It’s that time again! Where the material briefly intrigues and we get amped up for Wrestlemania to roll around. It’s a night of endless possibilities, as the mystery of the 30 entrants engulfs you. Okay, enough nonsense. Let’s get to it!
1. I’m really curious as to why we keep throwing Henry and Show into stipulation matches. Didn’t they just do this dance on Smackdown recently? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love steel cage matches. Honest. But how frightened were you when Show was teetering on the top? It feels like they need a stipulation to take away from the fact that neither really packs more than a giant set of biceps. I will say that I liked the spot where Bryan was only holding on to Show before dropping.
2. The booty pop that Eve seems to always be doing now infuriates me. It goes to show that the Divas aren’t just a set of tits…they have asses, too!
3. Kane and Cena had quite a bit of buildup for this match, and it just kind of…ended. I guess the backstage/Ryder part was supposed to be the focal point, and I’m definitely not complaining about cutting Cena short.
4. It is really cool to see Zack swimming in this big ocean. I love the guy; he’s really silly and entertaining. But I’ve always kind of wondered how he would fare in a serious feud. But, going head to head with the super serious Kane has proven him worthy, in my own opinion. He’s making it work and selling the angle. He finds new ways to prove himself, and I’m on board!
5. Can someone explain to me why they threw Brodus Clay into a match simply to squash his opponent in seconds? The PPV ended about fifteen minutes early…they couldn’t just squeeze in an extra minute or two to make the dancing buffoon look strong against the recently rehired McIntyre who can’t even beat Santino?
6. Dolph and Punk really tore the roof off. I could feel the stress smacking the fans in the face both live at the Rumble and in my bar as Punk made Dolph tap out to a missing ref, and pinned him twice with a missing ref. And the whole Laurinaitis bit was subtle enough that it didn’t steal focus. Frankly, I’m a little sick of him.
7. It is entirely possible I’m mistaken, but Miz and Truth seemed to be the only feud hyped for the Rumble, with Miz’s entering at #1. Indeed it was pretty interesting, but quite short lived. Truth was #3, so they really cut to the chase.
8. I have to admit, I about fell over when Socko and The Cobra faced off. Gold.
9. So, as usual, a certain chunk of Superstars returned or made special appearances as entrants. That is the best part of the Rumble, if you ask me. It was really cool to see Road Dogg, and definitely Duggan. The Alberto del Rio/Ricardo Rodriguez psyche-out was amazing, as well. Oh, and I guess Khali returned, huh. Oh well. But the biggest pop of the night (at least in the bar) was when Kharma’s maniacal laughter erupted. You couldn’t even hear her music over the cheers from the fans. Great to have her back!
9.1. Speaking of returns…is The Undertaker ever coming back?
9.2. While it was a pretty solid group for this year’s Rumble, I have to wonder why they essentially wasted three entry spots on the announce team. Are we still trying to get them involved? Booker, I understand. I totally get that. But even Lawler, it’s like…what is being in this doing for you? Nothing. And even worse when Cole was announced, though it was lovely to see Kharma make a real woman out of him. Call me crazy, but I just thought at least one of those three spots could have gone to pretty much anyone else.
10. Ahhh, good ‘ol Sheamus! I was completely surprised when Jericho’s feet hit the ground. I thought Jericho was doing a great job of putting Sheamus over, but would ultimately best him. But nope! Though I would have loved to see Jericho win it, who better than Sheamus? I was terrified for a moment when Randy was in the final four, but thankfully that was done quick. I think it’s great that recent winners have been somewhat newer, getting a chance to sink or swim at Wrestlemania.
Royal Rumble Entrants (in order):
1. The Miz
2. Alex Riley
3. R-Truth
4. Cody Rhodes
5. Justin Gabriel
6. Primo
7. Mick Foley
8. Ricardo Rodriguez
9. Santino Marella
10. Epico
11. Kofi Kingston
12. Jerry Lawler
13. Ezekiel Jackson
14. Jinder Mahal
15. The Great Khali
16. Hunico
17. Booker T
18. Dolph Ziggler
19. “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan
20. Michael Cole
21. Kharma
22. Sheamus
23. Road Dogg
24. Jey Uso
25. Jack Swagger
26. Wade Barrett
27. David Otunga
28. Randy Orton
29. Chris Jericho
30. The Big Show
