411 PPV Roundtable Preview - WWE Royal Rumble 2012
Posted by Stephen Randle on 01.28.2012
Thirty men will fight for a title match at WrestleMania as WWE presents the Royal Rumble! Plus Daniel Bryan takes on Mark Henry and Big Show for the World title, CM Punk defends the WWE title against Dolph Ziggler and more! Check out the 411 staff's full preview and join us for LIVE coverage Sunday night!
Introduction:
It's a new year once again, and with the dawning of 2012, we start barrelling down another Road to WrestleMania. First stop, the Royal Rumble PPV, home of WWE's most successful gimmick match, and the place where we will determine one Superstar who will punch their ticket to a WWE or World Heavyweight Championship match at the biggest show of the year, WrestleMania. How do they do that? Why, by winning the Royal Rumble match, of course. If you're new to this, here's how it works. Thirty Superstars qualify for the match and are assigned a "random" draw. The first two competitors start the match, and every (roughly) ninety seconds, a new Superstar enters. The only way to be eliminated (except in special cases on a year-to-year basis) is to be thrown over the top rope and have both feet touch the floor. It's one of the longest, most gruelling, and most exciting matches in WWE, and the last man standing gets to choose which title they want to challenge for at WrestleMania XVIII.
But that's not all, because in the undercard, John Cena faces the enigmatic Kane, who may have finally pushed Cena over the edge completely after hospitalizing his friend and former United States champion Zack Ryder. Plus, Daniel Bryan defends his World Heavyweight title against two of the most massive competitors in WWE, The Big Show and Mark Henry, while trapped inside the confines of a solid steel cage. And CM Punk will put his WWE Championship on the line against Dolph Ziggler, but Punk also must worry about the presence of the special guest referee: Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Interim General Manager of Raw Johnny Ace, who declared on Raw that he intends to ensure that Punk does not leave the Rumble with the WWE Title. However, Ace's intentions may have shifted after last week's Raw, when it was announced that his machinations have been noticed by the WWE Board of Directors and his job is up for review the night after the Royal Rumble.
It's one of WWE's biggest shows of the year, where anything can happen and usually does, and the 411 Staff is here to tell you everything that they think about this Sunday's PPV!
The Staff
Stephen Randle, The Wrestling News Experience
Wes Kirk, The Wrestling Sandwich
Ross Rutherford, The Wrestling 8-Ball
David McGregor, 411 Instant Analysis: Smackdown
TJ Hawke, 411 Wrestling Interviews
Robert S. Leighty Jr., From The Bowery
Michael Weyer, Shining A Spotlight
James Wright, The Heel Report
Chad Nevett, High Road/Low Road
John Cena vs Kane
Stephen Randle: I see this one going down where either Cena gets DQ'd for excessive use of force, or he gets the win in much the same way (except, legally, I guess). Kane starts laughing because he got Cena to give into the dark side, and scene. Or, move that scenario to the Elimination Chamber (since Cena won't be competing for the WWE Title at Mania anyway) and this one has Kane get the win because Cena just won't give in to anger and Kane beats him down for his compassion.
Winner: Kane (probably by DQ)
Wes Kirk: This is likely the next chapter in changing John Cena over to a full-fledged heel rather than the boring All-American babyface he's been playing for years. I don't really see Cena winning the match, which would lead towards his frustrations continuing to boil over and then having to face the ridicule of The Rock and the accusations by Eve that he's responsible for Zack Ryder getting hurt. Ultimately I think in this match Cena costs himself the match at some point and Kane capitalizes on it, getting a needed victory to boost Kane as an invincible monster heel while getting Cena to "embrace the hate" leading into WrestleMania bit by bit.
Winner: Kane
Ross Rutherford: I don't see this match leading to any sort of clean victory. I would expect a dusty finish with either Cena getting himself DQ'ed or maybe a double count out. I can't really tell what the WWE's game is with this story. I could see them simply putting Cena over and having him "overcome the hate." Thus building him up for his match with The Rock at Wrestlemania, but that would bury any sort of momentum Kane would hope to have. Not sure on this one so I'll stick with my gut and say Kane goes over…somehow.
Winner: Kane
David McGregor: Well this is an odd one because this feud needs to finish soon so that Rock v Cena can restart but at the same time Kane has just returned so needs to come out of this one with some credibility. But seen as Kane just destroyed Ryder and Cena has "embraced the hate" it seems as though Kane is in for a pretty decisive beating come Sunday which will make his return a bit of a flop.
Winner: Cena
TJ Hawke: It's going to take a lot of effort for this feud not to win the 2012 Worst Feud of the Year. I don't mean this feud is salvageable; I mean that the WWE or TNA creative staff would have to actively attempt to make a worse feud than this. Cena is wrestling in the main event of Wrestlemania; he ain't losing to Kane. I hope this match gets changed to a no DQ or something at the last minute, so that this has a chance to be watchable.
Winner: John Cena
Robert S. Leighty Jr.: Cena wins, but does so by embracing the hate and then sells the anguish in his actions afterwards while Kane takes pleasure in getting Cena to embrace his darkside.
Winner: John Cena
Michael Weyer: Pretty obvious Cena wins here but expect it to be a hard match, push him to the limit, to help set up the Rock battle more. It should be a good brawl to fire up the crowd and pay off all the build it's been getting the last few weeks but in the end, filler for Cena until Rock.
Winner: John Cena
James Wright: With Kane trying to get Cena to 'embrace the hate' you have to imagine that Cena will have to lose this match for the storyline to continue whatsoever. Sure things might not pan out in the end but it looks like the WWE are sticking with this idea of Cena being pushed to frustration, which will work a hell of a lot better once the Rock comes back between Elimination Chamber and Wrestlemania. Whether or not Cena snaps and takes the role of the heel is debatable but I'm pretty sure his angle with Kane will continue into Elimination Chamber since he has little else to do until then, and if he wins on Sunday then what more is there to do?
Winner: Kane
Chad Nevett: As an idea, I like what they're doing here with Kane and John Cena feuding over the concept of 'hate.' It fits both characters well and would be a natural point of conflict. The only problem is that they don't know what to do with that concept. How do you translate it into a wrestling angle? Apparently with slasher flick crap and John Cena getting very, very mad at a camera. I think Kane needs the win here to stay at least a little credible. It's his first feud since his return and he needs the win more -- or, at the least, to look strong in losing like John Cena snapping on him, so he loses the match, but wins the inner battle or something.
Stephen Randle: Escape rules and a champion who's spent the past month running the hell away when he knows he can't win. Gee, let me guess how this ends.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Wes Kirk: There certainly doesn't seem to be a way out now for D-Bry, does there? That's precisely why I think Daniel Bryan is going to win this one as a cage has multiple ways of victory and frankly the only one who can climb it would be Bryan. Henry is working through a groin injury and Show reportedly has some back issues stemming from the past week so I'm not keen on the actual match itself as anything more than a way for Bryan to manipulate the two giants against each other and find a way to escape at the end.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Ross Rutherford: My thought remains that Randy Orton will be walking into Wrestlemania as World Heavyweight Champion, or maybe as Bryan's challenger. Either way I think Orton is the only viable contender for the title after this match. Both Henry and Show are working hurt, and Bryan has been playing his part to a tee. So I see him going over by some sort of dusty finish, but I think a clean victory would benefit him a lot (even if he is a heel). However, I don't imagine he will be walking into Wrestlemania with the title around his waist. I would be shocked. I'd love it, but I would be very surprised.
Winner: …and still Work Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Bryan
David McGregor: I think if this had been any other two guys from the Smackdown roster then Daniel Bryan's title reign would be in serious jeopardy. But with Big Show rumoured to be facing off against Shaq at Wrestlemania (let's be honest he shouldn't be anywhere near the World Title in 2012 anyway) and Mark Henry still recovering from his groin injury in late 2011 it looks like this will be an easy win for Bryan, although no doubt it is a chicken shit heel victory because bar Mark Henry the WWE haven't booked a dominant heel champ in years and even Henry didn't last long!
Winner: Daniel Bryan
TJ Hawke: We'll know how much Vince McMahon likes Daniel Bryan by the result of this match, as I am guessing that the winner of this match ends up defending the title against Randy Orton at Wrestlemania. I'm guessing that Vince wants Smackdown to return to the Hall of Pain.
Winner: Mark Henry
Robert S. Leighty Jr: Bryan's slow build heel turn has been tremendous and it's going to be great to watch how he turns the two monsters against each other so he can once again escape with the title. Show and Henry have some injuries they are nursing but we can get a decent match here as Bryan will do the heavy lifting as he bounces off both big men and the cage.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Michael Weyer: Tempting to say a change here with maybe Henry but think Vince may be smart enough to know that keeping the belt on Bryan until Mania is a good thing as his build has been great. The cage makes it more certain as Bryan is a lot more likely to escape than Henry or Show, each of whom has their issues (injury for the former, Shaq for the latter) that makes their getting the belt unlikely so Bryan retains here.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Daniel Bryan
James Wright: What I'm going on here is part optimism and part scepticism over how Big Show or Mark Henry will be fit to wrestle as champion going into Wrestlemania. Both big men's health has come into question recently and nagging injuries might make the WWE trepidations enough to counter their natural tenancy to hold back any indy-made stars. I can't possibly predict how Bryan will get out of this predicament but I'm certain that he will, finding out will just be half the fun.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Chad Nevett: Two big, slow guys... and Daniel Bryan. I'd expect Bryan to win via escape here with the two big guys basically taking one another out.
Winner and STILL WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Daniel Bryan
Stephen Randle: Okay, so the deck is clearly heavily stacked against Punk, so obviously he's going to retain. I suspect Ace is forced to call the match square out of fear for his job, which, don't worry, I'm pretty sure he's losing to Foley on Monday anyway.
Winner: CM Punk
Wes Kirk: Yeah I'm likely going to get flamed big time for it but I think Dolph Ziggler is highly overrated. Against CM Punk I think the differences are night and day and Ziggler wrestles a different style than Punk, as Punk knows more than five or six rest holds and one of the crappiest looking finishers in history. Ace will likely get involved one way or another and that'll lead to a whole bunch of confusion coming into RAW to figure out if the guy keeps his job or not, and I think the best thing we can get is Punk retaining so Ace is fired but the question will be who replaces him? Somebody who might say that at WrestleMania, Punk has no chance in hell...
Winner: CM Punk
Ross Rutherford: This really should be the best match of the night. These guys have had awesome television matches in the past and now that they finally get to work together on a Pay-per-view they should be able to really blow the roof of the place. I don't see Ziggler being given the title this close to Wrestlemania. They did a similar thing last year when Ziggler lost to Edge at the Royal Rumble; I do think Ziggler will become a World Champion before 2012 is over, but not yet.
Winner: …and still WWE Champion, CM Punk
David McGregor: The biggest problem with Championship matches at the Royal Rumble is unless it is two main event stars the outcome is very rarely in doubt and sadly for Dolph Ziggler I feel that is the case here as well. Had this been Extreme Rules or Over the Limit I think Ziggler would have a serious chance of walking out WWE Champion but right now there is no big money match Ziggler can have at Wrestlemania therefore his chances are limited. Although they could pull a shocker and give Ziggler another short reign but that isn't going to help anyone. Also Punk is on quite a nice reign so far and the ratings are going up for his segments, finally.
Winner: CM Punk
TJ Hawke: This match has been built up by making the fans interested in CM Punk beating up Johnny Ace...which he just did this past Monday. Stupid. I expect Punk to win in a possibly excellent match. Ace's involvement should make it easier for the fans to believe that Dolph Ziggler has a chance to win, but he won't.
Winner: Punk
Robert S. Leighty Jr: I think was kind of a mistake to let Punk get his hands on Ace before the PPV as should have saved that for here, but a minor point. These two can produce a high quality match and I think both are determined to steal the show from the Rumble match itself (like HHH/Foley, Angle/Benoit, and Cena/Umaga). I don't see anyway Punk loses here after Dolph beating him at every turn in the build, and really I can't see Punk losing the title before we get to WrestleMania.
Winner: CM Punk
Michael Weyer: Nice to see it's not just Cena getting the "deck stacked against him" odds battle. Ziggler and Punk should be able to give us a great battle, expect lots of interference and near-falls with Ace trying to swing things to Ziggler's way. But in the end, Cena manages to pull out a win (maybe reviving the old "make knocked-out ref's hand make the count" thing) to retain and set up his inevitable one-on-one with Ace.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: CM PUNK BABY!!
James Wright: This one is tough to call, both men deserve to be champion and both seem to be in good stead with the company. I think it all comes down to Johnny Ace and where his future is heading. Either he will be fired on Monday, in which case I'm betting that Punk overcomes his efforts to screw him out of the WWE title. Whereas if he is able to stay on then the WWE will most likely be continuing their Punk vs. Johnny Ace storyline, which would proceed much better if he does manage to screw Punk. Since the WWE are fickle in their booking, and because they gave Johnny the GTS on Raw, I'm going with him leaving Monday, giving Punk the green light to retain the title.
Winner: C.M. Punk
Chad Nevett: For the second year in a row, Dolph Ziggler gets a world title shot at the Royal Rumble. He's been a slight afterthought in the build-up, but, come on, we all know he and Punk are going to deliver in the ring. Punk getting screwed out of the title seems unlikely at this point with Ziggler winning so many times thanks to interference. But, hey, you never know...
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: CM Punk
30-Man Royal Rumble Match Winner Receives A WWE or World Championship Match At WrestleMania XXVIII
Stephen Randle: As much as I've been touting Sheamus as a dark horse here, and as much as I'd like to see some of the Jericho speculation that's been going around come true, this Rumble has been Randy Orton's to win for months now…for some reason. Seriously, in 25 years, do you know how many people have won the Rumble more than once? Three. Stone Cold, HBK, and Hulk Hogan. And now they want to give that status to Orton? Hey, WWE, Sesame Street called, they have this song called "One of these things is not like the other" that you really should hear.
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: Brodus Clay
WHO WILL BE #30?: Christian
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Sheamus
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Miz
Winner: Randy Orton
Wes Kirk:
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: R-Truth
WHO WILL BE #30?: Chris Jericho
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Sheamus
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Kofi Kingston
Winner: Chris Jericho
Ross Rutherford:
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: Alex Riley, R-Truth. I don't know on this one, but I have to think it will be someone The Miz has had a past with.
WHO WILL BE #30?: Christian or Rey Mysterio. One of them HAS to return during this, right? I could see Orton potentially entering last also…
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Sheamus. This is another one where I have a hard time thinking of one. The first two entrants tend to go a long way in the match. Chris Jericho entered the 2003 Royal Rumble at #2 and had six or seven eliminations and stayed in over 30 minutes. So I would say The Miz, but I could see Sheamus entering early and getting a lot of eliminations.
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Sheamus. This one kind of goes hand and hand as the "Iron Man" tends to eliminate a lot of his competition. Although this isn't always the case, it is a majority of the time (Example: Kane's run in the 2001 Royal Rumble.) So I think these two picks almost have to be the same person.
Winner: Chris Jericho. This is just wishful thinking, plus what else does he have going on? The climax of this whole "End of The World As We Know It" has to come on Raw after the Rumble. I mean come on, the WWE would be missing a huge opportunity by not booking Punk/Jericho for Wrestlemania. Who else would the WWE want Jericho to work with? If Y2J doesn't win I will be sorely disappointed.
David McGregor : It is amazing how a simple change to a battle royal match could create a staple of professional wrestling like the Royal Rumble, thank god for Pat Patterson! Like every other person I love the Rumble and this year is no different, there is at least a good 5 or 6 people who could seriously win this year and with the added "every man is eligible" we could even see Punk or Bryan in there on Sunday. 2012 looks like a good year for the Royal Rumble.
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: John Cena. I was going to say R Truth but then it pretty much makes the match on Raw pointless. I'm guessing John Cena starts it off with the Miz and both of them fight it out at least for the first half of the Royal Rumble.
WHO WILL BE #30?: Cody Rhodes. I was thinking Jericho but it seems too obvious, also I wouldn't be surprised if the number 30 is one of the World Champions.
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: John Cena. If he is in early he will be eliminating people left, right and centre.
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Miz. I'm not a fan of people staying in for a long period of time as it drags the match down a little but if anyone is going to do it I would like it to be the Miz, I mean the guy needs something after the awful 2nd half of 2011.
Winner: Randy Orton. The Royal Rumble is in his home town of St Louis, Missouri and he is just returned from an injury and he looks like the only real threat to the World Heavyweight Championship. Everything points to a win here but it also seems quite obvious but then again so does a Jericho, Sheamus or Barrett win. To be honest I really don't know who will win but that why I love the match so much.
TJ Hawke: There are a couple of keys to a good rumble match. There needs to be some good stories being told throughout the match; it can't just feel random. Most of the eliminations need to happen before the #30 entrant comes out, otherwise the last 10-15 minutes is just a clusterfuck Battle Royal (think the 2009 Rumble). I'm guessing the story of this match is going to be how unpredictable the result will be as the match goes on. I expect all 7 men who are in undercard matches to be in the match in some way, possibly to set up more matches going forward (like Jericho eliminating CM Punk, which will put some heat on their expected Wrestlemania match).
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: CM Punk (WWE has said everyone is eligible)
WHO WILL BE #30?: Christian
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Randy Orton
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: CM Punk
Winner: Chris Jericho
Robert S. Leighty Jr: To me this seems to be a 2 man race for the winner. It comes down to Randy Orton, making his return in his home city, and Chris Jericho, who is promising the end of the world. They are favorites because it seems we are getting Bryan/Orton for World Title and Jericho/Punk for WWE Title at WrestleMania, so one of these two need to win the match. With that said, it has been a few years since the Rumble winner has won at WrestleMania (Undertaker at WM 23), so I think that happens this year as well. Both Jericho and Orton have a great shot at going over and winning the title at Mania, but I think Orton has a better shot. I am hoping it is Jericho, but I will go with the safe pick of Orton. The Rumble itself is a hard match to screw up and I expect our normal good to great match depending on how things are booked. I do expect most guys on undercard to pull double duty, and that is becoming norm for Ziggler on PPV so I think would be sweet to see him be the Iron Man in the match.
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: Truth
WHO WILL BE #30?: Chris Jericho
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Sheamus
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Dolph Ziggler
Winner: Randy Orton
Michael Weyer: It's always tricky here, that's for sure. The chance WWE may actually push someone new (like they did last year with Del Rio) is possible but with rumors Orton is coming back, I think I'll lean toward him. It was set up already, him winning in his home town so I'll pick him to make the "surprise return" and end up victorious en route to Mania.
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: John Morrison
WHO WILL BE #30?: Christian
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Randy Orton
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: The Miz
Winner: Randy Orton
James Wright: I've always found the Royal Rumble match entertaining and it is pretty much my most anticipated match of the year whatever the case. This year should be better than the 2011 Royal Rumble, which rested far too much on it being 'the biggest Royal Rumble in history', which actually made very little difference. What I do like about this year is the feeling that there is no one certain winner, and while it will most likely be Orton or Jericho who ends up as the last man standing I wouldn't be too surprised if the WWE pulled some kind of swerve seeing as neither title match will be the main event this year. (Unless of course Cena rises above the hate and beats Kane, then the Rock makes a surprise entrance and wins the Rumble, having Cena then win the title at Elimination Chamber, but the WWE would never be crazy enough to do that...would they?)
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: John Cena (Win or lose it works in terms of storyline)
WHO WILL BE #30?: The Rock (It's a long shot but I'm worried it might be the case)
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Sheamus
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Drew McIntyre (Another long shot but a good swerve if it happens)
Winner: Chris Jericho
Chad Nevett: The Royal Rumble is my favorite WWE pay per view and, this year, it's on my birthday! I haven't liked how, over the past few years, there's been less and less build to the Rumble match itself. The WWE, thankfully, turned back to its roots a little by having the Miz get the #1 spot thanks to his loss to R-Truth. If only they'd given away #30, too...
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: Sheamus
WHO WILL BE #30?: Randy Orton
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Sheamus
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Sheamus
Winner: Chris Jericho
Remember to join 411 for our LIVE PPV coverage, starting at 7:30pm Sunday night, and The 411 on Wrestling Podcast immediately following the PPV!
WWE is the place where wrestlers can be the best in the world at what they do..
Posted By: Guest#2914 (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:07 PM
cody once beat the heck out of mr anderson/kennedy in a house show match. and cody ended up winning that match. mr anderson aint the future. cody to win the rumble.
Posted By: Guest#2969 (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Must buy PPV.
Posted By: Guest#5327 (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:08 PM
I'm hoping Rhodes has an impressive performance in the Rumble. Maybe drawing a 1-10 number and lasting 30+ mins before being eliminated by Goldust(if their matches happens)
Posted By: Guest#9883 (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:22 PM
My thoughts:
I am anticipating that they will add an impromptu match to open, with either a US Title match or IC title match.
Kane and Cena- Haven't been a fan of the feud. I am more interested in what happens in the end with angle advancement more than match quality. Cena wins on his way to Mania
Triple Threat Steel Cage- With two injured giants I am also not expecting a great match. I am more intrigued in the end result. I predict Bryan will escape at an opportune time.
C.M. Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler- Match was announced and I was expecting a MOTYC but then they announced Johnny Ace as Referee so now I'm just expecting a good match. Though with few matches on the card I expect this to get a good 15-20 mins. If Johnny Ace stays out of the way this could be a classic. CM Punk retains but Dolph proves he's ready for the big time.
Royal Rumble Match:
#1 Miz, #2 John Morrison
#30 Christian
Most Eliminations- I'd like to see Brodus Clay get the most eliminations and a mid match dance
Iron Man- Cody Rhodes. Maybe a selfish choice because I'm a big Cody fan, but why not? He's been IC champ for 5 months.
Winner: Chris Jericho. He's promised the end of the world as we know it. That's a pretty big promise to fulfill but I'd anticipate that winning the rumble is part of that promise.
Posted By: Guest#6810 (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Wes Kirk: Yeah I'm likely going to get flamed big time for it but I think Dolph Ziggler is highly overrated.
-----------------------------
We would have flamed you regardless, twerp
Posted By: Bill (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:45 PM
Cena
Bryan
Punk
Number 2 Sheamus
Number 30 Jericho
Most Eliminations Sheamus
Ironman Ziggler
Winner Jericho
Bonus picks
Foley eliminates Ziggler
Kane eliminates Cena
Bryan and Barret eliminate Orton
Ending is two wrestlers are left when Jericho enters at thirty. Barret and Orton. Jericho watches as Barret and Orton battle and Bryan comes out and plays a role in Orton's elimination. Then Barret smirks at Jericho and Jericho smirks back and nods. Barret then eliminates himself. Jericho wins without doing anything.
Posted By: gpjunk (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:06 AM
Kane
Daniel Bryan
CM Punk
Chris Jericho
I get that some might call Ziggler a little overrated, but HIGHLY overrated? That is just stupid. Why is Wes even doing the predictions for the WWE, when he is bias against them? He wasn't his terrible self this time, but he'll be terrible next time. He is just a joke of a writer.
Posted By: Still Guest#8287 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:16 AM
Michael Weyer - "WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: John Morrison"
Huh? Not sure if serious.
Posted By: Guest#7646 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:18 AM
Bravo, Marks, Bravo!!... Christian, they fed the IWC trolls once, they think his return in the Rumble would be epic! Bravo!! ... not so much in reality!
Posted By: Guest#8455 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:21 AM
Kirk, are you off your fucking head? Yeah, Punk's GTS is nowhere near as brutal as KENTA's, but there's a reason for that. I don't normally shit on the writer's, actually, it's my first time.
Anyway, I'm going with Arda Orcal's prediction, Jericho wins, and doesn't have to do a damned thing as Sheamus and Orton, or Barrett and Orton will all eliminate each other at the same time.
Posted By: Go To Sleep Daniel Bryan (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:29 AM
Kane via count out-cena will beat the holy hell out of Kane, the he'll realizing he is embracing the hate and simply walk away.
Bryan will escape the cage as the giants cancel each other out.
Ziggler wins without ace screwing punk.
Sheamus wins the rumble.
Posted By: rey (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:42 AM
OK, when will you idiots get it straight? It's being biasED against something, not bias.
Posted By: Guest#2942 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:08 AM
#2 is Truth, Sheamus with the most eliminations, Miz is the iron man, #30 and your winner is Chris Jericho!
Posted By: Guest#2764 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 03:20 AM
Why the hell would a World Champion be in the rumble?
Oh wait the WWE roster is horrid so it needs to pad out its superstars
Posted By: Guest#5743 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 04:41 AM
Last year the WWE had 47 eliminations in a 40 man Royal Rumble match, I wonder how many they'll have this year, WWE booking isn't the greatest!
Posted By: Latex (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 05:25 AM
John Morrison?!?!?!
Posted By: GuruofGreatness (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 05:34 AM
I would love to see Danielson get thrown through the cage like how Big Show threw Rock through the cage in 2000.
I'd love for Jericho to finally win the rumble, especially through some dubious means. It's one of the few things he has yet to accomplish in the WWE and it can tie in with his 'end of the world as we know it' angle.
Posted By: Guest#5300 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 05:42 AM
Why would Cena enter the Rumble? His Mania match is already booked.
Posted By: Guest#3533 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 06:34 AM
Pleas enot rany borton to win noooooo,im hoping jericho wins this and cena has a heel turn in this and get DQ'ed?
Posted By: big bob (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 06:46 AM
kirk was saying that ziggler has one of the worst finishers, not punk. btw, I agree ziggler is overrated, nothing better than midcarder with occasional main event loss.
Posted By: Guest#2678 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 06:57 AM
John Cena and The Rock for the WWE title at Wrestlemania to swerve the fans.
Posted By: Cosmo KKKramer (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 06:59 AM
i'm glad nobody picked *charisma of a chalk* sheamus as the winner.
Posted By: Guest#3718 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 07:07 AM
McIntyre will win the rumble in a swerve
Posted By: Guest#9136 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 07:16 AM
Where's the 'are you gonna order this' question? I was looking forward to hearing Wes Kirk give some lame explanation about how this isn't worth buying whereas the TNA PPV was.
Posted By: Guest#7899 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 07:22 AM
The last 2 people eliminate each other leaving the ring empty and then Jericho comes out at number 30, enters the ring and is declared the winner
Posted By: Guest#0743 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 07:42 AM
I agree. Dolph is overrated, but so is Punk. And yes, his finisher does suck. Looks like crap.
Posted By: Rick Goodwin (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 08:26 AM
Y2J will win. I mean after his trolling from the previous weeks, all he got to show is being eliminated in the rumble? Please...
Posted By: Guest#2779 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 08:37 AM
As much as I would love to see Kane win his match with Cena, thus boosting his credibility as an invincible monster and pushing Cena toward an eventual heelturn, I just don't see it happening. We all know that the WWE has perfected the art of writing Cena into storylines with decent potential for character development and then royally screwing it up because they're too afraid to change anything about him, lest it hurt merchandising sales. So Cena's probably going to win, as he usually does, and totally kill Kane's return momentum. That, or they'll continue the feud a few more weeks until it eventually ends the same way.
I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it. Unlike the injury-prone Undertaker, Kane's still in the prime of his career. I'd like to see him win the title a few more times before he inevitably retires.
Posted By: NoLifeKing66 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 09:02 AM
number 2: R Truth
#30 Y2J
Most Eliminations - Sheamus
Iron Man - Cody Rhodes. another big Cody fan and he could be one of the stars this year, along with Miz.
Winner - Sheamus - have a feeling it could be Y2J with a strange finish just to work the internet but I hope not.
hoping for a few surprises - Christian, Rey, HHH, taker?? Also the odd legend.
Posted By: beef23 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 09:03 AM
predictions:
1) kane dq
2) bryan
3) punk
4) jericho
Posted By: Patrick (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 09:04 AM
Odd ball ending: Big Johnny screws Punk, Punk enters Rumble and wins and gets Ziggler at Mania. I think Orton winning is boring as sin and he should probably get eliminated with Wade Barrett to push their feud towards a one on one build. I see the SD Title match at Mania building to a 3 or 4 way with Bryan, Sheamus, Orton, Barrett. Also WM match I wanna see: MITB ALL STARS - Kane, Miz, Del Rio, Christian, Swagger, and a returning RVD!!! All have won either MITBs or in Christian's case ladder matches. Would be awesome logically way to get bunch of talent on supercard.
Posted By: danbklyn510 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 09:14 AM
Three minor nitpicks:
- TJ Hawke thinks Mark Henry - the guy who had to be edited out of Smackdown's main event because he hurt his leg so bad and is still recovering from another injury - is going to win the World title so the World title match at 'Mania can be Orton/Henry... a match we saw already at both Night of Champions and Hell in a Cell? Sounds like a stretch.
- Michael Weyer made his Rumble predictions under the assumption that Orton hadn't returned yet? His return was announced at last week's Smackdown tapings. Theoretically, he could have known as early as ten days ago that Orton would be on TV before the Rumble. Do you do these predictions that early or is he just that clueless?
- Ross Rutherford claims that the guy who gets the most eliminations and the guy who is the iron man almost have to be the same guy because it happens a majority of the time. Can I see the math on that one? It may be true. It may not be true. That sounds like another one of those claims people just pull out of their asses and hope it's true. Yes. You sited Kane. He's the only example so glaring that WWE spotlights it every year in their pre match hype package. I don't think that makes it a yearly given.
Anyway, personal predictions:
Kane via DQ
Bryan via chokeslammed through the ring ala JBL at No Way Out 2005
Punk via forcing Johnny Ace's hand to make the count
#2 - Kofi Kingston
#30 - Christian
Iron man - Dolph Ziggler
Most elimination - Sheamus
Winner - Chris Jericho
Posted By: Ron Mexico (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 10:18 AM
cody once beat the heck out of mr anderson/kennedy in a house show match. and cody ended up winning that match. mr anderson aint the future. cody to win the rumble.
Posted By: Guest#2969 (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:08 PM
This is what happens when 8 year old WWE marks get an internet connection.
Posted By: Guest#5196 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Unfortunatley, the 'Jericho wins by doing nothing' outcome has been suggested so many times it will now be 'predictable' if it happens.
Posted By: Guest#6988 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Chris Jericho enters at no. 30. Yells "yeah! yeah!" for a while. Then eliminates himself and leaves.
Posted By: Guest#6732 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 10:49 AM
Ross Rutherford does not know what a DUSTY finish is.
Posted By: Guest#2784 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 11:02 AM
I hate Wes Kirk's column, but I'm gonna cut him some slack here. The two commenters who've already had a go at him have shown that he really can't win. He hasn't said anything too bad here, even if I disagree with his opinion on Ziggler.
Posted By: Jimbo (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 11:25 AM
My only Rumble prediction is that HHH and Taker both return and eliminate each other, starting off the build to their Wrestlemania match.
Posted By: Guest#6084 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 11:35 AM
I am a huge Jericho fan, but I hope he does not win the Rumble. That would be too predictable.
Posted By: iomis2001 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:03 PM
They should have added another category, "Surprise Entrant(s)". I'd love to see Booker T or the King get up from the announce table and jump in the ring. Or maybe Michael Cole goes in, gets beat on and dumped out, gets thrown back in, gets beat up and thrown back out. Repeat as necessary.
Posted By: Mr. Me (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 12:34 PM
"Wes Kirk: Yeah I'm likely going to get flamed big time for it but I think Dolph Ziggler is highly overrated."
...unless he worked for TNA, then you'd think he was the most underrated.
Posted By: Guest#8464 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:21 PM
I'm not AWESOME!
Posted By: The Miz (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:40 PM
I think Ziggler is awesome but I agree that his finisher is awful. He should just full on embrace the Mr. Perfect thing and do a perfect plex or a small package driver.
Posted By: Guest#8592 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:42 PM
I am the best in the world at what I do, although the ratings say otherwise.
Posted By: CM Punk (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:46 PM
I'm sure that he is mizerable about his prospects in the Rumble.
Posted By: Punmaster (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Can't we just be friends Kane? You are a lovely chap and I would rather not fight you. Rise above the hate, chum.
Posted By: John Cena (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:48 PM
I can't wait till I get my Wrestlemania paycheck and get out of here. It's like kindergarten with all these vanilla wrestlers who are under 6 ft. tall and can't speak, if ya smell what I'm cookin'.
Posted By: The Rock (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:50 PM
I can't wait to haunt the Royal Rumble.
Posted By: Chris Benoit's ghost (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:51 PM
Vince asked me to come back for the Rumble but I paulitely told him to kiss my roman ass.
Posted By: Paul Roma (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:52 PM
I.R. so sick of Hoke Hogan!
Posted By: I.R. Warrior (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:52 PM
Please let me go to the Hall of Fame, Dixie WOO! I'll let you ride space mountain WOO! WOO! WOO!
Posted By: Ric Flair (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:53 PM
Looks like a crappy show, brother. You know, I came up with the concept of the Royal Rumble match, brother.
Posted By: Hulk Hogan (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:54 PM
I would come back in the Royal Rumble if I wasn't such a little pussy.
Posted By: Edge (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 01:55 PM
If anybody lives in the East Bay (Ca.) and wants to go in on the Rumble hit me up at pavlon88@aol.com
Posted By: Guest#8156 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Since all WRESTLERS are eligible, how about if CM Punk wins and challenges Daniel Bryan to unify the titles at WrestleMania? Let it be official, that's my prediction.
Posted By: Guest Guest (Guest) (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 02:54 PM
- Ross Rutherford claims that the guy who gets the most eliminations and the guy who is the iron man almost have to be the same guy because it happens a majority of the time. Can I see the math on that one? It may be true. It may not be true. That sounds like another one of those claims people just pull out of their asses and hope it's true. Yes. You sited Kane. He's the only example so glaring that WWE spotlights it every year in their pre match hype package. I don't think that makes it a yearly given.
The majority of the time it hasn't been; nine ironmen have had the most eliminations. Since it happened for the first time in 1995, however, it has been true most of the time. And it has happened 70% of the time this millenium.
So in conclusion, the ironman collecting the most eliminations is usually the case these days.
Posted By: Guest Guest (Guest) (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Jericho winning by sneaky means doesn't seem shocking enough to be the "end of the world". He's one of the top guys in the business, so he's one of the favorites by default.
Anyone can enter the Rumble, right? Maybe Jericho's female companion in the video enters the Rumble and wins with Jericho's help. We saw pics of Stephanie McMahon in the gym in crazy good shape, so she'd be a likely candidate.
Or maybe Jericho wins by some crazy method. Say he comes in #30 and everybody else just jumps out, giving him the win and kicking off a new stable.
Posted By: Dr Insanity (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 04:59 PM
Kane/Bryan/Punk
#2 - Orton
Most eliminations - B. Clay
Ironman - Rhodes
#30 and winner - Undertaker
Posted By: Guest#4081 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 05:01 PM
I didn't think about it until just now...but I may change my pick from Jericho to Dolph Ziggler. They make it a point to say everyone is eligible...and a current champion winning would be stupid. So it could be a guy from a previous matchup...such as Mark Henry or Ziggler.
Posted By: RC (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 05:10 PM
I don't see Kane winning, as it would seem to kill the momentum for Cena/Rock at WM.
As for the Rumble, I know this is another of my crazy theories, but there hasn't really been a "surprise" in a while; it will probably end up with Orton and Jericho being the last two, and somebody's clothesline ends up taking them both out, then:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner is:"
(play Jericho's music)
(referees confer)
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner is:"
(play Orton's music)
(referees confer)
(referee runs in from backstage to join them)
"Ladies and gentlemen, after checking the replay, one wrestler kept one of his feet off of the floor, so the winner is...Mick Foley!"
(show a replay of Foley landing, and then limping off, but his left foot never touches the ground)
This keeps the Foley-JL feud going, and they can have a triple threat (ladder?) match for the title shot at the next PPV.
Posted By: That Don Guy (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 06:08 PM
The fact that Wes Kirk thinks Ziggler is "highly overrated" just illustrates how misinformed he really is.
Posted By: Guest#0482 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 06:46 PM
(show a replay of Foley landing, and then limping off, but his left foot never touches the ground)
This keeps the Foley-JL feud going, and they can have a triple threat (ladder?) match for the title shot at the next PPV.
Posted By: That Don Guy (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 06:08 PM
You realise 'limping' involves walking on both feet, right? Otherwise it would be 'hopping'.
Posted By: Guest#7028 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 07:54 PM
My prediction:
CM Punk def. Ziggler
Mark Henry wins World Title
Kane def. Cena
Chris Jericho wins Rumble: next night final piece of Jericho "End Of The World" puzzle is complete when Stephanie McMahon returns as the girl from the commercial to whom is the key. Stephanie is the person Ace is always texting and becomes new Raw GM!!!!
"BONUS":
Ziggler wins Rumble Promting a Triple Threat Match at WM28 Punk/Ziggler/Y2J(Jericho gets in when Stephanie becomes GM)
Posted By: Cordero (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 08:42 PM
Wes Kirk: Yeah I'm likely going to get flamed big time for it but I think Dolph Ziggler is highly overrated
-----
I don't consider this to be troll bait, I understand and respect that this is your opinion. Dolph's finisher is pretty mediocre, I'll concede as well. But Dolph pulls out a lot more than five or six rest moves when given the chance to work. His early Dolph matches show this, as well as the Bragging Rights match with Bryan show this. I'm a Wes Kirk fan, just disagree with this.
Posted By: the other mike p (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 10:29 PM
If Hulk Hogan doesnt show up in RR, I want my money back.
Posted By: Spencer Mallard/JustJoe (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 10:32 PM
I could SEE Jericho being the winner, but I don't think he'll win....instead I think his feud with Punk gets kicked off someway besides him winning. My choice for winner is.............SHEAMUS. They've been giving him the mega-push for quite some time now and it hasn't resulted in a main event slot yet...it starts Sunday.
Posted By: wcwfan (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 11:18 PM
TJ Hawke: There are a couple of keys to a good rumble match. There needs to be some good stories being told throughout the match; it can't just feel random. Most of the eliminations need to happen before the #30 entrant comes out, otherwise the last 10-15 minutes is just a clusterfuck Battle Royal (think the 2009 Rumble). I'm guessing the story of this match is going to be how unpredictable the result will be as the match goes on. I expect all 7 men who are in undercard matches to be in the match in some way, possibly to set up more matches going forward (like Jericho eliminating CM Punk, which will put some heat on their expected Wrestlemania match).
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: CM Punk (WWE has said everyone is eligible)
WHO WILL BE #30?: Christian
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Randy Orton
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: CM Punk
Winner: Chris Jericho
EH ?? Why the fuck would CM Punk enter the Rumble if he was still Champion ? *facepalm*
Posted By: Guest#9781 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 12:40 AM
cody once beat the heck out of mr anderson/kennedy in a house show match. and cody ended up winning that match. mr anderson aint the future. cody to win the rumble.
Posted By: Guest#2969 (Guest) on January 27, 2012 at 11:08 PM
This is what happens when 8 year old WWE marks get an internet connection.
Posted By: Guest#5196 (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 10:39 AM
mr anderson/kennedy AINT the future. you're either a huge mr anderson/kennedy MARK or you just don't watch the matches closely enough to gather all the right information. like that classic house show match of '09 that you probably didn't even watch cody is going to beat the heck out of everybody and win the rumble. it's beyond debate.
Posted By: Guest#2969 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 02:23 AM
LOL at the guy who is impersonating multiple wrestlers... if you want to make it genuine, space out your comments dude.
Posted By: Fast Fingers Eddie (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 05:33 AM
Since all WRESTLERS are eligible, how about if CM Punk wins and challenges Daniel Bryan to unify the titles at WrestleMania? Let it be official, that's my prediction.
Posted By: Guest Guest (Guest) (Guest) on January 28, 2012 at 02:54 PM
Damn straight, totally agree
Posted By: gam (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 07:48 AM
Like most, I see Punk-Jericho and Bryan-Orton at Mania, with Ziggler getting the Undertaker if he impresses more tonight. To facilitate that, I think the Rumble goes like this...
WE KNOW #1, WHO WILL BE #2?: Anyone who has beef with Miz would do nicely.
WHO WILL BE #30?: the Rock
WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST ELIMINATIONS?: Randy Orton or Sheamus
WHO WILL BE THE IRON MAN?: Dolph Ziggler
Winner: Chris Jericho
Having come up short in his title challenge, Ziggler enters at about #5 and sneaks into the final four. Sheamus comes in at about #10 and has a hot streak.
Orton comes in at about #15 and along with Sheamus is the main eliminator of the midcard chaff. Orton has a big faceoff with Barrett and elimnibates him to end their feud just before the endgame kicks in.
The event is strongly back-loaded with Kane in at #24, Cena in at #25, CM Punk in at #26 Daniel Bryan in at #27, Chris Jericho in at #28, Rey Mysterio in at #29, the Rock in at #30 or similar.
When Kane enters, he clears house of all but Ziggler and Orton, Cena enters next and the two get down to it. Punk comes in and gets involved in a three-way with Orton & Ziggler, then Bryan come in and tries to eliminate Punk(three fights now Kane-Cena, Orton-Ziggler and Punk-Bryan) Jericho comes in and eliminates Punk. Jericho then ostensibly teams with Orton against Bryan and Ziggler while Cena & Kane fight it out. Rey Mysterio comes in almost eliminates Ziggler, but gets dumped over by Jericho. Orton eliminates Bryan who slides back into the ring and smacks him with the title belt. Ziggler and Jericho are too busy fighting amonst themselves to take advantage. Kane finally gets the advantage over Cena but Zak Ryder charges in and chop-blocks Kane, and helps Cena toss the Big Red Machine over the top.
the Rock comes in at #30 and goes face to face with Cena in the middle of the ring, the two have a quick little exchange, but Cena is shattered by his war with kane and Rock eliminates him in simple fashion.
Final Four: Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, the Rock
Jericho and Ziggler combine to eliminate the Rock, then Jericho is about to toss Ziggler but steps aside as Orton charges in and Orton takes Ziggler out. Jericho nails an enziguri on Orton and tries to get him out but Orton fights back. Orton comes close to eliminating Jericho, but Jericho nails him with a low blow and tosses him off the top for the win.
Massive heel heat and push for Jericho, Orton does well and has a feud setup with Bryan, Cena-Rock gets a kickstart and Ziggler looks good.
Posted By: chriscrowing (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 08:35 AM
James Wright says Rock will be in the Rumble? When did marks start writing for this place? If that guy was going to be on a PPV it'd be announced, they like buy rates...
Posted By: Death Row 3260 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Why does everyone think Orton/Bryan is happening at Wrestlemania? Personally, as much as I love Bryan, I dont think it will draw. The smart money involves Barrett, Orton, and/or Sheamus. Possibly in a triple-threat match. Maybe throw Bryan in there for a fatal-fourway. But I doubt it. But I predict Sheamus or Orton wins RR. With the other taking the strap from Bryan at Elimination Chamber.
Posted By: Mark of Excellence (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM
I dont get why Jericho would be the winner of this, it might as well be The Rock coming in at #30 and take the whole thing while the crowd cheer.
Posted By: Guest#9704 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Just thought I would let yoou all know that I work in a Comfort Inn 2 miles away from the building the Rumble is in tonight and John Morrison is currently a guest here. No others that I am aware of, but John is.
Posted By: Guest#9715 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Why does everyone think Orton/Bryan is happening at Wrestlemania? Personally, as much as I love Bryan, I dont think it will draw. The smart money involves Barrett, Orton, and/or Sheamus. Possibly in a triple-threat match. Maybe throw Bryan in there for a fatal-fourway. But I doubt it.
Posted By: Mark of Excellence (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM
It doesn't really need to "draw" in the sense that it's only the third or forth most important match of the night. Last year, the World Heavyweight championship match opened the show so I don't think WWE is really expecting this to be the match that gets viewers to buy the PPV.
Also, don't sleep on how well Bryan is getting over in his new heel role. The crowd's really responding to him for the first time ever. I think if he keeps progressing, he'll be the guy fans want to see get his ass kicked by Orton at Mania.
Posted By: Guest#8655 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 03:54 PM
I jont understand why Cena would be in the Rumble if he already has a match against the Rock at Mania.
Posted By: Guest#0265 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 04:05 PM
number 28 and 29 eliminate themselves. countdown clock comes for number 30 - JERICHO... comes out and wins the rumble without having to touch anyone - does his usual speel. end show
Posted By: columbo (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 06:07 PM
Why does everyone think Orton/Bryan is happening at Wrestlemania? Personally, as much as I love Bryan, I dont think it will draw. The smart money involves Barrett, Orton, and/or Sheamus. Possibly in a triple-threat match. Maybe throw Bryan in there for a fatal-fourway. But I doubt it.
Posted By: Mark of Excellence (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM
It doesn't really need to "draw" in the sense that it's only the third or forth most important match of the night. Last year, the World Heavyweight championship match opened the show so I don't think WWE is really expecting this to be the match that gets viewers to buy the PPV.
Also, don't sleep on how well Bryan is getting over in his new heel role. The crowd's really responding to him for the first time ever. I think if he keeps progressing, he'll be the guy fans want to see get his ass kicked by Orton at Mania.
Posted By: Guest#8655 (Guest) on January 29, 2012 at 03:54 PM
Good points. I still think Ortons winning the belt next month and facing Sheamus at WrestleMania. Just leaves me to wonder what theyll do w/ Bryan. B/c as you mentioned, he is getting over.
Posted By: Mark of Excellence (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 10:15 AM
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