Royal Rumble 2012: 3 Ways Rumble Will Leave Lasting Impact on WWE

Even though the Royal Rumble could have been better, especially considering it was the show's 25th anniversary, there were still some telling moments that will come into play in the weeks and months ahead. Building storylines is often just as important as the matches at pay-per-view shows.

With that in mind, here are three ways the show will have a lasting impact on the WWE.

Kharma's Return

Kharma arrived to save the Divas division last year only to leave abruptly after finding out she was pregnant. After months away to tend to her motherly duties, she returned in the Rumble match as one of the surprise entrants.

She was able to eliminate Michael Cole and Hunico during her stay, and should be back on the weekly shows before long. Her presence definitely takes the failing division to a different level, which is sorely needed after months of roll-up pins and poorly produced angles.

Beth Phoenix was also made to look strong at the show, picking up the victory in a tag-team match. That should set up a terrific feud between the two once Kharma makes her full-time return.

Faith in CM Punk and Daniel Bryan

There has been a lot of talk since CM Punk and Daniel Bryan ascended to the top of their respective shows about ratings and crowd reaction, but by allowing them both to retain on Sunday night the WWE proved it has confidence in both men moving forward.

That's a good sign for the WWE Universe. While everybody has become accustomed to short title reigns and a frequently changing main-event picture, the product is at its best when guys are given extended runs to build feuds.

As of right now it looks like Punk will battle with Chris Jericho and Bryan will be dealing with Sheamus, both of which should be entertaining storylines.

Brodus Clay Here To Stay

I was interested to see what type of influence Brodus Clay would have at the first PPV since his Funkasaurus debut. It turned out to be another squash match against Drew McIntyre as the company keeps building him into a likable monster.

Even though the gimmick is starting to grow old already because it's the same exact thing every night, it appears Clay won't be going anywhere. The WWE featured a new disco ball on RAW and continue to throw jobbers his way.

An interesting gimmick like Clay's is good enough to keep fans involved for awhile, but he's going to need to take another step forward soon before fans get bored. Regardless, it seems like the Funkasaurus is here to stay.