The Royal Rumble is upon us. Since the Survivor Series has gone away from the traditional elimination matches, the Royal Rumble has become my favorite PPV of the year. Yes, i like it better than Wrestlemania simply because of how unique and surprising it can be. This year will be no different. The WWE has announced that all WWE superstars are allowed to participate in the Rumble match itself. No one really knows what that means, for sure. I expect it to mean some surprises. Mrs. Foley's baby boy will now be an entrant in the match. I expect someone like Hacksaw Jim Duggan to make an appearance and maybe 1 or 2 other Superstars from the past. I also think they could play an important role.
Beyond the Rumble match are 2 title matches and 1 story-lined match. I will give you my predictions for all three matches, an explanation as to why, and also predict the outcome of the Royal Rumble itself. If you don't want me to spoil the PPV for you, you should stop reading the blog now. Consider that warning an act of kindness.
John Cena vs. Kane
Well, at least the WWE figured out a way to work Cena's new slogan into a story line. "Rise Above Hate" vs "Embrace the Hate" should actually be fairly interesting to watch. I expect Cena to be violent as he has been, maybe even ultimately costing him the match via disqualification. No, Zack Ryder will not interfere. Not even in WWE stories can a superstar return from a broken back in a week... Well, let's hope not. Anyways, i am going with Kane to win this one in more ways than one via disqualification.
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show vs. Mark Henry
This one is contested in a steel cage which, I feel, benefits Daniel Bryan the most. Yeah, he gives away size, strength, wing span, shoe size, and everything else you can think of... except mobility. This has been an angle that has interested me a lot more than i expected it to. I think the match will be very physical with 1 or 2 memorable spots. I see Daniel Bryan continuing his character transition into heel, escaping the cage, and retaining his World Heavyweight Championship.
C.M. Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler
This has been the most interesting angle leading up to the Royal Rumble. Johnny Ace, while as boring as the State of the Union Address, has done an excellent job in being "The Man" that C.M. Punk is attempting to destroy. Punk wants change and on RAW i think he gets it when HHH shows up to give Johnny Ace his job review. That being said, i also think there is a chance that Johnny tries to save his job tonight by calling it as fair as "The Man" can. Dolph Ziggler has been nothing but impressive over the last few months and i think this will be an excellent WRESTLING match that could end with a few shenanigans. I expect Vicki to get involved but i also expect to see Foley get involved. Ultimately, "The Best in the World" retains his title and starts building a feud with the winner of the Royal Rumble match.
30 Man Royal Rumble
The most entertaining an unpredictable match of the year is here. There are quite a few favorites going into the Rumble match. However, you always have to watch out for the few Dark Horses who, while maybe not winning the whole thing, will have a huge impact on the match. I am talking about a wrestler like Sheamus. I expect him to eliminate quite a few competitors and maybe even be in the final four. Brodus Clay should have a tremendous impact. While his angle is a little...different, i am a fan of this talent and expect to see more of him (figuratively speaking, please add more tights). I expect Foley to eliminate Dolph Ziggler or vice-versa based on the last couple weeks of Raw. But who do I see as the favorite to win? I can give you three names. Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, and Randy Orton. Ultimately, i think it's Jericho's night and he will headline Wresltemania with C.M. Punk. And yes, i do look forward to that match more than i do The Rock and Cena.
So, those are my "predictions" (truths) about the PPV. I expect a lot of "OMG you were right!" texts and messages. in all honesty though, i shouldn't. After being correct so often, i figured you guys would come to expect it by now.
I am going to start ending the blog with three things or wrestlers to watch out for and three that could use a revamp. I wouldn't mind hearing yours as well.
Watch Out:
1. Chris Jericho: He just came back and is set to main even Wrestlemania in my opinion. If any 2 current superstars can put on a wrestling match and an entertaining match at the same time, it's Punk and Jericho.
2. Brodus Clay: The WWE is big on this big superstar and he is starting to grow on me. I like how he is adding some gimmick comedy to the match while still showing off his agility and power. I look for him to contend for the U.S. Title after squashing (lol?) the entire mid-card.
3. R-Truth: Yeah... he's one of my least favorite superstars over the past year. However, I do like his transition back to a face while still keeping the crazy angle. His in-ring work has improved slightly, but he really needs to work on finding his technical identity. High flyer? Chain wrestling? Submission? Pick something and emphasize it. It will help take you to the next level.
Revamp:
1. Drew McIntyre: This wrestler has the look, the strength, and the "potential" to really make it in the business. The problem is, most wrestlers with "potential" run into road blocks that they just can't seem to overcome. Drew's issue is personality and charisma. Unlike R-Truth, Drew needs an entire identity, not just an technical one. His wrestling skills and power are impressive. His ability to bring his character to life is what is holding him back the most.
2. The Miz: I have a lot of respect for The Miz, his in-ring work, and his tremendous mic skills. The problem is that he has gone stale. Instead of coming out and getting "heel heat," I think his heat is coming from the WWE Universe seeing him as a whiner now. His confidence seems to have turned into excuses anymore and i think the fans have lost interest. Allowing The Miz to re-kindle his ego and confidence is all he really needs. His other work is still stellar.
3. Evan Bourne: Well, i know this is where the revamp suggestions go. However, i had to list Evan Bourne here. Evan recently failed his second drug test and has been suspended for 60 days. 2 strikes against you for the SAME thing in the WWE is like signing a death sentence. It shows immaturity and a lack of self-control and responsibility to management. The WWE even tried to work with Evan by NOT having him and Kofi lose the tag titles during the first suspension. Evan is a tremendous talent, but he let management, the fans, and to a much larger extent, Kofi Kingston down. I don't expect to see Evan in a WWE ring again after his suspension.
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