Royal Rumble Review 1/29/2012

I’m not a typical “let’s review a show” person. I give my top four, or have something lingering to say, but this Rumble was screaming for a review. And not for the right reasons.

Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry vs. Big Show in a Triple Threat Cage Match

I was resigned from the beginning to Daniel Bryan winning this. I’m not a Daniel Bryan fan, I am a Big Show and Mark Henry fan, however neither of the big men should have won this for storyline purposes. They need to get these two out of the title picture. Henry is injured, again, which does not come as a surprise. In the last few months he’s been doing more than he has in years, and while he is brilliant his body is just not used to the workload. I still love Big Show but he does nothing for the title. Daniel Bryan was a logical choice because Bryan could further an interesting storyline.

Was this match stellar? No, of course not. Everyone predicted two big men would go for him, get distracted by each other, and Daniel Bryan would get out. I did like the ending, though. It showed a huge amount of trust in Big Show from Bryan and played off that Big Show is still a pretty strong guy, thus making his not simply crushing Bryan a bit unbelievable, but hey, this is wrestling. Daniel Bryan falls out of Big Show’s grip onto the floor for the win. Sadly, this was my favorite non-rumble match.

Beth Phoenix, The Bellas, and Natalya vs. Kelly Kelly, Eve, Alicia Fox, and Tamina

Team Phoenix come out first and who did not get a kick out of the matching turquoise shimmery outfits? Already I knew this was the team I would be rooting for. Team Kelly came out next with three of them dressed in orange (and not even matching orange) and Tamina dressed in black. Tamina didn’t get the memo.

I was expecting a crap match to be honest since that’s WWE’s way of booking divas. Instead there was an actual pretty well done back and forth. It was not great, but by diva standards it lasted longer than it would have typically and the women did their best to put on a good show. What more can you say about that? The winners, Team Phoenix.

John Cena vs. Kane

When I did my predictions for this match I was torn. I did not see Cena winning it, despite storylines going into Wrestlemania, they were just not going to bury Kane that fast. I knew it was going to be Kane or No Contest. It did end up going no contest. So, a Cena match that ended with neither man looking awful by WWE standards and then got to do more damage to Ryder afterward. Well that was… pointless.

Brodus Clay vs. Drew McIntyre

As soon as Drew came out I nearly cried. There went my rumble pick! Okay, so I never thought he’d actually win the rumble but I did think they would give him a good showing so he could flip off Teddy Long with it. No, instead they gave him a squash match on a PPV. Drew gave the best showing against Brodus Clay to date, but Clay did not need another squash match, he needed to show us that he could wrestle a decent match. This match was not it. Drew tried his best, but in the long run his best could not hold out. And by long run I meant, after about a minute Clay decided he was done. I will not be able to like Clay until he starts, you know, wrestling matches.

CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler

Again, we all knew CM Punk was going to win. Well, the majority of us did. But what the Hell happened during this match? Two men who are entertaining to watch in the ring became a joke for pin-falls while no one was looking. Hello, no one is looking. STOP TRYING TO PIN EACH OTHER.

Laurinaitis brought out an actual ref because he did not want to have any reason to be fired the next day and be called on for cheating in Ziggler’s favor. Instead, the first time Punk goes to get the pin, the ref has been hurt and Laurinaitis is trying to check on him. Ziggler takes the opportunity while Punk is distracted to try to pin him. Then back to Punk. Back to Ziggler. All right, stop. Especially since Punk, in the long run, did win. The back and forth was ultimately just a waste of time. If you wanted Punk to win cleanly, let him win cleanly. I love Ziggler, I secretly was rooting for him, but why is it more odd lately to have a match like this just won cleanly then to have a bunch of mishaps?

The Royal Rumble

Holy Hell, what was the WWE thinking? I am not talking about the Sheamus win. That did not bother me, I did not want Jericho to win because it was too obvious. Sheamus and Jericho did put on an excellent show at the end of the rumble as the last two men in the ring. Cody Rhodes did surprise the Hell out of everyone by being the man with the most eliminations. WWE did piss off many by leaving Kane out just because they did not want him beating Shawn Michaels’ record.

Miz lasted the longest. Good job, Miz. However, this is not an achievement as worthy of praise as people are giving it. Miz eliminated guy number two and guy number three, Alex Riley and R-Truth. Then lasted nearly fifty minutes with not one other elimination. How was this some great achievement? He lasted. Huzzah. Give him a lollypop but Miz either should have made an even stronger showing or been eliminated shortly thereafter.

What made me the most angry about this rumble is the wasted spots. Why are Lawler and Cole going into the ring when you have guys like Curt Hawkins or Trent Barreta still waiting for their chance to shine? Let’s bring back Khali to eliminate Jinder Mahal instead of giving fan favorite William Regal a chance. Hacksaw Jim Duggan instead of Goldust, who actually has a storyline going. The Road Dogg instead of Tyson Kidd. Sure, good job WWE. Let’s continue to remind everyone we are clinging to men who no longer wrestle, or men who should not be anywhere near a ring in the first place, instead of pushing the young talent who can still move.

Highlights of the rumble: Ricardo Rodriguez coming out to Alberto Del Rio’s music and then having a good time in the ring. Mick Foley vs. Santino, er, Socko vs. the Cobra. Cody Rhodes shining through with six eliminations (yes, some of those are assists but by WWE calculations, they count). It just was not enough to make this show great. Nor were the milkshakes consumed for our drinking game. No, this rumble was a major disappointment to me because once again WWE showed how they can ruin their own storylines.

Royal Rumble Prediction Winner

After a long rumble that I did keep up with when it came to scoring better than I thought I would, we have a new winner. What made me laugh when I saw who it was going to be is he not only was the very last entrant to our Rumble, but I do not think he took his guesses all that seriously! Everyone, let us congratulate heelJAY for having the most predictions correct! Your title will be up soon!

To keep everyone up to date the first match was Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry vs. The Big Show. Winner: Daniel Bryan

Second match was an unannounced Divas match with Beth Phoenix, The Bellas, and Natalya coming out in matching turquoise outfits. Their opponents were Kelly Kelly, Eve, and Alicia Fox in semi-matching orange outfits, and Tamina in black. Winner: Team Phoenix

Third match was John Cena vs. Kane. Winner: No Contest

Fourth match that left me seething because we all knew they did it to get these guys out of the Rumble and so that Brodus could have another squash, at a PPV! was Brodus Clay vs. Drew McIntyre. Screw you, WWE. Winner: Brodus Clay

Fifth match: CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler. Winner: CM Punk

Then we came into the Rumble and some of the things no one guessed.
Final Four: Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Sheamus, and… Big Show! No one saw Big Show being number 30.
Who had the most eliminations and how many? Cody Rhodes with 6 eliminations. Again, not one person saw it coming.
And last… who won the rumble? Sheamus! Congratulations Sheamus.

Royal Rumble Predictions Part 6: The Royal Rumble

Royal Rumble Winner:

SolaceWinter Prediction:
Because it would piss off so many people- Winner: Drew McIntyre

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Damn it, just pick Jericho. Winner: Chris Jericho

BizarroDoom Prediction:
The cryptic declaration that ALL WWE superstars are eligible really has me thinking. Are they all usually eligible? No. Who isn’t? The champions. I’m going to go off the wall here, and say that Daniel Bryan competes, wins, and challenges Punk in a unification match at WrestleMania. It’s not the most likely scenario, but it would be different and would get Bryan SERIOUS heat. By WM XXIX, he’d be a VIP guest at Axxess. Winner: Daniel Bryan

ZackZiggler Prediction:
gotta go with Jericho. everyone seems to think that it will be Jericho vs Punk at WM (we are totally wrong) Winner: Chris Jericho

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
Ah fuck. Ahhh…dammit…this is the hard part. Grrrrrrrr. Chris Jericho. EVIL WOMAN <3 Winner: Chris Jericho

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
My gut is saying Y2J, but my heart is saying Drew McIntyre. I’m going with Drew, because the other 3 will be in Wrestlemania matches anyway. Winner: Drew McIntyre

WWEThatsNotPG Prediction:
Jericho wins it, bonus, he challenges for both belts. Winner: Chris Jericho

AIRFAHMI437 Prediction:
Winner: The Miz

JoeBewick Prediction:
Jericho is the most obvious option, and WWE might swerve it, but I think Jericho v Punk at WrestleMania Winner: Chris Jericho

ValkryieSmudge:
I’ve thought all along that it would be Orton. The fact he came back this week gives me pause – someone could get big heat for eliminating him last in his hometown. I’m going to say Miz, because I doubt his Truth feud will last til Mania also, I haven’t seen anyone else at all say Miz, so I will be hideously smug (of Barrett proportions!) if I’m right! Winner: The Miz

Shawn Decker Prediction:
He really has to win, doesn’t he? I see him challenging the Undertaker instead of going for a title. Look for that announcement on the following Raw. The final four will be the courageous Miz, who will emerge a sympathetic face after his effort, Randy Orton because he is from St. Louis and there is a magical stone in the city from which he draws extra powers from and… wait, I forgot who I had… oh yeah, Mick Foley! He gets a late draw and manages to keep his Mania dreams alive until Orton dumps him.
Winner: Chris Jericho

JerrySorrentino Prediction:
Jericho is my obvious answer and most predictable. Orton is in his hometown…punk or Ziggler can win it! Wade was my pic last year! Hmm Y2J.. No, wait, I know- Winner: Chris Jericho

BostonMadePunk Prediction:
This is a tricky one. But I’m gonna say Chris Jericho will win and the world would end. Winner: Chris Jericho

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Insomnivic Prediction:
Y2J will take his seld out, and act like he does not care, leaving the other thee in the ring, it will look like randy, and sheamus will work together, but they will go at it, and both will be near the ropes trying to take the other one out when wade will push them both over and win the match setting up either a 4 way match with the last 3 and D,B at WM or a 3 way match between randy, Wade and D,B. Winner: Wade Barrett

WrestlingNoob Prediction:
Jericho, Sheamus, Orton, and Ziggler (If Ziggler wins the title, it will be Barrett instead) Jericho will stand outside The ring, all three men besides Jericho will eliminate the last three to win. Winner: Chris Jericho

WWECapshuns Prediction:
I believe Barrett will be the one to eliminate Randy, who will lose the big tournament because St. Louis is his hometown. Winner: Drew McIntyre

WWFE_Nostalgia Prediction:
Winner: Wade Barrett

Tolkienite Prediction:
Winner: Chris Jericho

MarkBilly Prediction:
My head says Jericho, my heart (for storyline purposes) says Ziggler… I’ll go with my heart to be different! Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Team_Cole Prediction:
Tough decision between Orton and Jericho. But with Jericho’s statement on Raw, Gotta go with Chris. Winner: Jericho

Team_Hellions Prediction:
It may seem overwhelming to pick one winner out of 30 people but the secret is, who would they actually have headline WrestleMania?  Either someone getting pushed or someone who is already a main eventer.  If I had to pick one person, I’m going to guess Sheamus.  I think he’s going to be built up more and more in WWE.  I wouldn’t be shocked though it something odd happens in the CM Punk vs Dolph Ziggler match and one of those men wins.  WWE is making a big deal out of the fact that this is the first year everyone can be involved.  I’m picturing some booking where a current champion wins the Rumble, loses the title in February and then gets a rematch with his Royal Rumble win for WrestleMania. Winner: Sheamus

Badman410 Prediction:
Winner: Christian

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
The winner of the Rumble… Winner: Chris Jericho

Drustuart Prediction:
I see him getting number 2 & putting on a HBK like performance with several near eliminations before stealing the win. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

SolacesSock Prediction:
every1 thinks jericho is going to win, so vince will try to shock every1. i’m going to say sheamus. Winner: Sheamus

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
For the Rumble winner, I’m gonna say Jericho. His first real match back is gonna be the rumble, hard to see him losing it. Winner: Chris Jericho

Jbibbsy Prediction:
For the Rumble the most talked about are Orton or Jericho winning. Even a spot where Punk an Bryan are 28 & 29 only to eliminate themselves and have Jericho come out for the win. Im going way off course and hoping for Delrio to return to win 2yrs in a row just to piss people off. Winner: Alberto Del Rio

TheJurn Prediction:
Although I’d be content with plenty of people winning, I just really want to see Punk/Jericho at ‘Mania. Winner: Chris Jericho

RegalSays Prediction:
Winner: Chris Jericho

Right2PlayGod Prediction:
This is the hardest match to call. I am really hoping for a Punk/Jericho feud but, I really see a few good people that could benefit from winning (i.e.  Cody Rhodes or Wade Barrett) Winner: Chris Jericho

WWEBradWard Prediction:
Winner: Chris Jericho

Vadersault Prediction:
Winner: Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho Of course setting up Jericho/Punk at Wrestlemania… Winner: Chris Jericho

RayLott2 Prediction:
Winner: Undertaker

Samalamalamalam Prediction:
Winner: Dolph Ziggler

HeelJAY Prediction:
Jericho wins the rumble because he is definitely going to. I went to his birthday party dontcha know. We homied out. Winner: Chris Jericho

Royal Rumble Predictions Part 5: Eliminations

Elimination: The Most and How Many
Who will eliminate the most people and how many will he eliminate? This is the second tie-breaker.

SolaceWinter Prediction:

The Miz: 5

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Sheamus: 7

BizarroDoom Prediction:
Randy Orton: 7

ZackZiggler Prediction:
The Miz: 5

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
Sheamus: 14

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
Kane: 5

WWEThatsNotPG Prediction:
Randy Orton: 6

AIRFAHMI437 Prediction:
Kane: 15

JoeBewick Prediction:
Kane: 13

ValkyrieSmudge Prediction:
Brodus: 5

Shawn Decker Prediction:
Sheamus:8

JerrySorrentino Prediction:
Randy Orton: 4

BostonMadePunk Prediction:
Sheamus: 7

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Wade Barrett: 5

Insomnivic Prediction:
Sheamus: 6

WrestlingNoob Prediction:
Sheamus: 10

WWECapshuns Prediction:
Kane: 12

WWFE_Nostalgia Prediction:
Sheamus: 8

Tolkienite Prediction:
Sheamus: 8

MarkBilly Prediction:
The Miz: 6

Team_Cole Prediction:
Brodus Clay: 7

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Kane: 9

Team_Hellions Prediction:
Brodus Clay: 6

Badman410 Predictions:
Chris Jericho: 6

Drustuart Prediction:
Randy Orton: 4

SolacesSock Prediction:
Brodus Clay: 6

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Sheamus: 5

Jbibbsy Prediction:
Sheamus: 11

TheJurn Prediction:
Sheamus: 8

RegalSays Prediction:
Kane: 6

Right2PlayGod Prediction:
Brodus Clay: 7

WWEBradWard Prediction:
Orton: 8

Vadersault Prediction:
Brodus Clay: 9

MasterSolace Prediction:
Sheamus/Wade: 5

RayLott2 Prediction:
Orton: 15

Samalamalamalam Prediction:
Kane: 6

HeelJAY Prediction:
Foley: 5

 

Royal Rumble Predictions Part 4: Final Four

Final Four of the Royal Rumble:
This is for who the final four in the ring will be during the royal rumble, not the final four entrants. This is one of two tie breakers.

SolaceWinter Prediction:
Chris Jericho, Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, and Christian

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Jericho, Orton, Christian R-Truth

BizarroDoom Prediction:
Orton, The Miz, Bryan, Sheamus

ZackZiggler Prediction:
Sheamus, Jericho, Truth, Del Rio

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
Wade Barrett, Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Chris Jericho.

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
Mcintyre, Miz, Jericho, and Randy Orton.

WWEThatsNotPG Prediction:
Jericho, Triple Haitch, William Regal, and Orton

AIRFAHMI437 Prediction:
Ziggler, Miz, Sheamus, Jericho

JoeBewick Prediction:
Jericho, Ziggler, Orton, R Truth

ValkyrieSmudge Prediction:
Orton, Miz, Jericho, Barrett

Shawn Decker Prediction:
Jericho, Orton, Foley and The Miz

JerrySorrentino Prediction:
Jericho Wade Orton Ziggler

BostonMadePunk Prediction:
Jericho, Orton, Barrett and Sheamus.

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Orton, Barrett, Jericho, Ziggler

Insomnivic Prediction:
Wade, Sheamus, Randy and Y2J

WrestlingNoob Prediction:
Jericho, Sheamus, Orton, and Ziggler

WWECapshuns Prediction:
Drew, Barrett, Jericho and Hornswoggle

WWFE_Nostalgia Prediction:
Chris Jericho (shamus), Wade Barrett, The Miz, Foley

Tolkienite Prediction:
Jericho Cm Punk, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton.

MarkBilly Prediction:
Orton, Jericho, Ziggler, Foley

Team_Cole Prediction:
Jericho, Orton, Barrett, Sheamus

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Brodus, Jericho, Kane, and Foley

Team_Hellions Prediction:
Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho.

Badman410 Prediction:
Orton, sheamus, taker and RVD

Drustuart Prediction:
Chris Jericho, Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus and Randy Orton

SolacesSock Prediction:
sheamus, barrett, jericho,& probably orton.

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Jericho, Orton, Ziggler and Rhodes

Jbibbsy Prediction:
Jericho, Punk, Delrio, Sheamus

TheJurn Prediction:
Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Chris Jericho and Kane.

RegalSays Prediction:
Jericho, Sheamus, Barrett and Cody

Right2PlayGod Prediction:
Jericho, Foley, Orton, Rhodes

WWEBradWard Prediction:
jericho orton wade barrett shamus

Vadersault Prediction:
Kofi, Cody Rhodes, Sheamus and Jericho

MasterSolace Prediction:
Chris Jericho, Miz, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre

RayLott2 Prediction:
Cena, Triple H, Orton, Undertaker

Samalamalamalam Prediction:
Ziggler, Jericho, Orton and Sheamus

HeelJAY Prediction:
Jericho, ADR, Orton, Sheamus

Royal Rumble Predictions Part 3: Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry vs. Big Show

Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry vs. Big Show

SolaceWinter Prediction:
I’ll actually be really angry if Daniel Bryan wins this with Mark Henry and Big Show in the ring against him. Not just because I don’t like Bryan, but there is no way two huge guys should just be like, “Oh, he’s nothing to worry about,” pummel each other, fall down, and then Bryan gets a pin. NO! But, somehow, it will be. Winner: Daniel Bryan

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Bryan’s going to win via another one of his slime ball heel methods. Don’t know how well it’s going to work with Henry being injured but – Winner: Daniel Bryan

BizarroDoom Prediction:
I have been nothing but entertained by all three of these guys. Henry has made me a believer, Show has stepped it up, and Bryan has been delivering the best promos in the business and pulling great matches out of two guys who rarely -if ever- have great matches. I think WWE will keep Bryan’s momentum going, using the cafe as a way for him to get a believable win. Looking forward to this! Winner: Daniel Bryan

ZackZiggler Prediction:
So hard to call… DBryan nor Henry are VIP for Axxess… ugh… Gonna stick with DBryan though.. Winner: Daniel Bryan

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
The 3-Way is a means to protect Bryan against the two monsters so he can snake away in a heelish manner. WINNER: Daniel Bryan

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I couldn’t care less about this match. For the sake of competition, I think Mark Henry. He shouldn’t have dropped the belt in the first place, but he pulled his big black man dick muscle or something. Winner: Mark Henry

WWEThatsNotPG Prediction:
MAH BOY D BRYYYYY Winner: Daniel Bryan

AIRFAHMI437 Prediction:
Match ends in a no contest Big Show and Henry break one of the cage walls and the referee deems the match un-continuable. Bryan retains. Winner: No one

JoeBewick Prediction:
Bryan’s reign will continue to at least Elimination Chamber, but he won’t win this cleanly to continue the heel turn. Winner: Daniel Bryan

ValkyrieSmudge Prediction:
I think Bryan is keeping the belt. Lots of big men moments and he’ll sneak out somehow. Winner: Daniel Bryan

Shawn Decker Prediction:
The big guys are too hobbled to take a strap into WrestleMania. And Daniel Bryan is winning me over with his new attitude. I’m not in love with the guy- yet- but I do have a great admiration for what he is doing right now.
Winner: Daniel Bryan

JerrySorrentino Prediction:
Daniel Bryan fucks with both of their heads and ends up winning and turning full fledge heel J Winner: Daniel Bryan

BostonMadePunk Prediction:
D-Bryan is going to win. I’m loving the cowardly Bryan so far. He’s not gonna drop the belt to either men. He’ll probably drop it the belt at the next PPV to someone new. Winner: Daniel Bryan

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Don’t have too much of an idea what will happen but would love to see D Bry retain. Winner: Daniel Bryan

Insomnivic Prediction:
D,B will win after Big show takes Henry out with the K.O punch, and goes to walk out the cage, but before he can A.J will show up, and the sight of her will freeze him, and he will say he is sorry, but while he is saying that D.B will either climb out the cage, or pin Henry and will leave with A.J and they will both laugh Shaq will be there too, and he will be loling, and this will lead to a show down between the two. Winner: Daniel Bryan

WrestlingNoob Prediction:
D-Bry Def Show/Henry Show and Henry will be fighting and Bryan will take the heel way out and climb out the cage before Henry or Show notices. Winner: Daniel Bryan

WWECapshuns Prediction:
D-Bry retains, most likely after climbing out of the cage like a scalded monkey. Winner: Daniel Bryan

WWFE_Nostalgia Prediction:
WHAT: Daniel-san over Big Show and Mark Henry) at around 10 minutes.
HOW: After what will be the hardest night’s work in DBD’s (at least WWE) career in oh so many ways, He escapes the cage, with not too much input in the mutual destruction of Show and Henry.
WHY: It’s going to continue, this threeway (#NoJoMo). Show and Henry will still be calling Daniel-san a chickenshit for escaping the cage instead of pinning someone. Bah.
Winner: Daniel Bryan

Tolkienite Prediction:
Winner: Daniel Bryan

MarkBilly Prediction:
Don’t see the point in giving the title to MH or BS. Plus I don’t want to see another ‘the fans cost me my title’ heel turn! Winner: Daniel Bryan

Team_Cole Predictions:
Only thing saving this match is the added D-Bry factor. He’s on a role right now and I dont see it ending here Winner: D-Bry

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I pick Daniel Bryan because aren’t both of them injured somewhat? Winner: Daniel Bryan

Team_Hellions Prediction:
Daniel keeps the title despite everything.  I’m going to guess AJ runs down and hands him a key or a crowbar or some sort of weapon.  Bryan’s heel turn will be confirmed and completed at the end of this match. Winner: Daniel Bryan

Badman410 Prediction:
I think Henry will win it as WWE are not high up on Byran and it would create a perfect Feud for undertaker to be in at WM. Winner: Mark Henry

Drustuart Prediction:
Show & Henry destroy Bryan but both stop each others attemps to win. Whilst they brawl Bryan cowardly sneaks out of cage door to retain. Winner: Daniel Bryan

SolacesSock Prediction:
daniel bryan, but only because he escapes after the other 2 destroy each other. Winner: Daniel Bryan

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I see this going in Bryan’s favor, no doubt getting out of the cage. Though, I can see Show putting him through the cage. Winner: Daniel Bryan

Jbibbsy Prediction:
Daniel Bryan retains unless there is a surprise replacement for Henry. If not then maybe some sneakiness from Bryan like hiding the key so the big guys have to climb out. Or tear the cage apart. Winner: Daniel Bryan

TheJurn Prediction:
This is probably the toughest one to predict, but I’m going to go with Bryan with this one because I don’t see the others going anywhere. Winner: Daniel Bryan

RegalSays Prediction:
Daniel Bryan

Right2PlayGod Prediction:
I think that his rein as heavyweight champion is far from over. His heel turn is also far from complete. I believe that the two giants’ feud against each other will take over and they might give Bryan a chance to escape the cage. Also with Henry apparently injured, it counts him out of winning. Winner: Daniel Bryan

WWEBradWard Prediction:
Winner: Daniel Bryan

Vadersault Prediction:
Winner: Daniel Bryan

MasterSolace Prediction:
I could see a match spot where Show & Henry crash through the cage, but lay on the cage panel… D-Bry crawling out the opening Winner: D-Bry

RayLott2 Prediction:
Winner: Big Show

Samalamalamalam Prediction:
Winner: Daniel Bryan

HeelJAY Prediction:
D Bry via cowardly heel antics and not being severely overweight. Winner: Daniel Bryan

Royal Rumble Predictions Part 2: John Cena vs. Kane

John Cena vs. Kane

SolaceWinter Prediction:
There is no way they are going to simply bury Kane after he just returned looking this strong, at least if they know what is good for them. But, Cena is their poster-child, so he can’t look bad either. I’m predicting Kane, though, as final winner. Winner: Kane

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
There are just more ways I can see Cena winning this. Winner: Cena

BizarroDoom Prediction:
My gut says some sort of no-contest. But Cena can’t win. Not yet. Kane will be in the Rumble, too, and that appearance would fall flat f he’d been trashed by Cena, an hour before. Angry Cena goes overboard, getting himself disqualified and further embracing the hate. So, Kane wins or a no-contest. I’ll say . . . Winner: Kane

ZackZiggler Prediction:
Why Not, we are are really gonna go out on a limb for this one… we are going with Taker returning to stop Kane… We must be crazy.. This match will end in a no contest.. Winner: No one

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
There are a few ways they can do it, but it’s obvious this storyline is catered specifically for Cena to get more aggressive. WINNER: Kane

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I think it’s time to see Cena unleash some aggression that we’ve never seen before. I think that Cena kicks Kane’s ass, but gets DQ’d. Winner: Kane

WWEThatsNotPG Prediction:
Kane, putting Cena out, making him (storyline) unlikely for Rock/Cena at WM, and bringing him back heel at WM strong. Winner: Kane

AIRFAHMI437 Prediction:
Kane wins because Cena doesn’t listen to the refs orders and Cena just goes crazy, embracing the hate. Ref rings the bell. Winner: Kane

JoeBewick Prediction:
It’s looking like Cena vs Kane at WM, so Cena won’t win at the Royal Rumble. It either won’t be clean or it’ll be a squash. Winner: Kane

ValkyrieSmudge Prediction:
Difficult! Going with Cena, just because I don’t think there’s much room for a rematch assuming one or both are in EC. Winner: Cena

Shawn Decker Prediction:
There’s no way Cena loses a PPV going into WrestleMania. I’d love to see them recreate the Honky Tonk Man’s epic Intercontinental Title loss to the Ultimate Warrior here, move for move. Cena channels his hate into a squash for the ages!
Winner: Cena

JerrySorrentino Prediction:
They need to shake it up! Cena Kane will have a shit ending. Either a double count out or Cena. Winner: No Contest

BostonMadePunk Prediction:
I like how Kane’s back to the mask. But John Cena’s gonna win. He needs to win this. Unless it becomes a no contest. Winner: John Cena

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Think Cena will continue to “Embrace the hate” and give Kane a run for his money. Not happy to say it but Winner: Cena

Insomnivic Prediction:
this match has cena win written all over it, I could see him winning by the following ways, STFU, or Zack Ryder helps him win setting up a Ryder vs kane feud, but I think cena will win clean, because they want him to look strong vs the rock. Winner: John Cena

WrestlingNoob Prediction:
Kane def Cena Not 100% sure how this will go end, but some point in the match, Cena will turn heel. Since Ryder got destroyed, I have no idea how it will end. Winner: Kane

WWECapshuns Prediction:
Cena wins when he totally loses his shit and becomes Eebil Cena just in time for WM. Winner: John Cena

WWFE_Nostalgia Prediction:
WHAT: Kane over Cena by DQ (or no contest) at around 30 minutes.
HOW: Who else has been awfully quiet? That’s right, The Undertaker (#ShortRoadToWrestlemania). I expect this match to not be great in itself, but still exciting for the sadism-for-Cena factor. It’s gonna drag on and on and fuckin’ on until Undi’s bells are heard. Undi takes out Kane, then Cena, so as to restore order and clean up the ring for the real main event.
WHY: Cena is not turning heel, not now nor ever. Merch figures talk, shitty angle ideas walk. Cena is just being used to put over the inevitable Undi vs Kane match at Mania. That’s all he’s been doing in the last year or so: putting people (Punk, ADR, Ryder, to name just three) over. I expect him to lose cleanly and sportingly to Rocky at Mania and then take time off.
Winner: Kane

Tolkienite Prediction:
Winner: No Contest

MarkBilly Prediction:
This is the last PPV chance to get Cena a win over Kane (he’ll be in the Raw EC) so I reckon Cena will take the win. Winner: John Cena

Team_Cole Prediction:
I *want* Kane to win but lets face it. This is going to be a vintage Cena match…. *Super Cena* that is. Winner : John Cena

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Either Cena will embrace the hate or suffer for it. I go with Kane. Winner: Kane

Team_Hellions Prediction:
Kane will win by DQ.  I see Cena going ape shit in this match.  He will finally embrace the hate.  Maybe there will be a new t-shirt with that phrase on it.  So far there are no stipulations on the match.  I’m thinking Cena will try to wrestle a regular match but Kane will push him over the edge.  Cena will start bashing the Big Red Machine with chairs or the Spanish Announce Table of something. Winner: Kane

Badman410 Prediction:
Cena to win because WWE love cena and can’t have Kane beat him after weeks of cena getting battered by him! Winner: John Cena

Drustuart Prediction:
They will beat hell out of each other, Kane gets DQ’d. Rock to make save but Cena to turn on him & embrace hate (no idea why Rock is there!) Winner: John Cena

SolacesSock Prediction:
super cena, unfortunately will win. Winner: Su- John Cena

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I’m going to go with the more unlikely option, and go with Kane. I don’t think this feud is over, and we’ll see this again. Winner: Kane

Jbibbsy Prediction:
Cena comes right at Kane, they fight to the outside tables all the way to the stage or back. They take each other out completely. Winner: No Contest

TheJurn Prediction:
Cena wins lol. Winner: John Cena

RegalSays Prediction:
Winner: John Cena

Right2PlayGod Prediction:
I think to fully embrace the hate Cena has to lose. But there will be some odd twist to this match, much like other matches where Cena just walks away because his friend is in trouble. Or Cena is so mad at Kane that he goes insane and gets DQed, but all Kane can do it laugh because in the end it would mean Kane made him embrace hate and also Kane is unstoppable, Cena couldn’t beat him down. Winner: Kane

WWEBradWard Prediction:
Winner: John Cena

Vadersault Prediction:
Winner: Kane

master solace Prediction:
Cena said he would be champion at Mania, but instead, I think they have booked Cena in losing streak going in… Kane getting buried his first PPV back sounds stupid… So winner: Kane

RayLott2 Prediction:
Winner: Kane

Samalamalamalam Prediction:
Winner: Kane

HeelJAY Prediction:
via embracing of hate, fate and spirit of Nate Dogg Winner: No Contest

Royal Rumble Predictions Part 1: CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler

For those who have been following the blog, for the last couple of months you’ll notice that we have predictions that I post on the blog. It was all in good fun until a title came into play. Now everyone wants to be the best predictor on the internet! This month, so far, I have 37 people who have entered the predictions. It was meant to be 30 so I could have the same amount of predictors as there are supposed to be Rumble entrants, but I have a hard time saying no. Since there are so many I am breaking down the predictions into parts. Here are the final predictions!

CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler (for the WWE Championship)

SolaceWinter Prediction:
I am hoping that a lot of what is going on with Punk is a swerve so it can still not be Punk who wins. Punk lost too many times to Ziggler and they are doing everything to assure his win. BUT it feels like it’s too soon for Ziggler to get the title he so deserves. I have to go with: Winner: CM Punk

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Well, you know how much I want Ziggler to win, but I really think Punk’s winning it. I’d like to be wrong, but I don’t think I am. Winner: CM Punk

BizarroDoom Prediction:
I like the Rumble for numerous reasons; one being that they experiment with their title matches. This should be excellent, but Punk is virtually a lock to win. Dolph has gotten the better of him too often, plus he just isn’t quite at WWE Champion level, yet. Winner: CM Punk

ZackZiggler Prediction:
Punk vs Ziggler – So hard to call. We want to go with Punk. But we think somehow Ziggler will pull it off, then lose it back to punk on #RAW But… We are going to go with Punk though… Winner: CM Punk

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
Now would easily be a perfectly fine time for my hero(rather my #heel) to win, but Zigs going in looks too dominant . WINNER: CM Punk

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I guess Y2J is around for a while, wbich I didn’t think he would be, which leads me to believe- Winner: CM Punk

WWEThatsNotPG Prediction:
Punk, But a great showing for Dolph. Winner: Punk

AIRFAHMI437 Prediction:
Ace is knocked out mid match and Punk hits GTS on Ziggler, then Punk lifts the lifeless arm of Ace and counts the 123. Winner: Punk

JoeBewick Prediction:
They are building towards a heel Jericho vs a face at WrestleMania, and they won’t turn Ziggler face. Winner: CM Punk

ValkyrieSmudge Prediction:
We’re too close to Mania for them to catapult Dolph to main event and signs point to Punk/Jericho then. Winner: Punk

Shawn Decker Prediction:
I’m not sure if I just like bad guys more, but Ziggler is who I’m pulling for. I’d love to see him win the title. However, in keeping with my Royal Rumble prediction, I gotta go with Punk to retain.  Having the title shift so close to WrestleMania is always a drag. Just wish that Punk’s title era wasn’t ruined by jobbing to Triple H and feuding with one half of the Dynamic Dudes.  At least he gets to wrestle a wrestler here.
Winner: Punk

JerrySorrentino Prediction:
Winner: Punk

BostonMadePunk Prediction:
I can see Punk holding on the title until WrestleMania or so. And someway I can see Triple H getting involved with Laurinaitis. Winner: CM Punk

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Think there will be some monkey biz but think Punk keeps it. Winner:Punk

Insomnivic Prediction:
actually am going to change my pic to ziggler, because this is what will happen, ziggler will cheat to win some how, but the next night HHH will force john to make a rematch (against johns will) but vicki and swagger will be banned from ring side, so punk will win the title. Winner: Punk

WrestlingNoob Prediction:
Punk Def Ziggler During the match, something will happen to Johnny Ace (Getting hit on accident for example) And someone, most likely Mick Foley, will count the 1,2,3. Winner: CM Punk

WWECapshuns Prediction:
I think Punk is going to retain because I think Jericho is going to interfere IN HIS FAVOR cuz Jerry wants to feud with HIM, not Zig Winner: Punk Retains

WWFE_Nostalgia Prediction:
WHAT: Punk over Ziggler at around 20 minutes.
HOW: HHH “surprises” everyone at ringside and keeps an eye on Gentleman Johnny. He’s been way too quiet.  I expect Otunga to try and balance that out so that Johnny can screw Punk, which he will, just not enough. Taking it home, Johnny’s knocked out and Trips takes over as Dolph taps out to the Anaconda Vice.
WHY: Punk has been pinned by Dolph way too many times. The same way Punk’s less than impressive (for a Champ) record on RAW foreshadowed his successful title defense at TLC, so it shall be at the Rumble. Ziggler is one of few Championship material heels on Raw right now, but this is not his time (cue Jericho for Mania) and what spoils it is that Punk v Ziggler needs a strong angle. There’s no angle yet, so far it’s all “circumstancial”, so I expect it to drop post-Rumble. HHH owes Punk hugely after fucking up the most exciting angle in eons and with it, Punk’s first run with the WWE title.
Winner: CM Punk

Tolkienite Preidction:
Winner: CM Punk

MarkBilly Prediction:
Reckon Punk will win, I’d like JL to fast count Ziggler then say he did it so Punk could lose title at biggest event of year (Mania) However I doubt that will happen, I expect the classic 1, 2 (wait half an hour) 3 count from the EVP & Interim GM of Raw. Winner: CM Punk

Team_Cole Prediction:
Well Honestly I think CM Punk will win Just for the fact Ziggler’s beaten punk 4 times this month. Winner : CM Punk

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I pick Ziggler with some interference from Johnny Ace. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Team_Hellions Prediction:
I think its Ziggler’s time to be thrust into the spotlight.  Also, CM Punk chasing the title is more intriguing then Punk having the belt.  Side bet, Punk will have the belt back before WrestleMania and will enter the grandest stage of them all as the reigning WWE Champion. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Badman410 Prediction:
Punk will win because WWE are not high up on ziggler enough to give him a title reign. Winner: CM Punk

Drustuart Prediction:
Contender for MOTY if they get to go 25-30. Big Johnny screwing over Punk will be stopped by Game. Punk to win but Ziggler will steal show. Winner: CM Punk

SolacesSock Prediction:
ziggler by screw job. possible restart with punk winning. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Going with Punk on this one, I want to see Ziggler win, if I’m wrong on one match I’d be fine if it was this one. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Jbibbsy Prediction:
Taking Ziggler over Punk for the title. Laurinitis gets knocked out, some1 interferes, another ref makes the 3ct. Punk an Ziggler continues. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

TheJurn Prediction:
Punk is going to win, there’s no use in letting Ziggler take this but he’ll have a strong showing nonetheless. Winner: CM Punk

RegalSays Prediction:
Winner: CM Punk

Right2PlayGod Prediction:
Deep in my heart I hope Punk wins, he hasn’t held the belt for long, only 2 months. I think that maybe John will end up screwing Dolph over in the end. Well at least I can still hope lol (although I do feel that Jericho could screw Punk out of the title to start a feud but I want hope not negatives lol) Winner: CM Punk

WWEBradWardPrediction:
Winner: CM Punk

Vadersault Prediction:
Winner: Dolph Ziggler

MasterSolace Prediction:
I see Ziggler vs Foley at Mania, so it’s easy to say Punk will still be champion… Winner: CM Punk

RayLott2 Prediction:
Winner: CM Punk

Samalamalamalam Prediction:
Winner: CM Punk

HeelJAY Prediction:
Punk wins via Private jet. Winner: CM Punk

Top Four of FCW 1/22/2012

FCW. The show that has the most entertainment value in a week. This episode hops right into the action and leaves little room for else. Byron Saxton is still on commentating with Chris Russo, or, Christopher Patrick Russo. There were only four matches to this episode and each one deserves its own little highlight.

4. Jason Jordan

Okay, so I did not make this one the match. I am not a fan of Abraham Washington. I have been tarnished since his days back in ECW. Where he is not an awful wrestler this is the man who hosted his own show while on ECW, every week mind you, and still has not grown with his mic skills. He faces off with the relatively new man on TV, Jason Jordan, who hails from Chicago, Illinois. My bias once again works in because as a girl who was uprooted from Chicago I love throwbacks to my home. That is not the only reason Jordan receives a nod, though. He is yet unpolished but has a certain determination that will prove later on he is someone to keep your eye on.

3. Raquel Diaz vs. Audrey Marie for the Divas Championship Title

I really struggled with putting Raquel Diaz at number three. She put on such an awesome display that not only earned her the Divas Championship Title but gave her an opportunity to show off her Gory Bomb that she should be higher on the list because of these two things. Alas, I wanted to stick with matches as much as I could and Audrey Marie just is not up to par on performances. Though I may not think Audrey Marie is as bad as say, my companions who watch FCW. In fact, I might put Audrey Marie at least in third on FCW. Raquel, though, is spectacular. She might yet not be perfectly polished but she still would have the majority of the WWE diva roster beat with her talent and mic skills. There is a reason she not only is the new Divas Champion of FCW, but also the Queen.

2. Grand Royale

The show starts off with Maxine and Normal Smiley announcing a Grand Royale, only the third in FCW history. For me, this was the first. A Grand Royale is where all of the men of the FCW roster (Eli Cottonwood sighting!) step back around the ring and have 30 seconds to get into the ring. At the end of the 30 seconds whoever is left standing in the ring gets to compete. Whoever was the winner of this particular match competed in the main event against Leo Kruger for the FCW Heavyweight Championship. The thirty second scramble was great and should be done more, but not too often! I will not give too many details because I really want people to watch this match, but I must reveal the winner:

1. Mike Dalton vs. Leo Kruger for the FCW Heavyweight Championship

When we first saw Mike Dalton, my boyfriend commented, “He’s the FCW jobber.” It quickly changed and he was winning matches. Then somehow had the best pants amongst them all. Then he was competing for the Title against Leo Kruger? Well, if that ain’t a bitch of a twist. And I loved it! Leo Kruger inevitably won but I could not look away from the screen during this. I always remind everyone when it comes to moves I know no names and do not pretend to understand every strike, but I know what looks good and what does not, and this match was flawless. So Flawless that Lay-Cool would have endorsed it. Dalton is not ready to be Champ yet, but his time may be coming. When it’s not against Kruger, I might even root for him.

Normally I would tell you the bad things about FCW at this point, but I pretty much explained those during the appraisal of the others. Instead I am going to whine about one, little, teeny, tiny thing that is bothering me. I WANT MY ASCENSION BACK!! GIVE ME ASCENSION!!

See, that wasn’t so bad.

The Top Four of NXT 1/25/2012

Hello, my loves. Another week and another NXT and I suspect this week I am going to get a lot of hate for my top four list. So let’s get right into it!

4. Percy Watson and Alex Riley

Before you throw stones at me, listen. Alex Riley was brought up way too soon on RAW and most people knew it as soon as he was separated from The Miz, but after months of Superstars showings Riley has become a better performer, both in ring and on the microphone. Percy Watson, who shed his Eddie Murphy persona after his loss on NXT season 2, grew even more tolerable when he stopped teaming with his “best friend“ Titus O‘Neil. Together the shiny new NXT stars make a great duo to feud with Titus O’Neil (who is awful, have I mentioned how awful he is??).

3. Heath Slater vs. Trent Barreta

What? Oh yes, Heath Slater. It was obvious going in that Slater was going to win but that did not keep the two of them from putting on an excellent match. The reason this one is dropped a bit down on the list is because there is no story behind it. Barreta, though, is a great opponent for Slater in the ring and it gives him a chance to shine. Well, at least not look so dull. He’s trying!

2. The Usos vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks

I am biased towards Hawkins and Reks, I do not deny it. Reks is looking less like a caveman every week as he perfectly trims that beard and Hawkins looks dashing with his cane. They even have matching ring gear! I approve. Enough about how great those two are, though, there is a match I am giving my love for! The Usos and MidCard Mafia Men have fought before, and have shown animosity and dislike whenever they have the chance, so even while it did not show on this episode it had been built up. The Usos get the win! And a great win it is! As an aside, during this match William Regal points out that Regal has only been in three Rumble matches out of twelve years being employed with the WWE. Was this a hint? We can hope!

1. Derrick Bateman, Johnny Curtis, and Maxine

This may seem redundant, but you know what, I am the one reviewing it! Not you! Nyah! Once again Bateman does not wrestle but he does have a chance to borrow Scott Stanford’s character by dancing with a mop (oh yeah, I had to bring that up). Bateman, Curtis, and Maxine put on a great show of things and while Maxine and Bateman try to tell Curtis to leave NXT Striker butts in with, “Nobody is getting off of NXT, we need all of the warm bodies we can get on here-” where Maxine promptly tells the host of NXT to “SHUT UP!” Oh, and Maxine kicks Johnny Curtis in the man-parts which was hilarious, even if I had to admit that Johnny Curtis looked a bit handsome in this episode. Still, the chemistry, the laughter, and the attitude of these three always make their parts electric and entertaining.

Other honorable mentions this week: Matt Striker claiming that he’s, “still the host of NXT,” every episode is actually amusing. Kaitlyn seems to be developing a pseudo-creepy storyline of her own. And William Regal is on commentary. If I had saved more of his lines he might have been able to bump off someone from the top four, but alas he did not make it to the top four this week!

Titus O’Neil is still awful, especially when he says to Percy Watson, “Percy, you have only one option, you’re either with me or against me.” (Psst, that’s two)