WWE Royal Rumble 2012: Clocking Up an Extensive Hype Meter

As I type and you read, we are slowly ticking closer to the 25th anniversary of one of the most popular matches in WWE history—The Royal Rumble.

I expressed a deep feeling of disappointment over WWE's lack of build-up toward good PPVs recently, and you'll be pleased to know that disappointment has been lessened marginally. However, you'll be displeased to know it's just marginally.

The fan in me can't wait for tonight's PPV. Not only does it symbolize the beginning of the most exciting span of wrestling in a year, it also presents to viewers arguably the best PPV in the year.

Of course, nothing comes close to last year's Capitol Punishment. (Forgettable mid-card and a Obama-roonie. You heard that? Obama-roonie. That's what wrestling fans live for.)

Here's a look at the build-up for all the matches.

John Cena vs. Kane: The Hate Story

For the first time since Hornswoggle and his Little People's Court feuded with DX, we have a storyline that is refreshing and unique. While John Cena is obviously no Hornswoggle, and Kane is no Shawn Michaels—no wait, he actually isn't and never will be—that's my example ruined right there. 

That doesn't mean Cena doesn't have potential to become Hornswoggle's illegitimate son. But anyway, I digress too much.

The short Kane-Cena saga has whirled around one subtle word that describes it best—hate. 

John Cena wishes to rise above it. Kane wishes to embrace it. On a personal level, I believe this storyline has been done well. It was well-paced—a factor many storylines lacked in recent history. They did make a lot of mistakes throughout (like involving Zack Ryder and his tire), but on a whole this has been a compelling storyline.

Why? Because it's playing along with IWC's biggest fantasy of a John Cena heel turn.

He may, he may not... but we like him getting Kane-gloved into oblivion every week anyway. (We're quite sweet that way.)

This will not be the best wrestling match of the night. It will, however, be the most dramatic. Anything except a Cena squash match will keep me (and you, hopefully) hooked and excited, and with Ryder out of the picture it can only get better.

CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler: Johnny Screws Punk

When Jim Ross tweets that he expects magic from this match, that's saying something.

A lot of you out there actually believe Punk will get screwed out of his title, and while that scenario is arguable at best, it's good for you, me and anyone who loves watching wrestling.

Why? Because we love it when it's unpredictable.

This has been the theme of this year's Rumble: unpredictable. Anyone's eligible, any outcome is possible and it won't prove hazardous in the long run. (Those last few words mean Shaq O'Neil won't be pulling off a David Arquette.)

A part of me believes CM Punk will retain, but if for a few moments (heck, two seconds of a near-fall), I have my heart in my mouth, then you've got something that's shocked the IWC. We didn't expect Miz and Alberto to win at TLC, we never expected Big Show to win against Mark Henry (an injury-free Mark Henry anyway) and it just, you know...played out that way.

This however, has the makings of a great match.

The consequences aren't that dire as that of MITB 2011, but if that match got a 5-star, then this one could too solely based on the in-ring action. Add in a special "I-don't-care-if-I-get-GTSed" referee with a facial expression to suit that designation and a potential screw-job, and you have a Slammy waiting to be awarded.

For me, business picked up after that killer segment two weeks back, and this will be the match to watch out for. 

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show vs. Mark Henry

I'd like to take this moment and really acknowledge how well Daniel Bryan is coming out as a credible heel—the greatness and awesomeness of which hasn't been seen ever since the legendary Eric Escobar.

He is a heel who doesn't mind slapping a 400-pound giant twice just because he pushed his 90-pound "woman I appreciate deeply," or give another giant a world title match on SmackDown.

He is different and refreshing—and not Randy Orton or John Cena—and great fun to watch. I'd like more of his awesome ability to shine through to make us believe that he can make Big Show tap out like he's superhero Bryan Danielson.

I love Randy Orton, by the way.

Anyway, with Mark Henry's injury and Big Show's bad acting, I don't think we'll be surprised here. Add in that it's a triple threat and a steel cage match featuring two giants, and you have the heelish formula for a Daniel Bryan victory.

Royal Rumble 2012: Everyday I'm Rumblin'

Chris Jericho! Chris Jericho! Chris Jericho!

I'm sorry, but that's what I always feel like saying when people voice claims that Miz, Cody, Ziggler, Barrett or even Rosa Mendes will win the Royal Rumble.

Guys, it has been announced that he is going to be a part of the Royal Rumble. A loss here would lay waste to those fantastic promos and a month of "Yeaaaaa yeaaa yeaaaaa c'monnnnn babbyyyyyyy!" Jericho.

He's here to become the biggest heel the company has to offer. The end of the world is here.

The only guy who comes logically close to winning is Randy Orton. Not just because it's his hometown, but because Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton is worth a WrestleMania main-event. But WWE doesn't grant two or more rumble victories to every star (HBK, Hogan and Stone Cold), and I don't think Orton's up there yet with the stars in the parenthesis, but you never know. Just like how we didn't know or want Alberto as the winner in last year's Rumble.

In that vein, WWE does grant at least one Rumble victory to each star. Jericho's missing one.

That being said, Sheamus has a chance, and Miz's No. 1 draw will have some sort of impact. What impact, only Michael Cole could tell you.

Add in the vague anyone can enter rule, a Mick Foley entrance(s?) and maybe even Hacksaw Jim Duggan strutting to a huge pop, and this will be a great hour of entertainment.

Also, no Diva matches? I know there's no one left, but come on.

The End of the Article as You Know It

That was my view on this year's Rumble. If you agree, or disagree please do let me know why you are being so sweet or so mean, respectively.

Enjoy the pay-per-view. You have the liberty to come here and cyber-scream "ON YOUR FACE!" if anything I've said doesn't turn out to be so. (Not that I like that sort of aggression, but hey it's all in good spirit.)

Shalaj Lawania is pretty new to Bleacher Report and that's about it. You can become a fan of his if you like his work or follow him on Twitter (@_Apex_Predator_) if you really can put up with his useless tweets. Annoying tweets or not, do leave a comment for this article!