WWE Royal Rumble Post Show Discussion & Spoilers

Lord TSC

Results are as follows...

WWE Royal Rumble Results
By Bill Pritchard for Wrestlezone.com
January 27th 2012

YouTube Exclusive Preshow
United States Championship
The Miz vs Antonio Cesaro (c)

Miz goes for a quick rollup before tying up with Cesaro, then he fights out of a side headlock and throws Cesaro into the ropes. Cesaro hits a shoulder block and a goes for a clothesline, but Miz ducks and comes back with an elbow strike for two. Miz hiptosses Cesaro before putting him in a side headlock, then Cesaro gets to the ropes and punches him before applying a headlock of his own. Cesaro connects with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker when Miz tries to fight back, then he connects with a seated scoop slam before choking Miz on the ropes. Cesaro drops Miz with an uppercut, then he picks him up and connects with a gutwrench slam for a near fall.

Cesaro kicks him in the corner but Miz kicks back, then he runs across the ring but Cesaro catches him in midair and slams him on the mat before kicking him in the head. Cesaro puts Miz in an underhook submission but Miz makes it to his feet, then he breaks the hold and hits the ropes before he hits a neckbreaker/backbreaker combo. Miz slugs it out with Cesaro and sends him into the corner, then he connects with a diving corner clothesline before heading up top. Cesaro ducks a leg lariat but Miz turns and DDT's him for a near fall, then he is slow to his feet and favors his knee. Cesaro tries to roll him up but he get caught putting his feet on the ropes, then Miz chopblocks his knee and sets up for the Figure Four leglock. Cesaro kicks him back and rolls outside, then Miz goes after him but Cesaro throws him into the side of the ring before rolling him in and hitting the Neutralizer for the win.

Winner - Antonio Cesaro

Big Show makes his entrance for his title match while we cut backstage to see Alberto Del Rio, and Ricardo is trying to warn him about tonight's match. Alberto says he already beat that fat jackass once, and he will do it again so Ricardo should not worry. Ricardo points behind Alberto and they show Bret Hart standing there, and Bret says he just wanted to wish Alberto luck in his match tonight. Bret says Alberto is like a Mexican Bret Hart, then he thanks him and Ricardo tells Bret how much of a 'Hitman' fan he's always been. Bret says he has one more thing, then he puts a pair of 'Hitman' glasses on Ricardo and Alberto laughs and says he always thought Bret was a Canadian Alberto Del Rio, too.

World Heavyweight Championship (Last Man Standing)
Big Show vs Alberto Del Rio (c)

Big Show charges the corner and headbutts Alberto, then he chops his chest but Alberto comes right back with a kick to the chest. Show knocks him on the mat and punches him in the head, then Alberto tries to fight back with a top rope move but Show chops him on the way down. Show sets up a powerbomb but Alberto counters with a hurricanrana, then he heads back up top and sends Show to the mat with a seated senton. Alberto connects with a step-up enziguiri in the corner before going for the Cross Armbreaker, but Show counters and slams him on the mat. The ref makes a count on Alberto as he rolls outside, then Show chops him near the ring apron and rolls him back into the ring. Show grabs a chair and brings it inside, but Alberto sees it coming and dropkicks Show in the stomach before beating him with the chair.

Alberto slams the chair into Show ribs and back, then he takes the chair up to the top turnbuckles but Show grabs him by the throat and chokeslams him. Alberto makes it to his feet at a nine count, but he falls outside of the ring and Ricardo tries to warn him that Show is coming right after him. Show yells at the ref to count again, but Alberto makes it up at eight before Show scoop slams him and asks for another count. Show pulls Alberto up and ends up getting kicked in the groin, then Alberto drops him with an enziguiri that keeps him down until a nine count. Show goes right back after him and kicks him in the head, then he throws Alberto headfirst into the floor before whipping him into the stage.

Show tries to kick Alberto but ends up hitting part of the set, then he turns and hits Alberto with a light tube before setting up a table. Show chops him a couple of times before climbing on part of the set, then he pulls Alberto up by the hair and chokeslams him through the table. Alberto somehow makes it to his feet at nine before falling back down, then Show climbs down from the set piece and leads Alberto back to the ringside area. Show kicks him in the stomach and throws him back in the ring, then he calls for a knockout punch but Alberto rolls outside.

Show goes outside but Ricardo punches him in the back, then he throws Ricardo into the barricade and goes after Alberto. He sets up a spear but Alberto moves away, and Show crashes through the barricade before Alberto beats him with a chair. Alberto puts Show's arm in between the steps and smashes the chair on his shoulder, then he sprays a fire extinguisher in his face and puts him in the Cross Armbreaker. Ricardo duck tapes Show's legs around the bottom rope, then Alberto gets up and waits for the ref to count to ten and Show is unable to break free from the ropes.

Winner - Alberto Del Rio

Matt Striker joins Dolph Ziggler backstage to talk about winning the 'Beat The Clock' Challenge, and Dolph says Vickie is just jealous and she is trying to screw him over. Dolph says number one and two is the same thing in the Rumble, so he's picking number one because that's what he is. Striker tries to ask another question but AJ quiets him, then she says Striker doubts Dolph and she wants to know how fast he can run. Big E Langston gets in his face and takes the mic, then Dolph says he is going to win the Rumble and cash in his contract, and he's going to merge both titles at Wrestlemania because he can.

Tag Team Championship
Rhodes Scholars vs Team Hell No (c's)

Cody applies an elevated armbar but Bryan flips out of it and hits a dropkick before hitting the ropes and putting Cody in a surfboard stretch. Bryan makes a tag and Kane dropkicks Cody while he's still in the submission hold, then Kane throws him into the corner and punches him a few times. Cody comes back with some kicks and makes a tag, then Kane bodyslams Sandow and drops an elbow that gets a two count. Bryan tags back in and dropkicks Sandow in the corner, then he repeatedly kicks Sandow in the chest before Kane tags in and kicks him in the head.

Kane kicks Sandow out of the ring and throws Cody right after him, then Bryan hits a suicide dive and rolls Sandow back inside before going after him. The ref is distracted with Kane so Cody pulls the ropes down, then Bryan gets shoved out of the ring before Cody puts him in a single leg Boston crab. Bryan fights out of the hold but Sandow tags in and elbows him, then he drops him with a side Russian leg sweep before connecting with the Elbow of Disdain. Sandow gets a near fall before tagging back out, then Cody backs Bryan into the corner but Bryan kicks him in the head and drops him with a heel kick.

Sandow makes a tag and dives to prevent Bryan from tagging out, then Cody gets right back in and lifts Bryan over his shoulder. Bryan floats over and punches Sandow on the apron, then he drops Cody with a swinging DDT and makes the tag to Kane, who sets up a chokeslam. Sandow blocks it but Kane comes back with an uppercut and a side slam for two, then Kane heads up top but Sandow ducks a clothesline. Sandow hits the ropes and runs into a choke, then Cody runs in and also gets choked while Bryan blindtags in and heads up top. Kane suplexes both of them and Bryan dropkicks Sandow, then Kane chokeslams Cody while Bryan gets Sandow to tap to the NO! Lock to retain.

Winners - Team Hell No

Kane and Bryan are shown backstage celebrating when Vickie Guerrero comes up and says it's an honor to give them their Royal Rumble entry numbers. Kane opens his and sees Bryan's, then Bryan wants to know what number Kane has but Kane denies him and screams 'NO' at him. Bryan says it's only fair they share it, and he says Kane is supposed to show him but Kane says it would be bad strategy to do that. Bryan says he won't need any help because he's going to show Kane how he's going to win the Rumble, but Kane laughs and holds up his entry card and says he isn't so sure about that.


Royal Rumble Match

Dolph Ziggler starts things off with a promo talking about how he's going to steal the show, and he doesn't care who number two is so they should get out there. BREAK THE WALLS DOWN! Chris Jericho is entrant number two and he comes back to a huge pop, then Jericho points at the Wrestlemania sign and applies a headlock. Jericho knocks him down and heads up top, then he almost eliminates Dolph and gets a 'you still got it' chant. Jericho says he never lost it as he connects with a superplex, then Cody Rhodes makes his way in at number three. Cody runs at Jericho and runs into a clothesline, then Dolph hits Jericho from behind and helps Cody kick him in the corner. They both try to eliminate Jericho but he fights them off, then Cody kicks him in the ribs but Jericho puts him in the Walls of Jericho. Dolph breaks it up and he chokes Jericho on the bottom rope, then he slingshots him into the ropes as we await the fourth entrant.

Kofi Kingston leaps in the ring and takes Cody out with a springboard forearm, then Dolph whips him into the ropes but Kofi bounces back and throws him outside. Jericho tries to toss Cody out before choking him with his boot, then we get a few more elimination attempts before Santino Marella enters. Santino goes right after Cody and Jericho and tries to send them both out, then they hold the ropes and Santino calls for a time out. Santino pulls out Cobra and hits Kofi, then Jericho avoids it and Santino gets kicked over the top rope to be the first elimination. Drew McIntyre makes his way out and kicks Kofi in the face, then he goes for an elimination and Jericho tries to help him while Cody tries to toss Dolph outside. Jericho also avoids an elimination by hanging onto the bottom rope, then Titus O'Neil runs out and clotheslines Cody and Kofi before doing his trademark bark. Titus drops Kofi with a backbreaker before tossing him across the ring, then Jericho hits a springboard dropkick that sends Drew out to the floor.

Dolph fights to stay in the match as Jericho and Titus try to send him out of the ring, then Cody gets a big surpise as Goldust comes in the match and goes right after him. Goldust throws Cody over the ropes but he lands on the apron, then Titus works on Jericho as we wait for number nine, which ends up being David Otunga. He runs to the ring and elbows Goldust in the head, then Titus clotheslines Goldust as Otunga chokes Jericho in the corner. Goldust and Cody work together to try and eliminate Titus, then Cody also tries to send Goldust outside as Heath Slater makes his way out. Slater stomps Otunga in the corner before going after Goldust, then Jericho once again tries to throw Dolph outside but he slams him into the ringpost. Otungs works on Golust while the other go for some corner eliminations, then Sheamus comes in at 11 and unloads with some clotheslines and an Irish Curse backbreaker.

Sheamus follows with some rolling fireman's carry slams, then he clubs Titus on the apron before whipping Otunga into him and sending him to the floor. He clubs Otunga and Brogue Kicks him out of the ring, then Slater jumps on his back as Tensai comes in and chokes Jericho in the corner. Brodus Clay enters at 13 and he goes right after Jericho, then Goldust and Sheamus go after Dolph while Cody hits his brother and taunts him. Goldust gets a near elimination before they fight on the apron, then Goldust clotheslines him but Cody comes back with an Irish whip that sends Goldust to the floor. Rey Mysterio runs out at 14 and heads right for Dolph, then he connects with a quick 619 before hitting Jericho with one. Rey hits a top rope splash before getting attacked by Cody, then Cody kicks him a few times while Sheamus and Tensai try to send each other outside.

We're halfway through here as Darren Young is the 15th entrant, and he taunts the crowd as Brodus and Tensai are both thrown from the ring. Kofi gets thrown outside but he lands on Tensai's back, then he applies a headlock but Tensai throws him onto the commentary table and leaves. Kofi measures the jump and tells JBL to stand up, then Kofi takes his chair and tries getting back in the ring while Bo Dallas makes his entrance. Kofi hops with the chair to pogo himself back to the ring, then he gets back inside as everyone is fighting on the other side of the ring. He gets hit on the apron but ends up eliminating Darren Young, then Cody surprises Kofi with a Disaster Kick that eliminates him from the match. The Godfather makes his return at entry 17, then he dances as he gets in the ring but Dolph eliminates him with a dropkick. Godfather shrugs it off and heads backstage, then Wade Barrett heads down to the ring as Jericho knees Bo and sends him to the apron.

Wade unloads with some corner kicks and right handed punches, then he powerslams Sheamus on the mat and tries to throw him outside, with assistance from Jericho. Rey kicks Dolph in the head before getting dropkicked by Cody, then they continue to fight in the corners as John Cena comes out at number 19. Cena gets beatdown as he runs to the ring, but he fights everyone off and sends Slater outside before eliminating Cody with an Attitude Adjustment. Jericho tries to put Cena in the Walls Of Jericho but Cena fights it off, then Damien Sandow comes in and tries to send Bo outside. They fight a bit more before Daniel Bryan enters and kicks the hell out of everyone, then he puts Jericho on his shoulders and tries to throw him outside. Sheamus tries to help but Jericho holds on, then Cena avoids an elimination as the clock counts down.

Antonio Cesaro comes in and hits a few guys with uppercuts, then Wade headbutts Cena in the corner before dropping him with a back heel kick. Cesaro punches Jericho in the corner as The Great Khali heads to the ring, then he chops and headbutts a few people before choking Jericho with his boot. Sheamus fights off an elimination by Cesaro as Kane makes his way out at number 24, and he immediately kicks Dolph in the head and throws him outside. Dolph hangs on and pulls himself in the ring, then Kane takes a headbutt by Khali while Sheamus is attacked by Sandow on the apron. The clock counts down and we get Zack Ryder at number 25, and he drops Dolph with a surprise Rough Ryder as Kane eliminates Khali. Bryan runs behind Kane and sends him outside, then Cesaro sends Bryan off the apron but he lands in Kane's arms.

Bryan yells at him and tells him to put him on the apron, but Bryan loses his balance and Kane drops him on the mat and Bryan can't believe it. Randy Orton runs out as the next entrant (26) and throws Bo on the apron, then he sets up for a DDT and drops Dolph and Bo with a hanging DDT. Zack Ryder goes after Orton from behind but Orton RKO's him and sends him outside, then Jinder Mahal is the final 3MB representative as Cesaro is eliminated by Cena. Dolph gets slingshotted to the apron but he grabs the ropes, then Cena and Jinder try to send Bo outside as Miz makes his way out. Miz brawls with Cesaro in the entry way, then he heads down to the ring as the announcers mention his injured knee. Jinder gets thrown outside as Miz drops Cena with a DDT, then Wade works on Sheamus on the apron as Orton throws Dolph into the corner.

Sin Cara makes his way out at 29 and hits Dolph with an enziguiri from the apron, then Sandow kicks him in the stomach and sends him into the corner. Sheamus tries to eliminate Cena as Bo sends Wade over the ropes, then Wade argues with the ref as Sheamus throws Sandow on the apron. Jericho floats over the ropes but saves himself from elimination, then Wade loses his temper and pulls Bo out of the ring. Wade hits the Bullhammer before leaving, then Ryback enters as the final competitor and he goes right after Sandow and sends him outside. Cara tries to dive at Ryback but he gets shoved away, then Ryback press slams him outside and sends Miz over the ropes right after him. Jericho drops Ryback with a Codebreaker then he hits Cena with a Lionsault, and Jericho keeps it going by hitting Dolph with a Codebreaker


Dolph is able to stay in the ring and pulls Jericho over the ropes, then he eliminates Jericho as Orton avoids a spear by Ryback and drops Dolph with a RKO. Orton RKO's Cena and Sheamus, then he DDT's Ryback and calls for another RKO but Ryback clotheslines him and eliminates him. Sheamus throws Dolph on the apron and Brogue Kicks him out of the match, and Sheamus falls on the ropes as we are down to the final three men. Cena and Sheamus go after Ryback and drop him with a double team suplex, then they both look at the Wrestlemania banner before slugging it out. Cena hits a spinout side slam and goes for a Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Ryback hops up and drops him with a Meathook before lifting Sheamus for Shell Shocked.

Sheamus counters with White Noise in the middle of the ring, then he calls for a Brogue Kick and backs into the corner. Sheamus runs across the ring but Ryback counters it and flips him over the ropes, then Ryback starts to psych himself up as he stares back at Cena. Ryback looks at the Mania banner and chants feed me more, then Cena does his 'You Can't See Me' taunt before taking a swing at him. Ryback avoids it and drops him with a side slam, then he goes for a Meathook but Cena coutners with a drop toe hold before he locks in the STF. Ryback starts fading away and Cena lets go of the hold, then Cena tries to lift Ryback on his shoulders to try and throw him outside. Ryback comes to and hits a top rope Thesz press, then he slams Cena's head on the mat and tries to eliminate him, but Cena holds the ropes and sends him out to the floor for the final elimination.

Winner - John Cena

Josh Mathews joins The Rock for his thoughts on his title match, and The Rock quiets him and says he has FINALLY... come back to Phoenix. Rock says he was busted up, but he's been through it all and he knows adversity just like when he missed out on getting onto an NFL team. He says he had nothing when he was a kid, and he saw his mom have cancer but she never gave up and she fought to be there tonight. Rock he won't quit either, and he says the fans matter to him and they all inspire him, so he's going to end Punk's reign of misery with them together. Rock says they will beat CM Punk tonight, and they will become WWE Champion because he is one with the people, if you smell what The Rock is cookin'.

WWE Championship
The Rock vs CM Punk (w/ Paul Heyman)

Rock rushes Punk and punches him near the ropes, then Punk sends him into the corner and runs at him but Rock drops him with a clothesline. Rock sends him outside and throws him in the commentary table, then he throws him into the barricade before taking the Spanish announce table apart. Punk hits him from behind and rolls him inside, then he puts the top back on the announce table and tells the team he respects them. Rock comes back out and whips Punk into the barricade, then Punk kicks him in the face and distracts the ref while Heyman hits Rock from behind. Heyman tells Rock to watch out as Punk hits him from behind, then Punk rolls him inside and knees him in the ribs.

Punk puts him in a bodyscissors on the mat but Rock elbows out of it, then he makes it to his feet and tags Punk with some right hands. Punk hits the ropes and knees him in his ribs, then he applies a chokehold variation before hitting a side kick and focusing on Rock's injured ribs. Punk suplexes him on the ropes and gets a near fall, then he kicks Rock in the corner and backs away while Heyman hits Rock behind the ref's back. Punk hits a springboard dropkick that sends Rock on the floor, then he heads up top and leaps towards Rock as Cole mentioned he landed awkwardly on his knees. Rock targets Punk's knee and kicks it several times, then Punk throws him back on the floor to regain his composure.

The ref starts a count as Punk connects with a suicide dive, then he rolls Rock back inside and heads back to the top turnbuckle. Punk misses a springboard clothesline when Rock moves out of the way, then Rock attacks Punk's knee again and slams it off the mat before punching him. Rock hits a side Russian legsweep for a two count, then he goes for the Rock Bottom but Punk elbows his way out and sets up a GTS. Rock blocks it on the way down and goes for a Sharpshooter, but Punk rolls through and puts him in the Anaconda Vise. He keeps it locked in but Rock rolls over and gets a near fall, then Rock waits for Punk to get up and once again goes for a Rock Bottom.


Punk holds on and goes back to the Anaconda Vise, but Rock also counters and locks in the Sharpshooter, with Punk fighting to make it to the ropes. Punk finally reaches the ropes to break the hold, then he falls outside but Rock goes right after him and drops him with a running clothesline. Rock takes the broadcast table apart and throws Punk on top of it, but Punk kicks him in the head and pulls him on it before calling for a GTS. Rock counters and goes for a Rock Bottom but the table collapses underneath them, then Rock hits a Rock Bottom on the floor as the ref makes a count. Rock gets up and rolls him back in, then he gets a near fall before getting stunned with a roundhouse kick that warrants an eight count.

Punk pulls himself and continues to kick Rock, then they slug it out before Rock whips him into the ropes and drops Punk with a flying elbow smash. Rock hits a spinebuster and calls for the People's Elbow, and he hits the ropes but the lights go out and you can hear Cole screaming that The Shield is here. The screen remains black as Cole says what is happening, and they attack Rock at ringside and triple powerbomb him through the table. The lights come back on and we see Rock laying on the floor, then Punk smirks before rolling outside and pulling Rock into the ring and making the cover.

Vince McMahon comes out to the ring as Punk celebrates with Heyman, and he says Punk's celebration is over because he told him what would happen. Vince says they technically couldn't see The Shield, but he has a duty to uphold and he is officially... The Rock says no, they aren't ending this like that. Rock pulls himself up and says Vince isn't taking the title, because he is, then he asks for the match to be restarted and Vince agrees. Punk stomps Rock in the corner and comes back with a corner clothesline, then he talks trash before hitting a top rope elbow drop for two. Punk calls for a GTS but Rock fights out of it, then he hits a spinebuster and connects with a People's Elbow and makes the cover.

Winner - The Rock

Liam O

Initially went 7 but going for 8 after more thought, predictable enough bar the ending but executed in a solid and mostly compelling way.

SlickRic

just to clarify, i'm not that bothered Rocky won.

i'm also not that bothered Cena won the Rumble.

it's the fact both happened.

it's the fact they will face off at Mania for the title now that bothers me. it's lazy. it's tired. it's boring. and they're going to have to do some monumental work to get me interested in it, because we all know Cena's winning.

twice in a lifetime. fúck off.

HHH/Lesnar II. fúck off.

one thing is though, Cena will get the opportunity to be the greatest, smarmiest, douchebag heel at Wrestlemania in front of that crowd. i have no qualms about him, as I know he'll be brilliant.

it's just the writers had an opportunity with Lesnar, Punk and The Shield to really do something far more creative for their big matches this year.

i don't think Rock/Cena II is going to generate any more buys than if they'd have done something a little different with the two of them.

so they'll now be stuck, after WM, with the same thing they were stuck with before Rock came back, and subsequently Lesnar.

they have one megastar going forward, and that's it.

Lord TSC

Gave the show an 8 out of 10. I like shows where there's only a few matches. Makes these posts a lot easier

Really am liking Del Rio as a babyface. A solid match with Big Show, even if they did recycle the ending from Cena/Batista. I don't mind them doing the same ending for matches, I know there's not many original endings left, but felt it was a bit too soon since my memory instantly jumped to that match.

Surprised Hell No won. Surely Rhode Scholars have nothing left as a team now?

Enjoyed the Rumble. Had Ziggler to place in the top three. It was heartbreaking when he came forth, but it was really exciting everytime he went over the ropes. :P Godfather was a mark out moment. Overall, I really liked the Rumble. I just wish it had gone on after the Rock/Punk match. I do understand why it didn't, but as soon as Cena won the Rumble, I felt it was locked in Rock was winning. Would have rathered Ryback win and Cena earn his spot down the line

As for Rock vs Punk, thought it was solid as well, but not great. Punk went down waaaaaay too easily in the end. I know there was some discussion of the "Power of the Elbow" in the live thread, but it felt like Punk took two moves in the last 10 minutes and they somehow beat him. Seeing Rock with the title is a great moment as well, but Rock vs Cena II, especially after last years promotion, was too predictable. Worse, I'd say it's pretty obvious Cena is winning as well, so what we've got is a two month build to a foregone conclusion.

Still, every match was good, the Rumble was great fun so I gave it an eight. As a stand alone show, ignoring the implications it has on future shows, it was really good and enjoyable.

Handsome Bob

Highlight of the night:

Crowd [to Jericho]: YOU STILL GOT IT!!!!!

My reaction:

Jericho [to crowd]: I NEVER LOST IT BAAAAYBAAAY!!!!!

My reaction:

Ando's Saggy Bottom

Immensely enjoyable show. Undercard was excellen t. Rumble match was hugely entertaining and flew by. Enjoyed the legit surprises and was happy Cena won it. Main Event was a bit of a let down in that they appeared to have poor chemistry and Rock looked frankly terrible, but it was the right result.

I know Cena/Punk seems predictable but IMO Rock passing the torch to Cena is the right thing to do and will be a landmark moment. Given the choice, Id prefer Rock/ Brock but you can't have two former/parttime guys in your biggest match of the year. Bear in mind we still have 2 Elimination Chamber matches to go which leave scope for something to change in the meantime.

Angron

Yeah, I really didn't get the fans chanting you still got it to Jericho, it's only been a few months

Lord TSC

Don't get me wrong, I know Cena vs Rock is the right business move. But as Slick said, it's going to take something special to make everyone interested in it, given the result (again, even if it is the right one for business) is so obvious two months out. It's not that Rock and Cena are going to put on a fantastic barnstorming match that makes up for the result being obvious. They've put themselves into a position where they have to come up with something absolutely amazing story-wise.

I also don't think the chamber is going to shape all that much either tbh. Presumably Rock defends the title and at least that gives us a chance to see him interact with more guys. But I still think he walks out of that with the title as well.

SlickRic

Pete Campbell wrote: »

I know Cena/Punk seems predictable but IMO Rock passing the torch to Cena is the right thing to do and will be a landmark moment.

see I don't think Cena needs any sort of torch-passing moment.

rovert

8

Very good Last Man Standing match. A strong, pacey Rumble with cool surprises and spots in front a hot crowd. Could have done with a heel in the final three. Easily in the top half of Royal Rumbles in history. The main event was as good as it could have been given how bulky Rock was.

DM_7

I have to mention how great Heyman was again last night, he is brilliant in that role.

SlickRic wrote: »

see I don't think Cena needs any sort of torch-passing moment.

To be fair your right but no other wrestler has the profile to take on Rock

I know people say they haven't created anyone but they did a super job with Sheamus and it wouldn't work like it would with Cena as Cena has that tweener role.

Punk had his match last night and is the only heel worthy.

They have a solid year behind Ryback and he wouldn't be a good fit either.

If it was Brock I could see the fans getting interested in any of those match ups but not with Rock. He just has a profile that needs the biggest active star to be against him.

gnfrhead suggested Brock v Sheamus and that is a match they should be doing, with the reveal he signed on for two more years I think Sheamus will get that match eventually maybe even at mania 30.

CMpunked

SlickRic wrote: »

see I don't think Cena needs any sort of torch-passing moment.

My prediction will be that Rock will win the match but be beaten to an inch of his life. He somewhat celebrates, suddenly; *ziggler*! Cashes in, beats the rock and gets monumentally shot into superstardom.

That way the winner isn't so predictable but the E gets to give the title back who will actually be able to defend it at house shows.

Lord TSC

But Ziggler's case is for the World title, not WWE. A fact they even drove home during his pre-Rumble promo last night.

CMpunked

DM-ICE wrote: »

with the reveal he signed on for two more years I think Sheamus will get that match eventually maybe even at mania 30.

He has?

Lord TSC

CMpunked wrote: »

He has?

Yeah, they confirmed it yesterday. He's signed a contract extension for two years, up to Mania XXX.

Don't know why they confirmed it but didn't let it be revealed on TV though.

CMpunked

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

But Ziggler's case is for the World title, not WWE. A fact they even drove home during his pre-Rumble promo last night.

Oh.. really?

Well fcuk that, then!

Penn

CMpunked wrote: »

My prediction will be that Rock will win the match but be beaten to an inch of his life. He somewhat celebrates, suddenly; *ziggler*! Cashes in, beats the rock and gets monumentally shot into superstardom.

That way the winner isn't so predictable but the E gets to give the title back who will actually be able to defend it at house shows.

Ziggler can't cash it in on the WWE title.

They could easily have done Rock V Cena again without the title by having Cena lose the Rumble, then interfere and make Rock lose to Punk. Have Cena say how he needs one more chance to beat The Rock. Go from Once in a Lifetime to One Last Time. Have Cena be as intense as possible, not smiling, not making jokes, just being really serious.

Then, you could have Ryback win the Rumble and face Punk at Mania for the title in a straight one-on-one match and beat Punk for the title.

Ando's Saggy Bottom

SlickRic wrote: »

see I don't think Cena needs any sort of torch-passing moment.

Neither did Rock particularly need same from Hogan at the time but looking back it was a great moment and one that stands out for me as a special Mania memory.

Every generation needs these memories.

DM_7

If they hot shot anyone it needs to be Big E after last nights interview, screw Ziggler.

Actually I was miffed when Team Hell No robbed Big E's catch Ziggler spot. He did a couple of times on Raw but come the Rumble he isn't even outside the ring.

SlickRic

DM-ICE wrote: »

To be fair your right but no other wrestler has the profile to take on Rock

Punk, Cena or Lesnar.

I know people say they haven't created anyone but they did a super job with Sheamus and it wouldn't work like it would with Cena as Cena has that tweener role.

they initially did a great job with him, but he's stalled. he hasn't hit the next level because his character has gotten too cartoony, and he doesn't take anything seriously anymore.

Punk had his match last night and is the only heel worthy.

WWE's own fault entirely.

Orton has been waiting to turn back for about a year. built properly, he could easily be another option if they wanted. but they're fixated on Rock/Cena II, and on Cena getting that torch off Rocky.

They have a solid year behind Ryback and he wouldn't be a good fit either.

it'd be a disaster.

If it was Brock I could see the fans getting interested in any of those match ups but not with Rock. He just has a profile that needs the biggest active star to be against him.

i simply don't agree with that argument, even though i fully understand it.

and anyway, i've been a big advocate of the special, one-off grudge match between Lesnar and Rock. i still think that should've been the match along with Punk/Taker (streak v streak) as the double main event.

rovert has mentioned that Lesnar might be too physical for Rock. i get that, even though i wouldn't have the same reservations. you could easily work a match where Lesnar doesn't injure Rock.

gnfrhead suggested Brock v Sheamus and that is a match they should be doing, with the reveal he signed on for two more years I think Sheamus will get that match eventually maybe even at mania 30.

if they build Sheamus properly again, and not as Cena-lite, then that would definitely be a match i'd like to see down the line.

so in all of this, i assume the plan will be for Punk to lose to Taker at Mania or something?

what else is there for him do people think for Mania?

Ando's Saggy Bottom

Oh yeah this time 2015 Big E is going to be a humungous star. Maybe sooner. Looks great and the charisma to match it. He'll be everything Vince tried and failed to make Lashley, and far far more.

SlickRic

Pete Campbell wrote: »

Neither did Rock particularly need same from Hogan at the time but looking back it was a great moment and one that stands out for me as a special Mania memory.

Every generation needs these memories.

they had it last year though, it's just Rocky won.

if Hogan had beaten Rock, that would still have been an awesome memory because of the fact they were in the ring together.

also, i'll admit that part of my frustration is their insistence on Cena being the only megastar. and that he has to get his win back, and that will somehow convince all the people who have stopped watching WWE the past few years, in part because of Cena, that he is indeed who the WWE tell us he is, and they'll all admit they're wrong, and come back.

Cena had his spot at Mania with Rock. he doesn't need it twice IMO.

Lord TSC

Imo, if there's any torches to pass, it's one from Cena to another face. Having Ryback beat Cena, for instance, would be a far bigger moment to WWE than having Cena beat Rock.

Everyone already sees Cena as the biggest face of this generation. He doesn't need a win over Rock, nor will it shut anyone up in terms of who people like or dislike.

Having Cena vs Ryback, on the other hand, could have set up a new top level babyface who could carry the company forward if they wanted. Rock vs Cena does nothing for Cena, nothing for Rock, and only pops a single buyrate for WWE; a buyrate they likely would have been doing huge numbers for anyway.

Meanwhile, I'd add HHH as a guy Rock could have faced. Ryback as another (again, the torch passing to Ryback with a big and monumental win).

Mr.Saturn

If the 'Twice in a Lifetime' stuff is drawing this much heat, the biliousness that'll greet their inevitable rubber match is going to be nuclear.

krudler

How funny would be it be to see both The Rock and Cena booed out of the building at Mania, the NY/NJ crowds are hostile anyway, they destroyed the Rock during Summerslam 2002 when they knew he was leaving. Cena isn't exactly a favourite with any Mania crowd, could be hilarious in a Goldberg/Brock way.

DM_7

To be honest Slick as a poster I think the sun shines out of your ass! Not going to go mad quoting you as its hard to disagree with your general ideas and reasoning.


So instead I will just post my reasoning and leave it there.

On the Rock v Brock thing we saw last night why it would terrible. If they were regular members of the roster hell yes, but as two people who don't wrestle often it would turn out horrible. Last time Lesner returned he looked like he had carbon monoxide poisoning he went that pink. I am pretty sure I highlighted the hard hitting nature of Brock as a reason Rock wouldn't be doing that match when we spoke about this in the pre show thread.

On Orton he failed wellness and has his second strike, no way they are going to build him up now to take on Rock this year.

On Punk if he is facing Taker then it made perfect sense to do the Rock v Punk match last night to free Punk up for that match as he is probably needed more for the Undertaker.

so while yes Brock or Punk or Orton v Rock at Mania could have been great and probably better than another Cena match but they have reasons for not having those matches imo.

EDIT; I meant to say if Rock or Brock were regular members of the roster not both.

muff03

CMpunked wrote: »

My prediction will be that Rock will win the match but be beaten to an inch of his life. He somewhat celebrates, suddenly; *ziggler*! Cashes in, beats the rock and gets monumentally shot into superstardom.

Would've been great, CM. Ah well...

CMpunked

DM-ICE wrote: »

To be honest Slick as a poster I think the sun shines out of your ass!

I agree. Slic, you have changed my opinion on the whole thing with your points.
Well done, sir!


(see kids, you can play nice on the internet if someone has a different idea to you!)

Mr.Saturn

I don't know where this Punk/Taker stuff came from. It honestly strikes me as the most random pairing for a WM match of all the options presented.

SlickRic

DM-ICE wrote: »

On the Rock v Brock thing we saw last night why it would terrible. If they were regular members of the roster hell yes, but as two people who don't wrestle often it would turn out horrible. Last time Lesner returned he looked like he had carbon monoxide poisoning he went that pink. I am pretty sure I highlighted the hard hitting nature of Brock as a reason Rock wouldn't be doing that match when we spoke about this in the pre show thread.

so while yes Brock or Punk or Orton v Rock at Mania could have been great and probably better than another Cena match but they have reasons for not having those matches imo.

all valid, and totally understandable.

i also hadn't thought through thoroughly how shít Rock/Brock would probably be as a match tbh, and you're right, it could well stink out the building.

it's just slightly sad that all they could think of was Rock/Cena II and probably Lesnar/HHH II for this year's Mania.

Undertaker/Punk has lost all it's edge with no title IMO, but i've obviously made that quite clear before. that being said, it's the only remotely credible opponent Taker has, bar perhaps Lesnar.

connemara man

I want to give it a mark out of ten but I don't know what. I enjoyed the Rumble and when Ziggler was in the final 4 I let myself hope/believe he actually might win (I know silly but forgive me) I was happy to see Jericho return clearly to feud with Ziggler, Golddusts showing and the godfather spot, I was delighted Kofi had his spot again but disappointed that he didn't last any longer after that. There was some nice spots overall but I was annoyed that Cena won, he just doesn't need to headline Mania It annoys me. The opener matches were good and like said earlier the ending of Del Rio Shoe is to fresh in my memory anyway. Punk Rock I enjoyed it got annoyed at it liked the restart but they should of let Punk finish of the Rock.

I just don't know enjoyable but frustrating out of ten

Lord TSC

Mr.Saturn wrote: »

I don't know where this Punk/Taker stuff came from. It honestly strikes me as the most random pairing for a WM match of all the options presented.

With the title and the 400+ day reign, they would have been able to position Punk as a legit threat to Taker; Punk was on a crazy win streak, has managed to beat all comers (including the Rock, if they had kept the title on him) and would have been able to position him as someone with a good chance of beating the streak.

Furthermore, I'm sure that the whole "Lights out" angle The Shield is running is to lead to Taker's return as well.

Now though, it's just Taker against another guy. I still think the match happens, but it loses a huge edge by ending Punk's reign last night.

Rjd2

SlickRic wrote: »

Undertaker/Punk has lost all it's edge with no title IMO, but i've obviously made that quite clear before. that being said, it's the only remotely credible opponent Taker has, bar perhaps Lesnar.

Yep, without a title, Punk has no chance to even place a grain of doubt in anybodies mind he could beat Taker, now a win over Rock would actually have made him look like a much bigger threat. Its annoying because Rock v Cena really does not need a WWE title while Punk and Taker did.

Rock Lesnar

I'll still watch Wrestlemania but it must be close to the most predictable Mania ever, every match that looks like happening the outcome is easily predicted. I think if Rock drops the belt to anybody it certainly should'nt be superman who gets it, it should be Ziggler in my opinion. Anyway i cant accept Cena as the RR winner (and its not because i'm sick of the character) its because The Godfather never entered the ring last night so didnt get thrown out

DM_7

For Clarity I should mention no way in hell does Cena need another match with Rock.

its just that right now I think he is the best option when looking at the roster for Mania in 2013.

krudler

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

With the title and the 400+ day reign, they would have been able to position Punk as a legit threat to Taker; Punk was on a crazy win streak, has managed to beat all comers (including the Rock, if they had kept the title on him) and would have been able to position him as someone with a good chance of beating the streak.

Furthermore, I'm sure that the whole "Lights out" angle The Shield is running is to lead to Taker's return as well.

Now though, it's just Taker against another guy. I still think the match happens, but it loses a huge edge by ending Punk's reign last night.

^ That, Punk with an over 500 day reign by the time Mania rolls around (he was at what, 434? Mania is 70 days away) would have been a legit threat to Taker's streak, making it at least unpredictable, if Punk does wrestle Taker its obvious he won't go over now.

rovert

I have this out with people here every 3 months or so. :P But I don't see the massive issue with things being predictable as long as the story and match is good.

Mr.Saturn wrote: »

I don't know where this Punk/Taker stuff came from. It honestly strikes me as the most random pairing for a WM match of all the options presented.

If you do the match card maths there isn't anyone (interesting) for Undertaker to work.

Paul Bearer on recent media appearences said Undertaker put over Punk to Bearer as "one of us" - meaning Punk had an old school work ethic and sensibility. In short Taker respects Punk.

DM_7

I'm not sure Punk having the title would any doubt about Taker winning but it would have made the match bigger.

I don't think its random at all. Punk started off his heel run talking about respect, ahem Taker. Mouths off about Legends he was better than, ahem Taker would have something to say about that. Claims to be the best ever, Ahem hello Taker. His alliance with the Shield adds as much doubt as the title would have imo.

Question, regardless of the let down feeling Rock v Cena gives does the title not make that match bigger?

Rjd2

rovert wrote: »

I have this out with people here every 3 months or so. :P But I don't see the massive issue with things being predictable as long as the story and match is good.


.

Obviously nobody wants swerves for sake of them but its rassing, its silly and of course unpredictability adds to the drama of things.

SlickRic

Mr.Saturn wrote: »

I don't know where this Punk/Taker stuff came from. It honestly strikes me as the most random pairing for a WM match of all the options presented.

it's actually a story that writes itself.

it would appeal to the general audience, and the "smart" audience too.

Punk would've hit 500 days by the time Mania pops around. it'd be a legit streak v streak match. we saw how Ryback v Punk popped a buyrate, and that was just on Ryback's mini-streak. if that captures people's imagination...

and then you'd have us "smart" ones trying to work out what they'll do with the title, knowing that Taker is very much part-time. logic would tell us Taker keeps the Streak, and therefore gets the title, but some of us would struggle to reconcile it, and would be guessing as to what they'd do.

the finish is the part of the story that would need to be worked out, but that's it. the build is potential gold.

you also have that natural segway of The Shield's "lights out" gimmick fitting with Taker's for a return.

Tinie

Twas dacent. Nothing great but not terrible.

DM_7

rovert wrote: »

I have this out with people here every 3 months or so. :P But I don't see the massive issue with things being predictable as long as the story and match is good.

thats a good point but everything being predictable is a draw back, like a whole card appearing to have obvious results can't be a good starting place.

That being said Rock winning was not what I expected last year and the year before I didn't expect Miz to escape as Champion.

(Another reason Cena going after Rock and the title makes some sense I suppose)

A Primal Nut

Enjoyable show but giving it a 7 due to predictability. Highight was me winning 50 euro on Team Hell No's victory.

Although I was gunning for Ryback, I don't mind so much that Cena won. It gives the royal rumble credibility again as the winner will genuinely go on to headline WrestleMania for the biggest title, and a straightforward reason for a rematch. But they could have had Cena win and still make Ryback look great. Such as having Ryback come in around the middle, clean house and last for a long time, before being unfairly eliminated by the Shield. He might not have won the Rumble, but at least people would be talking about his performance. Instead he came in at no.30 eliminated a couple of people and then got beat by Cena. Yawn!

Big Show done it again - he gets a lot of criticism but had another great match last night.

Overall I enjoyed the Rumble match. I liked the surprise entrants (looks like WWE leaked Carlito/Benjamin to discredit the news sites), loved how Goldust went after his brother (hopefully that sets up a match at WrestleMania).

Rock-Punk was ok, nothing special.

Ando's Saggy Bottom

Would people feel Cena/Rock would be fresher if they turned Rock heel? Could see them trying it in an attempt to get more cheers for Cena.

DM_7

Meant to ask earlier, what did ye make of Bo Dallas mixing it with the big boys?

it was a good way to debut and he didn't look out of place. It could be interesting if he ended up in a feud with Barrett. MNG may have spotted and predicted the next 'breakout star' (again).

A Primal Nut

SlickRic wrote: »

all valid, and totally understandable.

i also hadn't thought through thoroughly how shít Rock/Brock would probably be as a match tbh, and you're right, it could well stink out the building.

it's just slightly sad that all they could think of was Rock/Cena II and probably Lesnar/HHH II for this year's Mania.

Undertaker/Punk has lost all it's edge with no title IMO, but i've obviously made that quite clear before. that being said, it's the only remotely credible opponent Taker has, bar perhaps Lesnar.

Two guys guaranteed to get their win back and the Undertaker's streak guaranteed to continue; thats a fairly poor trio of WrestleMania main events and it doesn't seem like Vince to do so many main events with a predictable outcome. I have a feeling they have something else up their sleeve.

JP Liz V1

Best part of the night was Jericho's return for me, was hoping he would win the damn rumble, shame no Christian return

While I'm glad Del Rio retained the WHC I dont like him ripping of Eddie Guerrero's gimmick i.e. his dance and his win with the duct tape

Oh and Big E needs a talk show instead of Miz

I guess we can expect Rock V Cena II for the WWE title at WM with maybe also brother V brother in Cody Rhodes V Golddust (or Dustin as Cole called him at one stage )

krudler

DM-ICE wrote: »

Meant to ask earlier, what did ye make of Bo Dallas mixing it with the big boys?

it was a good way to debut and he didn't look out of place. It could be interesting if he ended up in a feud with Barrett. MNG may have spotted and predicted the next 'breakout star' (again).

I really hate that thing when guys who are eliminated pull someone out of the ring and it counts, its a bullsh1t spot, how does that make sense? by that logic anyone who's been eliminated can come out and start yanking people out of the ring for the lulz

muff03

Pete Campbell wrote: »

...if they turned Rock heel?

I could see the rock being behind The Shield but I'm not sure how last night would fit into it, maybe trying to throw Punk off? I dunno. Will be ingesting to see if they're involved at all tonight.
I wwould love to see one of two things, as both cant happen:

1. The match being interfered with last night proving to be nothing to do with Punk, therefore a no-contest and reinstated Punk, leading to a rematch at Mania.

2. Ziggler somehow cashing in on Rock. It's wrestling. If they wanted to unify the belt they could work it, and with a unified belt there would only be one MITB case.

If they keep someone else in the scene with Cena and Rock it will appeal to me more than just a repeat of last year.

rovert

Rjd2 wrote: »

Obviously nobody wants swerves for sake of them but its rassing, its silly and of course unpredictability adds to the drama of things.

Punk pinning Rock was a great swerve and fans bit on it.

SlickRic

what i will say though is this...

as a match, Cena/Rock was better than Punk/Rock.

is Cena a better wrestler than Punk?

because Rock's standard is the exact same.

people underestimate how good Cena is, and like I said earlier, I have absolutely no worries about Cena at Wrestlemania. he'll carry Rocky to a fine match.

i just don't like the fact it's a repeat match when IMO there was no need.