe, Bobby Lashley, Braun Stowman, Elias, Baron Corbin, Andrade, Jinder Mahal, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, Apollo Crews, Titus O'Neil, Randy Orton

WOMEN'S ROYAL RUMBLE

Announcers: Renee Young, Beth Phoenix, Tom Phillips, and Corey Graves

Carmella (#30), Ember Moon, Natalya, Bayley, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Alicia Fox, Zelina Vega, Naomi, Mickie James, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Charlotte, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Lana, Nia Jax, Nikki Cross, Alexa Bliss, Lacey Evans

WWE SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Announcers: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton

The Bar (c) vs. The Miz and Shane McMahon

WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP (KICKOFF)

Announcers: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton

Rusev (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (KICKOFF)

Announcers: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness, and Percy Watson

Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami

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