wrestling / Columns
The Shimmy 01.19.09: The 2009 Royal Rumble Cheat Sheet
Welcome, one and all, to the fourth annual Royal Rumble Match Preview and Cheat Sheet. In this column you will find the best kayfabe breakdown of the Royal Rumble match anywhere on these here internets plus some predictions on the perennial Royal Rumble trends. The Rumble is traditionally the second most anticipated PPV of the year (and even more anticipated than WrestleMania for some folks), so I hope you enjoy this look at the 2009 Royal Rumble.
Randy Orton
Rumble Experience: 2004, 2006 (runner-up), 2007
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Jeff Hardy
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Kane, Santino Marella, Kofi Kingston, Ted DiBiase, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, MVP
Potential Allies: Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Chris Jericho
Former Allies: Triple H
Analysis: Randy Orton enters the 2009 Royal Rumble as the odds on favorite. We were living in the “Age of Orton” until his unfortunate injury at the hands of Triple H at One Night Stand last June, and ever since his return in the fall he has been itching to get back in the spotlight. Perhaps the biggest advantage Orton has is his backup. With his Legacy teammates Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes in the match he should be able to take out a bunch of superstars without exerting much effort. Orton has all the tools, a good deal of momentum, and two guys to do the heavy lifting which all works in his favor. There are really three people that could get in Orton’s way: 1) Triple H. Triple H is the only man to have defeated Orton for a World Title and The Game would probably like nothing more than to stick it to Orton one more time; 2) Kane. Kane is a beast when it comes to Royal Rumbles, and even when it’s not time for the Rumble he’s still one vicious competitor. This is the wrong time for Orton to be on the Big Red Machine’s bad side; 3) Ted DiBiase. DiBiase returned to Raw on Monday to join up with Orton and Rhodes to form the Legacy, but this was after an extended hiatus following a concussion kick by Randy Orton. Has DiBiase really forgiven Orton? And even if he has, will he or Rhodes really be willing to sacrifice their own dreams for their leader. Orton has had some great Rumble performances, lasting a half hour in 2004, being the runner-up in 2006, and making the Final Four in 2007. Is this the year the stars align for the “Legend Killer?”
Triple H
Rumble Experience: 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002 (winner), 2006, 2008 (runner-up)
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Edge, John Cena, Jeff Hardy, Vladimir Kozlov, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels
Potential Enemies: Vladimir Kozlov, Big Show, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Sheltob Benjamin, Kane, John Morrison, The Miz, The Great Khali, William Regal
Potential Allies: Undertaker, MVP
Former Allies: Randy Orton, Undertaker, Big Show, Kane, R-Truth, William Regal
Analysis: Any time Triple H enters the Royal Rumble he will be one of the favorites. He won the whole thing in 2002 after coming back from a major quad injury, made it to the Final Three in 2006 after starting off at No. 1, and was the last man eliminated in last year’s match. In fact, had John Cena not shocked the world at returned during that match I think Triple H was likely to have won his second Rumble match last year. Triple H is undoubtedly one of the best in the business and his Rumble track record speaks for itself. That being said, he is on the wrong side of some bad people. His two biggest adversaries are the seven foot, 480 lb. Big Show and the undefeated former Sambo champion Vladimir Kozlov. Both I might add are seemingly under the influence of SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Guerrero will go to no lengths to make sure that The Game does not win the Rumble and get the opportunity to headline WrestleMania, and I wouldn’t put it past her to do something drastic at the last minute. While Triple H’s abilities should give him a fighting chance, overcoming the Vickie Guerrero conspiracy may be more than even he can handle.
Chris Jericho
Rumble Experience: 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, Triple H
Potential Enemies: Randy Orton, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk
Potential Allies: Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase
Former Allies: Shelton Benjamin, Carlito
Analysis: While Stephanie McMahon did fire Chris Jericho last Monday and WWE.com has removed his name from the official list of entrants, I am confident that Mr. McMahon will rectify this situation and rightly reinstate the 2008 Superstar of the Year back into both the WWE and the Royal Rumble. Chris Jericho has done many things in WWE, including winning eight Intercontinental Titles and becoming the first Undisputed Champion, but he had never won the Royal Rumble. After his last two convincing title losses to John Cena it would seem like Jericho would have to win this match if he wants to get back into the title picture between now and April. The closest Jericho has ever gotten to winning this match was a Final Four finish in 2004. 2008 was a great year for the former Y2J and there is really no reason to think 2009 shouldn’t be any different. We should find out tonight whether or not that really is the case.
Undertaker
Rumble Experience: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003 (runner-up), 2007 (winner), 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Triple H, Edge, Jeff Hardy
Potential Enemies: Shelton Benjamin, Big Show, Randy Orton, Vladimir Kozlov, The Great Khali
Potential Allies: Triple H
Former Allies: Kane, Triple H, Big Show
Analysis: Just two years removed from winning the 2007 Royal Rumble the Deadman knows how to win this match. Even last year, when he entered the match at No. 1 he still had a very strong showing, going toe-to-toe with a lot of big names (both in star power and in size) before ultimately being eliminated thanks to Shawn Michaels. Since his “banishment” back in June, Taker has not really been involved in the title picture, choosing instead to tangle with the likes of Big Show and Shelton Benjamin, both of whom will be in this match as well. Taker would like nothing more than to get back into the game in a big way, and he could do that by defeating 29 other men. He may come into the same problem as Triple H, though, as he might have to face the wrath of Vickie Guerrero. Triple H may deflect most of her attention but you’d have to believe that Big Show, Kozlov, Miz, Morrison, and anyone else under the Vickie sphere of influence would be told to eliminate Undertaker. Lightning has only struck twice (thrice for one individual), will Undertaker be able to be the fourth man to win multiple Royal Rumbles?
Vladimir Kozlov
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Triple H, Jeff Hardy, John Cena, Matt Hardy
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Undertaker
Potential Allies: Big Show
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Kozlov makes his Royal Rumble debut riding off a long undefeated streak in WWE. Kozlov has shown that he can be a dominant presence in the ring, the question is whether he can be dominant with so many other competitors fighting against him. Depending on what number Kozlov gets he might also have to compete in the longest match of his WWE career. Most of his matches have been very short so we have not seen much of his endurance. If the “Moscow Mauler” receives early entry into the Rumble he will have to show that he does have the stamina to hang in there. Kozlov may have to deal with other big men during this match. Thus far in his WWE tenure he has only met Undertaker and Festus. Here in the Rumble he’ll have to get through Taker, Big Show, Kane, and presumably Mike Knox and The Great Khali. Vladimir Kozlov is a real wildcard in this year’s Royal Rumble Match.
Big Show
Rumble Experience: 2000 (runner-up), 2001, 2002, 2004 (runner-up), 2006
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Edge
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali, MVP
Potential Allies: Vladimir Kozlov, John Morrison, The Miz
Former Allies: Kane, Triple H, Undertaker
Analysis: Big Show has the notorious distinction of being the only man in Royal Rumble history to have twice been the last man eliminated. Being so close to winning the big one has to be frustrating, and nobody wants to have to face off with a frustrated Big Show. Coming off some brutal performances against Undertaker and Triple H, Big Show is reminding the WWE that he is in fact someone to be reckoned with. He even has the backing of General Manager Vickie Guerrero which may give him just the edge he needs to finally come away as the actual winner. Then again I don’t think Edge would like to face off against Big Show for the WWE Title at WrestleMania, so Show better be leary of a doublecross should Jeff Hardy not retain his title earlier in the night. The other thing you have to take into consideration is how much have his recent string of matches taken out of him? He’s been in two Last Man Standing Matches in the last two weeks, not to mention another one PLUS a Steel Cage Match with Undertaker not too long ago. That’s a tough feat for anyone, even a monster like the Big Show, to overcome. Given the toll the last few months have taken on his body, Show could enjoy a late entry number perhaps more than anyone else.
Rey Mysterio
Rumble Experience: 2003, 2005, 2006 (winner)
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Kane, Matt Hardy
Potential Enemies: Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, Big Show, John Morrison, The Miz, Kane, Santino Marella, Mike Knox
Potential Allies: Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, The Great Khali, Carlito
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Rey Mysterio would like to return to his 2006 form where he won the Royal Rumble after being the second man entered into the match. That match though had a lot of emotion built into it, whereas this year the pressure will be on for Rey to bounce back from an injury filled, underachieving 2008. We’ve mentioned the toll that the past few months have taken on Big Show, but Rey Mysterio can probably give him some competition. For months he’s been dismantled by the likes of Kane and Mike Knox, and he even got busted open by the comparatively small CM Punk at Armageddon last month. Rey has already proven to be injury prone and those beatings surely cannot put Rey in an optimum position to win this match. Still, much of Rey’s 2006 Rumble strategy was based around lying around the ring, milking his injuries, and keeping a low profile. If Rey can somehow do that he may stand a chance. But with a bevy of enemies (and even some allies) all in the match it may be hard to go by unnoticed.
Ted DiBiase
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Randy Orton, Undertaker
Potential Enemies: Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, John Morrison, The Miz, Kofingston, CM Punk, MVP
Potential Allies: Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho, Carlito
Former Allies: none
Analysis: The son of the “Million Dollar Man” is making his Royal Rumble debut and he may be the most talented newcomer to a Rumble match since his Legacy leader in 2004. DiBiase has been on the shelf with a concussion since November and just recently got back into things. DiBiase may be the most unpredictable member of The Legacy as we haven’t heard much from him since his return and he still could hold a grudge against Randy Orton for punting him in the head. It should be noted that the elder Ted DiBiase was the last man eliminated in the 1989 Royal Rumble Match.
Kane
Rumble Experience: 1999, 2000, 2001 (runner-up), 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Randy Orton
Potential Enemies: Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, Triple H, John Morrison, The Miz, The Great Khali, CM Punk, Finlay, MVP
Potential Allies: Mike Knox
Former Allies: Undertaker, Big Show, Triple H, CM Punk
Analysis: Kane may very well be the most impressive Royal Rumble participant to never win the Rumble match. This will be the Big Red Machine’s eleventh consecutive Royal Rumble. He still holds the record for most superstars eliminated in one year following his 2001 efforts (and he really should get credit for the Drew Carey self elimination), he came up one man short that same year, and he has made it into the Final Four on four separate occasions, including a rather stunning appearance last year. Kane has had a pretty bizarre year, from his record breaking ECW Title win at WrestleMania, to his “Is he alive or is he dead?” moments over the summer, to his recent infatuation with Kelly Kelly. Could things get even more bizarre with Kane winning the 2009 Royal Rumble? Kane is actually as probably under the radar as a man with his size and credentials can be, and Kane very well could end up surprising us all. Then again, that unpredictability and instability could cost him (as it did in 1999 and 2004). Things are always complicated when it comes to Kane.
John Morrison
Rumble Experience: 2006, 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Matt Hardy
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, Kane, Carlito, CM Punk, Finlay
Potential Allies: The Miz, Big Show
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Last year John Morrison quietly put together a great Royal Rumble run. The Shaman of Sexy avoided elimination many times and even drew comparisons to Shawn Michaels from the commentators. Morrison could very well end up topping that performance this year. Last year I wrote that Morrison should worry about his tag team partner The Miz doublecrossing him. Over the last year Miz and Morrison have gone from being a makeshift team of rivals and turned into the best team in the business. In many ways Morrison should fear that cohesion even more. Morrison is less likely to be weary of The Miz nowadays which could open up the door for said betrayal. Morrison may consider turning on Miz first before it inevitably happens to him.
Shelton Benjamin
Rumble Experience: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy
Potential Enemies: Undertaker, R-Truth, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, MVP, Carlito
Potential Allies: MVP
Former Allies: Chris Jericho
Analysis: If there was ever a year that Shelton Benjamin could have found himself in a WrestleMania title match it would have been last year. He had a strong run on ECW and had a lot of momentum heading into last year’s Rumble. Instead of capitalizing on that momentum he became one of the fastest eliminations of last year’s match. One year later and Shelton does not have quite the same momentum as he did on ECW, he’s still not doing too bad for himself. He’s been United States Champion for six months and he’s gone toe-to-toe with Undertaker in recent weeks. Shelton’s athletic abilities are always a gift in this match because, last year excluded, they allow him to skin the cat better than anyone else in WWE. Shelton just needs to be smart about who he attacks and how. A late entry could help Shelton be able to focus his bursts of energy and have fewer people to contend with.
Santino Marella
Rumble Experience: 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Undertaker
Potential Enemies: Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton,William Regal
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: Carlito
Analysis: Last year I mocked Santino Marella and his chances of winning the Royal Rumble. This year, while Santino is certainly not a favorite by any stretch, he at least has more of a chance. Over the last year Santino became Intercontinental Champion for the second time and even went on a streak over the fall of actually winning his matches. This year Santino also has love on his side. While he was canoodling with Maria last year at this time, in 2009 Santino is in love with the “Glamazon” Beth Phoenix, and one can draw immense inspiration from love. With that in mind the tone for Glamarella’s evening could be set earlier in the night. Should Beth Phoenix lose the Women’s Title to Melina earlier in the show, Santino’s focus might be elsewhere. If the perpetrator of the “Milan Miracle” wants a legitimate shot of going to WrestleMania he will need to keep his thoughts on the task at hand. And he should probably pray for No. 30.
R-Truth
Rumble Experience: 2001
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Jack Swagger
Potential Enemies: The Brian Kendrick, Shelton Benjamin, MVP
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: Triple H
Analysis: Despite what WWE.com states, this is not R-Truth’s first Royal Rumble. While wrestling as K-Kwik back in 2001, the “Sun-Tanned Superman” competed in that year’s Royal Rumble. That experience didn’t end so well. R-Truth would hope that this one is at least a bit better than the last. Truth has gained a great deal of experience over the last eight years, even becoming the first black NWA Champion during his stint in TNA. Ever since failing to win the United States Title from Shelton Benjamin though R-Truth has seemingly been going through the motions; perhaps this is his night to break out. He has the athleticism to hang in there with the best of them and he may be able to use the fact that he’s been doing little of note to his advantage as no one will be worried about him. There is one thing that Truth has in his arsenal that he can use to his advantage: his entrance. So long as he does not end up with the first or second spot in the Rumble he can perform his usual entrance, complete with rapping and fan interaction, to milk some time. The Godfather did it in 2002. John Cena did it in 2003. While neither of those men won the Rumble they did manage to avoid getting hurt for an additional minute or two. In a match as fast and furious as the Rumble every minute counts and R-Truth would be smart to save as much time as possible.
Cody Rhodes
Rumble Experience: 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Randy Orton
Potential Enemies: Rey Mysterio, John Morrison, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, MVP
Potential Allies: Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Chris Jericho, Carlito
Former Allies: none
Analysis: I’ve mentioned before how Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase will be helped by the presence of their teammates in this match. I’ve also mentioned that both men are incredibly sneaky, and I always warn of potential betrayal of tag team/stable partners. While Orton and DiBiase are the obvious picks as the betrayer in the group, I think Cody Rhodes may be the real sneak. Remember he originally joined up with DiBiase by turning on Hardcore Holly. Then he aligned himself with Orton after Orton had kicked Cody’s partner in the head. In recent weeks you’ve seen how easily he has distanced himself from Manu and Sim Snuka. And of course there is the matter of spitting on the legacy (no pun intended) of his father. Much like John Morrison, Cody Rhodes had a quietly impressive run in the Rumble last year. If he can have another night like he did a year ago, using his partners along the way and then successfully dump them, this could be a big night for the grandson of a plumber.
Kofi Kingston
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Jack Swagger
Potential Enemies: Shelton Benjamin, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, John Morrison, The Miz, Santino Marella, Mike Knox
Potential Allies: Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, MVP, Carlito
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Kofi Kingston should have been in this match a year ago. Instead his spot was curiously given to Elijah Burke. No matter, though, as in that time Kofi has gone to be one of the breakout superstars of the last year. He had a great feud with Shelton Benjamin and won both the Intercontinental and World Tag Team Titles. If there is anybody that can match Shelton Benjamin for pure athleticism it’s Kofi Kingston. And while Kofi hasn’t been in too many Battle Royals to showcase his decision making ability, it appears as if he is the more sensible of the two. With a win here at the Rumble Kofi can try and follow his tag team partner CM Punk’s path and win the World, IC, and Tag Titles in the same year. I would assume that Punk would be added to the Rumble match at some point and Rey Mysterio has already been confirmed, so Kofi should have two allies to play off of. It will be interesting to see if Kofi interacts at all with fellow Caribbean superstar Carlito during the match.
The Brian Kendrick
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Triple H
Potential Enemies: R-Truth, Carlito
Potential Allies: MVP
Former Allies: MVP
Analysis: The Brian Kendrick makes his Royal Rumble debut after finally escaping life as a tag team specialist. Kendrick’s former partner Paul London made one appearance in a Royal Rumble back in 2005, one that ended very painfully at the hands of Snitsky. Kendrick would certainly hope to have a better end to his night. Kendrick has quite a few things working in his favor. He has speed and should have an easier time avoiding confrontation. He can go high risk if need be, but has the attitude to temper those chances. He has good wrestling acumen, picked up at Shawn Michaels’ wrestling academy as well as wrestling in Japan and in ROH. His stint in ROH should also have helped prepare him for competing in longer matches. No doubt Kendrick’s biggest asset though is big Ezekiel Jackson. As of now Zeke has not been entered into the match himself which pretty much means he can do whatever he wants. He can get in the ring and do Kendrick’s work for him, or he could be there to catch Kendrick should someone throw him over the top rope. Of all the non-former World Champions in this match Brian Kendrick may have the most complete overall package needed to win this match.
Carlito
Rumble Experience: 2006, 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Jack Swagger
Potential Enemies: The Brian Kendrick, John Morrison, The Miz, Triple H, Shelton Benjamin
Potential Allies: CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes
Former Allies: Santino Marella, Chris Jericho, The Great Khali
Analysis: In Carlito’s three Royal Rumble appearances he has managed to make it to the latter portion of the match only to be one of a flurry of eliminations. In 2006 he was taken out by a revenge-seeking RVD, in 2007 he was probably the most entertaining elimination by The Great Khali, and in 2008 he was one of the agog superstars taken out by the returning John Cena. A word of advice to Carlito: advoid any returning superstars or giant Indians that like kissing fat women. It’s puzzling that as of this writing Carlito’s brother and fellow WWE Tag Team Champion Primo has not been added to this match. Carlito has had a bit of a career resurgence after getting into tag team action with his brother, will he be able to fend for himself if he ends up going it alone? An interesting scenario could see Carlito team with The Legacy as he is also a second generation superstar. The Legacy has proven to be a bit more exclusive than initially thought, but for the short term that could still be a viable option.
The Miz
Rumble Experience: 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Matt Hardy
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Kane, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, Carlito, CM Punk, Finlay
Potential Allies: John Morrison
Former Allies: none
Analysis: The Miz gets a lot of unwarranted criticism, and a showcase in the Royal Rumble could be just what the doctor ordered. While his tag team with John Morrison has gained most everybody’s respect, as singles superstars The Miz is always the overlooked one of the two. The Royal Rumble has not been very kind to The Miz either. In 2007 he was eliminated in near record time by The Great Khali, and last year was the only superstar eliminated by Hornswoggle. One would imagine that The Miz would like nothing more than to erase those two memories with a strong performance in 2009 Rumble. While I wouldn’t predict a victory for The Miz, a big elimination to make everyone take notice (perhaps some revenge on the beating he took from Kane a few weeks ago) might very well happen.
Unconfirmed
The Great Khali
Rumble Experience: 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Big Show, Edge, Jack Swagger, Umaga
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Undertaker, Big Show, Kane, MVP
Potential Allies: Rey Mysterio
Former Allies: Carlito
Analysis: Khali’s Rumble history is a tale of two matches. In 2007 he was an absolute monster, laying waste to a bevy of superstars and eliminating them one by one. The only thing that could stop him was Undertaker. In 2008 he was stopped by the Undertaker yet again, but after much less fanfare. Khali was an early entrant and also a quick elimination. Perhaps it was the nagging Madison Square Garden crowd that through Khali off his game. Despite Khali’s new fan friendly approach I would not expect this year’s Detroit crowd to be much more welcoming. Khali has the size and power to win this match, the question is whether he will have the focus. If the “Punjabi Nightmare” enters the ring then 29 other superstars might have a long night ahead of them; perhaps not so much if we see the “Punjabi Playboy.”
CM Punk
Rumble Experience: 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, Edge, Chris Jericho, Jack Swagger
Potential Enemies: Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, John Morrison, The Miz, Shelton Benjamin, The Brian Kendrick, William Regal, Mike Knox
Potential Allies: Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, MVP, Carlito
Former Allies: Kane
Analysis: CM Punk was a last minute addition to last year’s Rumble as well, so don’t be surprised to see the “Straight-Edge Superstar” end up in the match. We’ll find out tonight if he enters the match as Intercontinental Champion or not. Punk could make history by becoming the first man to ever win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match AND win the Royal Rumble. Punk would love the opportunity to prove that his World Title run was no fluke and a victory over 29 superstars would be a huge step in the right direction. The question is whether or not this rivalry with William Regal has taken too much out of him. Last year he entered the Rumble fresh off a No DQ loss to Chavo Guerrero and that seemingly through him off his game. Should William Regal also be entered into the match is it possible we see a repeat this year?
William Regal
Rumble Experience: 2001
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Matt Hardy, CM Punk
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Santino Marella, CM Punk, Finlay
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: Finlay, Triple H
Analysis: Regardless of whether Punk is IC Champion or not I think we will see him in the Rumble. William Regal’s Rumble participation may hinge on whether or not he retains his championship tonight. Despite being in WWE for almost nine years William Regal has only competed in one Royal Rumble Match and his participation served more of a purpose to continue his European Title feud with Test more than anything. This past year Regal has regained much of his credibility, having a strong run as General Manager of Raw, winning the King of the Ring tournament, and ending Santino Marella’s quest to break the Honky Tonk Man’s Intercontinental Title record. Regal would love to add Royal Rumble winner to his list of accomplishments. The current IC Champion brings experience and ring savvy to this match that is probably unrivaled (except perhaps for Finlay). If Regal is to win this match it will be because of cunning, not because of brutality.
Mike Knox
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Triple H, Matt Hardy
Potential Enemies: Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, Finlay
Potential Allies: Kane
Former Allies: none
Analysis: After turning into a whipping boy of sorts on ECW, Knox has blossomed as a bruising monster on Raw, demolishing the likes of Rey Mysterio, Evan Bourne, and Kofi Kingston. As you can see by that list, though, Knox has only really targeted smaller superstars. When he did have some interaction with a superstar closer to his size a few weeks ago (John Cena) he did not fair as well. Unfortunately for Mr. Knox the Royal Rumble is not full of small superstars. Knox is going to have to contend with wrestlers of all shapes, sizes, and ability levels. This could be a true test to see if Knox is truly ready to play with the big boys.
Finlay
Rumble Experience: 2007, 2008
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Jack Swagger
Potential Enemies: John Morrison, The Miz, Kane, William Regal, Mike Knox
Potential Allies: The Great Khali,
Former Allies: William Regal
Analysis: Much like The Great Khali, Finlay’s Royal Rumble experience is a tale of two years. In 2007 Finlay lasted almost a half hour after starting the match at No. 2, ultimately being eliminated by that year’s runner-up Shawn Michaels. Last year Finlay did not even have an official entry into the match as he jumped his start time in order to save his son Hornswoggle from an attack and was disqualified. Just like Regal, Finlay brings experience and toughness with him to this match and he has the smarts to make it far. With Hornswoggle presumably not being entered into this year’s match Finlay should be able to focus on the task at hand and that is winning the Rumble and finally claiming a World Championship.
MVP
Rumble Experience: 2007
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Edge, Jeff Hardy, Big Show, Triple H, John Cena, Matt Hardy, Jack Swagger
Potential Enemies: Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, R-Truth, The Great Khali
Potential Allies: Triple H, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk
Former Allies: Shelton Benjamin, The Brian Kendrick
Analysis: After MVP’s 22-week losing streak I was not sure that he would find a way into the Rumble. Following his Last Man Standing Match victory over Big Show this past Friday night on SmackDown it would sure seem like MVP should gain entry. A good performance in the Rumble could be just what MVP needs to get back into his winning ways. In his one Rumble appearance he did quite well for himself, making it to the Final Five participants. The Big Show win should be a big morale booster for the “Ballin’ Superstar” and that may not be the last win MVP gets this month.
There you have it, all the confirmed superstars and those that I feel comfortable enough stating they’ll be there. There are still a few spots to be filled and a few names that could fill them. It would make sense for Primo to join his brother in the match and with Tommy Dreamer’s rededication to chasing the ECW Title he might find his way in the match. Mark Henry is probably the most noticeably absent name from this list, but I still think he has a good shot at being added to the ECW Championship Match. Hurricane Helms, Chavo Guerrero, Dolph Ziggler, DJ Gabriel, Ricky Ortiz, The Boogeyman, the members of Cryme Tyme, or the returning Umaga could all also fit in the match if need be.
Royal Rumble Trends Predictor
Every year there are certain things that happen in the Royal Rumble Match. Here I will try and predict who will fill out these trends during the 2009 Royal Rumble.
2009 Prediction: If Shawn Michaels was in this match I’d say him and John Morrison, or maybe a DX showdown between him and Triple H. I think I’ll still stick with his partner for this one and match him up against Mike Knox.
2009 Prediction: Randy Orton, Mr. Kennedy, Chris Jericho, Undertaker
:2009 Prediction: Santino Marella
2009 Prediction: Triple H
2009 Prediction: John Morrison & The Miz
2009 Prediction: I’m thinking it will probably be whoever takes out Triple H. Let’s say Big Show eliminates Triple H after he’s already been taken out.
2009 Prediction: I called it last year with Hornswoggle taking care of The Miz. Honestly I think this is one trend we might not see this year. If I have to pick I’ll give MVP the nod to eliminate someone, maybe Big Show.
2009 Prediction: Big Show and The Great Khali, although I wouldn’t be surprised if Umaga makes his return during this match.
This is another one I’ll try a second time.
2009 Prediction: Santino Marella
2009 Prediction: Mike Knox, Big Show, Chris Jericho
Another accurate prediction last year as I picked the recently released Hardcore Holly.
2009 Prediction: William Regal
2009 Prediction: Shelton Benjamin
2009 Prediction: Kofi Kingston
2009 Prediction: John Morrison
And there is your Royal Rumble preview and cheat sheet. I hope it helped you get sufficiently hyped for the Rumble. The road to the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania starts this Sunday in Detroit!
The Shimmy Likes it Raw!
What’s on tap for tonight’s last Raw before the Rumble?
Well that does it for this week’s column, I hope you all enjoyed it. Enjoy the Rumble, everybody. Until next week, don’t die. Clark…out.
