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.
1.03.2012
Take a Moment to Reflect... and Look Forward.
2012 has arrived. At this point, it's time to take a look forward to see where the WWE may (should) be headed. Before i do that, I want take a quick look back at some of the moments that the WWE has provided to us. This will include the "AWESOOOOME" and the "Ugh... really?" moments from last year. In fact, we'll do it by giving away some Genius Awards. Yes, i know. Giving away awards for the year is so original. The difference between a Genius Award and any other award is simple: I'm not biased. Well, at least not completely. We'll start with the typical categories:
Superstar of the Year: C.M. Punk
- The WWE needed a fresh take on the main event scene. The WWE needed "change." The re-emergence of C.M. Punk to full blown superstar infused the WWE with the change it so desperately needed. He virtually gives "shoot" in-ring promos. He has the confidence in himself and his ability to help carry the company. He knows what the fans want. They don't want PG programming. That's what the Disney Channel was created for. No, the fans want a performer. An entertainer. Above all, the fans wanted a wrestler. The WWE had no choice but to give the WWE Universe what and who they already decided would be the next big name in wrestling. C.M. Punk.
Match of the Year: Randy Orton VS. Christian
- Any fan that actually enjoys exciting wrestling had to love this feud on Smackdown. It had energy, passion, and memorable moments in almost every match. So, which match is actually "Match of the Year?" All of them. This feud was beneficial to both superstars. It helped elevate Christian to a main-event superstar. It also helped reinforce how far Randy Orton has come as a wrestler and entertainer. It was a feud that lasted months and spanned multiple PPVs. It didn't last weeks. It wasn't filler content. It was a legit feud that was built the right way. A rarity in this wrestling world.
Moment of the Year: HHH Firing Vince McMahon
-I need to be honest. I didn't see this one coming. And i definitely didn't see HHH taking over for Vince McMahon either. Unfortunately, the HHH era didn't really play out so well. It was hit and miss... with a good bit of miss. However, the moment that Vince was fired was definitely a moment of shock for the WWE Universe. It was a good way to transition Vince off of television and to energize RAW. While the intentions were good, the execution that followed Vince's firing was lacking, in my opinion.
Now it's time for some original Genius Award categories. I know you're excited. Who wouldn't be?
About Damn Time Award: Zack Ryder wins the U.S. Championship
- The fans were only chanting his name for months. Hell, even superstars like John Cena and C.M. Punk were putting Zack Ryder over on television and on Twitter. So, the WWE listened and gave Zack Ryder a shot. He comes out to one of the biggest pops every night. He has been in multiple main event matches on RAW since winning the title. He hasn't disappointed... yet. Here's hoping he doesn't.
2012 Will be My Year Award: Cody Rhodes
- I am more and more impressed with Cody Rhodes every time i see him wrestle and every time he picks up a microphone. He has put in the time and effort to make himself better and it shows week in and week out. I see him becoming a World Heavyweight Champion this year if he keeps up his work ethic. I can't wait to see where he goes from here.
Who Gives a Crap Award: The Diva's Division
- Remember the days of Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix, Lita, Melina, and Molly Holly? Remember when Diva matches seemed relevant? I do. I remember when the matches were actually entertaining. The problem is, it seems like so long ago. Well, that's mainly because it WAS so long ago. Now the Diva matches are 3 or 4 minutes long. I'm not saying that the matches should be longer now. Given the current talent pool and angles in the Diva's division, I'm worried 3 to 4 minutes is too long.
Thank You, Now Please Take a Break Award: Randy Orton
- There is no denying that Randy Orton has become one of the biggest superstars in the WWE. He has improved so much from his early days in Evolution. The truth is, Randy Orton and John Cena have carried the WWE on their backs for the last few years with very little help. Orton, specifically, has gone back and forth from RAW and Smackdown when it was needed and elevated that show by being there. He has been an excellent superstar and champion and deserves some time off. Even his current angle with Wade Barrett has been entertaining. He has to be nursing injuries and he has to be exhausted. I'm glad Wade threw him down the steps. Now, maybe he'll get a few weeks or months off and recharge.
Tag Team of the Year Award: Uhhh...
- There are tag teams?
So, now that we've looked back on 2011, it's time for the Genius to make some bold 2012 predictions. Write these down. They are golden.You may even want to pass them off as your own predictions.
Royal Rumble Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Money In the Bank Winner: Cody Rhodes
Undertaker's WM Opponent: HHH
Match of the Year: C.M. Punk VS. Chris Jericho
Future Endeavored: Sin Cara
New Impact Superstar: Antonio Cesaro
Do you have an award that you want to give? Do you have a prediction that you would like to share? Feel free to post them in the comment here or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/groups/142956149101477/). I have no doubt that your predictions will be total failures, but we all can't be a Genius like me.
Do you use Twitter? Be sure to follow people like @JRsBBQ and @CMPunk. Pure entertainment.
Superstar of the Year: C.M. Punk
- The WWE needed a fresh take on the main event scene. The WWE needed "change." The re-emergence of C.M. Punk to full blown superstar infused the WWE with the change it so desperately needed. He virtually gives "shoot" in-ring promos. He has the confidence in himself and his ability to help carry the company. He knows what the fans want. They don't want PG programming. That's what the Disney Channel was created for. No, the fans want a performer. An entertainer. Above all, the fans wanted a wrestler. The WWE had no choice but to give the WWE Universe what and who they already decided would be the next big name in wrestling. C.M. Punk.
Match of the Year: Randy Orton VS. Christian
- Any fan that actually enjoys exciting wrestling had to love this feud on Smackdown. It had energy, passion, and memorable moments in almost every match. So, which match is actually "Match of the Year?" All of them. This feud was beneficial to both superstars. It helped elevate Christian to a main-event superstar. It also helped reinforce how far Randy Orton has come as a wrestler and entertainer. It was a feud that lasted months and spanned multiple PPVs. It didn't last weeks. It wasn't filler content. It was a legit feud that was built the right way. A rarity in this wrestling world.
Moment of the Year: HHH Firing Vince McMahon
-I need to be honest. I didn't see this one coming. And i definitely didn't see HHH taking over for Vince McMahon either. Unfortunately, the HHH era didn't really play out so well. It was hit and miss... with a good bit of miss. However, the moment that Vince was fired was definitely a moment of shock for the WWE Universe. It was a good way to transition Vince off of television and to energize RAW. While the intentions were good, the execution that followed Vince's firing was lacking, in my opinion.
Now it's time for some original Genius Award categories. I know you're excited. Who wouldn't be?
About Damn Time Award: Zack Ryder wins the U.S. Championship
- The fans were only chanting his name for months. Hell, even superstars like John Cena and C.M. Punk were putting Zack Ryder over on television and on Twitter. So, the WWE listened and gave Zack Ryder a shot. He comes out to one of the biggest pops every night. He has been in multiple main event matches on RAW since winning the title. He hasn't disappointed... yet. Here's hoping he doesn't.
2012 Will be My Year Award: Cody Rhodes
- I am more and more impressed with Cody Rhodes every time i see him wrestle and every time he picks up a microphone. He has put in the time and effort to make himself better and it shows week in and week out. I see him becoming a World Heavyweight Champion this year if he keeps up his work ethic. I can't wait to see where he goes from here.
Who Gives a Crap Award: The Diva's Division
- Remember the days of Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix, Lita, Melina, and Molly Holly? Remember when Diva matches seemed relevant? I do. I remember when the matches were actually entertaining. The problem is, it seems like so long ago. Well, that's mainly because it WAS so long ago. Now the Diva matches are 3 or 4 minutes long. I'm not saying that the matches should be longer now. Given the current talent pool and angles in the Diva's division, I'm worried 3 to 4 minutes is too long.
Thank You, Now Please Take a Break Award: Randy Orton
- There is no denying that Randy Orton has become one of the biggest superstars in the WWE. He has improved so much from his early days in Evolution. The truth is, Randy Orton and John Cena have carried the WWE on their backs for the last few years with very little help. Orton, specifically, has gone back and forth from RAW and Smackdown when it was needed and elevated that show by being there. He has been an excellent superstar and champion and deserves some time off. Even his current angle with Wade Barrett has been entertaining. He has to be nursing injuries and he has to be exhausted. I'm glad Wade threw him down the steps. Now, maybe he'll get a few weeks or months off and recharge.
Tag Team of the Year Award: Uhhh...
- There are tag teams?
So, now that we've looked back on 2011, it's time for the Genius to make some bold 2012 predictions. Write these down. They are golden.You may even want to pass them off as your own predictions.
Royal Rumble Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Money In the Bank Winner: Cody Rhodes
Undertaker's WM Opponent: HHH
Match of the Year: C.M. Punk VS. Chris Jericho
Future Endeavored: Sin Cara
New Impact Superstar: Antonio Cesaro
Do you have an award that you want to give? Do you have a prediction that you would like to share? Feel free to post them in the comment here or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/groups/142956149101477/). I have no doubt that your predictions will be total failures, but we all can't be a Genius like me.
Do you use Twitter? Be sure to follow people like @JRsBBQ and @CMPunk. Pure entertainment.
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