Royal Rumble - Matches of Interest

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

Conflicted about the Royal Rumble? I’m not sure you should be. True, there are matters to be considered however, this is supposed to be entertainment. I’m not sure it should carry such weight due to its inherent levity. Why bring the party down? That may be a naive take but I think it is a fair one. Why would you come to the WWE Universe for political discussion? They don’t use their words here. 

Regardless, the show will go on no matter how anyone feels so I’ll make the most of it. This is an escape for me. I admit it so I’ll keep leaving the politics at the door. So that leaves the Rumbles. Those are the only matches I’m concerned about. I’m curious about the others and I’ll watch them but it’s the Rumbles we’re here to see so, let’s chat about what may go down. 

For the ladies there are about 13 open spots so that’s room for 13 “surprises”. Word is Sol Ruca may make an appearance and there’s talk of a Paige return. I’ve also heard that a lot of NXT Ladies will probably fill the bulk of the openings so we’ll get introduced to the freshmen if that holds true.

When it comes to who’d I’d like to see, I don’t have anyone in mind in particular. AJ Lee would be a nice little pop but there’s no one I’m dying to see. The ladies have been respectable in recent years and I simply would like them to maintain that precedent. They’re likely to open so I’m happy if they just set a good tone. 

I will say it’d be cool to see the likes of Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose back in the fray. I know Deville has signed with TNA and Rose is doing her livestream thing so, I know it’s quite unlikely but it’d be cool. Rose was better in the ring than you’d think and nobody rode a bitch like Deville so I’d be jazzed to see something like that.

I’m not even going to try to think of a winner. There’s talk that Tiffany Stratton may return from injury too so, I wouldn’t be surprised if she got back right into things with a win. I wouldn’t mind Bayley getting a win. She’s a solid worker and deserves the nod from time to time on that merit alone. However, Raquel Rodriguez has been making a compelling move into the spotlight so a win could solidify her more as a “true contender”. She is one, no doubt. I’m sure she could clear most the of the ring if they were left to just go for it but this is a popularity contest. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people aren’t thinking that way but they could move her forward with it being believable. She is a large lass. We’ll see what they do.

For the men, there are about 12 open spots and it’s anyone’s guess who shows up. I wouldn’t be surprised if Joe Hendry runs out and maybe Brian Pillman’s kid, Lexis King. They may see if he takes at all in the spotlight but I really couldn’t say who to expect. There’s been a lot of speculation on Chris Jericho returning and Powerhouse Hobbs is as good as signed as far as the grapevine is concerned. Many suspect he’s been renamed “Royce Keyes”. 

There’s also an outside shot that Lord Seth Rollins returns. That would make for an interesting twist as things are quite different now. Where would that leave him? The Architect is crafty, it wouldn’t stop him, but how he would pivot could be very interesting. 

As for dream entrants, I would angle for Baron Corbin (now performing as Bishop Dyer) and Dolph Ziggler. Corbin apparently signed with AEW so, that would be a sudden turn of events and I heard Ziggler re-signed with TNA so, very unlikely. Ziggler could probably appear on loan but that kinda tells ya what doesn’t happen. Nevertheless, Ziggler proved he’s still got it and I didn’t really get Corbin’s dismissal so I feel they both deserve second chances.  We’ll see if anyone agrees.

As for the winner, it’s hard to say. You figure the New Vision will be in the mix along with Brock Lesnar just ‘cause they’re paying for him. Yet, we may have to look at who’s holding the Titles to gain better insight. We got CM Punk holding the prize so, who would make a good opponent for him? I think Logan Paul would make for a great match just for the upset alone. Does Paul’s self-fulfilling prophecy come true? Will he hold a major title? I don’t need to see it happen but it does get a rise. We’ll see if they go for that sort of shock value. If Seth Rollins returns, that could be a good showdown. Outside of that, I’d have to be sold on or shown how that match-up works. 

Punk was never a big guy and is getting on in years so, I doubt people want to see him beat up. I doubt someone like Oba Femi or Brock Lesnar gets the nod due to that. That could be a fun showdown of itself, though. Femi vs. Lesnar? 🤔 But I don’t really need to see either one of them thrash Punk. I think they’ll give it to whoever serves as a good match for Punk. That might be GUNTHER. I see he’s doing double duty tonight so, if Gunther doesn’t beat AJ Styles, my money is on him winning the Rumble. Punk could believably hold his own and Gunther would continue to be a respectable and valid opponent. We’ll see if I read it right.

So, that’s that. Everything will be said and done by the time I get around to watching but I’ll do my best to avoid spoilers. As usual, all I really want is a good show. If it amounts to that, I feel all who should choose to watch don’t have to worry about wasting their time. Let’s hope we’re not left feeling we would have been better off doing something else. 

The party starts for me at 4:30pm PST if ESPN allows. You know where to find me.

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)