WWE Royal Rumble 2011

[PhoenixFire]

Royal Rumble 2011 is fast approaching with less than a week ahead. This year it's going to be 40 participants. So who is your pick for the Royal Rumble winner?

My pick is Triple H...(yes, I know I have a Sheamus avatar)

[The Darkstone]

1. I am going to be at work during the rumble and that makes me disgustingly sad.

2. Christian is going to win it.

[coyotejack]

Having a gathering over to watch the Rumble. We always do "Official Scoring" with our picks for who will win what matches. For the Rumble we pick four people (in order from first to fourth). You get one point for every one of your four that are in the final four of the Rumble, 4 points if your number one pick wins, 3 points if your number two pick wins, etc...

As for my picks...not sure yet. Alberto Del Rio will be in there (not sure what position) for me for certain though.

[zyxba]

My guess- Wade Barrett, so that he is solidified at the top of the card

2nd choice- Sheamus, setting up for Triple H to win a title at Elimination Chamber

Dark Horse- Morrison, for the Miz-Morrison feud

[viciousbuddha]

I'm still not 100% behind the idea of adding 10 more guys to make it 40. With 40 guys we'll see more people who don't deserve to be in the match than usual. Sure the Rumble always has a handful of 'WTF is that dude doing in there!?' but this year will be more so.

Anyway my predictions -

* Both Del Rio and Morrison make a great showing to further their current pushes.
* I suspect Kane will set another record as he eliminated even more people than he did in '01 (11)
* I actually think Jack Swagger will also make a great showing as he reminds me of a young Kurt Angle
* Triple H will no doubt return at this and he and Shemus will probably eliminate each other. Not sure that he would be the right choice to win as we've had several 'returning from injury and winning' in the last few rumbles (edge & cena)
* I expect the nexus & the core to met up and have a big brawl.
* I'm predicting now that Daniel Bryan will last the longest of anyone this year, but not to win it.

who will win? I really don't know but if I had to pick a top three I'd like to see win it would be -

* CM Punk - he stole the show last year with his mic work during the rumble and I've been a fan of his since his days of Ring Of Honor.
* Wade Barrett - solid worker who looks ready to get a bigger push.
* Morrison - Really coming into his own and he's really done well with his fued with Sheamus and Miz.

speaking of Miz I expect him to retain the belt all the way to Wrestlemania.
Edge will probably drop his title at the elimination chamber as I don't see Ziggler as a top guy at this second.

[JDub]

I think they made the Rumble 40 this year because just with the Nexus and the Core that's what 10 guys? That would be 1/3 of the Rumble just for them. It was a good move in the end, even though it destroys so much history of it just being the 30.

I hope Del Rio wins but doubt it will happen. Don't think they will want him to main event WM quite yet. I'm going to take a crazy guess here and say Jericho comes back and wins and fights Orton at WM.

[Arsenalroy2k]

It'll enrage people, but I'm going to guess Cena.

[briscoe]

cena will manage.

it will probaly be cena vs the nexus being left in the ring at the end and cena getting them all over the rope.

[PhoenixFire]

I think they made the Rumble 40 this year because just with the Nexus and the Core that's what 10 guys? That would be 1/3 of the Rumble just for them. It was a good move in the end, even though it destroys so much history of it just being the 30.

I hope Del Rio wins but doubt it will happen. Don't think they will want him to main event WM quite yet. I'm going to take a crazy guess here and say Jericho comes back and wins and fights Orton at WM.

Yeah, with the NXT roster overload this was more than likely the reason. Not against it though. I don't mind a change once in a while as long as it isn't permanent.

It'll enrage people, but I'm going to guess Cena.

Not a Cena fan but looks like he might win it as well. Perhaps Punk will win the belt at Elimination Chamber leading into a Cena/Punk match for Wrestlemania.

Undertaker is another possible candidate to win the Royal Rumble. With Wrestlemania nearing, his streak will be on the line again. Plus, he still has unfinished business to take care of in regards to Kane who can easily get the belt back before then.

[Bubblehead]

Don't think Undertaker is due back UNTIL WM. Saw a promo for HHH's movie "The Chaperone". So he'll be back (probably Rumble for promoting it) but I don't think he'll win. He admitted publically he doesn't need the title right now to be over. Probably top 3.


Final 6: Morrison, Del Rio, Punk, Cena, Sheamus, HHH

Corre and Nexus will eliminate each other. I also see Cena not winning it this time around. Morrison to be the Dark Horse winner that no one sees coming.

I hope to God it's not Cena (but it probably will be).

[Arsenalroy2k]

Perhaps Punk will win the belt at Elimination Chamber leading into a Cena/Punk match for Wrestlemania.

Nah, I think they're going to have Cena vs. Miz at Wrestlemania. They're sowing the seeds for it now, and I think they're going to segue from Cena feuding with the NexSES to him between the Rumble and the Chamber.

At Wrestlemania, I see a Nexus/Corre match going down.

[coyotejack]

* I'm predicting now that Daniel Bryan will last the longest of anyone this year, but not to win it.

It's funny. A friend of mine came over to watch Raw and this is almost EXACTLY what we agreed on/hoped. I want to see him have a great showing and would love it if he lasted the longest.

[PhoenixFire]

Nah, I think they're going to have Cena vs. Miz at Wrestlemania. They're sowing the seeds for it now, and I think they're going to segue from Cena feuding with the NexSES to him between the Rumble and the Chamber.

At Wrestlemania, I see a Nexus/Corre match going down.

Cena vs. Miz? I didn't catch any sarcasm there so I am thinking you are serious, which I believe would be horrible for a Wrestlemania title match...The Miz isn't main event material and only got the belt cause of Money in the Bank...once he loses it and his rematch he will fade off like Jack Swagger...I foresee perhaps Cena/Punk duking it out either for a title or just to beat the hell out of each other...not really sure who will have it for Smackdown...Elimination Chamber proclaimed two new champs last year so there are a few possiblities...

[The Darkstone]

Miz?

Fade out?

Swagger was killed by terrible booking and never getting over with the crowd. The Miz gets amazing heat and is a boss on the mic. Miz is main event material, there is absolutely no question that the Miz is here to stay.

[michiganj24]

And his Lisp. Hard to take Elmer Fudd seriously as a heel
Miz?

Fade out?

Swagger was killed by terrible booking and never getting over with the crowd. The Miz gets amazing heat and is a boss on the mic. Miz is main event material, there is absolutely no question that the Miz is here to stay.

You got to realize the epic matches of year past are slowly fading as the true established main eventers (Orton, HHH< Cena and Edge) have fought each other so much
This year it almost needs to be about getting youth over...Even if they lose
I can see this as the 4 main events
HHH/Sheamus
Edge/Alberto Del Rio
Miz/Cena
Taker/Wade

Not sure where Orton fits in but he could sub for Alberto. After all guys like HHH, Taker and Edge have maybe 1-2 years left tops and even that will be sporadic
Cena vs. Miz? I didn't catch any sarcasm there so I am thinking you are serious, which I believe would be horrible for a Wrestlemania title match...The Miz isn't main event material and only got the belt cause of Money in the Bank...once he loses it and his rematch he will fade off like Jack Swagger...I foresee perhaps Cena/Punk duking it out either for a title or just to beat the hell out of each other...not really sure who will have it for Smackdown...Elimination Chamber proclaimed two new champs last year so there are a few possiblities...

[Arsenalroy2k]

Cena vs. Miz?

Yes, Cena vs. Miz.

Whether you like him or not, the company is pushing Miz harder than any other heel upper-midcarder/main eventer in the last several years. Even harder than they've pushed Swagger, Sheamus, Barrett, Ziggler, Rhodes and Del Rio combined. I might even go so far as to say they've pushed Miz harder as a than Punk, which is quite a feat.

So it's not implausible that the WWE would put their top heel in a match against their top face.

[Bubblehead]

The only argument against Cena is that it's sooooooooooo obvious. Anybody could see that coming a mile away.


That would be (for me) the only disappointing booking.


And Triple H- final 3. He's got a movie coming out. #40 entrant since usually they make a big deal about who's going to be out last.

[PhoenixFire]

Miz?

Fade out?

Swagger was killed by terrible booking and never getting over with the crowd. The Miz gets amazing heat and is a boss on the mic. Miz is main event material, there is absolutely no question that the Miz is here to stay.

Swagger lost appeal. He had plenty of booking and air time on Smackdown. Once the storyline with Kane started developing he went off on his way fighting mid carders where he's likely to stay for a long time considering how Edge tossed him out with fair ease the other night.

Yes, Cena vs. Miz.

Whether you like him or not, the company is pushing Miz harder than any other heel upper-midcarder/main eventer in the last several years. Even harder than they've pushed Swagger, Sheamus, Barrett, Ziggler, Rhodes and Del Rio combined. I might even go so far as to say they've pushed Miz harder as a than Punk, which is quite a feat.

So it's not implausible that the WWE would put their top heel in a match against their top face.

We been watching the same show here? Miz only got the belt because he won Money in the Bank. It was that alone that got him into the main event spotlight and the only reason he has kept the belt this long is because of his little friend Alex Riley who has interfered in almost every single match he has had since Alex joined him. I admit he is golden on the mic but when it comes to holding his own against the WWE's top talent. He doesn't hold a candle to them....at least not yet.

As far as pushing goes Miz falls behind the pack as well. Sheamus has gotten the biggest push out of all the heels since his big break last year. He has already won the WWE World belt on two different occasions. For being there such a short time; Sheamus has already feuded with the best RAW has to offer. Triple H, Cena, Orton, and Morrison. He has no allies whatsoever in WWE yet he holds his own against everyone he comes across and win/lose he never makes it easy for anyone. I call that a huge push for someone far beyond what the Miz has done. Plus Sheamus won the revived King of the Ring tournament in November. More than likely 2011 is going to be another big year for him and I wouldn't be surprised if he has the belt come Wrestlemania.

I would give the second heel push to Wade Barrett. Fresh out as the first NXT winner, the guy has done a great job in and out of the ring. He led Nexus for most of 2010 and had more mic time than any other heel with the exception of Punk. He pushed Cena to his limits in Hell in a Cell especially when he kicked out of the Attitude Adjustment. I can go on about this guy but I think I've made my point.

[Arsenalroy2k]

As far as pushing goes Miz falls behind the pack as well.

Not really. In the span of a little over a year, Miz went from being US and Tag champ to world title contender as Mr. Money in the Bank to WWE Champion. That is a pretty rapid ascent. Then after Miz won, WWE put him on a publicity tour as their new champion.

Now you can say Swagger and Sheamus got fast pushes up the card as well, but after that, company support only seemed to go so far. Did the WWE send Sheamus on a press junket after he won? No. Swagger? Absolutely not.

Frankly, Miz is getting the kind of publicity I've only seen Cena and HHH get. And that's why I'll be shocked if they decide to have him drop that title before Wrestlemania. After that, it's anybody's ball game, but until then...

[The Darkstone]

In terms of Sheamus,

He gotten a mega push but right now he is malingering a bit. Can you really say that the Sheamus-Morrison feud helped Sheamus in terms of credibility? Nah, in that case, Sheamus was being used to help Morrison get over.

[coyotejack]

Not really. In the span of a little over a year, Miz went from being US and Tag champ to world title contender as Mr. Money in the Bank to WWE Champion. That is a pretty rapid ascent. Then after Miz won, WWE put him on a publicity tour as their new champion.

Now you can say Swagger and Sheamus got fast pushes up the card as well, but after that, company support only seemed to go so far. Did the WWE send Sheamus on a press junket after he won? No. Swagger? Absolutely not.

Frankly, Miz is getting the kind of publicity I've only seen Cena and HHH get. And that's why I'll be shocked if they decide to have him drop that title before Wrestlemania. After that, it's anybody's ball game, but until then...

I agree. Another little note: Miz worked more matches than any one else on the roster in 2010!

I've been more impressed lately than I have in a loooong time with some of the "hungry, new" guys that have been stepping up. Miz, Morrison, Danielson, Del Rio, Ziggler (to name a few) have been busting their humps lately.

[JDub]

We been watching the same show here? Miz only got the belt because he won Money in the Bank. It was that alone that got him into the main event spotlight and the only reason he has kept the belt this long is because of his little friend Alex Riley who has interfered in almost every single match he has had since Alex joined him. I admit he is golden on the mic but when it comes to holding his own against the WWE's top talent. He doesn't hold a candle to them....at least not yet.

And that is the point of Money in the Bank, to give guys who aren't quite credible as main eventers a push to become just that. What was Edge before he won MitB and beat Cena for the title? A 6 or 7 year mid-carder who was good on the mic and mostly know for his tag team glory days. RVD had a few title shots but was never thought of being someone who WWE would let win the belt. He won his first championship with MitB. And having Riley interfere? That's called typical heel. Just two years ago when Orton was heel and had the belt about half of his PPV title defenses ended up in some kind of DQ or something so he could keep the belt. And he was a credible top main eventer at the time. Edge had Lita and Vicky help him in his matches, heck he even "slept with the boss" to get advantages of title shots etc. What Miz is doing isn't anything different then the thousands of heel champions have done before him.

As far as pushing goes Miz falls behind the pack as well. Sheamus has gotten the biggest push out of all the heels since his big break last year. He has already won the WWE World belt on two different occasions. For being there such a short time; Sheamus has already feuded with the best RAW has to offer. Triple H, Cena, Orton, and Morrison. He has no allies whatsoever in WWE yet he holds his own against everyone he comes across and win/lose he never makes it easy for anyone. I call that a huge push for someone far beyond what the Miz has done. Plus Sheamus won the revived King of the Ring tournament in November. More than likely 2011 is going to be another big year for him and I wouldn't be surprised if he has the belt come Wrestlemania.

I would give the second heel push to Wade Barrett. Fresh out as the first NXT winner, the guy has done a great job in and out of the ring. He led Nexus for most of 2010 and had more mic time than any other heel with the exception of Punk. He pushed Cena to his limits in Hell in a Cell especially when he kicked out of the Attitude Adjustment. I can go on about this guy but I think I've made my point.

I'll agree with you on the point that Sheamus has had one of the bigger pushes lately. He was a nobody that came out of nowhere and won the title within a year. Miz has been around for awhile and wasn't too far off from being a champ. Barret hasn't won a belt yet but even his push was more about the Nexus as a group then just about him. I mean he didn't take down Cena on his own. But Sheamus not having any allies, that's because he is a "monster". They build him up to be this monster who just destroys people, it's not like the Orton's who have to cheat and the Miz's who use their cronies to help them. It's just a different type of heel. It would look stupid to build this guy up as a monster and have him need all this outside help just to help the guy win a match.

Also Miz's push isn't to surprising to me, in fact I don't know why it didn't come sooner. He use to be on MTV a lot and that's something that the WWE loves to exploit. When he won the belt I seen articles all over the internet about "ex-Real World star wins WWE Title". Like I said I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner.

[PhoenixFire]

Not really. In the span of a little over a year, Miz went from being US and Tag champ to world title contender as Mr. Money in the Bank to WWE Champion. That is a pretty rapid ascent. Then after Miz won, WWE put him on a publicity tour as their new champion.

Now you can say Swagger and Sheamus got fast pushes up the card as well, but after that, company support only seemed to go so far. Did the WWE send Sheamus on a press junket after he won? No. Swagger? Absolutely not.

Frankly, Miz is getting the kind of publicity I've only seen Cena and HHH get. And that's why I'll be shocked if they decide to have him drop that title before Wrestlemania. After that, it's anybody's ball game, but until then...

Of course Miz is a perfect choice for publicity and press. He is a young guy with lots of charisma that can work over a crowd whichever way he wants and he is used to being face up in the camera. Sheamus and Swagger aren't as big on the mic and personality skills so it's not a surprise that they didn't get picked for the tours.

In terms of Sheamus,

He gotten a mega push but right now he is malingering a bit. Can you really say that the Sheamus-Morrison feud helped Sheamus in terms of credibility? Nah, in that case, Sheamus was being used to help Morrison get over.

Sheamus was used as a ladder to give Morrison a boost. Orton did it with Kofi, Jericho did it with Wade, and Triple H did it with Sheamus. So Sheamus being used to give Morrison higher props means that Sheamus in his own had lots of credibility to begin with.

[The Darkstone]

Orton did it with Kofi?

Heck bro, didn't he get Vince to stop his push?

[Arsenalroy2k]

Of course Miz is a perfect choice for publicity and press. He is a young guy with lots of charisma that can work over a crowd whichever way he wants and he is used to being face up in the camera.

Right. So this is why I'm convinced we're going to see Cena vs. Miz. The WWE puts their highest profile face against their highest profile heel at the biggest PPV of the year.

All the while Nexus face The Corre, HHH goes after Sheamus, Taker after Kane (health permitting), the Smackdown title match could go any number of ways, Randy finds someone for him to feud with and so on.

[michiganj24]

Yes and because of that Vince will run with it. Basically outside of Cena he is the best person they can have and especially if they want to push the media before Mania better to have him then Orton even


As to the others I am sorry orton did not give Kofi a push as right after he went right back down. Heck HHH barely gave Sheamus one and that was only by letting him put him out
Sheamu's push came through Cena
Of course Miz is a perfect choice for publicity and press. He is a young guy with lots of charisma that can work over a crowd whichever way he wants and he is used to being face up in the camera. Sheamus and Swagger aren't as big on the mic and personality skills so it's not a surprise that they didn't get picked for the tours.



Sheamus was used as a ladder to give Morrison a boost. Orton did it with Kofi, Jericho did it with Wade, and Triple H did it with Sheamus. So Sheamus being used to give Morrison higher props means that Sheamus in his own had lots of credibility to begin with.

[The Darkstone]

hmm.... I mostly agree with you Michigan.

In terms of Sheamus, he got the opportunity to run with the title by taking Cena down but eliminating HHH solidified him in the main event scene.

[KO Bossy]

Just thought I'd chime in. I really hope Cena doesn't win because I'm really sick of him. He used to have such a good gimmick, rapping his own entrance, and then when he got pushed into the spotlight, he became really annoying. Everything interesting about him died. The audience tends to agree because half of them boo for Cena when he comes out.

While I don't deny that the Miz has gotten better in the ring, I really hate him as well. I just find him incredibly irritating. Not entertaining at all, every time I see him I cringe.

I can see Alberto Del Rio doing well, he's been getting a nice push lately. CM Punk is a great talent, so I'd like to see him win. Shame Jericho isn't around right now. Orton wouldn't be a bad choice either. I'm just sick of seeing Cena getting the spotlight so much.

[The Darkstone]

Honestly, I am sick of Orton and Cena. Alberto Del Rio would actually be awesome to see win.

[KO Bossy]

Anyone here listen to a show based here in Toronto called Live Audio Wrestling? That's where I get my wrestling info. Its a radio program that airs Sunday nights at 11 pm EST, but you can listen to any of their episodes afterward anyway. Check it out, its great. Amazing stuff.

[zyxba]

Big surprises for the Rumble!

Apparently Kevin Nash and Booker T are going to be in the Rumble.

[vamroc]

Big surprises for the Rumble!

Apparently Kevin Nash and Booker T are going to be in the Rumble.

I'm surprised at
A) Nash finally found the one brain cell he had left and B) deciding to use it to leave Totally NOT watchable Action

[mike_houghton]

I got Wade Barrett winning tonight

[NeoShazam]

RoH Awesomeness to start the Rumble : Cm Punk #1 and Bryan Danielson # 2.

[KO Bossy]

Could Punk possibly pull a Michaels/Benoit and win it starting at #1?

Regardless, its obvious why they put those 2 in to start. They're amazing young talent who have the stamina to last a while, all the time putting on a good show. The older guys, like an Undertaker, will come in later on. Not saying 'Taker will come in, but that type of wrestler. Triple H may come in near the end and continue his Sheamus feud right into Mania. But I'd love to see Punk win it. Or Del Rio. Anyone but Cena.

[mike_houghton]

Punk and the Nexus was awesome sauce. I didnt mind Hornswoggle and Cena either

[mike_houghton]

Really lol? I thought Santana had that for a minute.
Best line of the Night
Both Timberlands have to hit the floor.

[KO Bossy]

Just heard the news about who won. I'm glad it was him, because it was someone who deserved it. He's been getting a great push lately, he's talented and it wasn't Cena. Good job, WWE.

It was Alberto Del Rio, one of my predictions!

[NeoShazam]

Enjoyed the rumble. Thought Cena and Orton tossed people out a little too quickly but other than that good stuff, especially seeing

Booker T

[KO Bossy]

Quite surprised Triple H didn't come back tonight. I think that if he at least interfered and caused Sheamus to be eliminated that it'd set them up for Mania. But then again there is still time.

Also, apparently CM Punk interfering with Randy Orton might set them up for Mania too. That would be a great program.

And of course, it seems we're still gonna see Miz and Cena at Mania. Man I'm sick of Cena.

[JackAssterson]

Listening to the winner's theme non-stop.

'Tis a good day.

[The Darkstone]

I was surprised Triple H, Christian and Evan Bourne did not come back.

[Grinner]

As the show is ending, my daughter looks over at me and says, "Really? Rocky del Horror wins? Listen to the wave of apathy flow through the crowd."

To which my son replied, "Hear the non-roar of indifference."

I can appreciate one of the new guys winning. But really, the crowd was completely dead. The only reaction from the first time his music started was when Santino came back in.

[coyotejack]

I was surprised Triple H, Christian and Evan Bourne did not come back.

I'm thinking the reason they were not included in the Rumble is due to everyone expecting them to return.

I enjoyed the Rumble, lots o' fun. REALLY happy with Del Rio winning!

One thing that really jerked my frog though was the Diva's match. Eve?!? Really? REALLY?! REALLY?!? She comes out and the crowd goes mild. She won and no one cared to cheer OR boo. I'm hoping the logic behind this is so they can just feed her to Awesome Kong to set up a Kong/Natty feud for the belt.

[Grinner]

I did love Morrison's save, though. Great moment :grin:

[PhoenixFire]

Aside a few absences, I'm glad it turned out with Del Rio as the winner.....Great to see Booker and Nash in WWE again even if it was for one night...highlights for me were Morrison's spider cling and Sheamus' big boot bicycle kick to Hornswoggle :laugh:

[Grinner]

One thing I was disappointed by - with 40 people in the match we had just 2 surprise entrants.

[PhoenixFire]

One thing I was disappointed by - with 40 people in the match we had just 2 surprise entrants.

Wasn't Hornswoggle considered a surprise?

[michiganj24]

Just a little bit
Wasn't Hornswoggle considered a surprise?

[The Darkstone]

Great Khali was a surprise return as well.

[Thawmus]

I was mostly upset to find that it had been raised by 10 competitors simply so they could waste time with a stupid cult story, and a midget team-up.

[michiganj24]

Hornswggle only got in due to someone getting injured and unable to compete (Hacksaw Jim Duggan)
I was mostly upset to find that it had been raised by 10 competitors simply so they could waste time with a stupid cult story, and a midget team-up.

[JackAssterson]

"We're going to stick together and give OURSELVES the damn Diesel push" was awesome. I wasn't thrilled with how it ended, but what was there was a little slice of great.

Really, you'd think people would have done that by now.

[mike_houghton]

I loved that they stuck together, but there were a few times when a big name got in (Cena, Booker) that they didnt just jump on them, they tried to take them one on one. That seemed kind ehh to me. I would have liked it better if someone would have waited for back up... just walk around the ring and antagonize the Nexus or something.

[Grinner]

Wasn't Hornswoggle considered a surprise?
Great Khali was a surprise return as well.

I was thinking more along the lines of "guest star" surprise. Someone who is on the roster doesn't usually get a "surprise" moment for me unless it's like a couple of years ago when Cena came back from injury three months earlier than expected.

I would have liked it better if someone would have waited for back up... just walk around the ring and antagonize the Nexus or something.

We were saying something similar while we were watching the show. "Don't run! Walk down there slowly, you idiot!"

[vamroc]

Aside a few absences, I'm glad it turned out with Del Rio as the winner.....Great to see Booker and Nash in WWE again even if it was for one night...highlights for me were Morrison's spider cling and Sheamus' big boot bicycle kick to Hornswoggle :laugh:

Nothing ever happens once look for Cash to show up on Raw & Bitter T to do Smackdown maybe have Cash be revealed as Raw's mysterious General Manager. Bitter T will likely be used as Vickie Guerrero's latest pawn against Edge.

[spike1138]

maybe have Cash be revealed as Raw's mysterious General Manager.

I've always had a theory that Triple H was the General Manager but it won't be revealed until Wrestlemania.

[JackAssterson]

I've always had a theory that Triple H was the General Manager but it won't be revealed until Wrestlemania.

My theory has been that it's Cole.

IT WAS ME, AUSTIN!

IT WAS ME ALL ALOOOOONG!

[KO Bossy]

My theory has been that it's Cole.

IT WAS ME, AUSTIN!

IT WAS ME ALL ALOOOOONG!

YOU ALL BOUGHT IT! EVEN MY FAMILY! EVEN MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY BOUGHT IT!

God Michael Cole is such a crap commentator. Please bring back Good Old JR.

The Hornswoggle thing with Cena was just so stupid. Honestly how can anyone take Nexus seriously when Cena runs in and takes them all out, some of them within seconds? If anything you should have had Punk or one of the other guys (Gabriel, Slater, etc) throw him out to at least show that they're really a force to be reckoned with, especially considering the history. It was the same as how Nexus got buried at Summerslam by losing to the WWE. Had they won, the angle could have continued longer because everyone would have realized that they were a real threat. But no, instead, they lost and that killed it pretty much.

And Hornswoggle in general really needs to be killed off. He contributes nothing except some low brow comedy that isn't funny, but really stale and irritating.

Since the Main Event Mafia returning angle has been pretty much destroyed in TNA, what with Nash and Booker showing up last night, anyone think that it might be a cool idea if for Mania, they hired Sting to fight Taker? I mean they both have that sorta darkness thing going on, and the old school fans would be ####ting themselves since Sting has never been in the WWE before. They're both well known, although Sting not as well with the newer fans. Just imagine Taker showing up and suddenly, the arena goes black, and then a spotlight hits the rafters, and Sting is lowered down. Then again, after the Owen Hart problem, they MAY not do that again. Still, it'd be cool.

[PhoenixFire]

Great Khali was a surprise return as well.

Yeah wasn't expecting him either...the reaction from Punk was priceless :grin:

I was thinking more along the lines of "guest star" surprise. Someone who is on the roster doesn't usually get a "surprise" moment for me unless it's like a couple of years ago when Cena came back from injury three months earlier than expected.



We were saying something similar while we were watching the show. "Don't run! Walk down there slowly, you idiot!"

We were shouting the same thing....we found it humorous that a few times when someone entered the ring CM got a knee/boot to the face instantly.

Nothing ever happens once look for Cash to show up on Raw & Bitter T to do Smackdown maybe have Cash be revealed as Raw's mysterious General Manager. Bitter T will likely be used as Vickie Guerrero's latest pawn against Edge.

They were booked for just the Rumble appearance...but from the fans reactions and cheers that might change. I know Nash was suppose to be at Wizard World New Orleans but canceled and I believe Booker canceled as well...so I'm glad I didn't make plans to attend...that would have sucked. :cry:

[unsung hero]

I'm not upset that Alberto Del Rio won. He is very talented and a 2nd gen wrestler (heck, he was in the olympics!). I think it was given to Alberto so he wouldn't have to compete in the Elimination Chamber. I see Kane winning (Smackdown's) Elim Chamber and win the title so he be challenged by Taker at Mania.

I was more shocked by the audience chanting for Nash and the fact that he died his hair more than the fact that he was at the Rumble....

[KO Bossy]

I'm not upset that Alberto Del Rio won. He is very talented and a 2nd gen wrestler (heck, he was in the olympics!). I think it was given to Alberto so he wouldn't have to compete in the Elimination Chamber. I see Kane winning (Smackdown's) Elim Chamber and win the title so he be challenged by Taker at Mania.

I was more shocked by the audience chanting for Nash and the fact that he died his hair more than the fact that he was at the Rumble....

Yeah, that'd be only the...third time its happened. Seriously, I hope they don't do that.

It was quite amusing that Nash got so many chants, and yet when Cena and Orton stared down those few times, no one could have cared less.

[The Darkstone]

I won't lie.

I was getting angry watching the Cena-Orton stare down. I was belligerently cheering for Del Rio or Barret to win. No lie, I marked out when Miz interfered.

[michiganj24]

Have you never watched a ninja movie. That is standard protocol
I loved that they stuck together, but there were a few times when a big name got in (Cena, Booker) that they didnt just jump on them, they tried to take them one on one. That seemed kind ehh to me. I would have liked it better if someone would have waited for back up... just walk around the ring and antagonize the Nexus or something.



He also contributes a sizable chunk in merchandising. From what I hear he's only behind Cena, Dx and Rey as far as merchandise sales


And Hornswoggle in general really needs to be killed off. He contributes nothing except some low brow comedy that isn't funny, but really stale and irritating.

[Arsenalroy2k]

I just finished watching the PPV, and while it had a few cute and some shocking moments, but overall, it was a disappointment.

I'm a big fan of the Rumble in the sense that I love a match that has with lots and lots of people in the ring simultaneously. So I'm not fond of the sparse numbers that were in the ring this year, let alone the times when the ring was cleared. And I say that as a fan of Punk. I liked seeing him dominate (for as long as he did), but my desire to see a big brouhaha outweighed that. And unfortunately, there was never a moment where there were 10+ people in the ring at the same time.

I don't mind Hornswoggle being in the Rumble, provided its in a smaller (no pun intended) dosage. Had he come in, eliminated someone by surprise, then been eliminated himself, I would have been fine. But he was in there a little (again, no pun intended) long.

Still, I'm happy Alberto won. The way he's going, I think he stands a decent chance of winning the title come Wrestlemania.

But I also wish there could be a year where the World Title matches felt like they were as important as the Rumble itself. Ziggler is good, but I wasn't convinced this was going to be his big moment. In fact, it felt more like those Rumble World Title matches in the past where the likes of Mark Henry or Bob Holly had title shots.

The show had moments, but it's like those moments together weren't enough to make the PPV really good overall. It felt more like just a stop on The Road to Wrestlemania, rather than something that could also stand on its own as one of the Big Four PPV's. Maybe I'm being a little too nostalgic or too biased based on my preferences, but that's why I didn't care for this PPV.

[KO Bossy]

But I also wish there could be a year where the World Title matches felt like they were as important as the Rumble itself. Ziggler is good, but I wasn't convinced this was going to be his big moment. In fact, it felt more like those Rumble World Title matches in the past where the likes of Mark Henry or Bob Holly had title shots.

Agreed. Ziggler has some decent talent, but he just doesn't seem to be World Champion material. Right off the bat you said to yourself "yeah, he's not gonna win." His character just hasn't been developed enough for people to care about him as a champion. I think he belongs in the US/IC Title contention tops.

Orton and Miz could have been good, but the fact that its pretty obvious the Miz is gonna be facing Cena at Mania, you knew the outcome of that match before it even began as well.

Remember the really awesome title matches at the Rumble back in the day? The Rock vs. Mankind in the I Quit match at the 1999 Royal Rumble. Cactus Jack vs. Triple H in the Street Fight at the 2000 Royal Rumble. Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels in the Casket Match at the 1998 Royal Rumble. In those cases, sure the Rumble was important because it set the stage for the rest of the year's storylines, but the title matches were equally important because there was actual tension and drama. In 1999, Mankind had been screwed over at Survivor Series by Vince and Shane for the title in favor of The Rock as the Corporate Champion. As a result, Mankind wanted revenge. In 2000, Triple H had fired Mick Foley a few weeks prior, and the other wrestlers boycotted the decision. After Triple H beat him to a pulp, he brought back the Cactus Jack persona because he was the only one mentally tough enough to fight Hunter. In 1998, Shawn Michaels had cost Taker the title at Summerslam 97 when he hit him with a chair instead of Bret Hart. The feud continued into October when they squared off in the first ever Hell in a Cell match. The history and buildup was what made those matches awesome. Now what do we have for the most part? Monthly storylines that are dead when the 30th rolls around. Any buildup is thrown out and started over with someone else.

[NeoShazam]

KO Bossy we're on the same page, when he mentioned a good title match as important/memorable as the Rumble I immediately thought of HHH/Cactus Jack.

The way I see it is they've really liked having a big heel coast on in to Wrestlemania and if its somebody that they don't want to over pressure by being the main event of one of the big events ( Rumble, Wrestlemania , Summer Slam , etc) they can kinda tune them up for 'Mania.

[JDub]

The problem with everything now is that their are two titles. Back in the day they could have two top talents have a match at RR and still have something different and just as big happen at WM. Now not so much. Now RR is where they give guys like Hardcore Holly, Mark Henry, Jeff Hardy (before anyone thought he had a chance to win a belt) title shots to hold of the main feuds before WM. Even after Royal Rumble the title is defended at another PPV before WM. Usually the guys with the belt now are the guys who go into WM as the champs, so you basically have to have two PPVs where the champions usually don't lose and hold off the big WM matches. Also winning the RR now isn't what it use to be then. Back then to main event WM you either had to be the champ or win the Rumble, it meant something then. Now the Rumble sets up one match (usually just to fight someone on your own brand on top of it) and another match gets set up in a "normal" way. I know a lot of people complained about Del Rio winning the Rumble but overall it makes sense. Cena didn't need to win the Rumble to set up Miz vs Cena at WM. But a guy like Del Rio to have that instant match is better for him because how would they set up a match between him and Edge? "I want to fight you at WM!" "Ok." Cena has history with the Miz, heck even Orton vs Miz or Miz vs Orton vs Cena works. None of those guys would need to win the Rumble to set that match up it will play out by itself and will probably be more entertaining along the way then the whole "I will fight you because I won the Rumble!" Del Rio winning helps his character, it makes him credible, sets up a match, and will get him more heat then he has been getting all in one neat little package. Cena, Orton, Kane, etc none of them need a RR win to help their careers, Del Rio does. The only other guy who should have won it was Barett but it looks like it will end up being something like Corre vs Nexus or even Barett vs Taker.

[vamroc]

Found this quote
WWE.com: How does it feel to be back in a WWE ring?

DIESEL: I wish I had a thesaurus, so I could explain it. It’s nice to be in a building with people [laughs]:bolt::devious:

[The Darkstone]

Well.... here's the thing. The rumble is not meant for midcards to win. That's Money in the Bank.

The Rumble is meant for established A or S stars to win.

[Arsenalroy2k]

Well.... here's the thing. The rumble is not meant for midcards to win. That's Money in the Bank.

The Rumble is meant for established A or S stars to win.

I totally disagree. The Rumble, like MitB, is an easy means of breaking through someone from the upper-midcard to the main event scene. And we've seen this back when Rey, Benoit and to a much lesser extent, Batista won their respective Rumble matches.

[KO Bossy]

Anyone else think that Mason Ryan is kinda like Batista Jr?

[JDub]

Anyone else think that Mason Ryan is kinda like Batista Jr?

I've been calling him Young Batista. Guy looks just like him.

[Arsenalroy2k]

Anyone else think that Mason Ryan is kinda like Batista Jr?

Given that he's from Cardiff, I've seen him referred to as Britista.

[michiganj24]

Thats how they want him to look and be marketed since they dont have an original idea. I mean heck I see almost the exact same storyline from when Batista left Evolution except for the World Title
Anyone else think that Mason Ryan is kinda like Batista Jr?

[vamroc]

I totally disagree. The Rumble, like MitB, is an easy means of breaking through someone from the upper-midcard to the main event scene. And we've seen this back when Rey, Benoit and to a much lesser extent, Batista won their respective Rumble matches.

Shows like Raw or Smackdown are like a P.E.T. (Performance Evaluation Test) those who the fans respond too face or heel get bumped up the ladder (they win Pay Per Views, get title shots, and "mic time"). Everyone at some point get's a push but most wrestlers don't have the talent or the charisma to sustain a fan base for very long. These are the guys the company relies on to mentor and groom the wrestlers who put butts in seats like Del Rio. But every once in a while the company rewards one of these second or third tier wrestlers like Mark Henry with a chance for promotion and that's what Pay Per Views like King Of The Ring are for. Some times after a wrestler hasn't been popular for a long time they gain popularity because they've had a long carrier (like Kevin Nash) and to capitalize on that popularity they are given a short term push. Until people remember why they began to not like that particular wrestler (yes I'm talking to you Chris Jericho).

[lensnart]

Anyone else think that Mason Ryan is kinda like Batista Jr?

He looks like him but he has already shown a lot more in-ring talent than boring Dave, and he has to be better on the mic. The loss of Batista is the best thing that has happened to WWE in some time.

[The Darkstone]

Before Batista left, he was feuding with John Cena. They finally brought him back to being a heel and he had some great lines.

One of them was "While I was in the gym, you were out kissin babies and hugging fat chicks"

That just cracked me up.

[JDub]

Before Batista left, he was feuding with John Cena. They finally brought him back to being a heel and he had some great lines.

One of them was "While I was in the gym, you were out kissin babies and hugging fat chicks"

That just cracked me up.

I was bored with Batista too, but that whole feud with Cena before he left was great. The whole temper tantrum he threw when he quit when he was in the wheelchair with the neck brace was funny. I was just wondering where the heck was that guy before that? Still was crap in the ring though.

[PhoenixFire]

He looks like him but he has already shown a lot more in-ring talent than boring Dave, and he has to be better on the mic. The loss of Batista is the best thing that has happened to WWE in some time.

He hasn't shown much cept a quick beat on Cena followed by a quicker elimination at the hands of Cena at Royal Rumble....He's a Batista wannabe that likely won't add up to the real deal.

[unsung hero]

He hasn't shown much cept a quick beat on Cena followed by a quicker elimination at the hands of Cena at Royal Rumble....He's a Batista wannabe that likely won't add up to the real deal.

Well when Dave is a 2 on the talent scale, Mason doesn't have far to go. Sounds like you might be the only fan....

[PhoenixFire]

Well when Dave is a 2 on the talent scale, Mason doesn't have far to go. Sounds like you might be the only fan....

Not a fan, just stating the obvious...I don't have high expectations for that guy.

[The Darkstone]

In defense of Batista,

He was brilliant when he talked. The aformentioned stuff about John Cena. And do you remember when Batista and Rey-Rey feuded?

"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!!!"

Hilarity

[zyxba]

In defense of Batista,

He was brilliant when he talked. The aformentioned stuff about John Cena. And do you remember when Batista and Rey-Rey feuded?

"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!!!"

Hilarity

There's also his amazing photoshop powers. The wrestling board I frequent is filled with Batista shops. It was truly a sad day when he quit, even if he was not great in the ring.

[Arsenalroy2k]

In defense of Batista,

He was brilliant when he talked. The aformentioned stuff about John Cena. And do you remember when Batista and Rey-Rey feuded?

"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!!!"

Hilarity

Seriously. Him swinging Rey like a baseball bat was hysterical. And heel self-absorbed Batista was the best gimmick he ever had.

It's just a shame it took eight years and some really horrendous feuds/matches to finally get there.

But now they have a fresh start with Britista. When the New Nexus inevitably breaks up (as all stables/factions do), they can have him go straight to pastel shirt wearing egomaniac.

[zyxba]

Batista was always at his best when he could be tongue in cheek. It's just hard to take a guy seriously that has a belly button tattoo.

[PhoenixFire]

Batista was always at his best when he could be tongue in cheek. It's just hard to take a guy seriously that has a belly button tattoo.

Something about that belly button tattoo just wasn't right :confused:

[vamroc]

Batista was always at his best when he could be tongue in cheek. It's just hard to take a guy seriously that has a belly button tattoo.

No, it's hard to take him seriously with a name like Batista GOD it's sounds so pretentious and FRENCH.
On happier news found out this piece of info on The Undertakers wiki page
On November 6, it was announced that the Undertaker will be in his own feature film that will focus on his origin and more about his powers. It will also star Calaway himself.
How AWESOME is that I mean almost all of the WWE movies doth sucketh mightily but Mark's spent a lot of time crafting his image and he doesn't strike me as the type to just make some turd because someone waved money in his face cough, cough, KANE, cough, HHH ,cough, cough.

[lensnart]

As a proud Canadian I take offense to both the idea that it is somehow bad to be French (despite what some american TV personalities might say) and that Batista is cool enough to be French.

Furthermore might I remind you of outstanding french speaking wrestlers such as The Fabulous Rougeaus, and Rick Martel, all of which could wrestle and talk circles around Batista.

As for the Undertaker movie, that sounds awful but in all the right ways. I will totally be down for watching the secret origin of Undertaker movie, there is no way that is not going to be unintentional (or even intentional) campy brilliance.

[vamroc]

As a proud Canadian I take offense to both the idea that it is somehow bad to be French (despite what some american TV personalities might say) and that Batista is cool enough to be French.

Furthermore might I remind you of outstanding french speaking wrestlers such as The Fabulous Rougeaus, and Rick Martel, all of which could wrestle and talk circles around Batista.

As for the Undertaker movie, that sounds awful but in all the right ways. I will totally be down for watching the secret origin of Undertaker movie, there is no way that is not going to be unintentional (or even intentional) campy brilliance.

Sorry, it's just I don't really think of "French" Canadians as being French I think of them as Canadians who speak French just to tick off the English. I too have a long family connection to Canada and France as my family on my mothers side are Racicots.

[PhoenixFire]

No, it's hard to take him seriously with a name like Batista GOD it's sounds so pretentious and FRENCH.
On happier news found out this piece of info on The Undertakers wiki page
On November 6, it was announced that the Undertaker will be in his own feature film that will focus on his origin and more about his powers. It will also star Calaway himself.
How AWESOME is that I mean almost all of the WWE movies doth sucketh mightily but Mark's spent a lot of time crafting his image and he doesn't strike me as the type to just make some turd because someone waved money in his face cough, cough, KANE, cough, HHH ,cough, cough.

Well here's to hoping that the Undertaker's movie is well written and worth watching...haven't seen him in a movie since Suburban Commando -shudder-

No need to bash the French...after all...they gave us Andre the Giant.:)

[KO Bossy]

An Undertaker origin movie? How he got his powers? Its a wrestling persona, not a superhero flick. What happened, did he gain his abilities after a freak embalming accident? Was there a portal into hell that could only be opened when he turned on the formaldehyde? No, I got it, he was a simple mortician until he made a deal with the devil to save his dear old Aunt May's life, and in return, he became the new embodiment of everyone's greatest fear: funeral expenses.

[Arsenalroy2k]

Its a wrestling persona, not a superhero flick.

Right, but it's a wrestling persona that the company has always portrayed as being more than just a wrestler. He's traded shots throwing lightning bolts at his monster of a brother, floated into the air and appeared from nowhere at times.

And conceptually, Undertaker sounds less like a superhero movie and more like a horror film. Could have a chase scene though. ROLLIN'! ROLLIN'! ROLLIN'!

But in all seriousness, I'll believe this Undertaker movie stuff when I see it.

[zyxba]

Since it's all over the net right now, how does everyone feel about the viral wrestling vid of the most illegal move in wrestling?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU4TDGlbTz8

[mike_houghton]

I... I... I ... wow.....................................................wow

[vamroc]

I... I... I ... wow.....................................................wow

Yeah, Didn't know Booker T and Kevin Nash knew hypnosis.:bolt::bolt::bolt:

[mike_houghton]

LOL they been putting me to sleep for years ;)

[zyxba]

They are the Osirian Portal, the Funky Pharoh Amasis, and the Serpent Of The Nile Ophidian. They're major players in Chikara, and have been all over the Indy scene recently.

I'm a big fan of their work personally. Chikara (a family friendly promotion) does a lot of stuff in this vein, and it's pretty great.

[Arsenalroy2k]

Since it's all over the net right now, how does everyone feel about the viral wrestling vid of the most illegal move in wrestling?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU4TDGlbTz8

Serious wrestling. Workrate+++++

[michiganj24]

Even the ref is like WTF is going on
Now I see where the Mystery Gm came up with idea to have tag team matches turn into dance offs
I want to see Great Kahli try out the worm
Since it's all over the net right now, how does everyone feel about the viral wrestling vid of the most illegal move in wrestling?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU4TDGlbTz8

[Pfligman]

That dance off was an abomination. How many matches has the GM turned to dance offs now anyways?

As for the rumble I was just happy Triple H didn't come back and win it, the surprise entrants were cool the previous years but getting overdone. I thought Cena had the best chance but I think Del Rio was an awesome change of pace.

[coyotejack]

Anyone else think that Mason Ryan is kinda like Batista Jr?

I like Chris Jericho's name for him: Batis-two. :laugh:

[coyotejack]

As a proud Canadian I take offense to both the idea that it is somehow bad to be French (despite what some american TV personalities might say) and that Batista is cool enough to be French.

Furthermore might I remind you of outstanding french speaking wrestlers such as The Fabulous Rougeaus, and Rick Martel, all of which could wrestle and talk circles around Batista.

As for the Undertaker movie, that sounds awful but in all the right ways. I will totally be down for watching the secret origin of Undertaker movie, there is no way that is not going to be unintentional (or even intentional) campy brilliance.

Pat Patterson! Ronnie Garvin! Mad Dog Vachon! (Ok, maybe not ALL great speakers...but great wrestlers!)