A Look Forward to the Royal Rumble

Welcome to a special article all about one big night that always turns out historic... the Royal Rumble! The event will be held at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia and it is one of the best shows of the year.

The match has been the huge way to start the year since early 1988. And now im going to go down into the preview and im not talking the shallow end. Im talking a dive deep into the deep end! Right to the 12 feet.


Undertaker (c) vs Rey Mysterio- World Heavyweight Championship

The leading up to this match was very controversial and complicated but it all worked out. It all started back on the first Smackdown after TLC PPV when Rey Mysterio received a title shot but had his hopes of winning destroyed by Batista interfering. The following week however Rey Mysterio would get his revenge when interfering in Batista's time challenge match. So now the score is even and there is a one fall match scheduled to decide who will advance to take on The Undertaker. But right when the match was about over... the lights when out and when they came back on both wrestlers were left in the ring motionless.

Luckily the fourth time around there would be no interference. Both men were set to rage war inside four walls of steel known as the cage. Batista had total control but got to cocky and ended up losing to Rey Mysterio in a tight finish.

Now we all know Mysterio is the ultimate underdog but you should never count him out. However come Royal Rumble I think his chances of winning are very slim. He should stick with his plans of Mask vs Hair at Wrestlemania because I see The Undertaker defended not only defended his streak on the grandest stage of them all but defending his gold as well.

Mysterio has held plenty of titles including Cruiserweight, Intercontinental, and Tag Team gold. But when it comes to World titles his luck seems to be very low. The last time Mysterio and the only time Mysterio was the World Heavyweight champion was back in 2006 when he pinned Randy Orton at Wrestlemania to take Kurt Angles belt. Its ironic that he got there by winning the Royal Rumble but not ironic enough for him to beat The Undertaker at this years Royal Rumble.

When the Undertaker and Mysterio face off it seems to more of the same story just about every time and thats the deadman being to much for Rey Mysterio. Last time they met in a legitimate match it was in a fatal four way at Bragging Rights and Mysterio was laying outside the ring while The Undertaker was picking up the victory. It was also the same night Batista turned on Rey and attacked him viciously. Rey Mysterio has alot of soul but at the Royal Rumble, The Undertaker is going to take his soul... Undertaker wins.


Christian (c) vs Ezekiel Jackson- ECW Championship

There is no doubt that Christian is the clear cut favorite in this one and theres no question why. Christian has held the ECW Championship for majority of 2009 and is off to a strong start in 2010. The only wonder is if he will keep going with his success or slip up and go on to fight as a mid-carder on RAW or Smackdown like so many ECW champs before. When Christian returned to the WWE last April and has had few losses since.

Ezekiel Jackson seems like just an average jobber but last week on ECW he looked very impressive eliminating three former ECW champions to win the Homecoming Battle Royal. Ezekiel started his career in FCW and was signed into the WWE just a year later. But when coming into Smackdown he was just Brian Kendrick's manager and it was awhile before he got his first opportunity. He got that opportunity as a wrestler when joining with Regal and Kozlov on ECW. Those small events have been his career highlights so far proving this PPV match may just be the biggest match of his career.

Ezekiel will look to take advantage but his attack seems much more one dimensional opposed to Christian's smooth composer and highflying abilities. Ezekiel has more power and strength but Christian has shown to overcome that in many situations.

Both fighters have received training from Tom Prichard which you would think would lead to common styles but Ezekiel has a very basic move set which could end up haunting him in the end. He also did some training with Nelson Erazo (Homicide) which is good but cant match up to Christian receiving his abilities from a WWE Hall of Famer in Dory Funk Jr. Look for killswitch to end the match and help Christian retain. 


Sheamus (c) vs Randy Orton (WWE Championship)

The Celtic Warrior will head in champion but this is the one match that the title will most likely change hands. The WWE championship changed hands at last years Royal Rumble and it just might again.

Randy Orton is the better wrestler on all scales but Sheamus was just as big of an underdog when he shocked us all by defeating John Cena in a tables match. Even though John Cena basically defeated himself, Sheamus is the champion and beating a champion on his first PPV defense isnt normally an easy task.

Sheamus debuted two years after Randy Orton despite being two years older. Randy Orton has more experience as an five time WWE Champion and it might end up being the deciding factor. The last time these two met was when Sheamus beat Randy Orton in the break through battle royal that sprung Sheamus into the title match that he won. Randy Orton won the Royal Rumble last year and retained the year before... Randy Orton will win his match again this year.


30 Man Royal Rumble

Now its time to look into the big one... the full blown extravaganza of them all. Arguably the biggest match of the year where 30 men go in and 29 go right back over the top rope. The winner is guaranteed a shot at a World Championship on the grandest stage of them all... Wrestlemania.

Since most of you have probably read Royal Rumble Math... ive decided to break down why each individual will and wont win.


Chris Jericho

Win: The reason for Jericho most likely winning is not only because Rumble math proved it but he fits all the requirements. Hes a main eventer and definitely deserves it so right now im picking him as the favorite to win it.

Lose: N/A


John Cena

Win: The last time Cena fought in a Rumble match he ended up winning that return at #30 moment that fired up the whole WWE universe. He has also won all three of his last Royal Rumble title matches.

Lose: Nobody in the past decade has won more than one Royal Rumble and theres rumors of an injury.


Mark Henry

Win: His size makes him hard to eliminate and his strength will give him an advantage in any situation.

Lose: Lets face it... everyone in the ring teams up on the big guy and throw him over the top rope. Nobody big guy has won since Yokozuna in 1993. 


MVP

Win: In the past hes either entered very early in the match or very late so if he comes in late he might have fresh man advantage.

Lose: Hes currently already chasing the US title and he is rumored to have a match already at the Royal Rumble.


Chris Masters

Win: A lot of potential and strength.

Lose: No mid-carders ever win the Royal Rumble and he hasnt been in a Rumble match since 2007 where he had lasted very short in the ring and was one of the worst competitors.


Triple H

Win: The Game is do for a Royal Rumble victory after being the last man eliminated in the match the last two years. Hes come up short both times but who won the last time the Royal Rumble was held in Atlanta? Triple H did and the year was 2002.

Lose: He already is a champion but with HBK pursuing a match with The Undertaker... who will Triple H go after?


Booker T

Win: It would be the ultimate statement for Booker if he won the biggest match of the year for his return.

Lose: Although the winning the Rumble would be great hype... its way to much and way to fast for a guy who is just now coming back.


Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase

Win: These young and rising wrestlers almost won last year and are already automatically booked into the Rumble.

Lose: They dont seem to be counted out by any facts or matters but these arent the kind of guys who have been winning the Rumble for the past decade. Plus if Randy Orton wins gold then what are they going to do? Break up Legacy? Maybe a challenge to see if theres a new youngest WWE champion?


Evan Bourne

Win: High escape ability and quickness.

Lose: He may be one of the few automatically in the Rumble but unless he pulls off a Rey Mysterio... he doesnt have the size to win the match.


CM Punk

Win: RAW has already won the last two Royal Rumbles and CM Punk is a heavy favorite coming out of Smackdown.

Lose: Unfortunately for CM Punk his luck in the Rumble isnt as great as in Money In The Bank. CM Punk has competed in the past three Royal Rumbles finishing in the middle of the pack every time.


Batista

Win: The feud with Rey Mysterio is thought to be brought all the way to Wrestlemania and for Batista... Royal Rumble is the gateway to the grandest stage of them all. He also was in the final three last time he competed in a Rumble match.

Lose: Like I said... most winners dont repeat and Batista won it all in 2005.


Shawn Michaels

Win: Another heavy favorite to win is Shawn Michaels. Not only is he trying to get a rematch with the Undertaker but the last time he was in a Rumble match, he was eliminated by the Undertaker which gave the Undertaker the Royal Rumble win. Winning this year can basically lock in the rematch into the Wrestlemania card.

Lose: Shawn Michaels holds records for winning at the first entrant and winning back to back Royal Rumbles. Experience is normally good but it should make him a main target which is bad in a Rumble.


Edge

Win: Edge is a big time main-eventer in the WWE and has never won a Royal Rumble.

Lose: He is currently injured and I think it would be to much weird if he won it on a suprise return when John Cena already did recently.


Vladimir Kozlov

Win: He is a very explosive and powerful fighter who could lead the the way into bringing back the wrestler he used to be on Smackdown.

Lose: Nobody from ECW ever wins and his last Rumble appearance was terrible as he entered at 6 and was the fourth man eliminated.


Kane

Win: He got the fastest elimination ever, has the most eliminations in one Royal Rumble, and most consecutive appearances. It took three men to eliminate him last year and it goes to show his ability in this match. He has the most experience out of everybody in the match and its about time he wins the match hes had so much success in.

Lose: If he got eliminated by Ezekiel last Tuesday then he can be eliminated by many in this match. His status also doesnt seem built up enough to take a victory at the Royal Rumble.



Thanks for reading this special edition and I will be back next week when I breakdown another week of wrestling and Genesis.

-Tkellionaire

Comments

1. Comment #1

   if i remember joey mercury is returning :)

   Posted by .ddk on Thursday, January 21, 2010

2. Comment #2

   Great Article Tk. HBK will WIN IT ALL and fight Undertaker and win that to. And from what I saw on RAW DX will not be champs much longer...

   Posted by CKL on Thursday, January 21, 2010

3. Comment #3

   Actually I'd like to make a correction, last time HBK was in the rumble HE eliminated Undertaker, Undertaker then distracted him allowing Mr. Kennedy to Eliminate HBK, just pointing that out

   Posted by The Random on Thursday, January 21, 2010

4. Comment #4

   What about kofi?? and carlito??

   Posted by A.J White on Wednesday, January 20, 2010

5. Comment #5

   Booker T is not returning

   Posted by tk on Thursday, January 21, 2010

6. Comment #6

   Carlito was the same as Masters... great in the past but hes just a jobber now :/
   
   Kofi Kingston has alot of talent but I dont see him winning it to be honest.
   
   Sorry man that I would have included them but I believe this article was like 1,998 words and the max is 2,000 man so I picked the guys most likely to win.

   Posted by Tkellionaire on Thursday, January 21, 2010

7. Comment #7

   I can see Edge returing at the rumble. Not to be in it but to possibly spear Jericho stopping Jericho from winning.

   Posted by Genocide on Thursday, January 21, 2010

8. Comment #8

   I do believe Jericho will win. I hope he does, he deserves a Rumble win to brag about. But when I start to think, other things could happen, like Triple H winning and facing Orton at Wrestlemania again, or Rhodes or DiBiase and facing Orton or Taker. HBK face Taker. I doubt that Edge will win, they said he was probably going to miss Wrestlemania.

   Posted by JerichoFan on Thursday, January 21, 2010

9. Comment #9

   great work tk , keep it up...

   Posted by gm slipknot on Thursday, January 21, 2010

10. Comment #10

    comon, not HBK vs Undertaker again.... That'll be boring.

    Posted by 1221 on Thursday, January 21, 2010

11. Comment #11

    1221... as boring as you may find a HBK/Taker rematch, im only going on what I think. And as you saw with Orton and HHH last year. Normally when they start hyping a match this early its because its most likely going to take place.

    Posted by Tkellionaire on Thursday, January 21, 2010

12. Comment #12

    I see you saw the The Philadelphia Phighter's article

    Posted by on on Thursday, January 21, 2010

13. Comment #13

    everytime HBK has a match at WM he steals the show doesn't matter who it's with. He's the greatest in ring performer the WWE has or will ever see though I don't see him winning the rumble I see another WM classic between him and Taker taking place and them stealing the show just like they did last time.

    Posted by HBK Fan on Thursday, January 21, 2010

14. Comment #14

    ok, good article but I will have to disagree on a few points.
    
    1 Jericho is not a main evernter. He held that position a few years a go, but it didn't work out. He is now that level just below main event. I agree that he has worked hard this past year, but I just don't see him winning the rumble.
    
    2 Christian has held that title for an age by modern standards. I can see him losing it to Jackson (although I doubt it will be a clean win) and I can see him leaving the land of used-to-be-extreme
    
    3 I think Rey might win the title and I think Shawn might turn heel and cost the taker. Shaun hates being a heel (damages the merchandise sales) but I can see it for a few months leading up to WM. When MacMahon said that Shawn had to make the match happen I think Shawn will plague and harrass Undi, until he is forced into a match.
    
    just my opinion....

    Posted by jonny nowhere on Thursday, January 21, 2010

15. Comment #15

    nice predictions, but I must admit now I'm lost...
    Why are the WWE making Shawn Michaels obsessed with 'Taker? Both men are ledgends in their own right, and the match last year was beyond epic. So why are WWE (possibly) doing it again? Is it a test to see if these two can put on the same performance as last year? Is it a test to see if the merchandising will sky-rocket like I imagine happened last year? I don't know. I also don't care. I'd love to see HBK v 'Taker again, but not this year. I remembered a rumour posted on TWG a few months back that 'Taker will face Cena at 'Mania, and I've got to admit, I'd love to see that. It'll be an interesting match to say the least, and I remember quite some 5+ years ago a match between 'Taker & Cena on SmackDown which the FBI (Fully Blooded Italians for those who missed that era) interfeared in, and it will be amazing to see how them two have changed (mainly Cena) since then. I do even slightly remember myself saying them two will one day meet at 'mania, but never declared it. As for the Rumble, this year I can't see a clear cut winner like the previous years, but all I can say, don't bank on anyone.

    Posted by Double A on Thursday, January 21, 2010

16. Comment #16

    In my opinion... Undertaker vs HBK II will happen but not under the same stipulation.
    
    Something will be added and right now it looks like the Heavyweight Title but if not... maybe a Casket match or something cause they need an extra flare to make it that much better than last year.

    Posted by Tkellionaire on Thursday, January 21, 2010

17. Comment #17

    See but that's the thing, they've done that, they've done HIAC matches, they've done practically everything to be done, which is why I believe it should be put to bed, for now.

    Posted by Double A on Thursday, January 21, 2010

18. Comment #18

    Good article Tk. I honestly see a rematch between Undertaker and Shawn but I would like an Ironman between the 2 since last year's match was a classic.

    Posted by Feliz Hunter on Friday, January 22, 2010

19. Comment #19

    I would like to see HBK v.s UnderTaker again but in a iron man or last man standing match or maybe Hell In A Cell

    Posted by Will Hardy on Friday, January 22, 2010

20. Comment #20

    I very much doubt they're gonna do an Iron Man match, not after Cena vs Orton had one already this year, they're pretty rare.
    
    I hope Undertaker gets to fight someone different... last WM's match was one of my favourite ever matches, and it'd ruin if if they just repeated it, in the same way that most people who loved Flair's last match didn't want him to get back un-retired and wrestling a few months later, like it seemed he might be...

    Posted by TheDan on Friday, January 22, 2010

21. Comment #21

    I'm pretty sure a Loss for Jericho would confirm him and Edge at WM for sure.

    Posted by GraveKeeper/Shift on Saturday, January 23, 2010

22. Comment #22

    theres absolutly is NO chance that chris jericho will win the royal rumble

    Posted by rey mysterio on Saturday, January 23, 2010

23. Comment #23

    few things:
    
    First of all, last summer, they said that the Undertaker 'll going to retire. I hope it's not true, but if it's ok, they'll need someone huge, like Shawn Michaels against him at Wrestlemania. That's why i'm agree with the casket match, or an iron man match for it. And a casket in fire to end a huge carrer in flames...
    
    Second, rumors have bee, said about a contract for Bret Hart, between The Rumble and Mania. If it's false, why talk during three raw about the story between him and Mc Mahon? I see him winning the Rumble, and like in SVR 10, face Mc Mahon at Mania.
    
    FInally, what are those *censured* words about Jericho winning the Rumble? Jericho is NOT a main eventer, he was during the Tag Championships stories. Now it's end, I don't see him winning a huge match, whose the winner is decided entired with the stories. That's why I see Hart winning, or Edge maybe. It's is NOT DECIDED BY WHO DESERVES. BUT ONLY WITH STORIES.

    Posted by undertooker on Saturday, January 23, 2010

24. Comment #24

    i can kik butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by tyler summers on Saturday, January 23, 2010

25. Comment #25

    To undertooker, when you say it's not decided by who deserves it, but by the storylines, well that's WHY so many people are predicting Jericho's win...
    He's currently trying to get onto RAW and can do that with the loophole that comes with the royal rumble match.
    And theres also rumours of Edge returning, so Jericho could win, then Edge win the title and hey presto.
    As for Hart winning, he's not going to be doing ANY wrestling, or if he does it will be so limited that he can only do it at once, so it's pointless him winning the rumble. Also no matter who wins the rumble I don't think they would turn down a shot at the title. Just because your CAW did it on a video game doesn't mean that it's going to happen in real life.

    Posted by Double A on Saturday, January 23, 2010

26. Comment #26

    when I talk about SVR 10, it's for the stories, not for who win!
    When i talk about hart, i do not see him wrestling every single week. Just at the Rumble, and at Mania.
    Edge winnig the Title? Eh men, the returns are made on a huge PPV, like the Rumble (Elimination chamber is not one, and he si not a husband of a GM to get a title shot without wrestle, now). So Edge win the rumble, JEricho a title at Elimination chamber. he is enough opportunist for that. But never JEricho winning the rumble.

    Posted by undertooker on Sunday, January 24, 2010

27. Comment #27

    Kane will win it. He and 'Taker will kill each other at Wrestlemania and HBK will plant their tombstones

    Posted by kane4death on Sunday, January 24, 2010

28. Comment #28

    WWE = WORST WRESTLING EVER!!!

    Posted by azuzu on Sunday, January 24, 2010

29. Comment #29

    Yes, but Hart would not be able to fight at all, which is why Vince only kicked him on RAW. Vince wanted to do things like slap him, but that's too much a risk for Bret's stroke, so how will he last a rumble? even if he enters at #30 there will be at least 4 other guys need eliminating...
    And as for the idea of Jericho winning the rumble, it's because of a feud which is expected to happen with Edge, and Edge will make his return at the Chamber and win the title. Personally I don't think Jericho will win, but he has two available storylines (Edge & trying to get on RAW) which are the reason so why many people think Jericho's going to win...

    Posted by Double A on Sunday, January 24, 2010

30. Comment #30

    I didn't know Hart so sick... but I ask myself the question: Why talking about it during three weeks?
    And a return at the chamber will be so unusual... holding the title, OK, but come and win it at first time. even two chambers last year...

    Posted by undertooker on Sunday, January 24, 2010

31. Comment #31

    Jericho IS a main eventer.
    
    I checked out the SmackDown Roster and in my own opinion, these are SmackDown's Main Eventers.
    
    Batista, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Edge, Rey Mysterio and The Undertaker.
    
    I don't class Morrison up there, just because of the fact that he hasn't been given a proper opportunity to really challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship.
    
    Either Jericho or Shawn Michaels will win and considering that WWE may want to have Edge and Jericho in a big rivalry, it's possible that Edge will return at the Royal Rumble and eliminate Jericho or Jericho eliminates him, shows off about it then someone like HBK superkicks him outta there.
    
    My point is do not count Jericho out of the Royal Rumble and Jericho IS a main eventer and damn good one too.

    Posted by The Candyman Can! on Monday, January 25, 2010

32. Comment #32

    May I ask where you place Kane & Matt Hardy on your list of SmackDown Candyman?

    Posted by Double A on Monday, January 25, 2010

33. Comment #33

    I would personally place them as mid-carders even though Matt was in the main event last week.
    
    Both men were/are involved with The Great Khali who is definetly not a main eventer.
    
    Not sure where this Jericho and Edge feud ive heard about so many times but my 3 favorites to win the Rumble after a weeks gone by is Triple H, Chris Jericho, and Shawn Michaels

    Posted by Tkellionaire on Monday, January 25, 2010

34. Comment #34

    I totally agree on the comment with Khali. He's just becoming embarrasing to be honest. I never understood why they made him a face, he's a big strong giant, everything you need in a (certain type of) heel, yet just because India love(d) him they make him face?
    I'd love to see Matt & Kane get the pushes in WWE they so truly deserve, they're both talanted guys who've stuck around for a long time and could have great storylines if Vince bothered to hire decent storyline writers...
    As for who wins the rumble, this year other than Jericho I've heard little names going around, which is good because for once we have no idea who will win...

    Posted by Double A on Monday, January 25, 2010

35. Comment #35

    i agree Double A...It would be nice to see Kane get a push and at least be maybe be an Intercontinental or Inited States Champion. Also Matt Hardy should at least be in the rumble..yes we all know he's not gonna win but at least they can start giving him pushes until he's back to ladder match quality he used to be

    Posted by Mr google :) on Sunday, January 31, 2010

36. Comment #36

    Double A...Kane Wont Win or get A Push Because He Just wants to give Younger Talent Pushes

    Posted by Tech N9ne on Tuesday, January 26, 2010

37. Comment #37

    I know, but still it would be nice to see him get a push.

    Posted by Double A on Wednesday, January 27, 2010

38. Comment #38

    Eh, Double A.. Jericho loose! Edge wins! I TOLD YOU SO!!!

    Posted by Undertooker on Monday, February 01, 2010

Leave a comment