2012 Royal Rumble: Sheamus Wins Royal Rumble and What It Means

Well, Chris Jericho's prophecy was partially true. The Royal Rumble, in partiality, was the end of the world as we wrestling fans know it.

On a night where were saw John Cena keep his word and not surrender to hate, Daniel Bryan somehow keep his World Title, Zack Ryder get pummeled again by Kane and CM Punk beat Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Title, Sheamus conquered all, including Jericho, and will be in the main event at WrestleMania 28.

Now we have to ask, "Who will the Great White face?" and "What title will he want to hold around his waist?"

So much was made of this PPV event, which saw great veterans enter and leave the Royal Rumble (Road Dogg, Jim Duggan, Mick Foley, Jerry Lawler and Booker T) over the top rope, the final four of Big Show, Sheamus, Jericho and St. Louis-native Randy Orton gave us the show we wanted.

And what does this mean for the WWE as we move forward? It means we have a champion right now (CM Punk) who could face someone he has never wrestled before.

If you remember the famous Raw edition following Triple H's State of the Union and subsequent mutiny, CM Punk made the comment he and Sheamus had never faced each other in the ring before, but at some point if the situation arose, the two would meet in the squared circle to "settle things." Was he foreshadowing?

The WWE is looking for fresh ideas, and the win tonight and performances (including Kharma, which I called as a surprise entrant) were ones where we can look at wrestlers and hope for feuds that may never happen. Cody Rhodes and Miz would be "AWESOME," as would Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler. R-Truth still needs a "dance partner" and, of course, we don't know what will come of the entire John Cena/Kane/Zack Ryder mess.

Sheamus winning also means that Wade Barrett and Randy Orton will continue to battle. It means Dolph Ziggler may get another push, and there will need to be someone who can give Jack Swagger something more than a boot to the face.

Could Jericho and Punk meet and the title change hands before WrestleMania 28? Could John Cena get back in the title picture? Will we see changes in the way creative makes matches? Could we see unification in the titles (I really don't want to see Sheamus and Daniel Bryan lock elbows)? These are all questions that need to be answered.

Sheamus had been toiling of late, caught between needing a push and battling Wade Barrett, who also needs a title around his waist. But now that Randy Orton is back in the picture, Jericho showed he can perform and CM Punk still holds the title—with Dolph Ziggler showing fairly well tonight (I give the PPV a solid "B" rating)—the WWE is in a good place right now, just over 60 days from the biggest PPV event in the company.

And we also have to wonder what happens tomorrow night in Kansas City when Triple H gives John Laurinaitis his "job evaluation."

The WWE is heating up again as the cool winter months change to spring. And with change means a lot more to consider. But for right now, Sheamus is the lead dog heading into April 1, and everyone will be chasing him.